Josh Carples, Hail the Titans; Photo by Amber O'Shea
As Josh Carples of Montgomery’s Hail the Titans once said in regard to local musicians, “The worst thing people can do is not talk about us.”
Unfortunately for Montgomery musicians, what little conversation is going on is hard to find. Much of the existing conversation, outside of the occasional review, centers on the idea that Montgomery’s music scene isn’t very good.
Should it matter to Montgomery that their music scene is talked about so little? Does it matter that the music scene is rarely discussed with enthusiasm or pride? So what if residents of the Gump point to Birmingham or Atlanta as the places to go for local music?
Musicians work hard to make and share great music. For most, music isn’t a hobby. They don’t do it for the money or fame. They do it for the love of music. For them, music is a passion, a way of life, something meant to be shared and appreciated. There are many talented musicians in Montgomery. Like in any other city, they’re looking for a chance to make their music known.
Not all bands are the same, even in the same genre. There are some who play only covers. Others only play originals, while still others play a mixture of both. Talent, dedication, and hard work are required of each of these musicians. Despite this, music venues in Montgomery time and again book cover bands over original bands, not wanting to take a risk on the latter. If the originals are just as talented, why not give equal billing to both?
Over the next months, The Local Scene will explore the efforts that musicians and those associated with them have and are making to improve Montgomery’s music scene. Focus will be drawn to original bands as they work to find gigs in a cover-band centric city.
It’s the same way up here in Birmingham.
Is it? I was under the impression that Birmingham was the better place for local music. But then, I’m transplanted here from Florida, so…
Montgomery is getting better everyday. In fact, there is a street fair in April that will call upon local musicians to come out and perform in a celebration of our City’s creativity. email montgomerystreetfair@gmail.com for more information or if you want to play!