Recently, I posted a picture that shared comments from Adam Levine regarding cover bands. Although you can’t trust everything you see on the internet, the image and content did spark some mixed feelings.
I’ve always been one who intentionally tries to explore different avenues of thinking outside what most would consider “the norm.” It’s been part of my business strategies ever since I read the book “Rich Dad, Poor Dad.”
That book taught me that the way you think has a lot to do with the opportunities you can get, as opposed to just going with the same thought processes as most everyone. Has that thought process worked out every time? Not at all. However, in all cases, it’s provided me insight into opportunities, missed opportunities, and a whole lot of experience that I couldn’t see for myself without going against the grain and purposefully thinking differently.
So, considering Adam and his comments, let’s break it down and try to glean opportunity from it, regardless if he is right or wrong.
Do I agree with Adam’s dumb-ass comments? Not really. But will I use it as fuel and food for thought? Absolutely.
“Just because you’ve learned an instrument and started a band doesn’t mean you should get paid for it.” But you pay a plumber for their services, so why wouldn’t you pay a musician? A plumber provides a necessary service that not everyone can do.”
Adam’s comment seems to be based on the thought process that anyone and everyone can become a musician and that it’s a commodity. While it’s true that there are more musicians than plumbers (making most plumbers more valuable), the thought process is one of ignorance and is likely based on not being in touch with the real world. Whether you’re a plumber or a musician, the opportunity for payment comes from effective marketing or providing an exceptional product. If you suck as a plumber, don’t expect to get paid.
Point is, if the product you’re selling or marketing, regardless of what it is, doesn’t fulfill a need, it becomes hard to sell, which tends to be less valuable.
Adam’s comment, though dumb, helps me remember that I need to identify the market I wish to sell to and effectively market to them. And most importantly, not settle for good enough to secure those paying gigs. The failure to position my band where our service “is needed” is on me.
“When there are four different bands playing “Don’t Stop Believin'” within a two-block radius, what makes you think you’re providing a special service?”
Adam’s comment completely misses the point of what cover bands are all about – playing songs that people want to hear and connecting in a live, real-time music environment.
However, using his comments as fuel, what would make a band special? I’d start by saying that if there are four bands in the area playing the same songs, those are probably very popular songs, and I’d congratulate you for playing what people want to hear. That’s step 1 to being a successful cover band, song choice.
As for the song “Don’t Stop Believin’,” it’s one of the greatest songs ever recorded – which, by the way, has 1.6 billion streams compared to your biggest song “Lost Stars” at 327 million, so suck it, Adam.
Anyway, if you’re aiming to be special, I’d propose it’s a combination of various factors, such as
- Your performance (how well you play those songs),
- Your visuals (light show, appearance, attire, stage setup),
- Your connection with the audience
- Your energy
- Your song list
- Your attitude
- Your willingness to partner with others
“A jukebox is a cheaper form of the same entertainment.”
Believe it or not, I think he is partially right. A jukebox is not only cheaper, but it also pays venues and is, frankly, an adversary to live music. Most jukeboxes generate revenue ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per month for venues. Is it the same entertainment? No, Adam. You dumb ass.
There is no substitute for the energy and engagement of a live band performing songs. However, many venues are opting for this route because live entertainment is either too expensive or not generating enough income to support it. (Fellow musicians, we got to fix this).
The opportunity: Create a band that engages the audience more than a DJ, karaoke, or jukebox ever could. Recognize that you’re competing with cheaper options but deliver an experience that convinces the venue that your band and live music reign supreme and are worth the investment. BTW, this also means musicians, you need to attend live shows in the area (yes, I’m talking to you, the guy in the band who never seems to attend other people’s shows or has never even been to a performance at the venue where you want to play – LOL).
“No one forced you into playing music, so you’re not allowed to complain about working conditions until you provide a musical product that large numbers of people want to consume.”
I’ll agree with some of this. You’re exactly where you want to be. If you don’t want to perform at a location due to working conditions or any other reason, then don’t. However, whether a large number of people or a small number of people consume your product, do it well and enjoy the journey, because, Adam, you’re still a dumb ass. Music is about having fun and being part of something bigger than your own self.
“You’re not special.”
Adam, lick my nuts. My mom told me I’m special, so I am. Truth is, Adam’s words carry no weight. Personal validation trumps external opinions. Each of us have the opportunity to create something different or special.
I hope you enjoyed reading the article. The main point of this article is that business is about identifying opportunities and acting on them. It’s about trying to adopt a different perspective (whether positive or negative) and seizing opportunities.
I’ll conclude with this: I recently mentored a band on “business”. The group believed that business was solely about “making money” and chose not to perform at a festival due to the pay. While I respect their decision, I feel this was a critical error regarding how real business works. Worse, I encounter this mindset quite often when speaking to bands and they wonder why they have little growth.
It’s crucial to contemplate the opportunity before defaulting to responses like “not enough money” or “we’re more valuable.” because in this instance, they missed a fantastic opportunity to perform at a festival that draws thousands of “customers.” I explained to them that money is a byproduct of seizing opportunities and that, in this case, they prioritized money over opportunity, which ultimately would deliver money at a higher rate of return due to having a pedigree (perception or whatever word you want to use for doing what other bands have not had the chance to do).
When doing the math, at their current rate, the band would need to perform 50 shows to reach the number of people they could have reached with just one festival show. Be wise and always be on the lookout for opportunities. They are not always easily visible which requires doing a little deeper looking.
Last, Adam, even if you didn’t say those comments, you’re still a dumb ass in my book based on the comments that you have said in the past. It’s cover bands that keep live music in venues and your paychecks coming through the performances of material. Thanks for reading and rock on!