Over the years I’ve offered a lot of advice to musicians looking to make a mark. These mostly-unsolicited pearls have, in my eyes, ranged from the mundane to the meaningful and from common sense to, admittedly, nonsense. But, accepted or refused, each tidbit is offered with the very best of intensions. I do not believe I’ve ever told an act they are doing something wrong, rather I made suggestions I thought might improve the songs, sound or performance.
Mm, With that in mind, I’d like to revisit a trio of questionable habits – a sort of compact compendium – that I have noticed sliding back into circulation. These are not, by any means, rules hard-and-fast. They are simple steps that separate the professional performer from the eager enthusiast.
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- Dress for Success
A few years ago there was a local tempest-in-a-teacup that erupted when it was suggested that shorts are not appropriate stage attire. While I’m not willing to state that as an absolute – we will call this the Angus Exception – I do believe musicians should make a little effort before hitting the stage. I once asked the Great Junior Brown why he and his band wore suits on stage, even when the weather might seem a bit unseasonable for a jacket. He told me they were professional musicians, and if they wanted to be treated as professionals, they ought to dress for work.
Makes sense.
- Get up, Stand up
There are times when a musician may sit. When there is a desire for a certain intimacy. When their back hurts. When they are playing drums. But those are exceptions, not the rule. If you are playing in front of an audience, standing up should be the first impulse. Nobody quite believes you are feeling the music when you are rocking out perched upon a barstool. I remember seeing a photograph of the Eagles once, and they were all seated in a carefully crafted row on an arena stage. That’s not establishing intimacy. That’s a rock band that no longer has the inclination to rock. Another strike against the Eagles.
- Take a picture here (but not there)
I suspect the band portrait leaning taken while leaning against an artfully gritty brick wall predates the now-famous Ramones’ album cover. Still, every time I see this pose repeated – and it happens a lot – I think back to those fictional brothers and wonder if they ever regret establishing the trend? Here is the thing my friends. Find a wall to be photographed in front of does not make you look urban or urbane. It makes you look like you aren’t trying hard enough. There is an Augusta-specific addition to this rule. Skip photographs on the train trestle that crosses the river near the Fifth Street Bridge. Joe Stevenson and People Who Must stakes claim on that cliché more than 25 years ago.
Those are my big three. What should be added to the list? Add your performer missteps in the comments below.
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At this stage
A shoutout here for the fine folks at Grantski Records. They have identified a need in the Augusta area and instead of complaining (or writing a column) about it, have decided to take action. For too long, the Augusta area has gone without an All Ages venue. These places, where bands are prioritized over beers, are essential to the health and growth of music communities. They are where artists often experience first performances and fans find music they love long before the bell tolls on their 21st birthdays. I cultivated my love for live music in a series of less-than-official All Ages right here in Augusta, and those experiences still inform my love of music. It’s vital.
Which brings me back to Grantski. The store has organized a series of benefit concerts – All Ages, of course, that will fund the completion of an in-store venue. Proceeds from these shows, slated for Aug. 19, 20, 26 and 27 and Sept. 2 will also go toward ALS research in memory of Shelley Grantski, the family matriarch who lost her battle with the cruel disease this year. Support the cause. Support the bands. Support the community. Tickets for the initial two nights – dedicated to electronic music and metal – are $10 and available on the Eventbrite website. For more information visit the Grantski Music Facebook page.
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Buried Treasure: Freebie and the Bean
In memory of the late, great James Caan, I’d like to recommend one of my favorites from his vast filmography. This 1974 odd couple buddy cop picture predates and clearly informed the 1987 movie Lethal Weapon. It combines comedy, violence, action and a real sense of character and setting in a way that is both difficult to accomplish and thrilling when it succeeds. I’ve always been a sucker for this kind of classic Hollywood popcorn pic and am equally fond of early ‘70s San Francisco movies. And James Caan, who costars with the great Alan Arkin, was never tough-and-tender better. A great movie currently available to rent on Prime Video.
Democracy in action
Don’t forget that voting is currently underway for the Augusta Press’s inaugural Press Play Songwriter Contest. There’s some really great work that has been submitted, but with only six spots in the finals, artists will need every vote to ensure a spot on the big stage at Arts In the Heart. Take a listen and vote – once a day – at theaugustapress.com/music-contest.
