The UP and DOWN sides of working as a Top 40, Cover band… At times, working as a “Cover Band” can be pretty discouraging and grueling, especially for a band desiring to play its own original music and working toward a higher goal. Most club owners insisted our band play music that kept people on the dance floor and in the club as late as possible, buying drinks, which unfortunately is a cover band’s No. 1 job. Many people out partying don’t care to hear original music… songs they haven’t heard before or written by what they perceive as a “local” band. The crowds we played for, at least the ones that paid well, wanted to hear other artists “hits” and just wanted to dance. That was the DOWN side of working as a cover band full time, trying to make a living. Playing mostly other people’s music makes it harder for a band to find its own identity or sound. Some band members may prefer one style over another and the band gets pulled in different directions. The UP side of playing almost every night is, you get tighter as a band, and really develop your personal talents… your “chops.” It took Philip Paul & Patrol years to find their sound and to start writing in that direction, which you can clearly hear on their albums: Out of the Past, On the Circuit, and Modern Girl. To hear what we’re talking about, listen to the Papa Joe & Riverboat album. These are some of the same musicians that would go on to perform as Philip Paul & Patrol. Notice, it’s a whole different sound! A good studio producer who has an objective ear… one who can act as an outsider and nonpartisan… can help keep a band focused in the best direction for them. The more a band records and writes its own music, the better they’re likely to become. Their ears become very attuned to what they should be doing as individual musicians, if they don’t let their pride get in the way. Many studio musicians agree that, “Often, it’s not WHAT you play, it’s what you DON’T play.” You learn, as a recording musician, not to ‘walk’ on other musicians parts. Not everyone is going to like your style, sound or music. But it’s a big world out there… and there’s an audience waiting for you! If you get a chance, please read an article called the “Battle” of a band, on the notes of one of our albums called, Jefferson Village Live. Great bands are made, not born!