Live Prog Bands vs Studio Only Prog Projekts

I certainly don't know the facts, but it seems like finding quality live prog on a local level is getting harder and harder to find.  Even with the internet, it's challenging.  Of course there are touring bands, and a few dinosaurs still walking around, but I don't see clubs booking prog acts as much as they did. 

I might guess that on a studio level, there are more prog releases and bands than ever before.
Quite an abundance.

Do you think prog musicians have been pushed underground and into their bedroom studios to some degree due to the lack of support out in the real world?

Artists need to do their craft.  But wouldn't most every closet or bedroom prog artist prefer to engage a live audience if they had a proper supporting cast?... and of course an enthusiastic fan base?

Clearly live music in general across the boards is up against the onslaught of techno, hip hop, DJ's etc that are mesmerizing the bulk of the music listening population.  Jam bands seem to be dying out slowly also as the folk who prefer music to simply dance to are likely spending more time over at the electronica festivals.

I suppose I am still a bit puzzled by the fact that even though prog musicians certainly display the highest level of musicianship within the "rock" genre, it seems to not be of much interest to the general music listening public at large.

Thoughts?

Older acts like those mentioned above are always easier to find but if you want to go and watch a newer artist then it could be problematic.

Edited by richardh - January 23 2015 at 01:27

I once walked into a bar and there was a RUSH cover band that was absolutely amazing.  Taurus pedals, the whole thing.  40 piece Red sparkle drum kit.  I would see prog bands playing in backyard parties, bars, just all over.  If I was in a music store, there would be someone in there playing a Rickenbacker, and he was in a band telling you about a gig coming up.  What I am saying is that on a local level, seems a lot less.  Sure you can go into the big cities and find stuff.  But local stuff.. not as much.

Well, let's see,

I'm down in Berkeley this weekend, and on the big prog site down here there is not one single prog act happening on the calendar in the entire Bay Area (nearly 8 million people).  No national acts or local stuff.  So in one of the great historic music hubs of the last 100 years, nada. 

It's not like I'm living in Boontown Iowa.

Either club owners are not booking it, LIVE bands are drying up, or there is a simple lack of interest in the eyes of the general listening public which would account for both.

However, the amount of Prog album releases has probably never been stronger.

Why is there not an equal abundance of live prog available when so many artists are enjoying being prolific in the studio?

Do artists not want to perform live?  Or is it just too difficult to find band members to work hard, learn complex material then try to get booked to play live to a disinterested audience?

Not trying to be discouraging in anyway, just hoping some here might have some insight or ideas on how to improve the situation.


Edited by Skullhead - January 23 2015 at 11:08

Davesax1965 wrote: Well, the simple question is $$$$$. How much does it cost to tour ? - when no one actually pays for your music ? Or you can't get a market and therefore can guarantee to fill a Greyhound bus, let alone a gig ?  More and more people just listen to streaming music or YouTube and seem to have less interest in following bands properly and attending gigs. The world has changed.

Sure, I get the touring thing.  It's expensive.  But what about local bands who don't have to tour?
Why is there not a grass roots thing happening at local levels?  200 people in a backyard? 

The World has Changed.
What do you think has changed so much that prog live has been so pushed aside that so few will book it?

There are tons of live music acts playing tonight all over the SF Bay area.  But no prog.

As another reply: Skullhead, if you look at another post of mine (Liquid Light Show Reborn) I'm thinking of putting together a complete light show - one hour of trippy graphics - with a backing soundtrack - which a live band can use to play over. 

Edited by Davesax1965 - January 23 2015 at 11:21

If you want to perform prog live, it seems, you'll need an audience.

Nogbad_The_Bad wrote: I'm living in Boston and go to see around 10 gigs a year of smaller prog bands playing in clubs. The scene here is a hell of a lot better than when I was living in Cinci. I can similarly see indie, rock & jazz. Live music is alive and well people, get out there.

I agree, live music is alive and well, but seems to be fading every year in the prog genre.
No doubt that the prog scene is much stronger on the East Coast than the West Coast in North America.  Seems always better in Europe.  Everyone I know that has been over there confirms.

SF used to have one of the best prog scenes years ago.  Better than LA, Portland, Seattle or in Vancouver. 

In the Nor Cal area, Burning Man and the electronica scene is just huge and probably taking a lot of the energy away from other experimental genres.

Nogbad_The_Bad wrote: I'm living in Boston and go to see around 10 gigs a year of smaller prog bands playing in clubs. The scene here is a hell of a lot better than when I was living in Cinci. I can similarly see indie, rock & jazz. Live music is alive and well people, get out there.

This. Great music (with very rare exceptions) is way better experienced live, and prog is no exception. However, it is up to us to make sure that the live scene doesn't die. If people need to have "big-name" artists in order to attend a concert or a festival, then the scene is doomed for sure. NEARFest 2011 was sabotaged by this attitude, as well as the fear of stepping out of one's comfort zone and trying something unfamiliar.

RockHound wrote: The concerts I have gone to in recent years have all been legacy bands (Yes, Steely Dan, Rush, etc.). Living in the southern US, I have virtually no live access to newer prog bands. The likes of Spock's Beard, Flower Kings, Porcupine Tree, Big Big Train, and innumerable other '90s and 00's bands I would pay good money to see just don't tour in this area (only a few people in my area have a clue who these bands are - including old prog heads who just can't get past the '70s). Were it not for DVDs, I would have no idea what these bands are like on stage. There was a Doonesbury comic where one of the young'uns proclaimed that they wanted to be in a legacy band - so they could skip the whole "making it" thing. Indeed, the dinosaurs can still fill a large venue, whereas young bands with chops can't get the time of day. The music industry has become a very sad place, especially considering just how much first-rate musical talent is out there.

Where in the southern US do you live? Have you ever considered attending ProgDay on Labor Day weekend, in Chapel Hill (NC)? We have been going every year since 2010, and wouldn't miss it for anything in the world. Great vibe, great crowd, and always a first-rate offer of exciting modern bands.