So many UK bands? curious

Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:26 pm

Hi all, was noticing that there seemed to be a disproportionate number of UK bands that I like on the site in the rock genres. I was wondering if someone could explain what's going on over there that brings out such good music vs. what I perceive in the states?

- Are more people in bands?
- More venues?
- is it a more "worthy" pursuit than perhaps in the states?
- am I completely wrong in my premise?
- other things?

It just seems to me there's alot of well developed music coming out the UK, and just from a general sampling I don't see that much "interesting" stuff coming out of the states - at least in the proportions I would expect.

Part of me understands that the U.S. is alot about work/career and encourages those pursuits over all others, and further downplays the arts and music; but I'm wondering if there's something else encouraging things in the UK?

curious, smili

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 1:50 am

I live in a small town...a very small town....avery, very small...you get the picture Laughing

There are roughly about 12 bands from St. Annes alone and about eight solo acts. Music in the UK is important too us. It stops the youth going crazy, and parents always say....Why don't you start a band to keep their kids off the street, away from drugs and other forms of abuse.
I'd say about 70% of the town owns a musical instrument.....40% actually attempt some serious work with the instruments. If you took this stat and applied it to the whole country I think you'll see why there are so many bands.
Considering the UK would fit in the East Coast of the US quite comfortably, you're looking at the 87% of the east coast either working full time in a band or part time. Shocked

I wouldn't say there are more venues, infact, unlike the States, there's less venues for solo acts, but for a small fee, we can apply for a Buskers Licence and perform in the streets. I know of a couple of guys who sell their albums this way, donating some of the money to charity to keep if legit.
Jobs are scarce here, at times very scarce. We're a country with it's nose in the air and it's arse seriously scraping the ground. More people live in homes supplied by local councils than buy them. So music in some places is the only source of income.

So you see Shane, at times in the UK music isn't a choice, but the only option, and it's recognised and respected as a serious career because of that.

Hope this helps Wink

ubw rookie Joined: Jun 27, 2004 Posts: 108

That is an interesting question. I hate to speak for my fellow countrymen, so I don't really have an answer.

One thing I can say is that in my circle of friends there seems to be a lot of polarity in terms of "professional" and "unsigned" artists. I don't know of too many who are into both. The music fans I know listen exclusively to the artists whose major league albums are in wide release, or they only listen to indie artists.

For example, I'm a big fan of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and have scores of friends I've met at a variety of fan sites, and I can't drag them into the world of independent music. Even though it's been well over two years since the last Heartbreaker album.

And I know a lot of musicians who haven't bought a CD in years. All they listen to are the online indies.

I know this doesn't answer your question, and I don't mean to side-track the focus of your thread from a discussion of UK/American bands to a discussion of major league/indie artists. But I thought I'd put my two cent's worth in anyway....

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 3:27 pm

It's all based on what you prefer. I, myself, belive there are many good new bands coming from the states.

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 10:49 pm

Interesting Brooksy, didn't realize the economy was in such bad shape over there. Sounds like lack of jobs/opportunity as a catalyst?

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 10:53 pm

Lazlow - I've noticed the same thing also. Very difficult to get alot of folks interested in unsigned acts. I do think the eyes will open in the near future as people begin to realize alternatives to the radio acts exist. My wife regularly now hears stuff i play on the site here and likes it - says she thought she heard this or that song on the radio...

I gotta admit I've stopped listening to anything except unsigned stuff now myself.

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 11:26 pm

unfortunately, most people here in the US think that what they hear on top 40 stations (and only that) IS the music industry. Evil or Very Mad

they have no idea what is going on around them in local clubs or on the web. thankfully new york (like the UK) is hip enough to have broader tastes in music and life in general, so you can get some attention without being a sold out watered down pop star

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 11:33 pm

Neeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwww Yorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrk Wink

I just notived you joined on my birthday, dj. Double prezzies all round this year Wink

Guest

hey Im in the UK, Scotland, and have a few of our songs on this site (TFP). I think the main reason there are a lot of promising bands from the UK, is the work rate. Ithink its more difficult, and requires a lot more effort too be a succesful UK band, than a successful US band, the songs we have on this arent great, but we are doing them again, we are also scheduled too play alongside "Snow Patrol, and Belle and Sebastien", just wanna say also, that what ur doing on this web site is great, gives young bands pride and hope, thank you.

Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:42 am

It's what the bands do that makes this place what it is. Willing to share experiences and hints and tips, like you've just done.

Brooksy
Tea-Boy and sandwhich maker

Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:01 pm

Oct 10 is your birthday ? I ll have a glass of wine tonight to start the celebration ! drink

So many UK bands? curious

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