Do you play originals or covers and why??

[papersoul]

Hi guys!

I bring up this questions because I am getting frustrated in my current situation in an original band. Musical differences get old, the lack of motivation from some individuals gets old, playing in front of 5 people gets old, and after joining this band almost two years ago and still not having a decent press kit is annoying. I have been toying with the idea of forming a cover band and just having a good time. I am finding it so tough to break into our local city and also am finding it tough to find the time to record, etc. I guess it seems like an easy way out, but I kind of like the idea of learning covers and jamming on classic and modern rock tunes. The whole original thing is not what I thought it would be. We've had 30 people at shows and 5 at others. How many times am I going to have to tell friends to come see us? If people don't catch on, what do you do? Even in the local city clubs, it's tought unless you play the hot original spot and even there it's all clicks! The band sall know each other and turn their noses up on the new bands.

I asked this on another forum but I thought I'd hear some nice thoughts on the Duncan board.

What do you all do?

 

[Humphrey Bear]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

I don't play anything at all.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

I play mostly all originals. For a set you need one cover song minimum (to get people into your stuff, sometimes they need a song they can sing along to... so make it a song everyone knows). My band chose No Doubt's "Just A Girl" as our cover song .

I could never be in a cover band. I love listening to other peoples music, but I only leave memory space for MY compositions, screw learning others'. I love my stuff and I feel limiting myself to stuff people have already done would just be a waste of my time and of my talent.

 

[59paul]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

I play other people's originals...cause they're usually better than mine LOL Seriously, I'd rather play my own original material.

 

[Wattage]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

I've played in predominantly original bands since I was 21. Just didn't seem to me I stood any chance of doing anything playing other people's music. I have played in a few side things over the years that were mostly covers but my heart is never into it.

 

[Stevo]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

I know what you are saying. Maybe imagine yourself in a few years. If you keep writing, then you will surely have a collection of decent tunes to show for, and notoriety, on some scale, as being a songwriter. If you play other people's music, you may have some good times in the process, and get some popularity as a cover band. You may make some decent money too.

I suck at playing other people's music. I only play a few covers, but they have to be right for me or someone else in the band. I was in a lounge band for a while and I felt that I lost my heart for music after 3-4 years of it.

I think that you have to answer this on your own. I have had this conversation with many people and I think that songwriters are the minority, so I don't want to say it's wrong to play other people' music as your main focus. It's not for me though. If I am playing for 30 people, or less, I will play and sing my songs a they will feel something unique that comes from my band. That's the stuff that makes me feel like a musician

 

[diggamark]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

I play both... it depends on the gig situation... I'm fortunate enough to have a band that can play up to 4 hours of cover material as well as an hour of original material. Dependant on what the venue requirements are is what we try and work to.

But then I have an acoustic instrumental orignals act as well, which plays more often than the other band.

I think covers are good for a bit of fun and the odd paying gig, but originals allow more self expression. The post-gig high (not from the consumables downed during the night) is alot stronger from an original set in front of a couple hundred people (if it goes down well).

 

[Multi]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

i play video game music and jrock so i guess covers. Because i lack originiality

 

[butnut]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

I just started playing with a cover band. For me, it's just fun to play covers. I like the groove and trying to nail the same tones makes me happy...I have no aspirations to be a pro musician and write stuff so it's all about the fun, making side money is kool to.

 

[fenderiarhs]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

why don't you try playing some covers and throw in some of your own material?I think it keeps the crowd interested......at least this is what we are doing with my band

 

[Jonny C]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

I think it might depend a little on what genre you play. My band plays mostly blues, so it's expected that half the material or more will be covers: it's not what you play, but how you play it! If you're able to take a new angle on a piece, then there's no problem in covering it in my opinion. If however you're just copying the tune note-for-note and not really adding anything, I find that a bit boring.

If I were you, I'd concentrate on developing your own style rather than being too concerned on the amount of or totally original material. It's a shame that the area you play in seem to be unsupporting of new bands, but perhaps perseverance might be the key!

 

[Dooogz]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

why don't you try playing some covers and throw in some of your own material?I think it keeps the crowd interested......at least this is what we are doing with my band

Exactly wat my band are doing!

 

[Hoss]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

both...
i love writing...plain and simple...

but i also enjoy putting my own subtle spin on cover songs as well...

it all depends on what you are trying to do...make it...or just goof off...

but like what has been said...playing originals is where the "feel" of music comes in...but...throw some covers in there to have fun with and keep the flow going...!?

 

[xerxes]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

im not in a band presently, but when i practise i normally just jam and improvise things. when i play a song its normally an original, even though i love to play some covers as well. its allways fun.

 

[tone4days]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

sadly it's all covers here .. once in a while i can throw in a fragment of an original idea i am working on, but my bandmates are not of a skill level to work out originals fully and only want to play things people know .. they are nice guys to hang out and play with so its all good ... i tried for a long time to find guys to work on originals with to no avail ... and i'd rahter play than stay home

cheers,
t4d

 

[Nightburst]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

Hey man a band is supposed to be fun not a drag!!! If you feel like being held back by the rest, maybe you guys should have a little conversation about future plans and views on your band an the music.
The most important thing to do is networking, talk to other musicians, be cool and try to create your own scene or find your way in there. Ask everybody (especially your friends) their honest opinion on your music. Starting out isn't easy, you will have to work hard to build up a good reputation. Stay determined but also realistic. Do you like your own songs? Can you honestly rock out on them without worrying about how you look like on stage? Hook up with other bands that play in the same genre, supporting each other can be a major boost for confidence.
If all your friends tell you your band is good but won't take the effort of going to see your shows, they probably think you suck but don't want to tell you because they don't want to hurt your feelings. Playing a tastefull cover now and then can really add something to your shows, people always want to hear the things they already know and it is a good way for the audience to see what you guys are made of (providing you tear it up when playing the cover). Work on your stage act too, if you can let it all go and entertain the audience (even when there's only 5 people) people are most likely to think of you as a fun band and maybe spread the word around.
Don't be depressed in the bad times, it will only make things worse and suck the life out of you making it difficult to find motivation. Try to see the good things and believe in what your doing and develop your own style. You are more likely to get support that way.
That enough pep talk for you?
Good luck!

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

I only play originals and music I love. Why? Cause that's why I learned to play in the first place...for the fun of it!

Lew

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

Man, here's the thing. Being in a band almost never means being a success, even in your little scene. There's about a million bands that go unnoticed and that's just because it's the nature of the beast. It comes down to where your soul is at.

Are you into music because you want to be a rock star and be on stage in front of people, or are you into music because you want to make music? To me, it doesn't matter how many people hear my stuff as long as it's MY stuff. As long as the songs are what you're feeling and it's your sweat on the strings and your blood in the notes then just keep rockin man.

And if the scene is being cliquey, then do something to impress them. If your band just sounds like another screamo band then nobody's gonna pay attention to you.

...oh, my band plays originals.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

I only play originals and music I love. Why? Cause that's why I learned to play in the first place...for the fun of it!

Lew

Same here, couldn´t say it better

 

[papersoul]

Re: Do you play originals or covers and why??

I do enjoy playing originals and get quite a rush from playing on stage but our bassist thinks we should be playing the big arenas in no time and get's frustrated when only a few people show up. Then there is the singer.....difficult to work with at times and has let us down a few times like showing up trashed at a gig or not mixing the demo in time for a local club to give us some summer dates. Stuff like that burns me up. Then I see my friends in cover bands playing to packed crowds. Makes me sad. Most people in the area care only to see their top 40 hits played over and over again. :smack:

In my opinion, if I can write my own music and perform for a few people who dig it......I've done alright.