RESPECT

R.E.S.P.E.C.T

             About two weeks, give or take, I attended a show at a local venue; Granted it was on a day that isn't very common to hold a show however, the turn out took me by surprise. For I hadn't seen this particular venue that populated in quite sometime. It filled me with an eager, giddiness that only a smile can express. OK OK I may have let a squeal or two surface. It meant two things 1) The venue was thriving & 2) People were coming out to support their fellow brethren. Which in my opinion is pretty damn important. There were 9 bands on the bill so the show was scheduled to start a bit earlier than norm.

    The first band up were very close friends of mine, So naturally I was going to be front center. Not too long after, the bassists girlfriend, & one of their biggest fans joined me. We chatted a bit through sound check patiently awaiting the commencement of their set. I looked around to see a mere 7 people ( not including my fellow metal loving gal pal and I ) in the crowd. Honestly I was utterly shocked!! I thought to myself maybe once they start playing the massive crowds outside will get the hint and realize that the show is starting. Second song started, the crowd gained maybe two more people. The disappointment and in some cases anger were quite evident, smeared all over the band members faces. Sadly they weren't the only ones who were treated with this astonishing amount of disrespect that night.

    This specific experience got me thinking how often this actually happens. Since first arriving on the local underground music scene here in Tampa I've seen a rough estimate of 40+ bands that originate ALL over Florida. I've seen bands from Jacksonville to Miami, Each offering up many different unique genres & sounds. I can't be at every show, at every venue so I decided to get a 360 point of view of the issue. I came up with questions for Venue owners, bands, their fans& yes even a promoter . Some of the interviews where taken via Texting, Facebook IMing, & Emails. Here is what they had to say. 

                              *Fans*                                     

-Gabrielle Gabarina Coqtiz-

1. What are some of your fav. local bands?

        A: "My favorite local bands are undoubtedly TUG,Ulcer,Rinker(status aside they are still one of my favorites), Unkempt, & Empty. Those guys have something different the rest of them don't have whether a stage presence, a rapport with the fans, crazy good music (Which I like to think all of them have), an uncommon energy; those guys are different to me."

2. How often do you attend shows?
        A: “Whenever I can! I usually stay locally in Lakeland (where I live), I'll frequent Tampa, but I honestly don't like to go too much farther".


3.How long have you been involved in the local music scene?
        A: “I've been involved since the Old Lakeland Hatter days where I first heard of Ulcer & Rinker. Predominately the last 3 years though.”


4. Have you seen any major changes as far as turn outs go?
         A: “I've seen a decline in good venues, fans, and unfortunately music. The scene is changing and as far as metal/hard rock is concerned it's being overrun by sublets in my opinion. Hardly anyone my age is interested in death metal, it's all about more,"metal-core" bands, no offense to them. They have their place, but people often intertwine the two when I don't think it's any farther from the truth.”


5. How do you feel about then respect levels of the bands show one another?
         A: “I've also seen a decline in groups appreciating their listeners.


I remember once when I saw a pretty well known band play. They played all songs off their new album, which was good in well, but since they took the stage the people in the crowd were clamoring for a well known diddy. They walked off the stage without so much as a thank you to the crowd, to me that was pretty disrespectful.”


 “-The respect bands show each other is phenomenal, that I think is what makes the scene so enjoyable once you actually get into it. The chemistry that most of them have is notable. It's pretty amazing to see a band make sure that other acts get the applause they deserve. TUG's Danny Johnson is almost notorious for this, it shows the good character behind the music.”


6. Whats your fave venue?
        A: “My favorite venue hands down is Crowbar in Tampa. Though I love them too, the Mug's too small, Pegasus is smaller, and Crowbar gives me more the impression that I'm on a swarthy pirate ship filled with tankards of ale ((which I'm willing to be they were aiming for)) 


The atmosphere at CrowBar is the greatest. I've never seen someone leave there disappointed. The patrons are quick to treat everyone respectfully, which is a key factor for me. Anyone's welcome to their homey environment.”




-Heather Freddino-




1.What are some of your favorite local bands?

