Aberdeen Journals and local music

[Guest Steven Dedalus]

it's becoming clear that there are a few people on here who just don't get it.

No one is suggesting that a wee mention in the P & J or the EE is going to make you and your band 'famous'. But what is being put forward is, as anyone who has lived in another city will attest to, local press cover local music in every other regional newspaper, and there is no real explaination as to why the Aberdonian press don't cover it.

Here in Belfast we have three major local papers - The Belfast Telegraph, the News Letter and the Irish News. All three of them regularly devote attention to local arts and music coverage, and as a result, the arts and music scene here is thriving. I'm not saying it's only because of the local press coverage, but it is definately a large part of it. We like to celebrate talent over here, and people get behind it pretty quickly. Yes there's loads of back-biting and bitching, but that happens everywhere. the difference between Belfast and Aberdeen in this issue is that we are proud of our talent, whereas Aberdeen is seemingly ashamed of it (or at the very least completely ignorant).

It's not uncommon for one of the local papers to run a feature on a local band, and interview or whatever, and for their next gig to be attended by a bigger crowd, made up of the faithful die-hards (like myself) but also the genuinely curious, who have read about the band and decided to check them out. This helps create a bit of a buzz about bands (or the arts) and gets peole excited about things.

And I genuinely think that's one of the major reasons bands in Northern Ireland get more national press coverage and success than anyone from Aberdeen. It's not that the bands are better (becuase in my experience, they're generally not), but it's because there's a platform for people to stand up and be counted on.

For example, here's an article which made the NATIONAL NEWS WEBSITE, about tiny wee local bands. Why did it go that far? Becuase we thought it was worthwhile and got behind it.

BBC NEWS | Northern Ireland | NI artists out for global recognition

Now, to put this in context, we have artists like Foy vance and Duke Special who are begining to make waves, and the local media has been behind them from the start. I'm sure Aberdeen has artists who could do this as well, but unitl they have that platform to put themselves on, or they leave the city, I find it highly unlikely they'll ever get the reputation they deserve. And you're left with a situation where you have a city full of disgruntled 'could-have-beens' or bands like Copy haho, who have the balls and the determination to slog it out and make a name for themselves. If there was a local press infastructre backing them up, there's no reason why that couldn't help.

And what about radio support? Why do Aberdonian bands not get played on the radio? Surely bands should be putting themselves forward to get radio play - it's not that hard. BBC Radio Scotland have programmes devoted to Scottish music, and if you are in a band and want to get your music played, just get in touch with the programmes and send them your stuff. It's really that easy.

To an outsider, it appears that this status quo* has gone on so long that people have forgotten that it is easy to get press coverage if you're prepared to work for it. it is sickening to see so many of you going, "Oh, they're never going to do it anyway, and the people who read about it are dicks, so I'd rather be cool and obscure."

It's a defeatest attitude and it help no-one.

I'm also a realist. I've seen Dave Officer busting his balls trying to get something started, and he worked tirelessly to get coverage for bands and it went no-where. So, yes, the Aberdonian media has problems. But get off your areses and do something about it, otherwise music will remain a little hobby for all of you, especially those of you who really want to do it professionally.

An attitude as displayed by Stripey may seem completely negative and counter-productive, but from the outside it looks like he's just saying what a lot of you think.

*first person to make any gag about Status Quo is a dickhead.

[Guest Jake Wifebeater]

I knew I shouldn't have quoted the post! ARRRGGHHH!!!

I'm really, really not having a go at you.

Yer completely right in saying that not everyone wants to be rich/famous/cliched/etc, and you definately don't fall into that category. I've seen Spike Piledriver, and I know that's not what you guys are about.

However, there are bands out there who do want to be rich/famous/cliched/etc, and they tend to have the same opinon of the press and the methods through which one can try and achieve success.

I really am having a go at them, because I'm a bit fed up with people whining that nothing ever happens, or whatever. I did it for years, and then got bored of hearing the sound of my own voice. So I quit music, to all extents and purposes. As peep said, it was always someone else's fault....

Now I'm a professional music slegger*, so all's well that ends well.

*In contrast to my former 'career' as professional music sleg.

Fair do's chimp, but if I get quoted I'm going to nip back...

Your post is pretty much bang on, and with that I take my leave.

