Cover bands (whats the story, morning glory?)

**Papa Smut** · 06-09-2009, 17:23

Started from another thread, why do cover bands play the same tunes as each other? I have a music collection that is pretty vast, so why do I only ever hear the songs that FM104 or 98Fm or (insert bland radio station here) play?

Why not go off the beaten track a little?

You can play some hits, but to litter your set with "no filler" seems a little, odd I guess, people want to go out and have a smoke, go to the bar etc.

Anyway, I'm no expert on cover bands, I think I have played maybe 5 cover versions in my life, I just want to get the ball rolling on what could be a good discussion.

Papa

tubedude · 06-09-2009, 19:30

Alot of cover bands approach the band and music from a business perspective, and are less interested in being creatively interesting, or "going off the beaten track", because it's risky business(gig getting ability) wise. Most cover bands research other succesfull bands and usually more or less copy the setlist because it's a proven formula, and you can guarantee you will get gigs that way. Played in a couple cover bands myself. I know it sounds kinda ****ty. That music is usually what people want to hear!

yoursaviour1989 · 06-09-2009, 19:53

To get gigs, coz gigs = €!!!!! The crowd in 99% of the pubs around this country are all into/know similar music or songs, which are generally more popular and widely played. This is the kinda stuff they want to hear. If a cover band starts playing obscure music or indulging their own personal tastes, which don't appeal to the crowd then they won't get a gig in that pub/club again. I'm in a covers band and we do a standard enough set list of crowd pleasers and try do a few popular songs that aren't often played by cover bands but I don't personally enjoy listening to some of the songs (I've grown to detest Kings of Leon because of the stuff we play).

@ tubedude, I wouldn't say they copy each others set list, it's the fact they have to supply what the public demand.

lmahoney79 · 06-09-2009, 20:07

i play in a covers band and we do play some crowd pleaser's that we now everyone will know because being a covers band you just have to. But we are also a covers band that dont play all the usual covers and we play them all our own way. So not all cover bands are generic ****e and boring with no imagination. Plus to play a cover and get it right so you dont get booed you need to be fairly good.

Colinboy · 07-09-2009, 12:26

im currently setting up a coversband and we are trying to keep it a bit fresh by trying to play songs that the other usual coverbands play.
For example when i mention the most popular GNR song that all bands try to cover you would guess 'Sweet child of mine' but we are trying our hand at 'Dont cry' or maybe try november rain as we have avery good keys player on board with us.
That angle we are trying to go from.

JimiTime · 07-09-2009, 13:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by lmahoney79

Plus to play a cover and get it right so you dont get booed you need to be fairly good.

I must say I disagree here. I have heard many, many cover bands absolutely butcher songs and the audience still lap it up.

Also, with regards to everyone playing the same oul shite, I think this is more to do with the bar owners than the audiences. Also the standard of cover bands adds to it too. We play none of the 'hits' mentioned on that other thread, yet always go down well. 'Getting' the gig in the first place can be a struggle though, as the bar manager thinks he has an idea what his audience will want. Usually when they give us a chance though, they get us back. As long as its not too self indulgent and obscure, and providing the band are good (especially the vocal. One of the biggest let downs in alot of bands), most audiences there for live music will like it.

My two cent.

Bren73 · 11-10-2009, 16:51

Take it from an extremely mediocre acoustic guitarist/singer.

The real trick to playing covers is:

Find a song that most people know, BUT HAVE FORGOTTEN THAT THEY KNOW.

The sort of song that makes your average punter go "Oh yeah......I haven't heard that in AGES....."

So, Acoustic versions of songs like: Tanita Tikarum "A good tradition", Culture Club's "Karma Chamelon", U2's "Stuck in a Moment", and so on.

Then try and include some TV Show themes. Stay with me here. The "themes" I'm talking about are FULL songs which only have a TINY SNIPPET played over the Credits.

Classic example: "I'm No Superman" (TV Medical Comedy "Scrubs")) - It's actually a grand old tune, and no-one will mind hearing it - but they won't recognise ANY of it until the Chorus so - again - it's a nice surprise.

For Acoustic Covers you could do worse than work with the watchwords "Nice Surprise".

Thanks indeed,

Bren

dazco · 12-10-2009, 22:26

I play in an indie/alternative band, and if we play a gig there are very few people who know more than 1 or 2 songs that we played. We play bands that most would know but pick our favourite songs by them, not the ones that everyone else knows. Some of the songs we play haven't even been released....
...... I hate the way cover bands seam to only do songs that were singles. I was at a gig in my town last year where all the bands from around did short sets. The same Kings of Leon song was played 4 times, swear to god..... I just think if you're in a band, play songs that you enjoy not just "crowd pleasers"

frankcarty · 13-10-2009, 10:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colinboy

im currently setting up a coversband and we are trying to keep it a bit fresh by trying to play songs that the other usual coverbands play.
For example when i mention the most popular GNR song that all bands try to cover you would guess 'Sweet child of mine' but we are trying our hand at 'Dont cry' or maybe try november rain as we have avery good keys player on board with us.
That angle we are trying to go from.