        A: “Falls Upon Us, Burning Fair Verona, Foreshadow, Path to Prevail, Fires of Gomorrah.”

2. How often do you attend shows?

        A: “Hmm I definitely go every time Falls Upon Us has a show..I'd like to start going more often outside of their shows.” “So I would say I at least go once a month.”

3. How long have you been involved in the local music scene?

        A: “Since July of last year...but I didn't really get involved as far as wanting to promote and get more involved until maybe a few months ago.”

4. Have you seen any major changes as far as turn outs go?

        A: “I feel like the turn outs have slowly been growing to more and more people. I do believe that the night the show is held on, how much it is, and who else is playing, plays a factor in the amount of people that show up.”

5. How do you feel about the respect levels the bands show one another?

        A: "I feel like there is zero respect. The impression I get when I go to shows is that MOST (not all) bands feel like they are the shit and that they're better then other bands. Last time I checked all these guys/girls started from the bottom and worked their way to where they're at now. I know not everyone is going to have the same tastes in music, but come on, you want the respect and support from everyone...well then you have to give that same respect and support in return. In my opinion, all these bands are in the same boat, so even if it's a band you don't care for, make them feel special for once and give them a chance."

6. What is your favorite venue?

        A: “Hmm I would have to say The Brass Mug and Insomniacs.”

-Selena Razack-

1. What are some of your fave local bands?

        A: "I enjoy a lot of the local scene. Some of my favorites at the moment are Alpha Decay and Riptorn ( who I just recently saw for the first time a few weeks ago..I was really impressed!)"


2.How often do you attend shows?
        A: "I try to attend show as often as I possibly can. As of recently I've been going to a show at least once a week. I try to catch what's playing at the Brass Mug and also catch the big shows that come around. Concert going is one of my favorite things to do! Nothing compares to the energy of a live show. (smiley face)"


3.How long have you been involved in the local music scene?
        A: "I've been involved in the local scene for a little over 4 years now. It all started when I became a co-founder of the USF Heavy Metal Enthusiasts Club back in 2008. Ever since then I've been dealing with a lot of the local Tampa metal bands and some national/international metal bands as well. I've had some of the greatest experiences of my life just networking, collaborating and getting to know these bands. These experiences have inspired me to pursue work in the music industry now that I'm at the next chapter of my life. I'm looking forward to it!"

4.Have you seen any major changes as far as turn outs?
        A: "Do you mean Turn outs at the local shows? Yes, I have noticed a change over the span of 4 years. I definitely don't see as many people come out anymore....why that is I really don't know. I personally feel that the scene is in a slump right now. Maybe a little fizzled out a little bit? I definitely do no think it is dead in any way, just different. Maybe people are just more selective now in the shows they want to attend? Maybe we just need to revamp the scene a bit! Haha."

5.How do you feel about the respect levels the bands show one another??
        A: "The respect levels between bands I feel is pretty okay. I've seen some bands do some fucked up things to each other for no reason at all ( sometimes ego battle, talking shit etc.,) -which makes no sense to me, because I feel that kind of attitude/behavior gets you no where in the end and the image of your band is damaged, because no one will want to work with people who show no respect. Then I've seen some bands really go above & beyond helping each other out and really give it their all every show they play. They respect their fans and everyone involved. I once worked with a local band who outright disrespected a fan during the show for no reason at all. THAT kind of behavior makes me sick. Needless to say, directly after that incident word spread and that band is doing pretty terrible now. Generally though, I think there is a pretty good balance."

6.What is your fave. venue?
        A: "My favorite venue..hmmm...I would say I do love going to the Brass Mug, it's always been kind of like my metal home haha...just because I have been there so much. I like Crowbar as well. I love the House of Blues in Orlando because the sound is always great.




*THE INSIDERS*


-Richard Smyth Jr.- 
(Door man at The Brass Mug)

1.What are some of your fave local bands?

        A: "Some of my favorite local metal bands (excluding my own) include Sorcerer, Ulcer, Falls Upon Us, Contorted & Tickle. However, there's a lot of acts outside of the metal scene such as the Long Johns, Mosquito Teeth & Jeremy Gloff that I also enjoy."