[Lemonade]

qft, I don't like this moaning about lack of attention from the local press, it leads me down an avenue of thought which results in the conclusion that these people are only in a band in the first place because they are massive attention-whores.

Anyone who is genuinely outraged at the fact the P&J won't do a column/insert/article about their "act" or their "scene" needs to stop whining and make the scene speak for itself, instead of adopting this pathetic passive attitude like spoilt children who are suddenly discovering that even though their mum will give them a standing ovation, nobody in the real world gives a fuck.

Not often I agree with you, but that was pretty much spot on. 8o

[Inkster]

This has been very interesting, reading some people's points and points of view.

I don't think there's anything wrong with getting your band in the local press and don't see why it should ruin street cred if any cred was there in the first place. Why is this? Cause so and so said it was un-cool to get your bands name and a cheesey promo shot in the local rag? bollocks! If you think that, then don't bother with anything.

As much as the internet and forums such as these are a powerful marketing tool, not everyone has the internet or access to it on a regular basis - or even where to find such things on the internet - hence why promoters and venues still advertise through posters and sending gig listings into magazines and music zines.

If you want to "make it" as most people tend to want when they start in a band, then you've got to put in the hard work, time and effort. You can't rely on rent-a-crowds or canned clapping from your mates, mums, dads and your family pet. You've got to do your part to gain an interest and start getting bigger crowds to your gigs. One way to do this is, is by getting a feature in the local paper. Even if one person comes and checks out your band due to said article then it's worked! Hurrah! The paper has done it's job and got someone interested in what you do.

There is obviously a market for people to read music articles and related things in the P&J or EE or we still wouldn't be having this discussion. They've just got to wise-up and make something happen. If not, maybe it's about time we all clubbed together and did something about it!

They won't listen to one voice but may listen to many.

[Guest Steven Dedalus]

They won't listen to one voice but may listen to many.

Very wise words.

[TR!ΔNGL€ T€€TH]

I think that everything Stephen Dedalus has said is absolutely spot on.

[Guest idol_wild]

I think that everything Stephen Dedalus has said is absolutely spot on.

So do I actually. For once.

I've booked him to play at Cellar 35 on the 12th April. I'm going to go to the local press and feed them a story involving much dirt on Steven - his booze-fuelled antics; his inherent pugilistic streak; his pornography addiction; and his desire to flash onstage. It'll get plastered all over the local rags. Then the gig will sell out and everyone will love him and he'll become an international superstar.

[TR!ΔNGL€ T€€TH]

So do I actually. For once.

I've booked him to play at Cellar 35 on the 12th April. I'm going to go to the local press and feed them a story involving much dirt on Steven - his booze-fuelled antics; his inherent pugilistic streak; his pornography addiction; and his desire to flash onstage. It'll get plastered all over the local rags. Then the gig will sell out and everyone will love him and he'll become an international superstar.

Dammit, and that slot could so easily have been Panda Eyes.

[Lemonade]

So do I actually. For once.

I've booked him to play at Cellar 35 on the 12th April. I'm going to go to the local press and feed them a story involving much dirt on Steven - his booze-fuelled antics; his inherent pugilistic streak; his pornography addiction; and his desire to flash onstage. It'll get plastered all over the local rags. Then the gig will sell out and everyone will love him and he'll become an international superstar.

Remember to mention the hard drug use. Nothing sells papers like a good old fashioned crack habit.

[Guest bluesxman]

For example, here's an article which made the NATIONAL NEWS WEBSITE, about tiny wee local bands.

But the biggest achievement mentioned in that article is Snow Patrol getting on the Spiderman 3 soundtrack. They aren't a 'tiny wee local band' now surely? And Ash? Passed their peak of achievements almost 10 years ago by now surely?

What people need to realize is that much of the output that folk who use this forum would like to see do well is very much a minority interest in the grand scheme of things, yer average joe isnt interested in alternative type music as a rule (although the world would be a much better place if they did). Hence the reason Ive been told many times over the years that I only like weird shite by workmates offshore, etc. And my musical taste isnt particularly populated by the extreme or obscure. It has become more so since I discovered this forum a few years ago.did PVH not get a wee bit in the EE a while back? Didnt make me think sell outs, but then Ill betcha it didnt attract Chantelle fae Kincorth to their next gig either.whats definitely required is a local publication that would cover a good spectrum of local acts with a bit of impartiality.like the Fudge fanzine but more organizedand not with overly opinionated writers.of course this requires someone with (a) cash and (b) time to do it.and of course punters willing to stump up some readies to make it a viable enterprise

[jcn]

qft, I don't like this moaning about lack of attention from the local press, it leads me down an avenue of thought which results in the conclusion that these people are only in a band in the first place because they are massive attention-whores.

