The decline of a diverse local music scene is a huge issue with me, as it affects me on a weekly basis.
I do not mean to just be a complainer, so the issues surrounding the changes will be my focal point.
Many bars around town have recently closed their doors and minds. With the fallout of Ichabod’s, Baton Rouge lost a very unique atmosphere that fostered a few original bands that called it their home.
Ichabod’s is the most recent in a string of bars closing in the past few years along Chimes Street that had once formed the only semi-strip in town.
Strips in big towns generate huge profit for the bars and the bands because of the easy access to multiple performances. Walking from one venue to another in the same night is a trend I believe Baton Rouge should utilize to boost local music attendance.
The Caterie has recently undergone changes in their repertoire, with a non-exclusive focus on featuring cover bands.
Original bands will play on Tuesday nights, with other original shows spotted through the schedule, according to Drew Reilley, a graphic design sophomore that works there. The conglomeration of cover bands in Baton Rouge can be attributed to the fact that they bring in larger crowds and get paid more than original artists.
Reilley almost changed my mind from believing that an influx of cover band venues only causes the music scene to deteriorate with his theory of what I like to call “original band/cover band centralization.”
He said in part that if a lot of the cover bands are centralized to one spot, the original bands will converge on places like the Spanish Moon, a haven of original music. With the different styles of original music in a few central locations, the crowds that are drawn from each will meet and form a stronger community of original music.
Now don’t get me wrong, there are a few awesome cover bands here, and they deserve a great deal of respect, but it seems to me that original music should be more desired by the Baton Rouge crowd.
Which brings me to my next issue. The Baton Rouge crowd might be more motivated if all ages shows had not seen a decline as well. When I was 14, there was an all ages punk or hardcore show every Friday night on campus. I got into the scene and quickly grew a love for live music that I still carry today.
Even though the majority of readers are of age to attend nightclubs and could easily ignore the “kids,” it is important to realize that all ages shows are like the kindergarten of local music. They allow young formable minds to gain appreciation for live music.
Without improvements in attendance, the Baton Rouge music scene will only get smaller and the music will not get as much exposure.
In conclusion, my only advice is to go watch a local band performance this weekend. You’ll be surprised at how good many of our local musicians really are.