Ask Doktor Dave

October 2008

Before we get to this month’s questions, I’d like to ask a favor of you – if you’re reading this, PLEASE tell me. Leave a comment at the bottom of this page…you don’t have to write anything, maybe just say “hi”. It’s difficult to figure out if any *real* people are reading, so I ask you directly. Please take 2 seconds to leave a comment. Thank you very much, in advance. [SMILE]   Now, on to the Q&A!

Bx Asks: I wonder how artists get to play events like The Adams Avenue Street Fair. Hm..?

Doktor Dave Answers: Just walk around with your guitar, problem solved. JUST KIDDING!!

1. Find someone you know that’s playing or otherwise involved in the event and ask them to hook you up.

2. If you can’t find anyone…visit the website for the event (Google search for the location and event name – San Diego Adams Ave Street Fair). There will likely be contact information and/or an application online.

If you’re going to do it, do it now for next year. Medium to large events are planned a year in advance. The sooner you sign-up, the better your chances. Even if you don’t get the gig, you’ll find out quicker and can make other plans.

As far as Adams Ave Street Fair is concerned…LeStat’s always hosts a number of acts. Just be nice and polite to Louie, who knows? If you’re looking to play the outside stages (more exposure), you’ll have to know the right people or people that can introduce you to the right people. NOTE: The number of local acts on the outside stages has been declining in recent years, so I expect you would have to be pretty darn good (not to mention, POPULAR) to get on an outside stage.

When trying to get ANY gigs – lots of people will offer to put in a good word for you, but don’t rely on it. Always follow up. It’s just like going up for a “real” job, you have to make sure they know you *want* it. And remember – as cooperative, supportive, and downright AWESOME our music community is…when it comes to good/high profile/paying gigs, you are still competition. It’s not personal, it’s just business.

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AP Asks: I notice that some venues do not allow bands to play cover songs while other venues either don’t care or actually require it.  What’s up with that?

NOTE: I have to preface my answer with a reminder that ALL my answers, while informed to varying extents, are not intended to be taken as fact or legally accurate. They are essentially opinions.

Doktor Dave Answers: Generally speaking, in order for anyone to legally perform copyrighted music that is not their own, the rights to do so must be retained. Permission from the copyright holder has to be obtained.

If you had to go through that process every time you wanted to play a cover song, you just wouldn’t do it. On the other hand, it’s impossible to police every instance of cover songs being played. So entities like ASCAP and BMI sell licenses to venues, allowing them to legally have cover music played in their establishment.

However, these licenses, along with other permits and fees required to do business, can be VERY expensive. Some establishments choose not to get the licenses and/or permits, and may not allow cover music or ANY music at all. Other establishments may choose to not get the licenses and/or permits and gamble on not getting caught. If caught, fines can be substantial.

So, as far as the band or artist that does an occasional cover tune…it’s up to the venue to allow it or not. The venue would be responsible for obtaining necessary licenses and/or permits to allow music, and specifically cover music to be performed in their establishment.

But what about “tribute” bands or bands that do *only* covers? I imagine it’s still up to the venue. The exception would be when a band gains a high profile and popularity.

If a band gets well-known, gains a sizeable following and starts making a good deal of money from playing someone else’s songs (especially tribute bands), I expect it would be good business, and common sense for the band to cut their own licensing deal.

Many venues, especially bars, require only covers be played. This is because they believe their customers want only music they recognize…whether it’s oldies, classic rock, pop, country or techno.

Personally, I think this attitude underestimates the customer as well as the quality, diversity and value of original music from their own community. But that’s just me…

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Ok. I’m done. Keep sending in questions, leave comments…feed my ego, will’ya?!?

Oh wait…I recorded a track awhile back, for Laura Kuebel’s new CD – Along For The Ride. The CD was recently reviewed by Jim Trageser for The North County Times. Mr. Trageser has been listening to and reviewing local music for quite awhile and is highly regarded. A lot of people value his opinions.

So I was very happy to find out he considers Along For The Ride to be “one of the most promising local CDs of 2008”. Even more cool, he mentioned all the musicians (including me) in his review.

WOO-HOO!!! I got my name in the paper! A rare occurrence for a side guy like me… without law enforcement being involved. [GRIN]

Ok. NOW I’m done. But still feed my ego. Never stop that.

Hasta la Vista, bay BEES!

>Doktor Dave<