Semi Finals (Round 1)
[Author's Note: [Author’s note: If this is your first time visiting the UMC blog, you might want to check out the INTRODUCTION first.]
My, oh my, oh my my my people, you really have been some busy bees today. Actually, more like hornets. I woke up at the crack of noon today – ears still ringing — to see the blog chock full of comments about this week’s performance. And oh yeah, the hornet’s nest is a-buzzing.
And not the normal type of buzz, you know, that low frequency hum of bees happily working and mating and building their hive, rather, the high frequency buzz saw sound of an agitated colony just before the attack.
People sure are angry this week. I think the judges received more hostility last night than ever before. For example, during our comments, some people were screaming, “You suck,” and “Nobody cares what you think.” And after the winners were announced, we were flooded by a deluge of angry fans, including one disgruntled 6one9 fan who blurted, “You have no business being a judge.”
Another guy told me how much he hated the Alice band, and that I had to be deaf and blind to have picked them. A woman told me that all three of us are morons.
Other delicious adjectives hurled at me and/or my fellow judges were, “Stupid, offensive, distasteful, atrocious, and disgusting.”
So, um yeah, things are heating up, to which I say… Fukken-A!
I mean, come on people, don’t you just love this stuff? Ain’t it fun? Ain’t it totally and utterly most awesomeifically excellently fundacious. I, for one, am happy and proud to be a part of the Ultimate Music Challenge, and any time somebody calls me an idiot, or finds me atrocious, or is disgusted by what I say and think, it only exponentially increases my fun quotient – so bring it on people.
On to the main event….
I think – since the conversation has already begun, and you all saw what I saw last night – that I won’t waste your time with a play by play discussion about each set, but instead get down to the the nitty-gritty – and by that I mean, the controversies: starting with the main controversy, the controversy of all controversies – the controversy which allowed Alice and the Cooper Gang to advance to the next round instead of (insert your band here) _____________ .
Let me begin by saying that I had an extremely difficult time judging these bands last night.
They were/are all such excellent groups and I truly enjoyed every set. My scoring sheets had them very close to each other and I was just as surprised as many of you that the Alice band had won.
No disrespect to Alice intended.
In fact, in the spirit of full disclosure, I will give you the totals of my score sheet… and, as you will see, it was very, VERY close:
- Monsters of Rock – 82 points
- 6one9 – 81.5 points
- Help – 79.5 points
- Alice – 72.5 points
That’s right people, I scored Alice the lowest – so get off my tip! In fact, of the three of judges, only one of us had Alice advancing. So, before you all get yourselves too deep in your dizzies, you should keep in mind that I am not the only judge in this competition. There are four judges: Jaime, Danielle, myself, and YOU!
Right? Remember that? Crowd participation? Turns out, Alice had the loudest audience response on the decibel meter, which vaulted them into a winning position. So before you take off our heads, maybe some of you should ask yourselves what was your role in delivering a victory to Alice? Did you clap for them? Did you cheer – because somebody sure as Hell must have.
And then you have the booers. Did you hear them? How stupid is that? Um, people, the decibel meter cannot distinguish between boos and cheers. It measures sound, all sound. My advice to you if you hate a certain band, is not to make any sounds when they turn the meter on.
But I digress. The point is, in a competition this close, the audience response was très important. Indeed, it’s exactly what bumped Alice from the lower tier, to the upper.
Incidenally, second place in the audience response category was 6one9, followed by a tie for 3rd place with Help! and MOR.
Here’s how those rankings apply to the scorecard.
The scoring in every category, be it stage presence, vocals, musicianship or audience response, is 1-10. So, if you win the crowd response battle, you get 10 points. Second place gets 7.5 points, 3rd place gets 5.0, 4th gets 2.5, and 5th (when applicable) gets 0. But those points are awarded on each judge’s sheet. For example, say you’re Alice and you scored 10, well that’s 10 on each judge’s score sheet. So if Help only got a 5.0, that’s a 5.0 difference on every judge’s sheet, for a total of 15 points – which is just HUGE in a battle this close.
So really, you can all bitch out the judges about the results, but in the end, it was largely the crowd that picked this one.
Moving on. Let’s address some specific comments/complaints from some of the musicians who played last night, starting with Dave Reynolds from Help! who wrote,
“I am at a loss to explaining the judging or the judges comments. With regard to our song selection, I could swear I remember it being said somewhere that bands were not going to be judged on the songs they chose, or what they should have done, but rather on how well they performed the songs they played. We were trying to implement some of the elements that last years winner, Cash’d Out, suggested: vary the tempo and feel of your songs (hence Norwegian Wood). Also playing I am the Walrus demonstrates an impressive degree of musicianship when you are doing it without sequencers and fake vocals, etc., and I thought we did it pretty well. Apparently Jaime and Ed did not agree and that is something we will have to accept.”
Ok, Dave, first, please keep in mind, we’re getting into the minutia now. Right? I mean, I think you guys are great. And let it be known, that going into last night’s show, I was sure Help! would win, so please do not confuse my criticizing the minutia with me not loving your set, and your band, overall.
Deal?
Ok, you are wrong to suggest that I did not like your version of “Walrus.” I did enjoy it a great deal. I just think it was a poor choice to start with. It’s a bit epic, in style, and a tad long – especially given the multiple breakdowns – for that position in the set.
These things must be set up you know? As Jaime said, “Certain tunes have certain jobs,” and the job of Walrus, as I see it, is not to be an opener. It’s a song you play in the meat of the set. But it wouldn’t have been that big of a deal had you not followed it with “Norwegian Wood.” That, by far, was your biggest mistake.
I love “Norwegian Wood.” It is a very special song, beyond special actually, but it is simply not a song I would’ve chosen to play in this situation (i.e. packed bar, band contest, 20 minutes set). And, if I had decided to play that song, it certainly would not have been the second song. It’s just too slow and sloggy for that position and really, it just killed your momentum.
So when you were done, I thought, “Ok, whatever, it was a brave gamble that didn’t pay off, no big deal, they’ll just come out big on the next song.” But then you followed it with, “While my Guitar Gently Weeps,” another fabulous Beatle’s song, but not the song with which you should’ve emerged from “Norwegian Wood.” You should’ve come out of Norwegian Wood with guns blazing, like the machine-gunning masterpiece that is, “Revolution.”
And yes, I appreciate that you wanted to mix it up, like Cash’d Out said, but you already had a droney, melancholic downer song with “While my Guitar Gently Weeps,” which, of the two, is the better one to play. So why not put something completely different in the “NorWood” slot, such as, “Martha”, or “When I’m 64” Those would’ve been total style and tempo changes, but still perky and upbeat.
If I were making that set list, using the same songs, it would look like this
1. “Twist and Shout”
2. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
3. “I am the Walrus”
4. “Norwegian Wood” (if I must but would rather use “Martha”)
5. “Revolution”
Lastly, your set was not as clean as a lot of people on the blog have been saying. There were plenty of dings and dents, though I totally agree with Danielle who said, “There was some pitchiness, and it was little loose, but it didn’t take me out of the element at all – there were so many parts that were right and working.”
My feelings exactly, Dani. In conclusion, I thought you were great, and only a sliver less great than the first round.
Next we shall address Greg’s (6one9) comment, which had this to say about the loudness issue:
“We line-checked with the stage manager and the sound man specifically asking if we were too loud. They said no, in fact, they asked Casey to turn his guitar up. When I heard the mix through the PA, I heard a huge boost in levels. Bottom line is that it sounded PERFECT on stage, period. … The judge’s comments for 6one9 and Alice Cooper were almost completely about the mix. Every judge said the sound level really hurt us. Where in the judging categories is the mix?!? It’s not, I looked. …”
Greg, I dig you, think you’re a stand up guy, and it was very cool of you guys to lend MOR your gear. You’re total gents, and in my opinion, 6one9 should be going to the next round. As you saw by my scores above, I had you down as second place, only a half point behind MOR; a score, by the way, for which I took a considerable amount of heat. Because when I told people (employees, regulars, etc) that I loved you guys and gave high scores, many of them looked at me as if I had salamanders crawling out of my nostrils. You know, it’s that whole, “Damned if you do, damned if you don’t deal.” I mean, I’m getting beat up for picking you guys and, at the exact same time, getting beat up for not picking you guys.
How the hell did that happen?
Now about the sound and the grading. Please understand that the things we say on the microphone may not necessarily be the things on which you are graded. And nowhere on my sheet did I grade you down for the mix. But the bottom line is this, the mix, the volume, and all that jazz is the sum total of the decisions and actions of the sound engineers and the band. There is no one person or factor that determines this. So, while your loudness was not all your fault, you must take some responsibility for it, especially for your bass amp, which was waaaay louder than the rest of the band, and something over which you have control. I mean, hey, just because your amp goes to 11, doesn’t mean you should put it there.
Doesn’t matter though. I did not dock you for that. Didn’t much dock you for anything. I thought you were great. I don’t think the other two judges liked you as much as I did. And a lot of people I talked to that night said the vocals were bad, especially on the Alice in Chains and the Def Leppard tunes. That was not my opinion, and I only mention it so that you understand that it wasn’t the stage volume that lost it for you.
Now, let’s address some of the comments buzzing from the hornet’s nest, like what Dickie said about Alice,
“It was a total train wreck. …but he had a snake around his neck, so there you go.”
Dickie, you know I love you brutha but really, the snake? You think the snake swayed our grading? Do you have that little faith in us? Wait, don’t answer that question.
“Ed, is Alice your secret lover or something? My suggestion – stay faithful to your beautiful wife and let a band with real talent win the competition.”
(Patti)
Patti, I do love Alice, it’s no secret. When we make love it’s just me, him and the python. But my love for Alice had nothing to do with his victory. I did not select Alice to win. Did you? Did you clap for them? If so, I would say that you are more complicit in their victory than I am. But you know I love you, and thanks for noticing my wife’s beauty – I tricked her into marrying me.
“Why didn’t the judges comment that Alice was out of tune the whole time, or that their finish was a train wreck.”
(Paraphrased and amalgamized question posted by several commenters)
They weren’t out of tune the whole set, they had periodic tuning issues, just like all the other bands who had different issues at different times. As for why it wasn’t mentioned, good question. I can’t speak for the other judges but for me, when I’m watching the band, I jot down notes for the blog and talking points for the judges’ commentary. But sometimes, more often then not, I get to yammering about stuff and forget what I’ve already said, or what I wanted to say, and then it becomes a bloody free-for-all, after which I have no idea what happened. That happens to me often, in real life too. Suffice to say, while I did not mention it on the microphone, it absolutely did factor in on the score sheet.
“The judging last night was beyond questionable, it was atrocious. Viejas should be embarrassed.”
(DR, lennon singer from Help)
Wow, how quickly they turn on you. During the week that Help won, we were the bestest judges ever in the whole wide world. But now that they’ve lost, we’re atrocious, and an embarrassment to Viejas.
DR, it was not the judges that cost you the victory; it was the crowd. The judges did, and still do, love you, despite your contempt for us. We all lamented that you weren’t moving forward. We wanted you to advance, because we dig you. But, whatever, I’m atrocious because not enough people yelled loud enough for you – yeah, that makes sense.
“To say that I am extremely disappointed in their judgments is an understatement. I am also absolutely bewildered and to be perfectly honest … quite disgusted. I had been so excited lately about this competition as a whole and was delighted with how refreshing & fun this was for San Diego’s music scene, but now, all I’m left with is a sour taste in my mouth. I’m a pretty stable minded person, got both feet planted firmly on the ground, don’t get caught up in conspiracy theories, and notions that these things are “rigged” (I hate even typing that) … but man, after last night … I can’t help but wonder.”