2. In your time working at the Mug have you noticed any changes when it comes to respects levels bands give one another?

         A: "Well, the older bands tend to be very friendly & supportive. I've noticed a sense of comradie that exists among most of "us older folks". Hahahaha. I have, however, noticed some rather disrespectful behavior displayed by certain younger acts. It appears to be trend that's grown a bit in the past few years."

3. What is the most disrespectful things you've witnessed at a show?

        A: "It's hard to pin-point specific incidents. I'm more or less observing trends in the attitudes of younger musicians. I've noticed senses of entitlement coupled with over inflated egos."

4. As a musician yourself how does it make you feel to see bands disrespect one another despite all of the talk about how the local scene needs to be supported?

        A: "I've seen a lot of shit talkers come & go... And trust me, they never last. The perpetrators, finger-pointers & know-it-alls always end up weeding themselves out."

-Camden Cruz-

(Promoter & guitarist of "Seven Kingdoms")

https://www.facebook.com/SevenKingdomsOfficial

1. Have you ever had one band refuse to join a bill because another band was playing?

        A: "I have had one band refuse to play a bill that another band was playing. Usually this happens if one band has a member split that wasn't a nice one. I don't believe that the scene today has too much of this but it does exist."

2. As not only a promoter, but a musician as well what is the most disrespectful thing you've seen or experienced first hand at a show you've hosted?

        A: "I really don't like it when the band on stage has no respect for the crowd. You can totally tell when (usually the front man) just doesn't give a rat's ass. Another is when the band starts abusing the venue's equipment like the singer dropping the mic 'because he thinks it makes him look cool' when rather it just pisses off the sound guy and the audience. Also another disrespectful thing that happens is when you have bands and fans that only come in to see 'their band' they are there to see and don't stick around or watch the other bands on the bill. These are usually the two main cases."

3.What are some of your fave local bands?

        A: "Aside from saying my own, Seven Kingdoms lol, I would have to say I really like Ovid's Withering, Wirethrone, KathariK, Abdomen Canvas, Path To Prevail, Alpha Decay, Great Awakening, Abiotic, Catalyst For Destruction and a few others, all these guys I have booked and they were great at what they do and most importantly, are always professional."

4. Have you seen a decrease in the levels of respect bands give one another?

        A: "I don't think I would say there is a decrease, but rather the scene is sorta 'lazy' sometimes. Sometimes bands wont come out to 'buddy' bands shows because they arnt playing... Sometimes I feel that local bands need to realize that they themselves when not on stage ARE part of the scene. They should go out and support the other bands even when they are not playing. Also the age bracket of the scene in general seems to have an effect. You can have a hardcore show in the middle of a field with no PA and 100 kids will show up with lint in their pockets. You can book smaller bands on tour that are signed and maybe 40-75 people will show up if there is a cover to get in minus presales if there is some. Plain and simple, if you want a local music scene in your town then you need to support that. Support being money to buy a ticket and get some merch and drinks. 

I find it amazing how many people say they don't have money but will turn around and go get a video game or spend it on a case of beer. It usually comes from the people that do the most complaining also. If people learned to budget $25 every other Saturday night to give to a show then we would be in a totally different situation.

 Overall I think Florida's Metal Scene is still a lot stronger than most, We have something to be proud of here and we need to continue building a strong foundation that can let bands get stuff done for years to come."

*THE MUSICIANS*

-Nicholas Brown- 

(Bassist of "(N)ception")

https://www.facebook.com/nceptionmusic

1. What is your favorite venue to play?

         A: "I love the Plaza Theater as far as Orlando goes, it's just a big venue with a big sound. I like The Haven as well for the same reasons and if the crowd is right it just makes for great times!"

2 .What is your least favorite thing about a show?

        A: "My least favorite thing about a show? That is a difficult thing to answer it is all based upon the crowd. I really dislike when people go to a show and are completely non interactive with the band on stage. Even if you don't like a band show some respect that they are up there and doing their thing, because it does take a lot to go up there and do your thing."

3. What is your favorite thing about a show?

        A: " I love just the overall atmosphere of a show, as stated previously, it's all about the crowd. If your band is up there giving it all they have and the crowd gives off the same vibe.. there is nothing more beautiful."

