I’ve been in S. Florida most of the time since last June taking care of family affairs and have enjoyed plugging in to the local music scene, seeing the venues and hearing some very good musicians at work and play. Coming from a two decade radio background, mostly hit radio and progressive rock, it’s a pleasure to find my release in your local music scene. I think I have good ears and certainly a long and colorful experience in the music industry. What has surprised me here to be honest is the small turnouts I see for very entertaining performers. Bands kicking ass for a crowd that wouldn’t fill a bus or two? What’s this? Well, everyone says “it’s the economy” but I don’t buy into that as the only reason.

Again, coming from a major market radio background, I know that “build it and they will come” doesn’t work. Assuming the talent or product is good or even great it’s still exposure and promotion that drives numbers. The radio stations that won understood this. I was part of a few big ones and we always worked hard to promote ourselves and our clients and reach out every day with something to connect to new audience. I hear from many players that the clubs don’t spend any promotion money or effort (damned economy again?) to help build the crowd. Probably true and not likely to change (because of the economy?)