JONA
Damn JONA, ok, ok, you busted us. Turns out, the Viejas owners are all really big Alice Cooper fans. Have you seen the Alice Cooper slot machine? Instead of cherries and apples, it has coffins and zombies. When you get three corpses in a row, you win the jackpot! Yeah that Alice Cooper band, definitely a Viejas favorite!
Rigged? Give me a break, rigged. To what end? If there was any rigging to be done wouldn’t it be rigged in favor of 6one9, who repeatedly brings the largest crowd – and, I might add, a younger crowd who likes to booze and has more disposable income, unlike old-fart Alice Cooper fans, whose idea of a shot and a chaser is a Geritol with Cranberry juice back.
“When the winners were announced, the look of shock on people’s faces was undeniable (and quite sad to be honest with you). The fact that the judges “got it wrong” is unquestionable.”
(More JONA)
Um, JONA, let me guess, when you were looking around at the faces, you were sitting amid all the other 619 fans right? Those were 619 fan’s faces that looked shocked. Well blow me down, the 619 fans are mad because their band should’ve won. Whoda thunk it. Something like that has never happened before.
You know what I heard when Alice was announced? I heard a huge cheer. Sure, there were a lot of jeers too, which is exactly what happens every week. Whenever a winner is announced, half the room cheers, and the other half jeers, and there will never be a consensus ever about who should’ve won.
So what does that tell us – it tells us we all have different opinions, that nobody is right or wrong – a fact that brings me great comfort. It enables me to just make my scores as I see fit, knowing the other two judges, and the crowd, are there to dilute my influence, and exert theirs – so that it all works out in the end.
General Decker
Judge #3
www.edwindecker.com
P.S. I do have one quick announcement to make: This Thursday, July 24, 12:30pm. I will be on SignonSanDiego radio to talk about the Ultimate Music Challenge. The show is called,”Into the Night,” with host David Coddon, writer and editor of the Union-Tribune’s Night and Day section. If you want to listen, go to http://signonradio.com/ and select “listen live.” If you want to call in (please call in) and ask a question on the air, the number in the studio is 866-818-6384.
July 21, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Ed; Thursday, July 24th, AT WHAT TIME?
July 21, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Sorry Shaaron, that was dumb of me – it’s 12:30pm, to reiterate, I’ll be on SignOn Radio talking about UMC this Thursday, July 24, from 1230 – till 1pm. Go to http://signonradio.com/ to listen live. Also, it would be awesome if some of y’all called in. (866.818.6384) Shaaron? Colleen? Dickie? Greg? Where’s the love?!
July 21, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Wow! I feel special being mentioned “above the fold”
July 21, 2008 at 9:02 pm
I like the fact that the crowd responded to all of the competitors with enthusiasm, independent of their favored group. It would seem more in line with the spirit of the moment and the show.
Although I am for supporting your team I would rather see audience members responding to their heart and not subduing their reaction.
July 21, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Actually Ed I didn’t clap for Alice AND I didn’t boo (that would be rude). But I CAN tell you my ears didn’t ring from the loud stage volume of 619, but from the cheers after they played. It was soooo loud, I walked away holding my ears. THERE IS NO WAY that whomever did the decibel reading got it right. Like you said, 619′ers are young and loud and the dance floor was COMPLETELY crowded. Oh, and like YOU SAID, the Alice fans are old and tired. Do you honestly expect anyone to believe that they were louder than 619 fans. NO WAY!!!!! Something is totally messed up here and if the crowd repsonse is what pushed Alice over the top. Then I suppose you can hear me from here…. I say NO F**G WAY (excuse me for swearing… I almost never do that).
July 21, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Au contrair…
I saw MOR lead singer Ron rockin’ the hardest right in front during Alice’s set (I was upstairs drinkin’ a Miller Lite)
I’m sure the MOR fans had something to do with the decibels.
…come to think of it?
Maybe that’s a good strategy.
hmmm
July 21, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Complete BS thier was no way alice won no disrespect to them. Monsters of ROck did deserve to go to the next round and so did 619. I will not be attending the rest of the competion and will be taking my buisness to other casino’s from here on out. I hope the rest of the Young fans with disposable income decide to do the same in support of 619. This competition is a complete joke and if its all based on a gimick rather than talent than that sucks big donkey balls. Complete bullshit.
July 21, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Dickie if you had been upstairs for 619 too you would have seen Ron cheering loudly for them also. Ron is, besides one of the best local rock vocalists, a really great guy … he ALWAYS stays and supports whatever group they happen to be on the same bill with. That is called style AND it is good sportsmanship. I think that, without fail, the bands all showed a lot of class last night… I was proud of all of my Rocker friends!
July 21, 2008 at 9:46 pm
So there (sticking tongue out)!!!!
July 21, 2008 at 9:48 pm
OK Robert, if that’s the way you feel, well have at. But personally, I think you’re being silly.
“Ooh, ooh, my friend’s band didn’t win, so the whole thing is BS. Oooh, ooh.”
That’s silly dude, the thing is supposed to be fun. Come on back and have fun. Just say no to silly behavior.
July 21, 2008 at 9:55 pm
not trying to insult patti. seriously, though. i was there, too. it was so loud after both bands that i don’t think you could discern the difference. the decibel readings support it.
July 21, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Casey here from 6ONE9! First off, congrats to MOR and Alice for moving on. Best of luck in the finals, my friends. Obviously, I basically never post on here and pretty much don’t really get into it, although I do read it sometimes. That being said, I have my opinions on all the crap that has been strewn, but really, it doesn’t matter….I’m not gonna touch on most of it. But I would like to make 2 points….1) yes, Jamie’s comment regarding our fans did come off as rude and disrespectful whether he was kidding or not…it didn’t sound like he was kidding, but whatever. I’ve gotten numerous emails today about it from our fans and they didn’t like it. They didn’t come out there on a Sunday night in numbers around 250, spend their money on drinks, etc., to get insulted. They didn’t deserve that…not cool. 2) As far as the decibal reading goes….the only way Alice’s (or any of ther others) decibal reading was louder than ours was if the meter was in another part of the casino somewhere and they just took the reading at the end of each band set, OR, the levels got accidentally switched or something…maybe someone wrote the levels on the wrong paper or something. I mean come on…that part wasn’t even close. Anyone with working ears knows thats BS….has to be some kind of mistake there, and if that truly is what put Alice over the top, then it’s definitely a travesty.
Again, I have good friends in both MOR and Alice, and I truly wish each of them the best of luck. Kick some ass guys!
July 21, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Jessus all you so called young 619 fans are bad losers!!!! I’ve already read where that place is booking them back so really thay won a ton a gigs there! Do you really think a band like Alice and the Cooper gang can do a full night gig? No way, they are not a cover band that had 4 sets of dance music!! At best I would think they would win some money and maybe a warmup spot for a larger concert or something, but a full 4 hour night gig, no way! Would you want to come hear 4 hours of Beatles? I wouldn’t worry too much, they will be back and rock that place a lot more than Alice will even if Alice wins this thing! Just my opinion
July 21, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Well I am happy to say the band I support is moving on to the finals…and for more reasons than just what you heard on the stage…MOR is a class act…They are talanted musicians and just plain nice guys…they are a group that appreciate their fans regardless of who they are or what they look like…They give out what they get back…” Respect” and ” Dedication”….
There may not have been as many MOR fans out on the dance floor, but we are a loyal bunch! I would put my money on this band any day of the week. Just goes to show…it isn’t always about the size of the crowd on dance floor or the T-Shirt you have on….it is about the “quality” of the music….
There were standout performace in each band last night…of which I acknowledged with my clapping and voice…I think it is back to the apples and oranges mentioned a few weeks back…it is really hard to put all these bands with such different styles together and to say one is “better” than the other. I’ll give the judges some “props up”…it would not be a job I would ever want!
You really are Damed if you do…Damed if you don’t!
On any given night, any of these groups could have advanced…last night MOR and The Alice Group…just had that little something extra…
I find it kind of interesting…the 2 bands last night that would most likely play in the future at a Casino like Viejas did not make the cut…but the underdogs….the keepers of the darkness… seemed to shine through….
I say….keep on shinning
STAR
July 21, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Ed, You have to live with your decision, which was fundamentally flawed, but I will move on. Check your previous blogs to vindicate what I have said regarding song selection. Note to upcoming contenders; don’t pay attention to the rules; they apparently mean nothing. By the way, Ed Decker and Jaime Valle both specifically asked us to play “While my Guitar Gently Weeps” when we won the initial round back in May, so we learned it specifically for them. All that having been said good luck to both Alice and MOR, both of which are very talented and class acts.
July 21, 2008 at 10:16 pm
i dig the 2 advancing each week thing. that we’ll do next year. and if someone drops out we can certainly use the next highest score from any week. that makes sense as well.
robert? wow.
July 21, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Hey Jason – to answer your question from above….no. Obviously, there are a number of folks around who aren’t overjoyed with last night’s outcome, and that’s probably true every week. AND, each of those people will express themselves in their own manner…whatta ya gonna do.
That being said, this whole competition should be a “fun thing”. I know for 6ONE9, it provided a few weeks of really good times and excitement for us and our AWESOME fans and friends. Brought a bunch of us together on a couple Sunday nights when we wouldn’t have otherwise been out….so that makes it all good. We look forward playing out there again in the near future and we’ll be back to give this thing a run again next year….that gives us a year to get bigger amps so we can make sure we’re loud enough for people to hear us! : ) Thanks for lettin’ us compete! Good times!
July 21, 2008 at 10:27 pm
casey – you’re a rockstar. thanks and i look forward to bringing you back. we’ll talk about it soon. you guys are not our format so we’ll have to get creative. perhaps a reunion on the CITP stage for some of the UMC bands? we’ll work it out.
dr i don’t understand your comment about the rules. how were the rules not followed? AND what ed said was not that you shouldn’t have played the song but that you should put it elsewhere in your set. what’s the big deal? seems like thoughtful criticism to me. the bands win or lose based solely on the judging form (you’ve seen it, we post it all over backstage) which asks specific questions. so why are you upset about this? ed is expected to express an opinion, he’s judging you…
July 21, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Wow Dr J Lennon of Help, you’re really not getting it. I said over and over how much I loved your set, that my critiques were just little things, and that I loved Guitar/Weeps, just not after Norwegian Wood.
My “decision” which you called “flawed” was to give you a 9.0 in costumes/appearance
8.5 in choreography and stage presence
8.5 in charisma and audience interaction
9.0 in overall style
8.5 in vocal performance
and 9.0 in music performance
Keep in mind that I NEVER give out 10’s (for me, 10 means perfect and I don’t believe in the existence of perfection) and ALMOST never give out 9.5’s.
The scores I gave you were bitchin’, so, if my “decision” was flawed, then the only way I could’ve improved would be to go down.
And again, I did not rate you below Alice. I Alice came in last place on my book. Are you not reading that part? For the most part, Help, Alice, Mor were basically tied. So, tell me then, are you saying you were sooo much better than 619 and MOR that I should’ve scored you leaps and bounds above them? Is that what you’re saying Dave? Tell us true.
e.
July 21, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Casey… like always a class act man! It is no wonder that your fans are passionate about you guys.
Jason seems like a really nice and open minded person BUT I still think the meter reader made a mistake. (probably NO WAY you are going to get me to change my mind on that)
July 21, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Wow … are you f’n kidding me?? Ed, although I sincerely appreciate you sharing your score sheet with us and setting the record straight on how you judged, etc. … to then say that the Alice Cooper band had a higher decibel reading than 6one9 and that that is what vaulted them into the winning position is so insanely ridiculous … it’s borderline comical. Are we being punked here??? C’mon now, I can’t believe we’re expected to believe that.