Anyone who is genuinely outraged at the fact the P&J won't do a column/insert/article about their "act" or their "scene" needs to stop whining and make the scene speak for itself, instead of adopting this pathetic passive attitude like spoilt children who are suddenly discovering that even though their mum will give them a standing ovation, nobody in the real world gives a fuck.

Stripey, sometimes you just hit the nail on the head. People need to stop being so insular and just get out there and do stuff :-) I guess I was guilty of this through a lack of self confidence but with passing year and a list of trust sponsors racking up I guess I've got to the point where I think 'oh well I must be doing something right' and feel more at ease with my own ability and approaching people.

[Bigsby]

Not one band form Aberdeen has made any signifigant impact outside of the North East for about 10 years.

I suppose Driveblind did well to get a major label deal and move to LA, even if it's not working out quite as they hoped. And they get a lot of support from Aberdeen Journals.

(The fact that the drummer was a journalist there has nothing to do with it, honest.)

[Guest Steven Dedalus]

But the biggest achievement mentioned in that article is Snow Patrol getting on the Spiderman 3 soundtrack. They aren't a 'tiny wee local band' now surely? And Ash? Passed their peak of achievements almost 10 years ago by now surely?

What people need to realize is that much of the output that folk who use this forum would like to see do well is very much a minority interest in the grand scheme of things, yer average joe isnt interested in alternative type music as a rule (although the world would be a much better place if they did). Hence the reason Ive been told many times over the years that I only like weird shite by workmates offshore, etc. And my musical taste isnt particularly populated by the extreme or obscure. It has become more so since I discovered this forum a few years ago.did PVH not get a wee bit in the EE a while back? Didnt make me think sell outs, but then Ill betcha it didnt attract Chantelle fae Kincorth to their next gig either.whats definitely required is a local publication that would cover a good spectrum of local acts with a bit of impartiality.like the Fudge fanzine but more organizedand not with overly opinionated writers.of course this requires someone with (a) cash and (b) time to do it.and of course punters willing to stump up some readies to make it a viable enterprise

I agree with what you're saying in principle, but in practice I find it works out differently.

Yes, the majority of people out there are never going to be interested in 'niche' or 'extreme' music, and an article in the P & J isn't going to lead to a sell out Project Ven Hell gig.

(or maybe it might? Who knows?)

But to be fair, bands who operate in those areas aren't looking to cross over to a mainstream audience, and as such won't want to have anything to do with the press.

The bands I'm thinking of are those that occupy the middle ground, who have interesting things going on and a potential for greater appeal.

Take our old band, for example. There's every chance that if we'd had more interest from the press or radio that we could have got more people down to the gigs, got out of the city a bit more (or...at all....) and sold a few records. Instead, we stuck to our indie/DIY guns and played gigs to increasingly dwindling crowds who'd seen it all before.

And who's fault was that? Mine - becuase I couldn't care less about what anyone thought and didn't want to take it any further.

Now, when I look back and think that there was a potential audience out there who could have really enjoyed our band (because - let's face it - we were hardly an extreme act), I sort of think to myself that I was just cutting my nose off to spite my face, and don't really agree with my motivations for doing so. All it would have taken was for us to become a bit more pro-active, do a bit of legwork and try to sell ourselves to an audience that we desperately would have liked to reach. Dave told me off about that back in the old days, and I feel stupid for not listening to him.

The ultimate root of this problem, as far as I can see it, is that bands seem to think that they have a God-given right to greatness, and all they have to do is sit back and let everyone worship them. It pains me now that I'm on the other side of the fence to see talented peolpe ignore fundamental resources open to them, and still expect great things to happen.

To me, ignoring the press is like saying the internet will never catch on, therefore let's not get a myspace/bebo/etc.

(More or less what I did say, actually.)

My advice, for anyone who cares to heed it, is that the media is not a closed off area, and you can get stuck in if you really want to.

