WaveOhhh
Joined: Apr 24, 2006
Posts: 236
Plantation, FL
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 08:45 AM
Believe it or not, there are many civilians out there who have never heard of Pipeline or Miserlu. Lets say you are burning to play surf rock but the typical gig for a band in New Jersey is 3 sets of classic rock and/or blues. Do you hook-up with a classic rock cover band and play a few surf songs and get paid well. Start a band that plays predominantly surf/instro but throw in a few classic rock/vocals songs to keep the crowds attention and get paid OK. Start a predominantly originals band and play one-set gigs an get paid next to nothing for almost no one but gain adulation of the surf illuminati. The forth option is a blend of all three depending on the gig. Are self-imposed standards an expensive luxury? Who are you performing for, the crowd, yourself, the surf/instro community? Will the exposure in any way to wider audiences looking to hear "Brown-Eyed Girl" eventually help the quest for wider acceptance? These are my existentialist ruminations on a post-gig Sunday morning. Any thoughts?
— What day is Surf Rock's birthday? Looks like Surf Rock and I was born the same year. Maybe we are both Libras?
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Brian
Joined: Feb 25, 2006
Posts: 19308
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 09:30 AM
I'd say life is too short to play boring crappy classic rock and bar blues songs. If you want to play surf music, play surf music.
— Site dude - S3 Agent #202
Need help with the site? SG101 FAQ - Send me a private message - Email me
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JakeDobner
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 12159
Seattle
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 09:59 AM
Easy question. Start that band that plays originals, plays one set, and gets paid next to nothing. That way you don't have to trade your dignity. You shouldn't even be positing this question.
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Staredge
Joined: Sep 27, 2008
Posts: 1149
Damascus, Maryland
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 10:30 AM
PLEASE dear God don't play Brown Eyed Girl.
Depends on how much of a purist you want to be. Play music you like. I'd probably play surf pop covers with some surf instrumental covers thrown in. I like the music, so why not? Hell, might even throw a little Jimmy Buffett in there. Again, I like the music, and it's fun. Don't play what you don't like. If what you REALLY want to do is play instrumental surf, then do it and damn the consequences.
— Will
"You're done, once you're a surfer you're done. You're in. It's like the mob or something. You're not getting out." - Kelly Slater
The Luau Cinders
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spskins
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 3783
tn
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 10:44 AM
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shivers13
Joined: Jul 29, 2009
Posts: 2605
Boss Angeles, CA
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 11:19 AM
I must say whenever I walk into a restaurant/bar and there's a band playing classic rock covers or bad blues I usually turn around and walk out. You can't please everyone.
My advice is play what you like. Also, find out if there are some local hot rod or classic car shows in your area. Many classic car shows pay well for bands and surf bands are typically welcome.
— BOSS FINK "R.P.M." available now from DOUBLE CROWN RECORDS!
www.facebook.com/BossFink
www.doublecrownrecords.com
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Ruhar
Joined: Jun 21, 2007
Posts: 3909
San Diego, CA
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 11:30 AM
Playing instro surf is generally not going to be lucrative. So if you love the music and want to build a band out of the genre, have reasonable expectations. If you're looking to be a working musician, then surf ain't gonna cut it. Most of us here do it for the enjoyment as opposed to the monetary gains. That doesn't mean you can't get paid well at times.
If you mix up a bunch of stuff into your set, you'll probably be able to play more places than if you are strictly instro. Also, any originals based band will find it difficult to make a lot of money, even if they achieve a decent level of exposure/success. Surf is about as niche as you can get. However, if you can make the ladies shake, bar owners will care less what you play 
— Ryan
The Secret Samurai Website
The Secret Samurai on Facebook
Last edited: Oct 18, 2009 22:16:39
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elreydlp
Joined: Sep 04, 2009
Posts: 1800
Temecula, CA
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 12:05 PM
Well said Ryan. As excellent as your band is, it must be frustrating to see bad Blues and Classic Rock Bands getting gigs. I'm fortunate, because although Surf is my favorite genre, there are plenty of songs that I really like outside of the genre that are also crowd favorites. And of course if the tip is big enough, we'll play almost anything, if we can play it WELL.
The way I look at it is: I get paid pretty well to do something I love.
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WaveOhhh
Joined: Apr 24, 2006
Posts: 236
Plantation, FL
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 12:19 PM
Thanks for the advice and I played my last gig with the band last night meaning that I have already made-up my mind a little while ago. No need to air band politics here.
I think more ears listening to live surf rock the better even if it is sandwiched between Margaritaville and Brown-Eyed Girl. Personally I want to get back to writing and recording originals and now I have no classic rock distractions.