On a side note … there was this guy sitting in the back who was screaming insults at the top of his lungs at the judges. I personally went up to him and asked him to be quiet because I didn’t want him associated with us. He pretty much told me to F off, so I had security tell him to shut up instead. Just wanted to make it clear he was NOT a 6one9 fan.
July 21, 2008 at 10:48 pm
I don’t know what to tell ya JONA, that’s the db scoring I was told. I didn’t question it because I didn’t notice a difference. maybe it has to do with where in the room we are, I don’t know – all I know is that’s the info that I was given.
thanks for telling that guy to shut up. Although, it doesn’t bother me none. Still, you’re a stand up girl for sticking up for us.
July 21, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Wa Wa Wa, call the wambulance! How would you all like it if after the contest dead line, last years 2nd place winner was asked to come back, and compete on your week? Then add the fact that they play the venue on a regular basis, and the sound and light crew know them well. You just deal with it and try harder! If Du was put on any other night, you all would be competing with a bunch of middle age women with ovaries!
You might not get the prize money, but you do get the experience! You do get the critique! You do get the exposure!
July 21, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Ed;
I never said that the Judges were the”bestest judges in the whole world’ when we won the first round. What I did do was personally thank each judge and shake their hand and let them know that I appreciated their criticism, and when they advanced us in the first round, I let them know that I was glad that they voted for us. My good manners (I’m from the South) should not be confused with pandering to the judges. I stand by my comment that Viejas ought to be embarrassed by the judging that took place Sunday Night, it WAS atrocious. By atrocious I don’t mean that I lost, what I am referring to is the foul language used by each of the judges (yeah its a rock situation, but what if there were some Mormons,or Obama forbid, some Muslims there that took offense to that type of language? None of the bands used foul language over the mic’s but all of the judges did.) And I am mostly referring to the fact that most of the critiques of every band involved things that were not addressed on the judges criteria sheet, something which Jason has said he will address, albeit it too little and too late.
July 21, 2008 at 11:34 pm
man. the judges’ comments were just comments. the process is still fair, honest and open.
i wish you guys were still in this because i’m a crazy beatles fan and you nailed them in my opinion. but in the judges’ opinions two other bands out performed you sunday. that’s really it. so ed thought you should have rearranged your set? so jaime is odd? so they swore a little? it’s not church. it’s a bar in a casino. and this is a competition with judges who are paid to have opinions – like them or not.
but as eddie izzard put it so well: “at this rate you won’t be able to drink or talk either in bars…”
July 21, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Help is the premier band of this generation and should be recognized as such.
sincerely,
Help’s mom
Ed, I guess that is what I am saying. Sorry for my previous posts, I am just mad that I did not put the songs in the right order. I am hyper competitive and hate to lose…….
July 21, 2008 at 11:50 pm
ok, another idea on scoring…
the db reading is scored as it comes off the meter.
decimal moved to be between 1 and 20 ish.
That way you don’t get a great advantage for being first you just get what you get…
July 21, 2008 at 11:52 pm
btw, added once – not for each judge.
July 22, 2008 at 12:03 am
oh yeah,
Patti,
Perhaps Ron’s cheering for Alice helped 6ONE9 fans cheer?
…for Alice…
July 22, 2008 at 12:04 am
that’s a good idea dickie. i think we’ll incorporate that.
robert, i’m not trying to insult you or anyone else. i’m just responding. i think it’s curious that you would judge the casino as a whole because you don’t like one show. you know that we support the local music scene by booking hundreds of dates a year and by sponsoring the sdma’s every year? the rules are clear man – this is about bringing the show. musical ability makes up a majority of the score card but showmanship is a factor. everyone knows this going into it.
you won’t find other venues that offer forums like this (or competitions like this either…) we’re trying to support the local music scene here and are offering some pretty cool entertainment to boot. you’ll notice, if you watch the calendar, that a number of bands who didn’t win have already been contracted to polay at viejas. not a bad deal.
so i’m sorry you feel burned, man. but it’s not as bad as you make it out to be. we’re bringing a bunch of bands up on stage, telling them the rules, and hoping that everyone has a good time.
July 22, 2008 at 12:04 am
Just a qiuck note. My whole family was there. And yes they are all ..MORMONS…. Thats right a room full of Mormones WOW pretty F**king scary huh.. My mother and father as well. They thought the judges were awsome even befor we were annouced winners They couldent be more proud to have been there and be a part of this crazy contest. Also would like to thank all of the bands and there fans for all the wonderful support and sweet words they gave us.. And ED ohhh baby ohh baby lol see you on the 3rd. Ps is there any list of songs you like us to play lol…
July 22, 2008 at 12:20 am
So, back to my new conspiracy… muah ha ha ha!
this next round, MOR and Alice should bring their fans and cheer for Gin and Old School. no disrespect but as I understand it DU is super clean and AIG is too “right on” to be written off.
So, if you are successful in advancing the underdogs you have a better chance at the $… he he
July 22, 2008 at 12:26 am
Strategy baby!
July 22, 2008 at 1:23 am
Hmm, Alice – I don’t know, gee, what song, what Alice Cooper song would make me very happy. Oh, I know, how about…
WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE
And really, isn’t that song totally relevant to my current nightmare of having judged, and blogged about, last Sunday’s competition. What’s the word again, oh yes, apropos.
“welcome to my nightmare
I think you’re gonna like it
I think you’re gonna feel, right at home… here.”
We sweat laugh and scream here
‘cuz life is just a dream here
You know inside you feel right at home here.”
Oh yeah man, that’s what I’m talking about.
July 22, 2008 at 1:40 am
I don’t like Dickie’s idea all that much. No offense Dickie, you know i love you. I just think it’s a good thing that crowd noise counts for something. It gives the bands REAL incentive to bring people. Jason, my opinion is, leave the crowd noise category as it is.
Robert, showmanship and stage presence is not a “gimmick.” it is a valid and important part of a live band’s overall performance. It’s not everything, but it matters somewhat, and we count it, somewhat. AND, when you’re a tribute band, you’re job is to assume the style and presence of the band you are tributing. the Alice Cooper gang did that quite well.
HOWEVER, and I will keep saying this again, and again, and again until you, and everyone else understands – it was the crowd noise, primarily, that put them over the top, and that’s just the way it is.
July 22, 2008 at 3:38 am
I am a fan of both MOR and 6one9, and have been following the comments in the blog though I have never posted. Even as I am ecstatic that MOR won, I am still reeling from the shock that 6one9 did not make it through. Having said that, I am not going to get into the quagmire of a debate over that proceeding.
I mainly wanted to address a remark made by Tom about us “so called young 619 fans” being “bad losers”. I feel that the label is totally uncalled for. This blog is for everyone to voice their feelings and views, and from what I’ve read, even as incendiary as some of the remarks may seem, it is just people venting. Your band won, so you really don’t have the right to put down someone else who may be feeling hurt about the results of the evening, and feel the need to let their feelings be known.
You should know that many of us “bad losers” were there in support of MOR as well!! Thought you might like to think about that the next time you feel the urge to judge others so quickly!
July 22, 2008 at 3:47 am
I am a fan of both MOR and 6one9, and have been following the comments in the blog though I have never posted. Even as I am ecstatic that MOR won, I am still reeling from the shock that 6one9 did not make it through. Having said that, I am not going to get into the quagmire of a debate over that proceeding.
I mainly wanted to address a remark made by Tom about us “so called young 619 fans” being “bad losers”. I feel that the label is totally uncalled for. This blog is for everyone to voice their feelings and views, and from what I’ve read, even as incendiary as some of the remarks may seem, it is just people venting. Your band won, so you really don’t have the right to put down someone else who may be feeling hurt about the results of the evening, and feel the need to let their feelings be known.
You should know that many of us “bad losers” were there in support of MOR as well!! Thought you might like to think about that the next time you feel the urge to judge others so quickly!
July 22, 2008 at 7:18 am
Ed…”I’d like to say thank you from the group and ourselves and I hope we passed the audition”-J.Lennon , January 69..I was confused, we were requested to play “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by one of the judges after the first round. We wanted to give variety and not play the same set as before. The Beatles had 27 number one hits . I think the judges should have been at the location were we performed on July 5th. We did “Walrus” to an arousing ovation. I usually don’t comment on decisions . I wish Al Gore was there. It was Florida all over again!
July 22, 2008 at 8:02 am
Whoa!! Can’t we all just get along?
6one9 fans — there are so many complaints about the ONE comment from JV. Did no one hear all his other comments? The man is very accomplished and has been around for a long time and it is an honor for most musicians who want to move forward in this business to be able to have his suggestions.
Patti — open your horizons to all kinds of genres. Your statement that you only listen to Rock shows that your knowledge of music is extremely limited. The good thing about this competition is that all genres are welcome to compete. True that Rock will probably have the advantage because of the larger fan base, but that doesn’t mean that other genres don’t have a place in the music industry. Just because you don’t listen to jazz, doesnt’ mean that a jazz musician can’t appreciate other genres. By your statements it is a good thing that you are not judging, because only a current rock band would be worthy of moving on. Personnally, I prefer C & W music (that’s Country & Western btw since you only listen to rock), but I can appreciate the musicianship of members of Alice, AIAG, Rokken, Rockslyde, and yes…. 6one9. Although this type of genre will not be on my “radio dial”. However, even though metal rock is not my favorite genre, I can see the professionalism in these musicians and hear their abilities. Try to listen… really listen to other genres. It will expand your mind. Jazz, R & B, Rock, Pop, Metal, Opera, C & W, Oldies, Classical, and yes… even Rap Crap (my personal dislike) all have a place in the musical world and most are in my arsonal of CDs. BTW… I’ve even heard a few good Rap Crap groups.
Regarding the decibal reader part of the competition. I do have a problem with this being a factor in the competition. Throughout this year’s competition (and I’ve been to every night), I’ve watched how the reading is done. There is no consistancy as to HOW the meter is held. I’ve seen it held high, held straight out, and even leaned over the stage and into the crowd to get the reading. Additionally, if the crowd is more heavily male… as is often the case with metal bands, then the reading would be higher. A lower voice will project farther and be louder than a higher voice. The crowd response should most definately count, but using the decibal reader as a single response for “audience participation” should not be a major factor in this catagory. BTW… Patti… I saw you participating and clapping for Alice. Hmmmmmmm…….
Finally I’d like to comment on the judges… When Ed asked to give our predictions for winners for this semis and final, I answered his challenge. I found it difficult to be objective. Yet my choices were 2 metal bands for Semi Round 1. This from a person who doesn’t necessarily care for metal bands! To judge without bias is extremely difficult! The judges have done an AWESOME job this year. I am so glad they give their comments after each competition. At least we know that night how the winner MAY have been chosen. More than what we had last year. Do I agree with what the judges have to say? Generally no. But some of the time I agree. Do they each seem to have “preferences” to what they want to see and hear? Yes! The job of judging is difficult, and I for one appreciate their commentaries. Even Ed’s! oooooooohhhh that was difficult to say!! LOL!
Jaime brings years, dare I say decades of experience in the music industry. His experience covers not only locally, but also globally. He is well-known throughout the world and San Diego is lucky to have him here as his home base.
Danielle brings the experience of a musician who also knows how to look at the total package. The bands need to not only be able to perform well musically, but also dramatically. As a person who has a degree in Dramatic Arts, I appreciate her comments about stage presence, audience interaction and “costumes”. Although I often wonder what she is looking for in the “costume” catagory.
Ed…….. Ed……… let me think hard now…… Ed brings the experience of one who has heard a lot of bands over the years. It has been said that he brings the opinion of the general public. I’m not sure that is true. Ed definately has a bias toward metal bands, but I truly feel that he strives very hard to remain objective. He even admitted that HF did well!
