RTP-area local music and culture

["Glenn Boothe / Local 506" <gboothe2 AT earthlink.net>]

>>> not everyone here knows that I've always had trouble defining the "scene".

I think part of the problem you may have defining the "scene" is
because one doesn't really exist here anymore.  If you don't agree with
me, just ask yourself - when is the last time you went to see a local
band that you didn't actually know someone personally in the band?
Unfortunately, the so-called music scene here is a more of a popularity
contest where individual popularity outweighs artistic merit (with band
members working the service industry having a bigger advantage over
those who don't.)

And think about this, the so-called indie music scene nationally has
grown dramatically in recent years with breakout bands from Arcade Fire
to Clap Your Hands (not to mention, the major label graduates like
Death Cab, Decemberists and Modest Mouse) yet most locals bands don't
draw well outside their hometown, much less Atlanta or DC.  Point
being, there is way more interest in this kind of music now than in the
90's when there was a scene here.

You know, if every band member attended one local show for every show
they played (and bought one local CD for each they made,) then this
would be a thriving local music community.  That's all it would take;
however, instead, this local club has had to eliminate local music on
weekdays because of lack of support.  And, you know what the real sad
part is, we were doing most of those shows for free.

glenn / local 506