Local music scene needs more good listeners
By: Stephen Crano / WPTS Contributor
Posted on 08. Feb, 2012 in Magazine
Recently, someone asked me what I think it takes for a band to succeed in Pittsburgh.
While pondering the question, I had a realization: Part of success comes on the band’s part, but in many ways, it’s due significantly to the union between music producers and consumers. And Pittsburgh music consumers have been coming up short in recent years. Despite that, I don’t think it’s too late. In understanding what’s wrong with the picture, maybe we can fix it.
There are several definitions of “success” in the local scene: For some, it means getting a dozen people to come to a show at some gallery on a weeknight; for others, it means getting on a national label.
While the latter level of success is difficult to achieve for any band in any city, the former vision of “making it” can be realized by virtually any group with a couple guitars, a basement to practice in and an enthusiasm and passion for playing music. There is no shortage of opportunities to play to crowds at bars, open mic nights or house shows in the ’Burgh, and the dudes with the guitars and basements capitalize on the available low-key venues.
It should be mentioned that not all of these bands have the lofty goal of fame and notoriety beyond the regional level, but that doesn’t stop them from playing their hearts out at Howlers or Thunderbird Cafe every other weekend. And that is what makes the music scene so vibrant and attractive to musicians and listeners alike.
Shows are plentiful, accessible (especially for the 21+ crowd) and cheap here, and the demographic that seems to take least advantage of this is college students. For a $5 cover, you can go to any number of bars on a Friday or Saturday night and see three bands play three different styles of music. You can hop on a bus and go to a show at a house or a DIY venue in the East End or on the South Side.
This leads to another question, related to the first: What does it take to be a successful music consumer rather than a music producer in Pittsburgh?
Like the bands in Pittsburgh, the fans have to be enthusiastic and listen as hard as the bands play. One has to make connections with his fellow audiophiles and scenesters to find the best house shows and bar venues.
Luckily, the music appreciator in this city has no shortage of resources at his disposal to help him keep his finger on the pulse. The City Paper gives the cut-and-dry listings and lowdowns for the shows of the week. On the web, we have the Robotoboard and Pittsburgh Indymedia to discuss shows past, present and future — among other things. In addition to on traditional and nontraditional media sources, fans can keep up with their favorite local bands on Facebook, Twitter and Bandcamp.
So, why, with all these shows and resources at the disposal of the music and culture consumer, are there those who still level accusations that Pittsburgh’s scene is on the decline? Why can’t some bands get a dozen people to come out to their gigs on Wednesday nights? It is, I believe, because of irresponsible consumers. The only people who want to go to a show on a weeknight in Pittsburgh are the dudes in the bands. The state of the scene is grim, but all is not lost.Let us bring the music out from underground. Let us savor every drop of melody we can squeeze from every show we go to. Let the bands play to crowds and not empty floorspace. Citizens of Pittsburgh, students and music afficionados, I entreat you: There has been enough standing idly by while show after show is played and missed. It is time to take responsibility for the role you are obliged to fill: to step up to the task of becoming a good listener. This is, I feel, not too much to expect of the music lovers and culture vultures. This is, I know, the change that must occur for bands to gain success on any level in Pittsburgh.
Stephen Crano is a DJ at WPTS and the host of Random Rules Monday m from 10 a.m. to noon.
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