When my band started we tried to do the same thing, but then people were saying "Why dont ye do this song by that band, its much better" what they meant was play the big single we know. In the end we gave in, and im happy we did, we have a good few dates in the diary, getting some cash as well. But out of the 40ish songs on the setlist, id only listen to less than 10 of them myself.

frankcarty · 13-10-2009, 10:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by dazco

The same Kings of Leon song was played 4 times, swear to god.....

Ha! we have been in the same situation when we started out, one gig i think paranoid and time is running out was played 3 times

Quote:

Originally Posted by dazco

I just think if you're in a band, play songs that you enjoy not just "crowd pleasers"

Id love to just do songs i like playing, and if you play just for the fun of it thats ok. But if you want to try and make a bit of money, you have to "sell out". That being said, having 100+ people singing along to what you are playing is fun until the novelty wears off

also, loads of drunk teens thinking you are the next hendrix as you are able to play sex on fire!

However, taking a "Pop" song and making it your own is fun, we do pokerface, but we do it a bit differently than everyone else, and we do "Keep on movin'" by Five, we always turn a few heads with that one!!

stevood · 13-10-2009, 18:29

I agree with some of the points but i think you have to play to the crowd at the end of the day. If you have enough songs on your setlist you can switch around so your happy and they're happy.

I've been playing some cover songs which are slightly off the beaten track but seeing a crowd slowly drift off back to conversation knocks the confidence a little. That said the same song can be brilliant with a different audience.

Build your setlist and play the crowd as they come. Try and feel them out during the gig. Have your bankers as back up to win them back if its going a bit pear shaped!!

dazco · 13-10-2009, 22:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankcarty

also, loads of drunk teens thinking you are the next hendrix as you are able to play sex on fire!

Yeah but its not quite as cool when they think 4 other guys are the next hendrix too because they all played sex on fire.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankcarty

However, taking a "Pop" song and making it your own is fun, we do pokerface, but we do it a bit differently than everyone else, and we do "Keep on movin'" by Five, we always turn a few heads with that one!!

Also no offense but i think the whole rock versions of pops songs is overdone too.........

You're not going to gain a fanbase by playing covers anyway, people only become actual fans if they listen to your original stuff.......
So i don't see the point in selling out and playing the songs that music producers pick for people listen to. I suppose for money but that just makes you a sellout and loses you all my respect

lmahoney79 · 14-10-2009, 09:19

good job im not looking for your respect then isnt it.........i dont understand why people debate your choice to be or not to be in a covers band....its for some people, its not for others....simple. If we want to play in a covers band, make a bit of money and have the craic without getting too serious about wanting to break into the Irish music scene, then so be it!! jeez. People who say oh i have lost all respect and i wouldnt lower myself blah blah blah to playing in cover bands, is just aload of twoodle!! Just let us be :-)

frankcarty · 14-10-2009, 15:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by dazco

So i don't see the point in selling out and playing the songs that music producers pick for people listen to. I suppose for money but that just makes you a sellout and loses you all my respect

Well Im not going to say im not a sell out, cos a am! Out of our setlist, the only songs i really look forward to playing are thunderstruck, Pokerface, the boys are back in town and maby killing in the name (but ive played that so much at this stage the song has lost all meaning). If playing songs i dont like will pay enough for me to keep buying new guitars/amps/gear i dont need, then im happy

dermo909 · 15-10-2009, 09:25

when you play enough gigs as a covers act you get to know what people like. It depends on the venues you play though. In a city venue alot of people think they are too cool for school and dont appreciate the same songs as a crowd in a country town would. Waterford suffers from this alot with the covers bands that do well being a little off centre with their song selections.
I'd much rather play a gig at a country pub where people will clap and cheer when a song is over.
Us musicians all have egos and we all like it when people are dancing on chairs/tables and singing along. The fact that we have to play killers/kings of leon/snow patrol does'nt bother me. We're being paid to entertain and those songs are required to do that at the venues I play at.

06-09-2009, 17:23	#1
Papa Smut Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Dub'in Posts: 3,529 Adverts \| Friends Mod: Bands & Musicians, Puzzles & Quizzes, Stand-Up Comedy	Cover bands (whats the story, morning glory?) Started from another thread, why do cover bands play the same tunes as each other? I have a music collection that is pretty vast, so why do I only ever hear the songs that FM104 or 98Fm or (insert bland radio station here) play? Why not go off the beaten track a little? You can play some hits, but to litter your set with "no filler" seems a little, odd I guess, people want to go out and have a smoke, go to the bar etc. Anyway, I'm no expert on cover bands, I think I have played maybe 5 cover versions in my life, I just want to get the ball rolling on what could be a good discussion. Papa __________________ No Drama