The judging has been good this year! Have I agreed with most of their decisions? Probably not, but at least this year I have an idea as to how they came about with the decision they made.
Lastly to Jason…. Hey guy! Thanks for responding to this and last week’s blogs. It is good to see you at least hearing what the public is saying. We appreciate being heard.
July 22, 2008 at 8:22 am
Ed; If the decibel readings were not taken into account, would the winners still be the same?
My feeling is that the contest uses the decibel readings category to encourage bands to bring in their fans, to sell booze and make money in the casino. If that category was ignored, what would the outcome be?
That being said (asked) 619 had a ton of people there. They said about 250. What is the seating capacity of the DreamCatcher? HF had about 60 people there, and our night the place was full. Is it possible that there were that many people there?
July 22, 2008 at 8:27 am
OK, I guess it’s time for my disclaimer again. The guy with the user name “monster drummer” is not the drummer from Monsters of Rock. Although he seems to be a MOR supporter, he’s made some critical comments and I do not wish to be associated with them. Especially any negative comments directed toward 619 or their fans.
We are very happy to be moving on to the next round and really appreciate all the support we’ve received and hope it continues to grow.
July 22, 2008 at 8:42 am
the capacity downstairs is about 300 and 65 upstairs. so yes, i suppose 6one9 could have had that many people there. but if they were all there for 6one9 why did they yell so loud for alice?
July 22, 2008 at 8:49 am
Tom from MOR, I already told them I am not you! That night ws the first time I ever heard your band, loved ya and your singer and your show dude! In all these blogs its the 619 fans crying over spilled milk! Their band was great as well and will be back as we have all read here! Why can’t we all move on to the next round and see what happens next?
Just so you all know, I am not the drummer for MOR!!!!! I’m just a moron reading all this stuff with comments of my own. There, are you happy now Tom?
July 22, 2008 at 9:04 am
monster drummer, you are entitled to your opinion and to blog away, but that was in last weeks blog. Some did not read back that far and I’ve received some grief over it. Thank you for helping to clarify.
July 22, 2008 at 9:10 am
Colleen…
I listen to Rock because I like rock. That doesn’t mean I haven’t listened to, and enjoyed, other types of music on many occasions. I recently went to the Toby Keith concert and had an absolute BLAST!!! One of my close friends records scores for HIT movies (like Sex in the City) and he happens to be a great “pro” jazz drummer. My son plays sax in jazz, concert and marching bands and I don’t miss a show. I love original music of all kinds and try to support local musicians as often as possible. You REALLY don’t need to lecture ME about bieng open minded… you have no idea exactly how open minded I am
BTW, I did politely clap on one song for Alice but I ABSOLUTELY DID NOT CLAP DURING THE METER READING. (Kinda creepy you were watching me though.)
Ed, you know I love you and I think you have been very fair in the judging and here on the blog. I have stuck up for the judges on more than one occasion! I think the judges are doing a good job, mostly. I think Jaime was just in in a snotty little mood on Sunday. He is human and that happens. His tone of voice was not encouraging, it was kind of demeaning.
That being said, I still believe that if you are judging the bands, judge the bands…. don’t make fun of their fans who are supporting the club that is paying your judges fee. BTW, I’m pretty sure that Jaime would agree, since he pointed out so rudely how LOUD they were, that 619 had the crowd competition beat. He didn’t insult the Alice crowd who MUST have been louder since they won the crowd participation portion… in fact he didn’t mention the crowd in his statement to any other band. Hmmmm…..
I DO agree that the DC reading appears to be a flawed system of calculating who had the best crowd response. They really need to rethink this method especially if that is what is going to push a band over the top.
July 22, 2008 at 9:17 am
Sorry for the grief dude, I had no idea they would come at you with it!!! Was never my intention to get things mixed up like that! You guys bad!!!!
July 22, 2008 at 9:18 am
On a lighter note… have I said lately how much I TOTALLY LOVE
MONSTERS of ROCK? I was again blown away by their performance! They always bring it on from the very first note until the last song of the night and they always make it a point to thank us fans for coming to their shows!
There are very few “cover bands” that I would travel just about anywhere to see and MONSTERS is one of them! I’ve seen them play in all types of venues and each and every time they have left the club and its patrons wide eyed and blown away by their AWESOME show.
It is obvious here that everyone agrees MONSTERS deserved to move on to the finals! Yippee!!! Guys, you are gonna WIN this thing!
July 22, 2008 at 9:22 am
I work in the medical field, and there are politics involved in the Hospital environment. The same applies in music. I disagree that the younger 6one9 fans are the ones with the expendible income-it’s actually their parents-the baby boomers. If Viejas were smart, they would be appealing more to the wealthy baby boomer crowd and choose a band that spands the generations, like the Beatles. Who cares about the order of the set list-for Heaven’s sake; HELP nails over 4 hours of Beatles songs and quite perfectly-I may add. No one even mentioned that HELP may not have had the HUGE turn-out of the other bands due to their popularity in Orange, Riverside and North County and the much greater distance their fans need to travel to get to Viejas. I think the judges are all superb at what they do, but politically it had to be set up so DU can win the competition this year….and SO… it will BE because HELP and 6one9 are out!
July 22, 2008 at 9:30 am
37 bands competed in this contest. (out of a possible 40. Willovealot was a no show, 80z All Starz dropped out after winning their round, and Clay Colton dropped out after the death of their lead guitar player)
Hundreds of bands applied, but were turned down because the entry date had closed. My question is to;
Jason; How are bands selected to enter the contest? Is it first come first served? Or is there any kind of screening done? How are the bands assigned the date they play, and is there any consideration on matching any certain band against another?
I ask these questions because it would be foolish to put all the really good bands in on one week, but it would be smart to put all the lesser bands on together, with one good band to win that night…
I guess what I’m saying is that placement counts for more than anything in this contest. How much control is there on this issue?
July 22, 2008 at 9:33 am
BTW, That’s why I suggested the point system of grading the entire contest, not just each week.
July 22, 2008 at 9:38 am
I’ve been promoting 6one9 for almost 8 years now and know most of the their fans by name & face and can easily account for close to 200 of them on Sunday night (and I’m sure there were others there to support them that I don’t know). That being said, I simply do not see how it’s possible that the decibel reading for the Alice band could’ve been higher than 6one9’s … makes no sense. And believe me, the 6one9 fans were NOT cheering for Alice during the meter reading ( although I’m not saying that some of them didn’t politely clap during their performances). We may have been on “LSD”, but we weren’t “trippin’” enough to cheer for the competition during the decibel reading. Gimme a break
Call it sour grapes if you want … it just sucks that THIS is the reason the judges are saying Alice beat out 6one9 …
July 22, 2008 at 9:43 am
Maybe the production crew could figure out how to project the meter readings up on the big screens next time.
July 22, 2008 at 9:51 am
Jeez…
I was upstairs, I could hear from a distance that the Alice response was loud and crazy. The db meter is an accurate way to put a numerical value on the crowd response. btw, Colleen, don’t give me any of that “can’t we just get along” whining. Yes, we can, but we can also call BS in a friendly, spirited discussion.
This isn’t Idol, where the judges say yes or no. Go back to the Intro and see how the bands are judged. It’s like your favorite sports team dominating on the field but still not pulling out the win. I like the suspense and drama of this competition for that reason.
Each band is going to look back and come up with things they could have done to sway the vote. Perhaps focusing on things they never really though of before. What they wear, Props, song selection, stage volume. And maybe dynamics.
We heard how loud you can get now show us how soft you can play!
July 22, 2008 at 10:01 am
I’ve got to chime in on this real quick as well.
We in 6one9 make it a point to get to nkow and, usually become friens with a majority of our fans. I am with Jona and Casey on the numbers. I was blown away by the turnout of our freinds and, yes, I too know easily 200 if not by name then by face.
Anyway, The DB reading is a joke.
Maybe they should do a head count or a vote next time.
IT WASN”T EVEN CLOSE!
All that had to be done was to count the 619 shirts in the house!
There were, I believe 75 custom shirts purchased and worn just for the event saying “6one9 rocks Viejas”. (Thank you Jona and Debi) That does not count the many “standard issue” 6one9 shirts in the room.
You guys are the best and we know you were the loudest.
July 22, 2008 at 10:13 am
So the False Decibel Meter Reading Conspiracy Theory (FDMRCT) is now in full force!
July 22, 2008 at 10:24 am
Robert. . . go away!
July 22, 2008 at 10:35 am
It seems that the loosing bands get more publicity than the winning bands around here
July 22, 2008 at 10:43 am
Patti — Thank you for clarifying your ability to appreciate other genres. However in your blog you stated to Shaaron about Jaime:
“…The comment he made about the fans had nothing to do with making 619 a better band, did it? And exactly where is Jaime? I doubt anyone ( in the club (including you) had ever heard of Jaime before this competition. I’m not saying his music isn’t good, I don’t know it, I’ve never heard of him before (I listen to ROCK!).” From that statement I apparently jumped to the conclusion that Rock was the only genre you have listened to. Glad to hear your son plays sax. We need more talented sax players. (wouldn’t you say so Johnny Rano?)
First of all, a lot of musicians know Mr. Valle and I would dare to say that there were quite a few people “in the club” who also know of him… including myself.
Now as for your comment about it being “creepy” that I was watching YOU! My, my, my…. how you flatter yourself! I was NOT watching YOU! You just happened to be in my line of sight while I was enjoying watching Alice and trying to grab a picture of him. You kept getting into my shot while I was shooting pictures from my seat. But if it flatters you to think I was looking at you, well then…. hey girl go for it!!!
But answer me this… are all 6one9 fans as sensitive as you? Geeeze!! Oh well… it is what it is! Peace!!
Dickie — I agree with almost all your lastest blog says, with the possible statement about me “whining”. I have no problem with calling BS…BS. I too enjoy the suspense and drama. And I love your last sentence about loud and soft. I think that’s what Help! was trying to show. But look how that worked for them.
It’s all good… Hey people! Keep voicing your opinions!!
Peace!
July 22, 2008 at 10:47 am
Tom, I apologize publicly for confusing you with another blogger. I thought I remembered an earlier blog from weeks past that had monster drummer claiming to be you, but I missed have missed your blogs up.
I am very, very sorry for the confusion and grief it’s caused you, really I am..
Monster drummer, my previous post is hereby directed at you for your unfair comment towards 6one9 fans. Maybe you are really one of us????
July 22, 2008 at 10:48 am
I meant to say, “must have mixed your blogs up.”
July 22, 2008 at 10:49 am
Alright, this is ridiculous. Greg is absolutely correct in stating that anyone who was there on Sunday could see that the 6ONE9 fans dominated by t-shirts alone. And yes, some of us did cheer for other bands- I for one went up in front to check out MOR because they were absolutely awesome. Yet, the crowd noise generated by the 6ONE9 fans was overwhelming to the point that a judge commented that we had all been dropping acid. Sounds like conflicting stories from the judging panel at this point- either we were loud and crazy, or we weren’t, but at least be consistent.
But as far all the people calling sour grapes and crybaby; you obviously are not familiar with the guys in 6ONE9. These guys are consumate professionals; I have never seen any band so willing to help out their fellow musicians. Whether it is support or lessons and tips to an up and coming guitarist or lending their direct competition equipment 6ONE9 puts out every time. Seeing these guys act so selflessly over and over again is what inspires such fierce loyalty from their fans. We who were there on Sunday know what we saw and heard. Our boys rocked the joint down, we know it and the judges know it.
