Classic Rock Presents Prog & others

Windhawk wrote: Svetonio wrote: chopper wrote: Svetonio wrote:  Although, I agree with Kati and the others who already are stated that in the magazine should be more articles about the new bands from underground prog scene (imo, if we say *underground*, it would not include these "new" bands who are already in business for decade or more as the bands who are signed for the reputable records companies as well) with some great pics of them - why not (sometime) on the cover page too; at least, that underground prog scene now is more interesting than that already mentioned prog "mainstream" made by "new" bands. Someone said earlier that Prog has to have famous bands on the cover otherwise they don't sell. (...) Yea someone said that and I'm just curious how many times they put a cover pic of virtually unknow but a band / solo artist with a great debut album (or great first two albums)? Btw, I did not say that they should to put an unknow band at the cover every month; just sometimes. As a business owner: Would you take a chance that had the potential of ruining your business if you took it on when you knew that not implementing said idea would be the secure option bringing the income needed? Many magazines have tried doing stuff like that before, none of them have succeeded as far as I know. Implementing ideas that have failed miserably before is, generally speaking, not regarded as wise nor sound business decisions.

chopper wrote: Svetonio wrote: I'm just curious how many times they put a cover pic of virtually unknow but a band / solo artist with a great debut album (or great first two albums)? Probably never, for the reason already stated.

But how then did they know that a young band on the cover page would not have sold that issue of Prog zine?
Some guy who nicely drawn curves told them? lol.

After all, how ever a young band that has a magnificent debut album, or both two first albums are fantastic, to become "famous" if, among other things, that band never will get a chance to appear on the front page of a prog magazine 'cause some "creative" director is to keep the cover page for the prog legends and prog "mainstream" only?

Edited by Svetonio - April 21 2015 at 10:53

But Prog magazine DOES make money and it DOES promote new bands - just not on the front cover.  If the magazine was as uncompromising as some contributors argue it should be, then its circulation would dwindle. This would reduce advertising revenue and the magazine would quickly cease to exist.  I think that it is fantastic that there is widely circulated magazine dedicated to prog rock, that you can pick up from your local supermarket.  I think that the quality of the magazine has improved a lot over the last couple of years.  Initially I felt that the reviews in particular were far too uncritical, giving a rather cheesy fanzine style.  But, this has improved considerably as has the quality of the articles, which are often incisive and informed.  I know £7.99 is a lot to pay for a music magazine but I will continue to get it every month and I will continue to read it cover-to-cover.

Indeed
As I said already, people are interested in what they already know. PROG mag is a business, so supply mostly that. They are doing exactly the right thing. I bought Classic Rock mag for a year many years ago, then stopped because I found hardly anything in there that was not the same old thing over and over again. I am in a minority. All businesses end up supplying stuff which is uninteresting to me.
So that brings me back to my original point. Don't blame the businesses, blame the customers.

Svetonio wrote: odinalcatraz wrote: (...) Don't blame the businesses, blame the customers. Perhaps the post-industrial era is also post-intellectual? I know this may sounds too harsh, but what else to think when you imagine a guy who when sees an attractive photo of a new band on the front page of prog zine, says something like, "WTF?! no legends on the cover this month?! I will not buy this issue!" And maybe he even sent a protest note to the editor

Edited by Dean - April 22 2015 at 01:50

Kati wrote: (...)   P.S. Famous bands on the cover of the mag makes perfect sense, I am not contesting this at all.

I agree with you Kati but, imho, sometimes (just sometimes, one-two times per year) they have to put on the cover page the pic of vitually unknow band from that very interesting prog underground, and yet it would be a young and attractive band for young crowd; a young band who released a debut prog masterpiece, or, much better, the first two albums that are masterpieces which are already accepted by that band's "underground" fan base what is supposed that band already have as they did tours as well and so on. If zine promote ( sometimes ) a new band on the cover page, it absolutely can't be a bad thing for zine nor for the business; actualy, it can bring the new customers of zines among the younger audience, and more money; however, someone there must know how to do it. I know that is something much harder to make a story of a young band than a story of a legendary band from 70s what almost any amateur prog reviewer can do easily, but it's not impossible - if  the writer knows to make a story; well, I undestand very well that perhaps the zine does not employ enough of talented journalists who can do it, or just they did not have the opportunity to learn how to do it and it could be so many reasons for that, as for example there's no time to learn it at these short summer courses of writing, marketing, and so on.

Edited by Svetonio - April 24 2015 at 01:19

Not read it for ages, but getting this month's as there is positive review of Deke Leonard's excellent new book Maximum Darkness, completing his autobiographical trilogy. Faboulous wit and racanteur, hilarious books, and of course Deke is half of what I consider to be the finest guitar pairing ever (Jones & Leonard in Man). 

Any business sector in order to have a social impact, they need to sponsor or in this case highlight the none commercial bands, this too will add to their likability plus credibility. Common people, seriously really, yes we too all tend to go back to the past and post the 60's and 70's greats this will never change however we are not a business also recently there are so many great deserving bands to be mentioned since then, call me crazy but seriously? Any great happy excited funny reviewer talking about a new band on a mag is infectious, this certainly will and has a major impact on the readers/audience. Enthusiastic writers are key, yes we are interested to hear "new" things about the greats but most things about them we know already thus unless it's news right now it is meh bah. I need spice in my life, not just the common pepper and salt so to speak     

Guldbamsen wrote: Wow...you're so incredibly rude Svetonio Olav has done more for new bands than almost any other member on here.  And as for your snide comment on PA; how many of these new young bands are actually talked about let alone listened to - even when they have several ongoing threads about them running? People see these threads pop up on a daily basis and still nothing happens....and this is a prog rock forum. If anything, this should be the place you'd expect to see some action. Yet what's happened in recent years is that everybody with even the smallest of musical projects wants you to check out "their stuff". We get offers to listen to new music from new bands all the time. There is certainly interesting music out there, don't get me wrong, but when you've been let down on a number of occasions your interest quickly wanes - I know mine did.