I’m tired of people talking about how horrible our music scene is right now and how they are going to help!…We all know that in the last year, the scene has suffered drastically. I’m not saying I don’t support their cause but how can you say “support the scene” when you are contributing to its downfall?

I have done shows where I lose money to pay each band as much as they deserve. Although, I have charged 10-12 dollars for shows that, in my honest opinion, not been entirely worth it.

The point i’m getting to is to stop blaming other people for what everyone is contributing to. The scene is dead because all of us, as a community, let it get this way. So, as a community, we need to re-build our music scene. One show at a time, whether 5$ shows, Free Shows, 10$ shows etc. To get our local music community to where it USE to be, we need to work as a community.

PROMOTERS: Charge what you think the bands are worth. Would you pay that amount to see them? If not, then lower the amount. Take the cut, even if only for a little while. If a band turns down your 12 dollar show with The Nobody’s for a 10$ show with the Somebody’s, don’t take it personally, do something to fix it. Realize what your doing wrong, and don’t hold grudges against the bands. Secondly, If you are assuming the role of promoter, HENCE THE NAME. Its called PROMOTER, not GUY-WHO-BASICALLY-CHARGES-BANDS-TO-PLAY. (whole other subject) DO YOUR JOB. Go to shows, the mall, guitar center etc. pass out fliers, talk to kids and get kids interested in YOUR show! PROMOTE!

BANDS: Bands need to realize one thing, you get exactly what you put in. If you work your ass off and sell 100 tickets, then you will reap the rewards. Promoters will book you, a lot. You will get paid well and have the fulfillment of playing to 100 paying kids! If your band sells 4 tickets, expect the opposite. Simple logic. Don’t sit on your ass and expect everything be handed to you on a platter. Trust me, it doesn’t work like that.

Also, I want to thank the people who have stuck with the “scene”. The people who are constantly at shows, supporting local music and touring musicians. You do not get enough credit where credit is due.

Honestly, this is just my opinion. Do not think I am singling anyone out or have anything against you or your band/company. I love Arizona’s Music Scene, and I just want to see what I know it could be. Which is a thriving music community.