4. Do you feel you receive the same amount of respect from bands that you've never played with?

        A: "I have yet to play in a venue that didn't treat my band with respect, I feel that as a band overall for people who have never heard us we meet the expectations of the crowd. We are selective on shows for this reason. This means we don't just jump on any bill, it's a calculation where we know we will meld well with the other bands on the bill."

5. What genre is your music?

        A: I would consider our style of music to be 'Groove Metal" We rely a lot of just driving riffs and reflect on Nu Metal that we all grew up on, but we all know these days everyone tries to use the "Nu Metal" term loosely, but no one can deny bands that came along during that era of music just brought a sense of in your face stage presence along with very heavy grooving music! 

6. What is the most disrespectful thing you've encountered at a show?

       A: I feel that our scene, at least for Orlando, has become very selective, going a little more in depth to that is saying that A: A large amount of the support is bands supporting bands B: it also shows that you see a lot of the same faces at your shows and everyone has just grown comfortable with that and don't strive to push their name as hard as say 5 years ago. Word of mouth is still your most powerful promotional tool, but with the "going viral" phase people are neglecting going out there to reach out to physical people. 

7. How long have you been playing shows?

        A: I have been playing shows for about 7 years on and off in the area. I have also had a brief tenure as a promoter for a little time. 

8. What area is your band based?

        A:My band (N)ception is based out of Orlando, Florida

9. Have you seen any significant changes in the turn out of shows since you've begun playing shows?

        A: I have seen a shift not in "turn out" but more so in attitude towards shows. People go out to shows to see the band they came to see and dip after they see that particular band (they don't even give the other bands a fair chance to captive their attention). Shows use to be about going to a show meaning every band, getting there from 20 minutes BEFORE that first band hits the first note of their set and staying 20 minutes after the closing act says goodnight to close out the bar! It's very discouraging when you are out there to market yourself, but no one wants to listen because you aren't the band that they came to see when some of the other bands have the potential to blow that persons mind more so than the band that they have already saw a dozen times.

-Daniel Pena-

(Rhythm guitarist of "IcKis")

https://www.facebook.com/xIcKiSx

1. What is your favorite venue to play?

        A: "My favorite venue would have to be the Brass Mug. I always have a great time playing a show there."

2 .What is your least favorite thing about a show?

        A: I can't stand Break down. After playing our set then being tired and lifting heavy shit is the worst. 

3. What is your favorite thing about a show?

        A: "Best part of a show would have to be Playing of course. Nothing like being on stage and having people cheer and go crazy for the shit you have created."

4. Do you feel you receive the same amount of respect from bands that you've never played with?

        A: "We have.a lot of bands in the area tag each other on Face book to help promote each other and plenty of bands we never played with help us out and same from us to them."

5. What genre is your music?

        A: :I cant really say for sure. we have gotten a bunch of different "categories" like Tech Death, Blanked Tech Death...etc. But i think its just Death Metal."

6. What is the most disrespectful thing you've encountered at a show?

        A: "I seen a group of kids blatantly making fun of a band...i mean its one thing to not like a band but to completely make fun of the group where your loud enough for the fans and band can hear is where the line gets crossed."

7. How long have you been playing shows?

        A: "May 14th actually was our 1 year of being out in the scene. It has been a good year too. Played with over like 30-35 Signed acts from around the world. I'm waiting to tour. that will be fun."

8. What area is your band based?

        A: Tampa Fuckin Florida!!!"

9. Have you seen any significant changes in the turn out of shows since you've begun playing shows?

        A: "Yeah, we have made a lot of real cool people and fortunate enough to have a decent fan base. Shit we played a festival last year in Jacksonville and we apparently have fans in that city without ever being there, it was pretty rad."