— What day is Surf Rock's birthday? Looks like Surf Rock and I was born the same year. Maybe we are both Libras?
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estreet
Joined: Mar 17, 2007
Posts: 839
United Kingdom
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 12:36 PM
Brian
I'd say life is too short to play boring crappy classic rock and bar blues songs. If you want to play surf music, play surf music.
First of all - do you need the money? If not then play what you want when you want.
Secondly, Playing covers doesn't have to be 'boring and crappy' it depends how lazy you are about it. If you chuck 5 guys together who know 'Sweet Home Alabama' and all the other standard played-to-death numbers like that then it probably will be.
It sounds a bit pompous, but I'm a guitarist - that's what I do. I teach and I play in five bands: two are all originals and the other three play covers at pubs functions and weddings. If playing 'Brown Eyed Girl' at a wedding on a Saturday night earns me enough money to be at home Monday and Tuesday writing recording or rehearsing my original stuff then I'd rather do that than be out digging a hole in the road. Besides, I like playing the guitar. Even when you are playing the most routine songs and gigs then there's always some aspect of your technique or sound you can be working on.
When we play in pubs I get a lot of pleasure out of getting people into music they wouldn't normally hear. We slip the odd cover by Tom Waits or Nick Cave and it's great when people come up and say they have bought these albums because of the covers we do - the same goes for surf music. We also play the occasional original tune in the covers bands and that has often bought people along to hear the original band gigs.
Any job in the arts involves a balance of putting food on the table and artistic expression. I don't feel demeaned by playing some cheesy cover at a wedding - I take the 400$ and buy myself another guitar which I then get a lot of pleasure playing my own songs on.
— http://www.myspace.com/thepashuns
Youth and enthusiasm are no match for age and treachery.
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SURFmole
Joined: Nov 22, 2007
Posts: 901
Portland, OR
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 12:42 PM
I agree with Jake...play originals and keep your dignity.
On the other hand, I find it ironic that Surf fans complain about classic rock cover bands (I'm not a fan either FWIW) but then continue to churn out performances that include Pipeline and Miserlou. I'll admit I've been guilty of it myself...and I personally like those songs...and especially in a setting with Surf fans in the audience those tunes can be well received and appreciated...but...there has been a ton of great music made since '68.
Imagine what it would be like if a current Surf band did instro versions of contemporary popular music that the audience knew and was familiar with...you know, like Surf bands did in the 60's at their peak of popularity. You might be able to find an entirely new audience!
— www.apollo4.com
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Brian
Joined: Feb 25, 2006
Posts: 19308
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 12:46 PM
Don't get me wrong, life is too short to play Pipeline and Misirlou covers also. Get out there and write originals mixed in with truly great covers.
I'm speaking only for myself. If I were ever to get into a band situation, my passion for surf music would overtake any other genre. If you like other genres then go for it. I would also have no aspirations to make money. I'd be doing it for the love of surf music.
And please stop saying "surf rock". That's like fingers on a chalkboard to me me.
— Site dude - S3 Agent #202
Need help with the site? SG101 FAQ - Send me a private message - Email me
"It starts... when it begins" -- Ralf Kilauea
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PolloGuitar
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 5097
San Francisco
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 12:56 PM
SURFmole
Imagine what it would be like if a current Surf band did instro versions of contemporary popular music that the audience knew and was familiar with...you know, like Surf bands did in the 60's at their peak of popularity. You might be able to find an entirely new audience!
I love doing this and we always look for a current hit with enough melody (problem #1) to turn into a surf song. But, I find that our audience just isn't as familiar with popular radio these days. Everybody listens to their own personal music collections, genre podcasts, Pandora... Radio isn't the wonderful melting pot it was in the 60s and 70s. So even if you play one of the most popular songs in the world, chances are 90% of the crowd hasn't heard it. Punk rock covers are usually more familiar though.
Sorry to go off-topic-- was there a topic? Oh yeah, whoring yourself out... don't do it.
Hey, good point up there^^ about making fun of classic rock bands and then playing classic surf covers. More evidence of whoring.
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DannySnyder
Joined: Mar 02, 2006
Posts: 11058
Berkeley, CA
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 01:00 PM
there's a big difference between Pipeline and Misirlou. One of those songs is actually quite fun to play if you're a proficient player and one of them is boring no matter how you slice it (maybe not for Agent Orange). If I'm at a party and playing loud and with lots of verve, I have no qualm about whipping out Misirlou and having lots of fun with it. On the other hand if I'm at a club I'm trying to showcase our original music anyway.
