I recently had the pleasure of covering a music event at Zouk featuring Wavves from California, Múm from Iceland, and Shelves from Singapore. I knew nothing about any of the bands, but the press conference was cosy and chill, and they were all incredibly likeable as real people and not just musicians.
Despite the substandard sound system, all three bands gave an incredibly enjoyable performance. I found myself dancing and singing along to songs I've never heard before from Shelves and Wavves, and keeping quiet and admiring the musical masterpiece that is Múm.
As a photographer for the event, I was positioned right in front of the stage, where a photographer's pit, would usually be. I noticed how the crowd would change for each band, and I was disappointed at the turnout for the opening band, Shelves. There were very little people down by the stage listening, even though the place was starting to get packed. Yet as soon as their set was over, people raced down to get the best spot to catch the next band from California. It's disheartening, considering Shelves is a pretty rad band.
There seems to be a stigma associated with opening bands, especially if they are local and not touring with the band, that they suck. That these opening bands are nothing but time fillers. I disagree. Opening bands are brilliant! I think it's really cool how I can always discover new music just by going to see another band. It's also a great way to hype up the audience, granted that the audience are willing to be hyped up, right before the featured band, thus, creating a greater and more memorable concert experience.
Though the local music scene is booming with talent right now, people still seem to think that the local bands opening for big international artistes are merely rookies looking for some exposure, and are not worth their time. I think that's ridiculous! Most local bands right now are crazy brilliant and they definitely deserve their time on the same stage as the "big boys".
I know that majority of concert goers would probably disagree with me regarding the whole idea about opening bands. Of course I would love to watch more of the band I actually paid to go watch, and there's always no guarantee that I'll like this new music they're throwing right at me, but I'll still stick with my point. Opening bands are brilliant.
There seems to be a stigma associated with opening bands, especially if they are local and not touring with the band, that they suck. That these opening bands are nothing but time fillers. I disagree. Opening bands are brilliant! I think it's really cool how I can always discover new music just by going to see another band. It's also a great way to hype up the audience, granted that the audience are willing to be hyped up, right before the featured band, thus, creating a greater and more memorable concert experience.
Though the local music scene is booming with talent right now, people still seem to think that the local bands opening for big international artistes are merely rookies looking for some exposure, and are not worth their time. I think that's ridiculous! Most local bands right now are crazy brilliant and they definitely deserve their time on the same stage as the "big boys".
I hope you'd all have amazing concert (and opening band) experiences.
Goodnight.
