Feeling super dejected musically tonight. Things like what happened tonight are the major reason why Im leaving Manhattan behind in a few months; this sort of stuff is part of a larger local cultural pattern that Ive noticed. The people here can be just such huge assholes sometimes. Tonight my band was supposed to be able to play for the first time live and the guy in charge of the open mic night told me we couldnt play literally an hour after giving us the go ahead. He was also a gigantic asshole to me about it, and spoke to me like I was a dumbass for even asking for a chance to play, like I was a naive child. After getting the intial go-ahead, I went back to my house and hauled all my gear out (which is lots) to the venue and had to turn right back around with it still in my car minutes later. I know that our music is good and that were both talented musicians, but Manhattan is giving my band a hell of a time for wanting to just play a freaking show. I dont even want money for playing, or a cut any bar earnings, I simply want to do shows for the sake of having fun, and to spread my art (music). This town is so frustrating and Ive had a horrible time getting in contact with the people doing the bookings around town. Its made worse by the fact that nobody in Manhattan is creating the type of music my band is. Nobody here is playing anything near indie electronica- it just simply doesnt exist in this town. It should, in theory, be something people want to book. Its something unique that people havent seen recently, yet I cant even get a call back from the people booking shows when I leave my name and number. Mind you, these people havent even listened to my music yet. They literally havent even had a URL link to my soundcloud or anywhere else, yet still wont give me a call. The whole music scene here is predicated on social status and who you know. If you arent somebody that knows the people booking shows, or any of their friends, youre pretty much out of luck. I just wish that music was intrinsically valued in Manhattan rather than just financially and socially valued. Im slowly losing my love for my hobby, and it really pains me. Im sorry for anybody reading this long, drawn out rant, and I dont usually do long posts like this, but it feels cathartic to speak out about it.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 06:03:37 +0000