And stop snivelin'--this isn't just the Super Bowl town.
David Fox
Denver
I enjoyed Michael Roberts's article on the demise of bands in Denver but am troubled by the attitude that the music scene in Denver sucks. I've been an observer of the local live, original music scene since the mid-1980s, and I've seen plenty of bands come and go. Right now, though, we have the strongest, most talented scene ever. Sure, we're not L.A., New York, Chicago, Seattle or Atlanta--we're a smaller city, so we have a smaller music scene. You want more? Move!
For perspective, let me remind everyone of what this town was like during the late Eighties: Most bands or musicians who thought they were talented or could draw 300 people to a gig moved away. Making a living is tough in this region, so they went to L.A., New York and Chicago. Most were never heard from again, broke up, and/or came back with their tails between their legs, more appreciative of what Denver has to offer. Drastically fewer clubs were willing to book live music. If you wanted live music, you had to hunt for it.
Today we have tons of bars and clubs all booking live music and ample talented musicians to draw the music-appreciative crowds. So what if a few bands broke up? Look at those that haven't (yet), are not moving away, and still have a reasonable shot at those elusive recording contracts. Stop all the whining about how the local scene sucks and do something about it. Turn off that crap on the radio, stop wasting your money in the dance clubs, and listen to some live music. If bands can make a living off the likes of Westword readers, it will only serve to attract more talent and maybe even get those lazy record-company execs off their fat asses to sign some more Denver acts.
David Barber
via the Internet
I am in my fifth year of publishing a local music magazine called Euphony. I agree that Denver and its environs are basically very non-supportive of local music. Westword is more guilty than most. Michael Roberts totally ignores the existence of dozens of good bands because they aren't his style. When he writes, it is mostly to criticize. I find it interesting that you published such a story when you are part of the problem, with your narrow outlook on local music and Roberts's totally mistaken ideas of what bands are worthy in this town!
Bonita Berger
Denver
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