Life happens (or maybe it occurs), either way my plans for today’s column were short circuited by a few happenstance events that tumbled into each other this past weekend. A visit, a text, a ticket, a song and two remarkable performances by two gifted artists. One who is just beginning on his journey and another who’s journey began over 50 years ago. This is the blues.
One of the easiest ways for a band or artist to reach out to or appeal to new fans is with covers. It’s a no brainer really; you take a song that people who may have never heard you play a note, play it, and watch the reaction. The response is pretty much the same every time; a slow glimmer of recognition, a lightbulb moment (hey! I know that song), and pretty soon you have the crowd singing right along with you. It’s the ultimate inclusive force, and it’s a powerful tool for musicians. I firmly believe up and coming bands should keep a cover or two in their set list, just to draw fans into them. I, like everyone else on this planet who gives a shit about music, love a good cover tune.
Bullseye Records of Canada
