Gondola Gossip

A music scene is inclusive of different genres and styles. The music scene in many resort towns is more loosely defined and is usually more of a myth, last outpost or an oasis. In most instances resorts simply have a local music community or clique. Sometimes it's easy to be confused, but by definition a clique or community is only about things that are similar or have something in common.

noun: clique; plural noun: cliques

a small group of people, with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them.

synonyms: group, circle, community, faction…

noun: community; plural noun: communities

a group of people living in the same place or having a shared interest or particular characteristics in common.

synonyms: group, circle, clique, faction…

The typical local music communities function differently from vibrant music scenes. Cliques and communities want musicians and artists to pay their dues supporting the established local players… your previous experience and accomplishments are irrelevant here because you need to work your way up all over again because you're new here. It's "nobody here ever heard of you" or "we don't like your kind of music here" and "nobody knows any of your songs". These venues and promoters are interested in liquor and beer sales to local clique who bring friends to buy booze… and not as interested in promoting talent and producing quality shows.

The analog age arguments are still used today, but can easily be defeated buy artists who are serious about their craft. Most authentic artists have a website and social media presences that enables them to connect with audiences, venues and industry professionals. It is easier now to find artists and listen to their music now then ever before. Too many venues hire the same acts over and over and have no interest new artists and original music. Professional musicians in the digital age get started with big labels and fancy agents ripping them off… its usually local clubs, promoters and other musicians holding them back.

That's right…it's not just the big evil streaming services and record companies slitting the throat of new music for profits. The local music communities are playing a role in suppressing new music and talent too. New artists who are already broke need support other local artists and spend money at the bar too? How does that work? On top of producing themselves, recording, distribution, promotion and other costs? Asking artists to play for free or for exposure today show a lack of understanding of the business of music today. This is where the distinction is made between those in the LIVE music business and other who are just in the bar business. Bands, musicians and audiences all need to know the difference!

A vibrant music scene blends touring national acts with up and coming local and regional talent from all styles and genres. Putting together shows that span music spectrums, compensate talent fairly, drive sales for the venue and entertain the crowd at the same time takes skill and experience. It's more then hiring your local friends and booking the same talent over and over and over again… that's not doing anyone any favors. Remember the large numbers of resort visitors spend the most money and have many different musical tastes than the same tastes shared by a relatively small number of locals. It seems more and more resort venues have forgotten the first rule of the entertainment business… "always leave the audience wanting more."