It comes down to this- Casey and the boys lead by example, and not just when doing shots of Jaeger. We were ALL there to enjoy some really great local bands, support the guys we love the most, and to have a really great time. It truly sucks that 6ONE9 did not get the recognition we know they earned and deserved; but screw the judges. They’re still our boys and the Jaeger will be flowing heavily next weekend.
My kudos to Casey, Greg, Jeff and Jerry. You guys put on your typical awesome show, and you did it with class and style- everything we have come to expect from you over and over again.. just without the Jaeger this time!
July 22, 2008 at 10:49 am
You get your shot and that’s it.
All that matters is what happens at that time.
It is what it is.
July 22, 2008 at 11:42 am
pssst… Is he gone?
July 22, 2008 at 11:52 am
I just have to chime in … it didn’t matter to us, win or lose, shirts or no shirts … 6ONE9 fans love those boys whole heartedly and we’d follow them anywhere!
Clearly they had the most fans there, AND clearly we were the loudest. Although some 619 Fans were a little over zealous about expressing their feelings about the loss, most of us are very respectful and some of us even congratulated the other bands on advancing … I take personal offence to those who called us “boozed up” and “sore losers”; and I won’t even get into the LSD thing. All of those comments are uncalled for and just shows how little class some people have. So before you start throwing stones, look in your own little glass houses.
We love our 6ONE9. We really are a family. They treat their fans with respect and love and we give it right back to them! Sure we’re bummed that they didn’t advance, but we’ll be out there every weekend rockin’ out with them, no matter where they play !! Thats just how we ROLL !!!
July 22, 2008 at 12:05 pm
The DB meter is objective, I think it should stay.
Looking on to this Sunday…
DU and AIG seem to be the favorites.
With that said I hope the underdogs try something special.
July 22, 2008 at 12:06 pm
i’ve deleted robert’s posts. he just went too far. 3000 people earn their livings at viejas. sorry guys.
if you guys want to discuss something jump in – i’m right here. there is no agenda, it’s not rigged, it’s just a good old fashioned competition. just don’t try to injure my friends in the process.
i’ll address the meter next year. it’ll either go away or it’ll be projected on the side screens.
i think alice’s crowd response was louder. does that make it so? no. so guys, please give it a rest.
July 22, 2008 at 12:18 pm
J. mullenla . . . well said and I agree about giving a rest!
July 22, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Jenny,
I’ve become a 6ONE9 fan since seeing them in this competition. I right with you on your comments except, “clearly we were the loudest”.
When you are in the middle of a crowd of screaming 6ONE9 fans it sounds loud. Then when you hear the crowd for Alice and you’re not in the middle of the screaming it doesn’t sound as loud.
It was LOUD for Alice too! Once again, I was upstairs, away from most of the crowd. It was very enthusiastic for both bands. Who was loudest?
Clearly it was Alice because the emotionless meter said so.
July 22, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Colleen, Don’t know how you came up with that, but I do not have a bias toward heavy metal. The Beatles and the Kinks are my 2 all time favorite bands. Maybe at the time the Kinks were considered heavy metal, but I doubt anyone would call them metal now.
I am open to, and enjoy, just about every style of music. Love that Motown stuff, love that pop rock that Rockandy was doing. Love country and western, love rap, love the rat packers, the big band stuff of the 40’s, jazz, blues, swing, ska, reggae, rockabillly. The list goes on.
I have one of the most eclectic tastes in music I have ever seen. Perhaps you believe the reason I prefer metal is because several metal bands have been winning, or that I’ve said positive things about metal bands. Well, that’s just a function of their being great and not that I am biased toward them.
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Ted from Help, ok, you were robbed. And all these people who are on the blog saying it should have been 619 and MOR that won, and all the people in the audience who roared for other bands beside you, they’re all wrong and you, and DR are absolutely right. You were the best and everybody knows it (except the previously mentioned hundreds of people).
I am uttery shocked at the diligence and perseverance to which you guys maintain your sore loserness. Aren’t you going to get embarrassed any time soon?
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Shaaron – I love you dearly but, OMG, has nobody been listening to what I’ve been saying? The audience response was the major factor in granting Alice the win. Two of the three judges did not have Alice moving on to a victory, and Alice would not have won had audience response not been a factor..
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Patti and Steph, Your logic is flawed. Yes Jaime pointed out how loud the crowd response was for 619. (Is there any doubt that they were loud?) But that was before Alice came on, so, there is no conflict with Jamie’s comments. Just because he said a band’s crowd response was loud, doesn’t mean another band could get a louder response afterward, or even beforeward for that matter. Also remember that judges are not db meters either. So even if Jaime said, “I think you guys got the loudest response ever,” it wouldn’t make it true.
(Patti, this does not change my love for you – you know I do, right?)
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Jackie, it is beyond insulting to suggest that we are setting up DU to win the whole thing. Let me explain something to you. Please bear with me as I start from the beginning…
I was brought in to this competition last year by my friend Dave Patrone, who was a judge last year, and needed a fill in. Prior to that visit I had never known or met a single Viejas employee, or manager, or shareholder, or board member – that I know of.
The reason I was brought in was for my, um, “expertise” as a published, working, freelance music journalist. However, music journalism is not only what I do. I have been writing general topic articles and feature stories and cover stories AND a weekly opinion column that I’ve been writing now for over 10 years. I have spent the last 20 years building name recognition, and maintaining a positive public reputation for that name.
Reputation and goodwill is EVERYTHING to a writer. Without that, my credibility goes at the window and I’m as obsolete as typewriter ribbon. There is no possible chance I would risk my reputation on a music contest, or any contest, that is rigged. Especially for people I never even met. If anybody in Viejas ordered, or even asked me to, in anyway, favor any band over another I would get up and walk away. I don’t need this job. My journalism career is my nest egg and I would not risk it on a side gig such as this. It’s not about the money, it’s about fun, and it could only be fun for me if it were honest.
Same goes true for Dani and Jaime and the fill in judges. Every week we talk and chat and banter about why we think this, why we said that, and why we chose who – they’re on the square Jackie, we’re on the square.
If you still have doubts, just go back and look at all our careers. Look at what we do and what we stand for. Look at the sort of stuff I write about in my column – integrity, personal responsibility, fairness, looking out for the underdog. Take a look at the sorts of things Danielle does – both her and Alicia (fill in judge) are the founders and operators of the SD Indie Fest, which is all about integrity, and doing the right thing, and Jaime, who has more music knowledge and experience on his index callus, then everybody in the room combined and whose name recognition is far too valuable to tarnish with this gig, which, for all of us, is just something fun to do on Sunday night, the FUN part, incidentally, being gravely damaged, by accusations such as yours.
edwin Decker
Judge #3
July 22, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I have a question, where is this meter located in the room? I ask this because if someone were to be close to it at the time of the reading and they yelled loud directly in it, well wouldn’t the reading be louder than if say, this meter was up with the sound guy where no one can get near it and he takes the readings and then passes that onto the judges below? I have one of those meters and the closer to the sound source you are the higher the reading on the meter. Maybe it was just that people were close to the meter at the time it was read and did have a higher reading than when it was read for 619. Now I am an Alice fan myself and I’m happy thatthey are moving on, but I want this to be as fair as all of you do. Was just a question and a thought!
July 22, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Well, the meter reading is done at the front of the stage, taken by the Jack FM crew. I don’t know much about these things, but it seems to me that if someone was close enough to the receiver, and yelled it into it, that might affect the outcome. I don’t think that happened because they are standing on the stage, and higher than the crowd, plus they hold it in the air, but still, maybe to play it safe, they should step back some, away from the front of the stage.
July 22, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Or maybe we can present it to Robert as a going away present.
July 22, 2008 at 1:02 pm
DB meters can vary alot depending on distance and direction relative to the sound source. Remember, it’s basically a microphone. I’ve personally used them in situations where a band I was in was required under contract to keep under a certain level. I’v held them in my hand and moved just inches and ees of angle and seen the difference of a several DB’s.
There should be a little common sence about this. when all the bands had friends and fans screaming as loud as possible, shouldn’t logically the band with the most people screaming be loudest, or at least win the “crowd response” portion?
I dare anyone to chime in sayin there were more people screaming for anyone else.
The only way the DB meter can truly be “unbiast” is if it were mounted on a stand in the same spot all night.
It’s over now, but these are the facts in my book.
I did enjoy participating.
I promise I will give it a rest now. I urge everyon else to do the same.
July 22, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Elise, I anticipated such confusion. No hard feelings on this end. Believe me, my jaw dropped with everyone else’s at the end of the night. If you check out our pictures on MySpace you’ll see Gavin sitting in with 619. I know we share some of the same fan base which is awesome. I’ve been to many of their shows and support them as well.
July 22, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I agree and will do the same. . . give it a rest that is!! And your 100% right about the meter being located in a stationarie place thru out the show!
July 22, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Ed; I am listening, but I wanted you to repeat it because this blog is getting redundant.
Jason; My feelings are hurt. Danielle said during her critique, we should be working all the time in the casino whether we win this contest or not. Yet other bands have been hired, and not us?!? Wa Wa Wa. Where are the HF fans? Still on blog 8? We need you to blog for our cause!
July 22, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Greg, I totally agree with everything you said. Especially about using commons sense. So allow me to employ some here. If it is true that where/how you hold the db meter affects the results, than isn’t it also true that where you are in the room will also affect your perception of how loud it was?
doesn’t it stand to reason that all the 619 fans, who were sitting and/or standing with each other, and were yelling the loudest for 619, and were surrounded by each other, would then perceive the response to be the loudest? Isn’t this the whole issue regarding this contest as a whole, that all the bands fans come in with their biases, and view (and hear) everything through the prism of that bias whereas db meters and judges are unbiased.
Take a look at the comments by JONA, who talked about the look of “shock on everyone’s faces.” But really, she wasn’t looking at “everyone’s” faces, she was looking at other 619 fan’s faces.” That was her bias clearly at work.
Point is, the meter is emotionless, the fans, however, are the exact opposite of emotionless. By definition they are smoldering with emotion (“fan” is short for “fanatic” after all). Which is a good thing, most of the time, but when it comes to accurate assessment of such things as crowd noise, I’ll take the bias-free db meter every day.
All that being said, I will talk to Jason about solidifying the placement and continuity of the meter for this part of the process.
I Dig you guys Greg, I really wish you could’ve moved forward, and I really hope you try again next year. I think you have an excellent shot to reach the finals. Really, I do.
e.
July 22, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Am I allowed to say something after giving it a rest?
Ed,
I like your comments. I can tell you liked the band.
I’ll just go as far as to say DB reading or not, loedest or not, I don’t think ANY other band has come close to the turnout or support or crowd response. I walk away from this very proud. I feel like we won at least that portion, even if we sucked. It’s a huge bummer to hear that that was the part we did not win. I’m not alone and that’s why this blog is getting SO MUCH action. Our friends are very respectful and I think you can tell that from most of the post. We are all just bit bummed out how it went down, and this is what happens when a LARGE group of people is dissapointed.
July 22, 2008 at 1:37 pm
And to the person who got her little “dig” in about the T-shirts (“it isn’t about how crowded the dance floor is, or what t-shirt you have on, it’s about the TALENT…) Those shirts were made and purchased by 619 fans for nothing more than to show our support of our boys … Unlike YOU, we’d NEVER bash someone else for supporting their favorite band in whatever way they wanted, in fact, I saw quite a few MOR and Alice shirts too. OBVIOUSLY 619 has talent oozing out of them, or they wouldn’t have gotten this far AND Obviously you just wanted to jump on the band wagon to bash the 6ONE9′ers … yet another example of how low class you really are. Good Job !
