[Harp-L] LOWER VOLUME FOR LIVE MUSIC

[icemanle@xxxxxxx]

I believe that people have gotten used to abnormally loud music pushed at them to make them feel it rather than allowing them to feel it. I find this "make them" attitude to be insulting, as if there is no choice in the matter. It is an evolution of sound, equipment, sound techs, extreme volumes in movie theaters, residue from disco's thumping bass and even Broadway stage musicals. Yes, people have pretty much resigned that "This is the way it is" whenever they go out to see live music. As a result, many people don't patronize live music scenes on a local level like they used to, because they are tired of having their ears ring the next day. Is this one reason why smaller clubs are closing and many musicians have a harder time establishing their presence and sound?

One of the joys of doing my BOSE PAS thang is watching the amazement of the audience when the music is crystal clear, full and NOT TOO LOUD. It's like a revelation that they can actually enjoy the music, talk to their tablemates, dance or whatever, with the same energy in the room but without compromising their eardrums.

Unfortunately, a large percentage of experienced musicians have a hard time adjusting at first to the new lower overall volume. Fortunately, about 85% of them become converted by the end of the night as they realize the potential that resides within NOT TOO LOUD. The remaining 15% are just creatures of habit or ego and must hear themselves in their own faces pumping away to perform.

It's worth a try by all you weekend warriors and touring semi-pros and pros on this list - play at a low volume for a gig. Better yet, try it for three gigs in a row to really give it a chance. If nothing else, you may discover a very appreciative listening audience.

The Iceman





Original Message-----
From: steve@xxxxxxxxxxxx <swebb@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Mon, 15 Oct 2007 11:39 pm
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Small amps and gigs

It's funny, though. Sometimes I talk with a veteran musician about volume and 
he'll agree, then get up there and play way too loud. Maybe hearing loss has 
something to do with that, but it's my opinion that people? have gotten used to 
that type of volume and the only way we'll break that is to play at a lower 
level.

________________________________________________________________________
Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! - http://mail.aol.com