In the greater Portland area there are 160 music venues, give or take a few, that will feature live music on any given night, many featuring music everyday of the week. It really is a music lover’s paradise. Reggae, punk, indie, alt, rock, you name it, Portland has got it. Having lived in or around Boston and Chicago, I think Portland actually has more opportunities to see bands and acts up close and personal than the bigger cities.
The problem? For every venue, there are boatloads of local acts trying to secure bookings that can’t even get their musical foot in the door. Well, “maybe they suck” you say. There is something to be said for that. All you have to do is scan Craigslist to find “death metal band ISO screamer” or “stoner shoe gaze band looking for like-minded suicidal Emo”. Sure, many bands never make it out of their Mom’s basement. But for every decent band out there are dozens more that are better.
We have shared the stage with some incredible musical talent. I mean seriously, are you kidding me? How can someone be that talented and not be known? Granted, we are an OK band, but some of these guys are amazing. We have shared bills with really good bands and played to an empty house. A few months ago we shared a bill with an excellent band and got payed $20 total (2 dollars a piece) because we played a weekday night and were competing with the other venues.
I know what you are thinking. “Quit yer complainin’ ” or “Get a real job” or “Shut up and play”. Nope, not complaining. Despite the late hours, little pay, aches and pains in the morning because I am getting too old for this shit, it is the most fun I think I have ever had doing anything. Oh, and by the way, I do have a real job too.
I have called Portland my home since 1988 and have seen a number of good music venues come and go. “The Starry Night”, gone. “Berbati’s Pan, closing”. Many more will come and go over the next 20 years. So what’s my point (“finally”, you breathe with a sigh of relief)? Please take advantage of what we have here in Portland. Life can be a bear. Get out and see some live music. If you come to one of our shows, feel free to introduce yourself and debate or discuss any of the above. Cheers….
– David Wakeling is a “struggling” singer-songwriter and a member of the Portland-based band “This, not this”.