— Danny Snyder
"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo
Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta
Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party
Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF
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estreet
Joined: Mar 17, 2007
Posts: 839
United Kingdom
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 01:05 PM
PolloGuitar
Oh yeah, whoring yourself out... don't do it.
Great musicians and actors have been whoring themselves out since time immemorial. If music is a hobby to you - great then don't do it. If it buys you the means and time to do do what's in your heart then I don't see this supposed indignity. Working 40 hours a week in an office would kill my soul far more than playing Brown Eyed Girl ever will.
— http://www.myspace.com/thepashuns
Youth and enthusiasm are no match for age and treachery.
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WaveOhhh
Joined: Apr 24, 2006
Posts: 236
Plantation, FL
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 01:14 PM
I usually refer to the non-vocal music we played as surf/instro especially after reading Kahuna K.'s blog about the sub-genres. I promise not to use the S.R. words again. So is there a difference between Surf or surf (referring to another thread)?
— What day is Surf Rock's birthday? Looks like Surf Rock and I was born the same year. Maybe we are both Libras?
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kenposurf
Joined: Feb 23, 2007
Posts: 1650
Santa Rosa, CA
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 01:35 PM
Interesting thread...
Car shows can pay pretty good is true...we played a local one for $800 but really a 50's cover band would have been better suited to the occasion.
I see nothing wrong with covering Miserlou or Pipeline..if it kicks it kicks..we're doing an instro version of Cheap Tricks California Man that is getting positive audience reaction.
I'll use the term surf rock music ..it's surf..it's rock..I dunno works for me 
— www.northofmalibu.com
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Brian
Joined: Feb 25, 2006
Posts: 19308
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 03:16 PM
Pipeline is a masterpiece Danny!  
— Site dude - S3 Agent #202
Need help with the site? SG101 FAQ - Send me a private message - Email me
"It starts... when it begins" -- Ralf Kilauea
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Ron-Rhoades
Joined: Aug 19, 2006
Posts: 958
Kekaha, Kauai, Hawaii
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 06:17 PM
I'm a whore i guess.....You guys that do 4 gigs a year have nothing to say to anyone making a living playing music...whatever kind of music.
— The TakeOffs
"Kauai's Only All-Instrumental Surf Band"
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-TakeOffs/312866840587
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synchro
Joined: Feb 02, 2008
Posts: 4465
Not One-Sawn, but Two-Sawn . . . AZ.
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Posted on Oct 18 2009 07:56 PM
estreet
First of all - do you need the money? If not then play what you want when you want.
Secondly, Playing covers doesn't have to be 'boring and crappy' it depends how lazy you are about it. If you chuck 5 guys together who know 'Sweet Home Alabama' and all the other standard played-to-death numbers like that then it probably will be.
It sounds a bit pompous, but I'm a guitarist - that's what I do. I teach and I play in five bands: two are all originals and the other three play covers at pubs functions and weddings. If playing 'Brown Eyed Girl' at a wedding on a Saturday night earns me enough money to be at home Monday and Tuesday writing recording or rehearsing my original stuff then I'd rather do that than be out digging a hole in the road. Besides, I like playing the guitar. Even when you are playing the most routine songs and gigs then there's always some aspect of your technique or sound you can be working on.
When we play in pubs I get a lot of pleasure out of getting people into music they wouldn't normally hear. We slip the odd cover by Tom Waits or Nick Cave and it's great when people come up and say they have bought these albums because of the covers we do - the same goes for surf music. We also play the occasional original tune in the covers bands and that has often bought people along to hear the original band gigs.
Any job in the arts involves a balance of putting food on the table and artistic expression. I don't feel demeaned by playing some cheesy cover at a wedding - I take the 400$ and buy myself another guitar which I then get a lot of pleasure playing my own songs on.
I certainly respect someone that is doing original material and bringing it to an audience but I agree with what estreet has to say. Playing in front of an audience is its own reward IMHO. I've played jazz guitar for decades but have had relatively few opportunities to perform jazz with a good band in front of an appreciative audience but I still try to slip a Monk tune in as a break song from time to time and occasionally someone will notice and recognize it for what it is. When I was making my living playing I played whatever the job demanded. I've played polkas, sing-along songs, corny old country songs, Smoke on the Waters (with a horn band no less) and I've played Boss Novas in a biker bar. If I have to play Brown Eyed Girl or Margaritaville I'll play them as well as I can and hope that the audience enjoys it. If I can slip a few Surf tunes into the set list I'll do it and maybe someone will notice and enjoy it. Every so often a gig comes along that really suits me and that's my payback.
— The artist formerly known as: Synchro
When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.
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