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Health & Fitness

An Age Old Question

Steve puts his two cents in on an age old question plaguing the world of live music everywhere. He also gives a heads up about another local event.

There’s an age-old question that has stumped music fans for generations: originals or covers? 

First, to clarify, “cover” does not mean copy. Groups like the many 80s hair-band tributes that are big now painstakingly match recordings note-for-note and their live shows include period clothes/hair-dos and stage stuff that’s as much theatre as it is music. To be honest, I appreciate the musicianship but usually avoid these things the same way I avoid art galleries that feature coloring book pages – no matter how well the “artists” color inside the lines. 

So, have you ever met a band member at a party? You ask “what do you play” and in turn, they say drums or whatever. Then, as protocol dictates, “cool, what kind of music do you play?”  They say covers and then it’s, “neat, please pass the chips.”  If they answer is “original music,” your expressed respect and enthusiasm goes up.  Then a week later, you see them at a local club and you’re wishing they’d play something you know the words to.

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I’ve been there and agree that knowing the lyrics is comforting. For the record (pun intended), I’m in a band that plays mostly covers and yes, sometimes I struggle with selling out and/or pandering to audiences wanting the aforementioned comfort, or an easy topic when there’s a lull in the conversation, such as “oooh, I love this song,” or “gosh, the first time I heard this song, I…”   Yes, covers are fun when there’s good energy and when the band can make the song their own by adding elements, changing the  genre or re-arranging it. I guess I’ve always preferred to color outside the lines a bit.

But back to art that originates with a blank page. Unfortunately, original local music does not get its due because we often combine our live music with socializing. Listening to new music requires, well … listening, and I guess that smacks of work to some.  If that’s the case for you, here’s your homework: check out some live original music within the next month. There are many artists from the south suburbs who perform original music, even if the songs are woven between covers.

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In fact, wouldn’t ya know it,  just so happens to be hosting a singer-songwriter’s acoustic afternoon this Saturday, Oct. 1 from 4 p.m. -6 p.m. featuring all local artists. It’s coupled with wine tasting event, next door to the photography studio in Southgate, and there’s no cover charge (pun not intended). In addition to cool photographs and low cost portrait opportunities, Thomas’ Photographic gallery offers an intimate setting where all the song subtleties and lyrics can be appreciated. Plus, there’ll be snacks. I give such easy homework.

BONUS - This is a recording event, so if the recording gods shine, a “best of” CD will available by Christmas.

The artists playing this Saturday are: Anne and Bob Colton, Dan Chambers, Patricia and Jeff Davidson, Christal Luster, Jim Joyce, Matt Bailey, Matt Didier and yours truly.

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