-Tony Hutchinson-

(Drummer of "TUG")

https://www.facebook.com/TugMusic

1. What is your favorite venue to play?
         A: "Well, of active venues i love playing the Polk Theater here in Lakeland. we've only played there a couple times but it's awesome. Elvis played there (smiley face)"

2. What is your least favorite thing about a show?
        A: "Usually the indifference of some club owners who feel like they're doing you a favor to have you load up your equipment, drive for hours, sweat your ass off, give the band A pitcher of Z beer and then hesitates to pay. that and and playing the last song"

3. What is your favorite thing about a show?
        A: "THE SHOW! (smiley face)"

4. Do you feel you receive the same amount of respect from bands that you've never played with?
        A: "For the most part but there are some bands that just refuse to respect the other bands even after we smoke their asses! (smiley face)"

5. What genre is your music?
        A: "I use SWAMP ROCK cuz i hate the term metal!"

6. What is the most disrespectful thing you've encountered at a show?
        A: "When the band who plays before us drags ass when getting their shit off stage. F'n pisses me off. one time i played a show in St. Pete and after driving over a hour, our band being pushed back in the order over and over til they said we weren't playing. i had to be restrained from killing EVERYONE! (smiley face)"

7. How long have you been playing shows?
        A: "FOREVER! 20+ years."

8. What area is your band based?
        A: "Lakeland, Florida"

9. Have you seen any significant changes in the turn out of shows since you've begun playing shows?
        A: "Yes, but i think that has a lot to do with my age. 20 years ago all my friends would come out cuz they had nothing better to do but we have families and bills to pay so......"  

-Jon Freddino-

(Rhythm Guitarist of "Falls Upon Us")

https://www.facebook.com/FallsUponUs

1. What is your favorite venue to play?

        A: “Currently my favorite place to play in the Brass Mug, but Insomniacs is a really cool place too!"

2 .What is your least favorite thing about a show?

        A: “The time you have to wait before you play and no knowing if anyone is actually gonna watch you set."

3. What is your favorite thing about a show?

        A: “The energy is the best part. Especially when you walk in and there in some music playing, bands are setting up, people are getting ready for the music. It's just a great feeling."

4. Do you feel you receive the same amount of respect from bands that you've never played with?

        A: “I feel that there in defiantly a different level of respect from band we have played with before compared to bands we haven't played with. But sometimes you get the guys that just love music and the local scene that watch everyone and that's awesome!"

5. What genre is your music?

        A: “Metal/ American Metal."

6. What is the most disrespectful thing you've encountered at a show?

        A: “Seeing other bands and there people standing outside while I played our set on front of 10 people."

7. How long have you been playing shows?

        A: “July 1st will be a year."

8. What area is your band based?

        A: “Sumter County/ Central Florida."

9. Have you seen any significant changes in the turn out of shows since you've begun playing shows?

        A: “It's varies. You kinda can tell by the bands that are on the line-up. Usually if everyone promotes the event it turns out to be pretty good. But the day the show is on is a big factor as well and I just know if we play with certain bands not to expect them or there fans to be inside supporting."

-Erich Geuter-

(Lead guitarist of "Path to Prevail")

https://www.facebook.com/PathToPrevail

1. What is your favorite venue to play?

        A: "OK, my fave place to play is hard to say. I love The 321 Local cause it's in          

my home town and I always have a great time playing. I also love the crowbar in Tampa because I feel I accomplish something every time I play there also the Tampa vibe just feels good, and natural."

2. What is your least favorite thing about a show? 

       A:when you have to sell a certain amount of tickets/pay to play with a band that's not well known enough to bring people so the promoter can make his/her money, and not seeing a dime. Pretty much making the promoter money."

3. What is your favorite thing about a show?
        A: "A big mosh pit, nothing gets me more pumped than seeing a shit load of people going nuts while playing live. It gives me more energy , makes the show way better."

4. Do you feel you receive the same amount of respect from bands that you've never played with?
         A: "I'd say yes but whenever you have played with another band before and you already know them. Obviously you are better friends and the respect you have for each other is stronger."

5. What genre is your music?
        A: "We consider ourselves Melodic Death metal."

6. What is the most disrespectful thing you've encountered at a show?
        A: "Probably having a guarantee and not getting paid."

7. How long have you been playing shows?
        A: "About 5 years."

8. What area is your band based?
        A: "Central Brevard County."

9. Have you seen any significant changes in the turn out of shows since you've begun playing shows?

        A: "O ya the more and more we play we grow a stronger fan base in each town. It's hard but it gets better as we go."