Pester journalists - they like the attention.

Make yourself and your band seem interesting - it makes my job easier.

Send off stuff to newspapers, magazines and radio stations - if you get one person fighting your corner, you never know how that might help you in the long run.

Don't be scared to sell yourself to people - if you want to play music as a 'job', then that's part of what you do, and you can't rely on some bored journalist trawling through the internet looking for you.

This is all elementary stuff, but it's the sort of thing you rarely think about, and it's worth pursuing.

On the other side of the coin, there are so many outlets for people to write about music in Aberdeen, but currently aren't pursuing (to the best of my knowledge).

Ok, the EE or the P & J might not want to cover PVH or whomever, but Drowned in Sound or Is This Music probably would? And as far as I'm aware, there hasn't been anyone filling the position of Aberdeen correspondant for a while. even the Fly (if it's still published) used to have an Aberdeen section - it might seem small, but it's still valuable attention.

So get writing, peeps!

Support your scene and let it support you!

[HeinzHines]

did PVH not get a wee bit in the EE a while back? Didnt make me think sell outs, but then Ill betcha it didnt attract Chantelle fae Kincorth to their next gig either

We have a had few wee articles, but when we did the Duracell tour, they ran a pretty good spread on the Tunnels show for us, and on a midweek night in middle of August, with a competing gig across town, we had 100 people in, and there was a couple of pilled up neds at the show (who might have been Chantelle's boyf)....i think my point is, the article could have helped, but it certainly didnt hinder the show.

[Guest bluesxman]

We have a had few wee articles, but when we did the Duracell tour, they ran a pretty good spread on the Tunnels show for us, and on a midweek night in middle of August, with a competing gig across town, we had 100 people in, and there was a couple of pilled up neds at the show (who might have been Chantelle's boyf)....i think my point is, the article could have helped, but it certainly didnt hinder the show.

Yeah, please don't take my post as some kind of slur, it was generalising somewhat, you guys aren't exactly going to appeal to a mainstream kind of crowd, but indeed it's always possible that some coverage will attract even the curious...and there's always the chance that someone who was quite closeted in terms of musical taste could find themselves open to a whole new world of music.....so basically, my opinion is that although we may not all agree with the standard of local jouirnalism, coverage/publicity isn't a bad thing.

[Stripey]

I think a lot of people harbour the misconception that newspapers are philanthropic organisations. That quarter page writeup you might want is going to take up a lot of valuable advertising real-estate.

[Guest Steven Dedalus]

I think a lot of people harbour the misconception that newspapers are philanthropic organisations. That quarter page writeup you might want is going to take up a lot of valuable advertising real-estate.

Once again, a very good point raised.

This is exactly why you need to sell yourself to get that article. If there's something even remotely ineresting about you or your band, use this to get the attention. Journalists like me like lazy angles they can write about.

Eg. When British Sea Power played in Belfast a few weeks ago, we had them on my radio programme for no reason other than the fact that they like Sir John Betjemen (We're an arts and culture programme).

That angle - which they barely talked about - was all it took for them to grasp our interest.

[HeinzHines]

Yeah, please don't take my post as some kind of slur, it was generalising somewhat

I wasnt at all, so not to worry, haha.

[soundian]

Aberdeen media is pretty much out of bounds to local acts without a "gimmick". It seems to me that there are two possible outcomes for this scenario, both of which I've seen/heard plenty evidence for, i.e. local bands-

a) don't get the practice in dealing with the media.

b) ignore radio and newspapers as viable media outlets because experience/hearsay has taught them it's a waste of time.

Maybe the real problem lies in the fact that we only really have one radio station and one newspaper*

*the P+J is just a more grown-up version of the EE** but basically the same thing.

**With added tractors

[remington blastcap]

is it just me or is the main factor the P+J never gets read is it's sheer size? i like the saturday edition, which is easy to handle- me i skip straight to the beef prices and the classified puppy section- the rest gets binned,

sorry what were you fucking idiots talking about again?

[remington blastcap]

Aberdeen media is pretty much out of bounds to local acts without a "gimmick". It seems to me that there are two possible outcomes for this scenario, both of which I've seen/heard plenty evidence for, i.e. local bands-

a) don't get the practice in dealing with the media.

b) ignore radio and newspapers as viable media outlets because experience/hearsay has taught them it's a waste of time.

