I remember when there was an array of original local bands promoting, playing shows, trying to gain support, and just trying to get their band’s name out to anyone. I know because I used to be in a local band, and I used to help book acts for a local venue in Bakersfield.
For some reason, the local music scene seems to have taken a hit. Local bands don’t seem to be playing as many shows as they used to, and they definitely haven’t been promoting them as much as they used to. The only fliers that seem to be around are for Audioslave or some other huge band.
One reason why there are a lack of fliers and promotion might be the fact that Bands advertise on Myspace. Bands seem to just add a bunch of friends and send them bulletins and messages to come watch them, and then their promotion is done.
Aside from local bands, it seems like more independent bands have also stopped coming to Bakersfield. Local venues used to be a sure stop for bands touring California. Jerry’s Pizza and the Gate used to have shows every weekend and also on weekdays, but now it seems the few shows they have don’t consist of very talented bands like The Riot Kids, Video Drone and Hey Mike.These shows also don’t seem to draw the suppot like old weekend shows use to.
Bands like Yellowcard, Finch and the Movielife used to stop by Bakersfield almost every tour. What happened to these guys in the vans pulling all their equipment in a UHaul trailer, and asking people if the band could sleep in their house for the night? Those are the bands I love to see. They finish a show and head to the merchandise booth to sell things because they don’t have people hired to do it for them. These are the bands that put on a real show without all the fireworks and lights, and then hang out with their fans in the alley after the show.
As a huge music fan, it saddens me to know I can’t go down to Jerry’s Pizza, the Gate, or any other local venue on the weekend and see a talented band that is playing music because they like music.