Cover bands in Phoenix are few and far between. Unlike Nashville, the scene here is a pretty untapped resource. So, I’ve decided to join forces with a few great player friends of mine and work on the South of Somewhere cover band reboot. Known a few years ago for being a respectable country cover band, the old players have dissipated and the project lapsed into limbo.
If any one thing I brought back from Nashville, it was learning the fine art of the cover band. The bands there entranced the audience. Something we here in Phoenix only dream of accomplishing. That said, I believe that charisma can be duplicated here in town. Working very hard on an engaging show, a mix of country top 40 and standards, and having an actuate represntation of the songs will be key to success. So here are some basic rules to start with for a country cover band, or any top 40 cover band:
1) Remember, first and foremost, you are a DANCE band. People are there to dance, so keep things moving!
2) Recreate the cover songs faithfully, especially the production and backing vocals.
3) Your lead singer is the show, so pick one that is hyper-engaging.
4) Don’t be afraid to “pass the bucket”. In almost all the bands in Nashville, the lead singer would (while a great song was going on) take the tip bucket around and shove it in people’s faces, but in an endearing sort of way… Alas, you are there to get paid and the bucket can be a great bonus.
5) If you are in a venue that is near a university or college don’t be afraid to jump out of your genre for a few songs to hit some regular top 40 tunes, especially if the song 1 or 2 in the top 40 is a huge dance hit. This is a classic country cover technique that happened all the time in Nashville.
Can’t wait to hear this band! 😉
Does this band still need a lead singer?
Lol, Dave everyone needs a lead singer 🙂