11-10-2009, 16:51	#7
Bren73 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Swords Posts: 9 Adverts \| Friends	The Trick to playing Covers Take it from an extremely mediocre acoustic guitarist/singer. The real trick to playing covers is: Find a song that most people know, BUT HAVE FORGOTTEN THAT THEY KNOW. The sort of song that makes your average punter go "Oh yeah......I haven't heard that in AGES....." So, Acoustic versions of songs like: Tanita Tikarum "A good tradition", Culture Club's "Karma Chamelon", U2's "Stuck in a Moment", and so on. Then try and include some TV Show themes. Stay with me here. The "themes" I'm talking about are FULL songs which only have a TINY SNIPPET played over the Credits. Classic example: "I'm No Superman" (TV Medical Comedy "Scrubs")) - It's actually a grand old tune, and no-one will mind hearing it - but they won't recognise ANY of it until the Chorus so - again - it's a nice surprise. For Acoustic Covers you could do worse than work with the watchwords "Nice Surprise". Thanks indeed, Bren

12-10-2009, 22:26	#8
dazco Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 23 Adverts \| Friends	Not me..... I play in an indie/alternative band, and if we play a gig there are very few people who know more than 1 or 2 songs that we played. We play bands that most would know but pick our favourite songs by them, not the ones that everyone else knows. Some of the songs we play haven't even been released.... ...... I hate the way cover bands seam to only do songs that were singles. I was at a gig in my town last year where all the bands from around did short sets. The same Kings of Leon song was played 4 times, swear to god..... I just think if you're in a band, play songs that you enjoy not just "crowd pleasers"

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06-09-2009, 19:30	#2
tubedude Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Dublin Posts: 226 Adverts \| Friends	Alot of cover bands approach the band and music from a business perspective, and are less interested in being creatively interesting, or "going off the beaten track", because it's risky business(gig getting ability) wise. Most cover bands research other succesfull bands and usually more or less copy the setlist because it's a proven formula, and you can guarantee you will get gigs that way. Played in a couple cover bands myself. I know it sounds kinda ****ty. That music is usually what people want to hear!

06-09-2009, 19:53	#3
yoursaviour1989 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 84 Adverts \| Friends	To get gigs, coz gigs = €!!!!! The crowd in 99% of the pubs around this country are all into/know similar music or songs, which are generally more popular and widely played. This is the kinda stuff they want to hear. If a cover band starts playing obscure music or indulging their own personal tastes, which don't appeal to the crowd then they won't get a gig in that pub/club again. I'm in a covers band and we do a standard enough set list of crowd pleasers and try do a few popular songs that aren't often played by cover bands but I don't personally enjoy listening to some of the songs (I've grown to detest Kings of Leon because of the stuff we play). @ tubedude, I wouldn't say they copy each others set list, it's the fact they have to supply what the public demand.

06-09-2009, 20:07	#4
lmahoney79 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 233 Adverts \| Friends	i play in a covers band and we do play some crowd pleaser's that we now everyone will know because being a covers band you just have to. But we are also a covers band that dont play all the usual covers and we play them all our own way. So not all cover bands are generic ****e and boring with no imagination. Plus to play a cover and get it right so you dont get booed you need to be fairly good.

07-09-2009, 12:26	#5
Colinboy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Corkcity,Ireland Posts: 324 Adverts \| Friends	im currently setting up a coversband and we are trying to keep it a bit fresh by trying to play songs that the other usual coverbands play. For example when i mention the most popular GNR song that all bands try to cover you would guess 'Sweet child of mine' but we are trying our hand at 'Dont cry' or maybe try november rain as we have avery good keys player on board with us. That angle we are trying to go from.

13-10-2009, 18:29	#11
stevood Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 120 Adverts \| Friends	I agree with some of the points but i think you have to play to the crowd at the end of the day. If you have enough songs on your setlist you can switch around so your happy and they're happy. I've been playing some cover songs which are slightly off the beaten track but seeing a crowd slowly drift off back to conversation knocks the confidence a little. That said the same song can be brilliant with a different audience. Build your setlist and play the crowd as they come. Try and feel them out during the gig. Have your bankers as back up to win them back if its going a bit pear shaped!!

14-10-2009, 09:19	#13
lmahoney79 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 233 Adverts \| Friends	good job im not looking for your respect then isnt it.........i dont understand why people debate your choice to be or not to be in a covers band....its for some people, its not for others....simple. If we want to play in a covers band, make a bit of money and have the craic without getting too serious about wanting to break into the Irish music scene, then so be it!! jeez. People who say oh i have lost all respect and i wouldnt lower myself blah blah blah to playing in cover bands, is just aload of twoodle!! Just let us be :-)

15-10-2009, 09:25	#15
dermo909 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 55 Adverts \| Friends	when you play enough gigs as a covers act you get to know what people like. It depends on the venues you play though. In a city venue alot of people think they are too cool for school and dont appreciate the same songs as a crowd in a country town would. Waterford suffers from this alot with the covers bands that do well being a little off centre with their song selections. I'd much rather play a gig at a country pub where people will clap and cheer when a song is over. Us musicians all have egos and we all like it when people are dancing on chairs/tables and singing along. The fact that we have to play killers/kings of leon/snow patrol does'nt bother me. We're being paid to entertain and those songs are required to do that at the venues I play at.