What Happened to Chicago Music?

(Originally posted February 12, 2008)

This past weekend I attended a show of a really great Chicago band (who shall remain nameless). And for whatever reason, even though I’ve known this for a while, it really hit me: the Chicago music scene is dead.

Now, this is not to say that Chicago bands are dead. Quite the contrary actually. There is a lot of amazing music out there to be heard. But people just aren’t listening anymore. Nobody cares. It’s one thing to not dance - we’re not all dancers. But Jesus, people… tap a foot. Nod a head. Sway. Hoot and holler. But don’t just fucking stand there sipping your PBRs (or whatever drink ironicly proves you’re keeping it real).

Back to the show I saw on Friday. The band that was performing is doing very, very well for themselves. They are largely recognized as Chicago’s darlings, and for the most part at this stage in the game they can do no wrong. So one would assume that their first show back in Chicago in a few months would not only sell out (it didn’t), but it would be packed full of eager, energetic, “holy crap I love this band” types. But it wasn’t. It was instead full (and I use that term loosely) of apathetic people who wanted other people to think they like this band. It’s a subtle difference, but it’s one that’s really easy to identify if you just look around.

I’ve been performing in various incarnations of bands around Chicago since 1998, and I’ve heard a lot of terrible music along the way. Luckily, I’ve also seen a lot of inspiring, immensely talented musicians; some recognized for their efforts and others playing to empty rooms. But there was always a common thread: fans used to know the difference between a hack, a poser and an artist. And I just don’t think that’s the case anymore.

At this point in my incongruous rant I’d like to offer a few suggestions—to venues, bands and fans—that might help dig us out of our current hole and raise Chicago back up to its legendary status:

Venues:

1) Please don’t assume that draw = talent. It doesn’t. Using “draw” as the primary criteria for booking a band only guarantees that said band will sell a lot of tickets to a lot of their douchebag friends. And that’s no fun for anyone. Yes, you make more money that way. I get that. But you tarnish your reputation, which has a more long-term negative impact than I think you realize.

2) Please stop booking cover/tribute bands unless you’re Cubby Bear, Goose Island, Sluggers or some other venue that people go to expecting to see a band like that. Yes, cover bands have their place. I’m not saying they don’t. We all love to hear music we know (sometimes). But cover bands have no business performing at reputable venues, especially when there are hundreds of original bands struggling to get heard.

3) Please listen to the bands that you book with a critical ear. It’s unfortunate that long gone are the days when I could pick a venue and go there on any random night simply to see who was playing. I used to trust that if a band was booked at Schubas, for example, then they must be worth hearing. I’ve been burned too many times to take that chance anymore. (Disclaimer: in my humble opinion, Schubas is one of, if not the only venue in Chicago that I would still trust in this way. Way to go, guys.)

Bands:

1) Music > image. Personally, I’m really tired of bands going through the motions of what they think it means to be a “rock band.” Disheveled hair: check. Faux-energetic guitar acrobatics: check. Hipster denim: check. American Apparel tee (2 sizes too small): check. Vintage guitar and/or Casio keyboard: check. 80’s influence worn ironically on your sleeve: check. Well-written music… oh shit. I knew we forgot something.

2) Do it for the right reasons. I don’t care if you play country, hip-hop, jazz or reggae. If you’re honest about it, I’m onboard.

3) Don’t be afraid to fail. Every band starts at the bottom. You can’t start your career expecting to blow the minds of a packed house. But that shouldn’t stop you from performing like you are. Impress one person and that quickly becomes two, which quickly becomes four, etc.

4) Don’t buy clothing at Guitar Center. (This one speaks for itself.)

Fans:

1) Support the bands you like. The best way for a band to progress is by word of mouth and you, the fans, are their best promoter.

2) Actually go to their shows without being begged, and bring some friends.

3) Don’t go out to see live music if you have no interest in participating in the event. This does not necessarily mean dancing, it simply means showing the band that you actually give a shit. If you just want a night out with your peeps, go to a bar.

4) Buy and/or download music and listen to it. Don’t discount anything after one listen. I’m a firm believer that the amount of time it takes for a song to take hold is directly proportional to the amount of time that song will stay with you.

5) Listen to a band because you like it, not because Pitchfork says it’s cool.

6) Get over yourselves. Yes, we all love to criticize more than compliment, but there’s nothing wrong with having actual fun in public. Dance a little. Sway. Cheer. Enjoy the show and get your ten dollars’ worth. Nobody is going to laugh at you. And if they do, knock the PBR out of their hands.