How things have changed.

When I started my first band and first got into the local music scene, I never thought I would have a mohawk and be applying eyeliner in a sticker-covered mirror in the dirty bathroom of a divey rock bar in Windsor's downtown district. I never envisioned myself wearing what i wear, singing what i sing, or being in this position that I am right now. But, as with everything else, this changed over time.

I've now been performing for the better part of a decade, and I've gone from a person who didn't even know what an XLR cable was to someone who has learned the ins and outs of the scene, the industry, and the stage. I've learned over time about what to expect, and most importantly, to take everything with a grain of salt.

The most valuable thing i have learned however, is the 'unwritten' rules of being a band in a local market. If you're a musician and don't know what I am talking about, you may want to read and understand these things for future reference. Trust me, it will be very important.

First, and most importantly is respect. It doesn't matter if you don't know the bands you're on a bill with, you don't sit in a corner and act like you're untouchable. Go talk to the bands. Introduce yourself. Let them know who you, and your band is. Once you've done this, if they don't talk to you or hang out or have beers, or whatever, then at least you tried.

While on stage, if you're one of the opening acts, you should ALWAYS mention the name(s) of the other opening bands, and of course, pump up the headliner. Bands who don't do this are perceived as completely disrespectful and arrogant by the other bands, and even some of the audience. If you ARE the headlining band, then it is incredibly important to give shout outs to the opening bands. If your band has a frontman that doesn't speak well on stage, and is either too shy or too stupid to do these simple tasks, then you need to beat him/her into shape. These are insanely important things to do.

While off stage, before your time slot, you should, if at all possible, watch the other bands, and be sure they know you're watching. This assists in building a good respect and relationships with the other acts. BUT more importantly, AFTER your show, you should at all costs stay to watch the bands after you. If you play your show, load up your gear and leave right away, you look like a complete asshole to the other bands, specifically the headlining band. If you NEED to leave, at least let the headliner know in advance...this is common courtesy. At the very least, stay for a few songs, and then signal to them that you're leaving....again, just common respects that go a LONG way in building a good reputation for yourself.

These are just a few of the unwritten laws that should be followed...or at least were followed when i began in the industry...NOW though, things have changed. Now, bands don't give a shit. I have played over the past several years, and have found that although each band is different, the majority of the younger bands completely disregard any of these respect procedures, and literally just look out for themselves. I've seen it on a constant basis, and have to admit, it's sickening. Gone are the days of a 5 band bill where all the fans of every band stay to support each other...it hasn't been that way in years. Now, each band has their crowd, and that crowd leaves when the band does....the band doesn't tell their fans to stay, and the band leaves right away.

if this industry and this local scene will ever reach its full potential, things have to get back to the way they were years ago; when bands helped each other, and didn't fight each other. So if you're in a band, you may want to brush up on these rules. They will go a long, long way.