July 22, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Ummm… OK Ed. We can agree to disagree on this whole DB issue because all the talk in the world won’t change anything, will it. At least your board gives us the opportunity to vent and say what we feel. I think
it is an integral part of the fun of this competition.
And yes, I still love you too! Like I said on Sunday, you all got it 1/2 right!
MONSTERS of ROCK are awesome and I believe they will BLOW everyone away in the finals!
I have been a loyal fan of theirs for a long time and love them all.
July 22, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Jackie, Jackie, Jackie…….
You said:
“I think the judges are all superb at what they do, but politically it had to be set up so DU can win the competition this year….and SO… it will BE because HELP and 6one9 are out!”
Low blow to DU…….DETROIT UNDERGROUND will win if THEY are the BEST BAND…..NO OTHER REASON !!
IMHO…..from what I have heard so far, DU IS the BEST BAND…!! If they win, it is becasue THEY DESERVE IT!!
Jackie……..you should be ashamed of yourself….
July 22, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Hey M Fritzal…. you were listening to the wrong people. MONSTERS OF ROCK is the best band and THEY will win because they deserve it.
Is that better Ed… moving forward and all
July 22, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Ok people, I’m liking it, i’m liking it a lot. We’ve had a chance to vent and cool off and are now starting to calm down and talk to each other more politely and rationally. Hats off to us for that.
Yeah Greg, there’s no question – you win the “fan support” battle hands down. A point that should not only quiet, but stomp on and quash, any notion that there’s a fix. If there was a fix, it would be for the band that brings the biggest crowd.
Pattie, as for me getting it half right, you are, with all due respect, all wrong.
I got it 100 percent right: My pick was Monsters of Rock, then 619 (.5 behind MOR) with HELP being barely eeked out, by 619 and Alice coming in last (only because of some tuning issues and the finale flub.)
NO DISRESPECT ALICE, YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU
Patti, love ya girl! WE can totally agree to disagree. Hey, I’m not even saying you’re wrong. For all I know there was some sort of mistake in reading the meter, I was just questioning your argument that, because Jaime said it was loud, that made it the loudest.
But mostly, i’m mighty pleased that we’re returning to a place of sanity and decency.
Because I think you’re totally right, this board does give the opportunity for people to vent, and express their opinions, and it gives me a chance to reveal things from the judge’s perspective, which together, goes a long way to bringing judges and fans closer to a meeting of the minds. I”ve learned crapton from listening to you guys, really. That’s why I’d hate to lose it, and with all this excessive negativity, there is a very real danger of that happening. All Viejas has to do is go, “Hey, what’s the point of having this thing if it’s only going to have negative attitudes associated with our company?” and that will be it. Bye bye blog.
Hey, you know that Beatles song, “All You Need is Love,”
Well that’s a load of crap. Obviously, you need other stuff to. like conflict. Conflict is a vital part of the human condition. Also, you need food, and some water, not just love. But when love is in the mix, it makes everything so much better. So let’s keep that in mind when we’re making our posts here people. Be real, be honest, but add a dash of love to it. Even if you don’t directly say “I love you” just feel it a little. It’ll go a long way to keeping this blog a great place to visit. Like it or not, we’re a community now. Let’s treat each other with respect.
Ok dickheads, er, I mean, friends?
e.
July 22, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Thank you, Tom, for accepting my apology. You are a real gentleman! All your band members are! Again, I am sorry for all the confusion. I tried going back and looking up the blog I thought I read that caused my mix-up, but with the zillions blogs that have been posted since, I couldn’t find it.
You are an awesome, awesome drummer, and your band is so well put together, you guys just seem to naturally gel when you play. I hope you guys will be around for a long, long time to come.
I just know you guys will win in the finals. I won’t get to be there to see it. Have to fly back east for my dad’s birthday that week.
July 22, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Patti……….
We all have our opinions……….no problem.
MOR may be the best ROCK band, but DU is the best band with a REAL HORN SECTION!! No one else has THAT to offer!!!
MAY THE BEST BAND WIN!!!!!!!!!!!
July 22, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Is there going to be some kind of makeup sex involved?
July 22, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Ed needs some love and M.Fritzal says DU is horny.
July 22, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Cute Gilbert, cute………..I think the horny one is YOU
July 22, 2008 at 2:52 pm
We have seen that anything can happen.
AIG and DU are my bets for the next round. During the finals AIG is going to give MOR a run for their money.
Alice will have to do something surprising and spectacular to have a chance.
Detroit Underground has got it goin’ on and they are the favorites in my book.
July 22, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Of course I have to lay in the bed I made, my picks from last week…
1. AIG
2. DU
4. Alice
July 22, 2008 at 2:58 pm
http://ultimatemusicchallenge.com/bands_07.27.html
July 22, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Kumbaya, my general… kumbaya!
July 22, 2008 at 3:03 pm
One bad night and everyone dumps on Alice and the Cooper gang. . . hey, they got this far didn’t they! Don’t count them out yet!!!! Everyone has a bad day!!!
July 22, 2008 at 3:08 pm
As the bass player for Alice, I was as suprized as everyone else at the outcome. All the bands were terriffic and any night can be great or not so great. That’s the cool thing about music as an art form, it happens in real time unlike say painting, where you only see the static finished product.
I would like to personally thank all our friends who have supported us through the good and the bad these past two years. Your enthusiasm put us over the top, we all know it and do appreciate it. The whole experience has been thrilling for us. We’re going to bring every ounce of passion and fire to the finals on August 3rd and let the chips fall where they may.
July 22, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Ed, you have mentioned my comment about the looks on people’s faces twice now. I didn’t respond the first time because at this point I feel like I’m talking to a brick wall (not to you specifically, but in general). I’ll respond now by saying that I was standing in the back of the room with just a few other friends when the announcement was made and yes, our jaws dropped. But I also looked around to get a look at everyone else’s reaction in the general vicinity of where I was standing and saw that same look of shock on strangers faces. I don’t know what else to tell ya. I guess Patti’s right … we’ll have to agree to disagree.
And as far as the decibel thing goes, I personally don’t think it’s a matter of opinion as to who this person or that person “thought” was louder or a matter of where people were standing in the room … I think it’s a matter of logic. I don’t see how it was logically possible for anyone to make more noise than us seeing the number of people we had not only on the dance floor but in the bar in general. So, yes, I most definitely think the meter was either misread or there was human error involved. And I just think it’s too bad that this was the deciding factor.
I love you and I am now ready for my lashing …
July 22, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Not only will I not lash you JONA, I will defend you to death against anyone who does. What’s more, I will respectfully allow you to have the last word on this, from me at least.
This is because my love for you is more than the combined love that all the ants in any given colony has for its Queen.
July 22, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Alice could win the whole thing… they got this far and who knows how? Oops!! I had a relapse. It happens, so please don’t be hating me, k?
Go Monsters!
July 22, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Oh, and while we’re dishing out the love here, can we spare a bit for Dave from Jumpstart who started helping us with the website AFTER they lost in the competition. Not only is that just super kind and generous, but he’s doing a great job of it..
THANKS DAVE…
My love for you is greater than the love a father has for his son, who just donated a liver and a kidney to him, and also lent him 100 dollars.
July 22, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Wow this is a highly active blog.
I am a sound and video engineer with over 30 years experience in the business. I normally do not go out to these events but I did go with friends to this past Sundays UMC event. I have followed the music scene for years and in my work I have traveled extensively and have to say that San Diego has some of the most talented local musicians by far. I know several of the musicians in this contest including some that performed this past Sunday. I have seen all of the bands that performed last Sunday except “Help” several times and have to admit that one band did have a slightly off night.
I am not going to get into the band critique but I would like to voice my opinion about the event itself. First let’s start off with the latest hot topic. The Sound Pressure/Level Meter. This meter is used to measure noise pollution levels and is quite different than the sound loudness meter which is closer to the perception the human ear has. What needs to be used here is a Sound Loudness Meter. This is more realistic to what people are hearing. Both measure in Db’s and both are very different. In using a Loudness meter in this application it is very important that the meter be in the same location and direction every time. This is what a three legged tripod is used for. Having a meter mounted to this tripod and placing it on the same marked area of the floor would insure that each measurement was done in the same manner.
I have a suggestion for the finals and future. Instead of this meter let’s go back to the days of old and let the house sound engineers hang three short throw shot gun microphones, (stage Left, Center, and Right), above the stage and point them across the crowd. Use an isolated part of the sound mixing board to combine the three signals and feed an analog or digital VU meter. Now let’s make use of those nice large video screens in the Dreamcatcher. Aim a small lipstick camera at the meter and show the crowd what the meter is actually doing. The band with the higher reading gets a onetime point increase, say 10 points. This keeps the crowd involved in the event and also keeps everyone from guessing what really happened.
I would also like to see the point’s distribution for Music Ability and Showmanship split differently. It seems strange to me that these categories are weighted the same. This is the Ultimate Music Challenge and it is my opinion that more points should be awarded for music ability. I would like to see something like 60 points possible for music ability, 30 points possibility for Showmanship, and 10 points for crowd participation.
As a judge, I would stay away from commenting on the loudness of a band. You can get into tone and blend critique but loudness falls into the area of the house sound engineer. It is their job to make sure the mix is correct in the room and to have a band member adjust an amp if needed. (Ed, I know you said this part of the critique did not effect the judging but I find that hard to believe. Each Judge did have something to say about this issue on each band.)
Finally I would have the venue put the Judges up on a riser so the entire crowd can watch the interaction between the Judges and the band members. (now you know who this is). It was pretty annoying hearing these voices of the Judges and not being able to see them because they were at the same level as the crowd. I would also use the MC position of the event more. The MC should be the person to control the flow of the program and also control the crowd so the judges can speak. The MC could also forward promote events and announce drink specials and other venue highlights.
That is my two cents worth. I want to wish the remaining bands good luck as the competition continues. All of the San Diego musicians are fantastic. Rock On…..
July 22, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Ed … I’m feeling the love (and I like it)
July 22, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Thank you Leon, for some truly sound, expert advice. I don’t agree with everything you said, but even the stuff I didn’t agree with is agreeable. Of course, none of these decisions are up to me, but if I am asked I will certainly support the meter continuity advice, I also like, no LOVE, the idea of using the video screens to broadcast what the loudness meter is doing. Also, it has been agreed upon by management and the judges that we will stay away from commenting on loudness. I’m not a big fan of being on a riser, the last thing I want in a competition this heated is for people to know what I look like. Hey, why not just put my address and phone number on the big screen too while we’re at it. I would support being on a riser if we got to wear masks, like, maybe Richard Nixon masks or something…
“I am not a crook”
that would be funny.
And I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of having the MC be more like it’s name sake – MC = Master of Ceremonies. That would be terrific. So are you. I love you the way Nick Nolte loved Eddie Murphy in 48 hours, near the end part, after they bonded, and became close, even though they pretnded to not like each other.
July 22, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Since Colleen has brought us to a “Kumbaya” moment, I must pipe in. I just want to say that for me, the best thing about this whole UMC thing has been getting to see and meet a lot of great bands that I probably would have never had the chance to see. HF, DU, Help, ACG, just to name a few. These bands were hidden jems to a lot of us who don’t get out into the local music scene much. Not to mention that the members from these bands are great people. The camaraderie amongst all the bands has been awesome. I am humbled to be a part of it all.
There is definitely a lot of musical talent in San Diego but it took something like this competition to remind us. Where else will you see the best of the best one one stage, and at an awesome venue at that. And I must add to that a great thanks to the Viejas staff as a whole. From the sound crew to the bartenders to the waitresses, and everyone else in between, you guys have been an awesome part of the whole event.