-Morgan Soltes-

(Vocals & guitarist of  "The Mother Machine")

https://www.facebook.com/themothermachine

1. What is your favorite venue to play?

        A: “I've always really enjoyed playing at a swanky place in Holiday called Orbit 19. The atmosphere is excellent, and bands are always treated with respect and an awesome time."

2 .What is your least favorite thing about a show?

        A: “Loading gear. We've got a lot of heavy stuff to lug around."

3. What is your favorite thing about a show?

      A: “Most definitely performing. Everything to do with a show really revolves around the performance. You just sink into a certain mindset when you are playing with other musicians you connect really well with, and there is a reciprocal energy from the crowd."

4. Do you feel you receive the same amount of respect from bands that you've never played with?

        A: “It's hit or miss really. You run in to some folks who have their noses stuck high until they hear you play. Personally, I think just being able to get up on stage and playing music that you made for an audience is grounds enough for respect."

5. What genre is your music?

        A: “We often describe our music as Psychedelic Doom Pop, but really we dip our toes into a little bit of everything."

6. What is the most disrespectful thing you've encountered at a show?

        A: “The fact that you still hear some lame dude shout out "Freebird" at shows. It doesn't always happen, but it happens enough. I have a theory that it's always the same guy just traveling around being a jackass from show to show."

7. How long have you been playing shows?

        A: “I've been playing shows in bands since I was 14, and have played in a nice handful of bands."

8. What area is your band based?

        A: “Well currently we have 2/3 of the band in New Port Richey, and our bassist Joe Egan lives in Orlando. Nice little long distance relationship."

9. Have you seen any significant changes in the turn out of shows since you've begun playing shows?

         A: “Every show is hit or miss. In Florida, there is a really booming music scene, and with that typically comes several different options for shows in on any given night. However, in general we have seen a growing number of people supporting what we do."

-Taylor Haplin-

(Bassist of "Wirethrone",Vocalist & guitarist of "Schuldig")

https://www.facebook.com/wirethroneband

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sch%C3%BCldig/187148354690638?ref=ts

1. What is your favorite venue to play?

         A: "State Theater by far!"

2. What is your least favorite thing about a show?

         A: "Musical elitist that gets soooo old."

3. What is your favorite thing about a show?

        A: "As dumb as this sounds just watching the band, I like watching people go nuts on stage."

4. Do you feel you receive the same amount of respect from bands that you've never played with?

        A: "I'd like to think so I personally respect anyone playing music so I try to watch who I can."

5. What genre is your music?

        A:Well Wirethrone is Melodic Death Metal Whereas Schuldig is Blackened Death Metal."

6. What is the most disrespectful thing you've encountered at a show?

        A: "When people go out of their way to talk shit or hate on a touring band."

7. How long have you been playing shows

        A: "Since I was 13"(currently 18)

8.What area is your band based?
        A: "Central FL."

9. Have you seen any significant changes in the turn out of shows since you've begun playing shows?

        A: "Such as the major support has shifted soooo much. I've seen bands come and go. I've seen people changed, Its so hard to put into words."

*MY PERSONAL OPINION*

I completely understand that socializing is a large part of what takes place at these events, but dude don't we all gather for the same reason? That reason being the love of music? I personally don't play an instrument, and I'm not in a band ( Growls at cats.....inside joke. ) but I would have been pissed and a bit hurt at the sheer lack of support. I can honestly say I was pretty much ashamed of each and everyone of the people that were standing outside during other bands sets. Some of the very guys that were being wankers outside will read this. When on the Book of Faces EVERYONE pushes & pimps out the shows, I see bands tag each other all the time, but as soon as its show day everyone acts as though the simple act of sitting through a bands set is asking entirely too much. You have to step it up ass clowns!! You're saying one thing and doing the complete opposite!! You don't have to mosh, you don't even have to head bang........... just be there, clap when the song is through, and tell the band they played a great set even if they sucked. Push the positive motivation! <<<<THIS, this is showing support.

-Madalena Hutton