Missed Opportunities

Well it’s time once again for the MMC. I always look forward to the MMC because it gives me an opportunity to check out a lot of bands in a short amount of time. Depending on what I see, determines if a band will be part of any of our shows in the future. When I see bands at MMC, I do try and pick out how many people in the crowd came to see them. I like to work with bands that can promote. Sure I understand bands don’t get paid to play MMC, but I do think every time you have a gig, you still should do some type of promotions. Of course the music has to be good too. We have to keep our reputation of no shitty bands playing any of our shows.

I found out first hand last year, since it was the first time we had a booth at MMC, that a lot of bands in the area don’t take full advantage of what the MMC offers. So many times I hear bands wanting to expand their base and play away from Central PA. Well christ almighty 80% of MMC showcasing bands are from “out of the area”. I’m not the smartest guy on the block, but if I was in a band that would want to trade gigs with out of town bands, I’d be all over MMC networking and checking out their showcases.

As in years past, the MMC Trade Show area is worth the trip alone, during the day, to see what is available to musicians. CD Baby and a host of others are lined up and waiting to tell you what they have to offer. Sure some of the panels are hit or miss, but I’m sure you can pick up a few ideas here and there. Also I’m pretty sure if your band has a showcase at night, you can come during the daytime and take advantage of the trade show and panels for no charge on that day. Now how the hell can you beat that!!!

If you do come out during the day, be sure to stop by our booth and say Hi. I like catching up with old friends and making some new contacts.

Before I forget, the Radisson Hotel features ALL AGE SHOWS at night. If you check the schedules you will see Friday thru Sunday is loading with top-notch bands from the area, so turn on your younger relatives by taking them to a show or two. Click here for more MMC info and showcase schedules.

As in years past we’ll have plenty of photos and video from MMC, so keep checking in to see what’s going on.

On Saturday Night I had the pleasure to be part of the Hierosonic CD Release Party. What a great time!!! A who’s who of local music represented in the crowd, supporting the show and great performances by all bands playing the night.

I know all the bands that played that night read my shit, so I’ll mention this observation. Holis and Solar Staredown you guys fucked up BIG TIME!!! Close to 500 people and you guys did nothing except mention your website and My Space page a few times to the crowd. Why the hell did you not work that crowd by passing out flyers or stickers with your band info? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, most people are pretty buzzed at shows and come the next day, they can’t remember shit about the show let alone a website address. Not to mention the lost opportunity to gain valuable email addresses from those at the show. Holis did have a table in the back with free CD’s and CD’s to purchase, but I didn’t see any email sign up sheets.

I’ve mention so many times in the past, bands need to take full advantage of the shows they play. A simple generic ¼ page flyer with the band logo, maybe some band info along with the website addresses are very inexpensive. If you have shows booked you can put them on too, but EVERY BAND should have at least a generic flyer if you don’t want the extra expenses of having new ones made up each month with your current gig schedule. Also just don’t leave them stacked on the bar or merch table. Grab a handful and work the crowd by giving them out. You not only get them into peoples hands, but it also gives you chance to interact with people who might have seen you for the first time.

OK had to get that off my mind. So moving on.

Hierosonic? In my opinion the most misunderstood band in Central PA. Every show they play that I have attended recently, I’ve had people come up to me and say “You’re right, these guys are great”. Hiero (as I like to call them) have gained success thru their hard work and efforts. They do not have the luxury of having mainstream media and other websites covering them as other popular bands do. Why you ask? I think because mainstream media sees their show flyers and the titles of their songs and assumes they are some nazi, anti-establishment, drug pushing metal band and it scares them.

Sure in the old days they had cut up baby dolls hanging from the ceiling and songs that went on for 10+ minutes that drove me absolutely crazy, but those days are gone. In the last few years Hierosonic has not only worked on the music, they have also become fine craftsmen of their trade. They don’t take a gig for granted, they take it as an opportunity. An opportunity to gain more fans and in turn have those fans turn into supporters of the band, thus gaining more exposure and selling merch.

They understand that an opportunity/gig, first starts with pre show promotions and they are masters of this task. Pounding the street, making phone calls, selling pre show tickets and promoting on the net are just a few things they do very well.

While working on the pre show side, they also work on the actual show performance. What can they do to make those that do attend say WOW by the end of the night? When Hiero plays, you don’t get the normal five guys standing on stage like tress or deer staring in headlights. No you get a show. An entertaining show that will hit most of your senses craving for more by set’s end. A show that transfers the high energy coming from the members of Hiero into the crowd watching them play.

So is Hiero a metal band? NO Pop band? NO Alternative band? NO

I’ve been asked many times to describe their music and I guess the best way is to take some Drowning Pool, toss in some Red Hot Chile Peppers and blend slowly. Pour into a chilled glass, shaken not stirred. Hiero’s music is tough to lock into a specific genre, but whether it’s an acoustic song that has the crowd singing every word or a nut grabber like “Gift Pig” that slams with bass, drums and wailing guitar, they have something for everyone. You definitely won’t get bored like at a 10 songs that sound alike type band gig. No matter what your taste/style of music, you will enjoy a Hierosonic show. So be sure to catch one of their upcoming gigs

Other web sites and mainstream media will build up the other popular bands, but I’m here in the trenches to tell ya, Hierosonic is the real deal and I hope someday will make me and their dedicated fans of Central PA proud to have known them.

Well that’s all for now. Looking forward to seeing everyone during the MMC. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the return of Twisted Tuesdays in April!!!!

Lator Gators - BigJim