Maybe the real problem lies in the fact that we only really have one radio station and one newspaper*

exactly, thats why i read the granite city guide.

*the P+J is just a more grown-up version of the EE** but basically the same thing.

**With added tractors

exactly, thats why i read the granite city guide.

and dont knock tractors, you fucking racist.

[JJ 10 Easy Wishes]

and there, in a nut shell, is the problem...

it's always "someone elses" job to do it...because most of the people that want something like this, are too lazy to get off their arses and do it themselves.

"too much hassle for me"

"I don't have the time"

"I don't know all the bands"

kainfitamean?

i started a zine, worked very, very hard for 2 weeks, advertised it all over this website and went to gigs to try and sell it and sold 35 copies. I lost money doing it and stopped. Fudge used to a fanzine. Kai made an amazing fanzine back in the day and it only lasted one episode as well. there's no reward in doing it.

That's it in a nutshell. Does anyone actually WANT to get a mention in the local shitrags? Not that I ever expect to, but if they approached me I'd tell them to fuck off on principle. Whenever I see a band get coverage in the local press, I cringe with embarrassment for them. Even worse is getting coverage on North Tonight, it's the automatic kiss of death in terms of credibility. Fuck it, who needs them anyway? Bollocks.

people who pick and choose their press are retards. i want people to turn up for gigs so utilise all the different media outlets we can to get folk to turn up, especially people who have never heard of us before. 10 easy wishes have been in the evening and p and j several times because when we have something worth putting in a newspaper for normal humans to read we email them.

Not one band form Aberdeen has made any signifigant impact outside of the North East for about 10 years

it depends what you mean by significant. the xcerts are making pretty big waves just now, and i would say that copy haho are highly regarded on the underground scene across the uk as well

[original_andy]

This thread seems as good as any to say this...

I fucking love the local music scene and I have a radio show where I will play local music.

On my show tonight I'm going to have music from Captain Face, the Xcerts, Toy, the Jani Lang band and Velvet Audio. The reason that all of these bands are on tonight is because they've approached me or because they entered the battle of the bands at the Tunnels or because I've seen them and asked.

If you want to get your music heard then send me a demo - it's not selling out, and I'm fairly sure it won't affect your street cred too much.

Sunday Showcase

Original FM

Craigshaw Road

Aberdeen

AB12 3AR

[KimyReizeger]

i started a zine, worked very, very hard for 2 weeks, advertised it all over this website and went to gigs to try and sell it and sold 35 copies. I lost money doing it and stopped. there's no reward in doing it.

Holy shit, new business makes short-term loss! o_O I thought fanzines were based on like, hard-fought reputations 'n shit, not balking at the first hurdle. It's fair enough if you didn't have the capital or drive to make a go of it, but you can't really condemn the entire enterprise on the experience of one half-assed venture. Besides, 35 copies for a first edition doesn't sound too bad.

[JennyD]

Erotic Fire

well, ive read all the comments regarding this Aberdeen band and it really got my blood boiling so ive got to get a few things off my chest!

First of all, as far as im concerened, if you have NEVER been to see this band, then your opinion means nothing! How the hell can you comment on something you've never got off you're arse to go and see??

As for them being in 3 newspapers last week, YES 3 well, how many newspapers has YOUR band (if you're in one) been in? Have i even heard of them? I doubt it very much. And no, i dont agree that they are selling out, its called PUBLICITY! something you need if you intend to get anywhere. All publicity is good publicity, as they say.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion on music and if you dont like their sound fair enough, but dont put them down because they're being noticed and you're not. Green is not a nice colour.

As for their name, you've bloody well heard of them, havent you? Good or bad, you've heard of them!!!!

Im absolutely disgusted that a few of you are making lewd suggestions as to why they have a 15 year old drummer. Ill tell you why, cos he's an amazing drummer but then how would any of you know, if you've not actually seen them!

These sinister, disgusting suggestions say more about the way YOU think than the band.

They are a great bunch of guys just trying to get somewhere. if you dont like that, well, thats your problem.

If you have an opinion on the actual music and you've seen them, fair enough but dont lower yourself to slagging them off for their name, the paper articles, the drummer etc

Its just all in bad taste!!!