As for 619, I have seen them plenty of times before. I am a fan of theirs for their musical talent, but after what they did for us (MOR), I am now also a fan of theirs because of who they are as people. They are without a doubt some of the coolest, classiest gentelmen anywhere. You guys are the bomb in my book. It’s no wonder you have such a great fan base.
Anyhoo, “Kumbaya” and keep Rockin!!!
July 22, 2008 at 4:00 pm
I was trying to stay incognito as far as the website was concerned to avoid any new conspirecies. Yes, it was me who went out and culled the web for pics and info on each band. I was able to confirm most bands by seeing the UMC in thier upcoming show listings.
One band, the Red Muffs, didn’t have a listing so I wrote them and it went something like this…
are you playing the dream catcher in july?
what the hell is the dream catcher?
you know, UMC Viejas, etc. etc.
holy shit! we’re in the competition!
ha ha
and B. Battle, you can thank me in person on Saturday night.
JumpStart 6-8pm Detroit Underground 9 ish to close
Humphrey’s by the Bay
Keep Rockin’
July 22, 2008 at 4:01 pm
for the picture choice on the website that is…
http://www.ultimatemusicchallenge.com/bands_07.27.html
July 22, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Leon… jeez you sound kinda like a cool and yet geeky nerd. Pretty sexy! Who woulda thought our fun drinking and dancing buddy could be so, um… smart! Great ideas and said with such style and positive attitude.
I agree ~ put Ed on a riser (hey you could always add a “cage” around it if things get really ugly). And I TOTALLY agree that there needs to be a bigger
MC presence. This competition is really drawing lots of bands and fans and you could amp it up a bit by adding these two things for next year!
Oh and Sergio…. man you are the best! I have so much respect for you and all of the MONSTERS! The 619 guys were great to step up and help you out, and I know you would have done the same for them too!
July 22, 2008 at 5:22 pm
For all your SPLMCT I do sound and I noticed that one time he had the meter pointed straight up and another time he had it facing out toward the audience. I don’t think it was a conscience move on his part. I don’t think he knew it made a difference. As loud as the responses were, it probably didn’t effect it to much.
Also I think that crowd response should not be an issue. One band might be new, one might have been around for years and have a large following. One might be from north county (not naming names) and their fans have to spend their life savings to buy carbon offsets form Algore just to hear them play for 20 minutes!:) It should be judged on talent, stage presence, cohesiveness of the band. Not on whether someone picks up a Gretch guitar, or the order of their song list, or whether they all have black shirts on, or weather they “don’t get their set list”. My 2 cents, I’m done. thanks to everyone and by the way I was the winner last sunday, I walked away with $375.00 from the blackjack tables and signed up for the players club!
July 22, 2008 at 5:25 pm
…..and the volume of the sound is supposed to be controlled by the sound guy. When we played, everyone said they couldn’t even hear me.
July 22, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Crowd response is an important factor for a band and this contest. It is the nature of live music to have an audience… to perform for, feed off of and get praise for your song.
It is totally appropriate to rate your band’s audience response for two reasons.
1. As a measure of the appeal for your performance.
2. As a measure of your band’s success at building a following in the real world.
As far as the db meter goes, the results shouldn’t be weighted. More points for first, etc. …but instead the reading is added to your score.
July 22, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Sergio; You are a class act! Nancy and I made a point of finding you, to say “hi” and put faces to the names.
A lot of people, including me, have made suggestions on how to better the contest. It’s so subjective, and small variables can win it or lose it for a band. So, if you won your round, or came in a close second, go to sleep knowing you don’t suck. If you got bad critiques from the judges, work on whatever they said. 619, you have it easy, all you have to do is turn down. I have to become black! HF thinks a spray on tan might be fun for next year.
Ed; You have said that you think it’s OK for a winning band to be in the contest year after year. Just like Superbowl players can defend their title. Consider this; If the same bands are winning year after year, it might stop other bands from wanting to compete. Maybe the leader of each year’s band can be a judge the next year. Kind of like a beauty pageant. Ug, even I hate that! BTW Where is “Cashed Out” this year? Oh, I guess they’re gigging from all the promotion they got from last year’s contest.
July 22, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Yeah Shaaron, that would definitely be a problem, however I doubt that would happen, just too many good bands and too many x factors going against them to make repeat victories, or a dynasty as they say in the sports world, a reality. But hey, if it started happening, and it became a problem, I have no doubt in my mind that the powers that be would adjust. From my experience so far, these guys are about making the contest as fair and as fun as possible and are willing to adapt if it’s for the better of the show. For the time being however, the only requirement for entering UMC is that you play covers of other people’s music. I like that. Too many rules = too many killjoys.
July 22, 2008 at 7:25 pm
A few observations:
1) A few weeks ago I came into the blog and gave Edwin a hard time. It was all in fun, I was just trying to stir the pot. I feel bad about now because of all the hostility toward Ed. It is getting down right nasty at the shows.
2) Foul language by the judges is not acceptable.
3) Lets not confuse “crowd response” with “how many people can you recruit to come to the show”. This should not count for points in the future.
4) Come on people . Lighten up. This is supposed to be a fun contest for amatuer musicians. Talk about egos, Sheesh!!!!!
(OK. Who is going to be the first to blog in with, “I’m not an amatuer!!!?)
July 22, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Hey Dave,
I look forward to meeting you Sat. night if you can hang around for a little while. Unfortunately I’ll miss your show because I’m doing a show in Carmel Mtn. with The Corvelles from 6 to 8 and probably won’t arrive at Humphrey’s until about 8:45 or 9p.m. for set up, we start at 9:30. Keep me posted on where you’re performing, I would love to hear you play. I hope to meet you Sat. night after your performance
Peace my brother,
B.
July 22, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Shaaron: Sergio is indeed a class act. As is the rest of the band! And 6one9 is also.
Re. putting the judges on a platform… do we really want to do that? Ed would probably start calling himself “King Ed” if he were seated above his “subjects”. JK Ed… you know I love you…
Seriously though… putting them on a different physical level from the fans is not a good idea. If the fans want to see them, stay out on the dance floor!!
Randy — I agree with most of what you said. I would like to see more emphasis placed on the band’s performance and presentation of that performance rather than on how many loud people they can pull in. However I do feel that audience response should be factored in. Just not at a high level.
Where HAS Cashed Out been? Seems like they grabbed their money and ran out of town, never to be seen again. I think they performed once @ Viejas since last year.
July 22, 2008 at 8:03 pm
nah we put cash’d out up in the vlounge many times. what an awesome band. they do this tennessee trio thing that is outta this world. agian with format, though – motown, funk and dance tunes win the day at a casino. the right format is critical or it dies.
shaaron – don’t be asad. we will book hf again. we tried a couple of the contestants to see how they’d do when we had last minute openings. we’re booked solid until at least november, though. trust me, the love is real.
July 22, 2008 at 8:07 pm
It was explained to me that the bands don’t get the money in one check. That, per the small print, the $20,000 is paid out as they perform at the 8 gigs they are assured when they win. So, if Cash’d out didn’t play all their gigs, did they still get all the money?
July 22, 2008 at 8:12 pm
oh hell no. they get one big whopping payment that night man. half the fun is giving someone 20g’s!!
the gigs are no more ‘cuz it was creating too much controversy…i.e. “viejas is controlling the outcome because they need bands that can play the dreamcatcher”. i thought, you know, that makes sense so no more guarantee. here’s your big ole check! if you fit, you gig, if you don’t then enjoy ten thousand beers on us.
July 22, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Shaaron… I went to your HF website (looks great), but could not find the link to contact you. I see you have a couple of gigs in August I’ll really try and make it one of them!
July 22, 2008 at 8:15 pm
shaaron – i forgot to update the link!!! i’ll do it tomorrow.
July 22, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Ed & Company,
My My how far you have come since the first few rounds !!! Looking back at some of the earlier acts it seems all you could focus on then, was how some band members didn’t wear coordinating clothes that defined their band and how women shouldn’t be allowed to sing rock n’ roll. Now you talk almost exclusively about tone and other meaningful musical attributes. Looking in from the “outside”, it almost seems that the earlier bands received a dis-service from the judges because of all the superficial level comments that were made. Perhaps the judges would have been better served if they could have performed a few weeks of mock test competitions in order to get the superficial crap out of their system and start focusing on the attributes that they are focused on now. Ya know… the attributes that really define a band…. not clothing or if a female singer is not dancing wildly enough. Because in the latter rounds, clothing wasn’t even brought up even though subsequent bands dressed as casually and nonuniformly as early acts.
July 22, 2008 at 8:54 pm
I have to say I am impressed with Leon’s suggestions…I know your profession and I totally agree you are on the right track..
I think things would have been a bit more fair….
I enjoyed all the bandS that I have seen during this challenge…that goes for the Do Wop Girls with the Boas, The Cult Tribute band, 619, Alice, Help….and the list goes on!!!
I am thinking about getting a Ron a feather Boa….maybe that just might clinch the finals win…HAHAHAHA…..
Anyway…STAR is raising her hands along with Sergio.” Kumbya” and singing “We are the World”….PEACE
ya’ll …….
July 22, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Oh, yeah… Star (my close friend)… We are the World!
Oh, and I gotta throw in another shameless plug for MONSTERS OF ROCK!
July 22, 2008 at 10:03 pm
I just wanted make small talk about the show on Sunday. Monsters of Rock was awesome, the man has a bitching vocal range. Help was good, but I have to totally agree with Ed on the set order. However, my father loved it ( he’s 60) LOL. I was disappointed in 619 because the night that they won they were so good, but Sunday it sounded like loud mush, and I was really looking forward to their performance. I have to say though that the Alice band was disappointing as well because they did alot of teh same stuff from the night that they won. I have to give them props though because the guys in the band that I met were very cool and guitarist just rocks. Over all though, I ended up leaving before hearing all the final thoughts and who won because the smoke was getting to me and I was getting a little claustrophobic, damn there was alot of people!!! All the best to the bands who won, whether they deserved it or not and for the ones who didn’t move on and prove that your better than this. It is supposed to be fun, when the fun stops it shows.
July 23, 2008 at 12:50 am
Patti; HF has two sites .biz which is “agent friendly”, meaning no contact info so booking agents can show their clients… and http://www.hauteflash.net which has contact info on it. Or you can click my red name on the blog, and it connects to the right web site.
July 23, 2008 at 12:52 am
Jason; Thank you. I was feeling no love there for a while. I’ll stay home and wait for a call!
July 23, 2008 at 12:59 am
Everybody hear this! HF, all 4 of us, went to Humphries to hear Danielle’s band. They kicked ass! If I were judging them they would get the highest score on tone, balance, volume, pitch, stage presence, audience connection, and material selection. They have a wonderful female bass player, Alicia on keyboard and guitar, a drummer to die for, and a lead guitar player with mucho taste. Danielle has movement, style, energy, and a vocal range that is truly impressive. So, when you get judged by her, know that a true professional is giving you the critique, and take it very seriously. And, for all of you who doubt, WOMEN ROCK! ANd we do it in high heels!
July 23, 2008 at 6:03 am
I want to thank everybody for the opportunity to compete with all the great talent I heard at this competition. The Yamaha drums were sweet and so were the Zildjians. Best of luck to all the winners..and it seems like the tribute band controversy is finally dying down. So thanks to the judges, the sound crew, and most of all, all those loyal Help fans that I love so much.
July 23, 2008 at 8:20 am
Hello there Jackie,
After reading your comment about the winners being chosen this past Sunday, was do so in order to set up an overall win for D.U., I’m not sure if you realized that you not only insulted D.U. but you also insulted our fellow muscians we’re in competition with.
First of all we have to be one of two bands which will advance this Sunday in order to even have a chance to win this contest. Maybe you know something that I don’t know but, this Sunday will be the first time I will hear any of the groups we’re coming up against and the only thing I know about them is that they WON to get here. We in D.U. do not take that lightly. I do understand that one of the groups was moved up do to the winner of that week dropping out, but that doesn’t mean they won’t bring it. I’ve only heard two weeks of this competition plus this past weekend and in both weeks that I was in attendance the second place band would hold their own in the Semi’s (The Corvelles and H.F.).
And then you insult my fellow muscians, MOR and Alice, by saying that they were the chosen winners of this past week in order to set up a D.U. victory in the finals. I don’t know if you were in attendance on Sunday but, these 2 groups are the best at what they do and I see no easy win over either one of them. I’m just glad I wasn’t a judge this past Sunday because ,the band Help performed songs with a degree of difficulty that isn’t easy material to play and being a musician I have a great appreciaton for that and the energy that 619 put out on stage could of lit up the city, definitely a round of champions.
We in D.U. understand that in order to continue in this contest we MUST bring our A game. It was written in the blog that we came out flat footed in the finals last year, thus 2nd place. We understand the past and respect our competition so if we are fortunate enough to move on and possibly win this competition it will be becaused we earned it Jackie. We wouldn’t want if we didn’t because I’ve had that done to me more than once and that feeling sucks and I wouldn’t feel right holding up a trophy I know I didn’t win through my own ability.
July 23, 2008 at 9:16 am
B; Thanks for listing us as contender material. That means a lot. Good luck! You all are my favs to win!
July 23, 2008 at 10:13 am
Ben,
I don’t think there is a difference in the way the judges are scoring the bands now.
I would say that it probably was tough for the Stillettos being the first band. The judges had to set the standard for judging at that point.
The judges comments are something different though. They come after the scoring. You hear compliments but the most productive comments are the critical ones. After you hear a judge give you several suggestions you might feel they didn’t score the band very high. This is clearly not the case.
July 23, 2008 at 11:25 am
Dickie is absolutely right Ben. Nothing’s changed in how we judge. This isn’t our first year doing this either so if there was any learning curve to be had, it would’ve happened last year.
And let me make this perfectly clear to all the commentors who say that I/we pay too much attention to, as Ben and others have said, costume, and choreography and not enough to music and vocals.
it is my opinion that the perfect amount of attention is paid to costume and choreography and stage presence, which is to say, only a little. Vocals and Musicicianship has always been the meat of the judging and is responsible for the bulk of the pointage. (please see the introduction for exactly what the values are for each cateogory).
We’re music fans too people, first and foremost, we want to hear music. But there is most definitely room for judgement about the other stuff too. A live performance is just that, a performance, and everything you do and bring on that stage is part of the overall presentation. Maybe it doesn’t add to YOUR sense of enjoyment of the set when a giant zombie comes waltzing out on stage, or a bunch of horn players throw on baggy pants and do a synchronized hammer dance – but I for one love it.
Will it bring a victory if they suck music-wise? probably not. But will give them a tiny nudge in the right direction. Absolutely. As it should be.
Now of course, this adds some complication. For instance Help just stands there, BUT, that’s pretty much what the Beatles did. So I don’t punish Help! for that. In fact, I scored them high since their costumes and choregraphy added more to the overall experience that I was watching a Beatles show.
That’s how I approach it anyway.
July 23, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Ben — perhaps nothing has changed in the judging, but the comments of which you mentioned that were said in the earlier rounds (i.e. costumes, etc.) have become less and there is a bit more emphasis on the musical aspects. However… there are still some comments made that night. Just not as much as before.
As far as women being in rock n roll, I don’t think Ed has changed his opinion on that.
He just hasn’t been as vocal about it lately. (btw — He wouldn’t allow me to “fetch” his beer to where I wanted to “fetch” his beer last Sunday.)
Although I agree that musical ability should play the most major role in the final judgement, the “look” of the band needs to “fit” as well. Same goes for the “choreography”. This is especially true amongst Tribute bands. Wouldn’t it be strange to see Alice & CG standing still at their mics, dressed in the same outfits as Help!? And vice-versa. Or DU wearing feather boas! Same goes for Cover bands (that separation of the types of bands was for you Ed). If a Cover band was doing cover songs from a strictly rock genre… and all the band members wore cowboy hats, then it would tend to distract from what was being played.
Many times last year, the “total package” was mentioned. The bands need to bring the total package to the stage.
Now Ben — don’t make me have to agree with Ed again… it just upsets my whole day!!!
July 23, 2008 at 1:09 pm
While you are thinking about possible changes for next year, What about having the Judges sit upstairs?
July 23, 2008 at 1:20 pm
hey people, I have an announcement and a reminder – the reminder is, don’t forget to tune in to Signon Radio tomorrow (Thursday) at 12:30 to listen to the Union-Tribune’s David Coddon and I talk about UMC.
http://signonradio.com/
studio call in line is 866.818.6384
And THE ANNOUNCEMENT is, I have just posted, on the main page of this blog, a commentary from alternate judge Alicia Champion about Sunday’s semi-finals. Check ‘er out, that gal knows here stuff- despite the fact that she’s, you know, female.
July 23, 2008 at 1:28 pm
You’re funny Colleen.
While Ed has been brilliant in his explanation of a not-so-difficult concept you can’t acknowledge that tribute bands, by their nature are cover bands.
If we were talking about individuals, lets say Americans but of different ancestory then you are excluding one group from the larger group they also belong to. Here’s a couple of sentences from your last post, altered as an example:
“This is especially true amongst Italians… Same goes for Americans…”
So changing the name of the contest for next year is not necessary. Even Dutch Pop Tribute bands may compete.
July 23, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Ed, beware! Women rockers are uniting!
July 23, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Dickie — hmmmmm “Ed” and “brilliant” in the same sentence??? Wouldn’t that qualify as an oxymoron?
And if you want to get technical… “Italians” are citizens of Italy. “Americans” are citizens of “United States”.
Dickie, Dickie, Dickie… I do “get” what Ed has said in the past. And although I disagree that there is no difference, I have allowed his opinion. Please allow me mine. Our opinions are not wrong… just different. And isn’t that the great thing about our United States? No matter if our ancestry hails from Italy, Africa, Vietnam or Ireland, we all are allowed to have our opinion.
But hey!! I think we can all agree that it is ALL MUSIC!!
It is what it is……..
July 23, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Colleen, Colleen…
You know I love you,
I’m Italian, which is why I used that analogy.
Perhaps I could have said Italian-American? Like you could say Variety Cover band.
While I DO respect your opinion (you have shared much here) this is clearly not a matter of opinion. If it were and Alice and the Cooper Gang wins or AIG then other bands could legitimately complain.
btw, I keep ribbin’ you on this because of your quote: “Dickie — I know the difference is hard for you to get. It took Ed a long time too. He finally admitted the difference between the two. He read, listened, learned”
July 23, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Dickie,
And amore to you too…
Keep reading, listening and learning… you too can learn differences!
btw — I don’t acknowledge hyphenated Americans. When people say I’m Irish-American, I correct them saying I AM AMERICAN!! Period. But then, that a whole other blog!!
“Variety Cover Band”…. hmmmm that’s a really good explaination of what a Cover Band is!! See? You are learning!! I’m so proud of you little grasshopper!!
July 23, 2008 at 3:14 pm
July 23, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Colleen, “We need more talented sax players. (wouldn’t you say so Johnny Rano?)”
Yes we do. But not TOO many…..Thanks for reminding me I need to go practice to stay ahead of these darn kids.
July 23, 2008 at 5:23 pm
B.Battle, thanks for sticking up for us. Again, another example of the best thing about UMC. Meeting class acts like B.Battle. BTW, your band does really have a good chance of taking it all, not becuase you have already played at Viejas, but because you guys are an awesomely tallented band!!!
Thanks and good luck my friend.
July 23, 2008 at 11:15 pm
I think I can speak for all of the band ( and if not, they will rip me at tomorrow’s practice ) when I say that this has been a great experience and we are all stoked and honored to be advancing to the finals. As a band, we went into this with reasonable expectations…We are a metal act in a lounge setting, we are 40 plus and 3 of us have beer guts ( Ron and Gavin still have reasonably trim figures), we have no real image other than black jeans and T-shirts. Positives ? we play like M’er F’ers and will leave everything on the stage every time we play, and we have a dedicated and wonderful fan base who understand and appreciate this. Hopefully, this will sustain us into the finals. Thanks to all who have believed in and supported us. To 619- thanks for letting Gav use the amp…absolutely class act. For a long time now, we have been trying to break into the 2ND Wind circuit which you have so successfully been a part of,we have always been envious of your success there and hope to acheive the same! Casey- you have always been pleasant, professional, and courtious to me in the few times we have interacted, and I will never forget that. Best of luck to you in all 619 endeavors. To MOR fans- WE LOVE YOU!!!!! See you on the 3rd of August!
July 24, 2008 at 2:37 am
I wanted to share in on some of the comments:
I was upstairs because 6one9 had their fans taking over downstairs. I was there to listen and did not have a favorite.
************
HELP! They were a great band. But I think for the (Ultimate Band Competition) and what they were suppose to be judged on, no they should not have been advanced.
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MONSTERS OF ROCK: What the hell was it? I am young, very young and like every genre of music but as the judges said you could not distinguish one person playing over the other. They singer was great with his stamina but looked fake with his performance on stage. Thank your fans but don’t put on a performance. People are not dumb! I really would have like to get into there music but I had no idea what he was (I guess) singing!
*************
6ONE9= WOW! LOUD …Umm, YES. But there is a sound guy and he was rockin next to me like no tomorrow and maybe he should have been doing his JOB! HELLO sound man! I think 6ONE9 should have maybe had a better
in sync style going on since there FANS did. Your fans supported there home team so maybe the bands needs to support themselves as well!!!
And the loud noise from fan participation that the judges were to judge on was just a little bit louder than Alice’s. The judges have ears and just because the (METER) did not say it, doesn’t mean they couldn’t hear it.
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ALICE GROUP: I didn’t see the sign when I came in that said (The Ultimate Music/Stage Show Performance) !!!! Don’t get me wrong, getting into the music and character makes it that much better. But come on..!I was laughing because I couldn’t believe it. Your team was having fun and that’s what was great, that I saw. Song list kinda made me and others lose the aspect of why I was there. I wish you luck but you did get the luck of being in the finals.
***********
Just so readers know that I was not alone watching. I had a 65yr male, 42yr female and a 24yr old female with me.I am in the middle of those in age too.
We had NO favs, just thought we would come watch and have fun.
We all agreed that MONSTER and 6ONE9 should have been advancing.
We agreed since they did a wide variety of cover songs and not just one artist like the TWO other bands did.
I am not sure but we didn’t see the sign for the ( Ultimate Copy Cat Band Contest).
I think next year you need new judges or new rules and NEED to stick to them, with no profanity. That really made the judges look VERY unprofessional by the way. If I was the radio station I would be hiding in a closet for you guys be part of the contest since people are going to affiliate you and the station together. BOO HOO! Jack 100.7!
Truth hurts but can only make you stronger: Trinity
July 24, 2008 at 3:08 am
Trinity, two things.
1. You are like the N-teenth person to complain about the language and I think I’m starting to be swayed about this. Not that I personally get offended when professionals use occasional, well placed profanity in public statements, and this is a bar after all, and that was ROCK AND ROLL on stage, which is foul-mouthy quite often — still, I’d rather not risk losing the credibility of those who don’t tolerate profanity so well. So, from this point forward, I will refrain from cursing (which I only did one time in 9 weeks)
2. Regarding loudness meter, it doesn’t matter who we perceived as loudest, the tally sheets are taken from us and the meter readings are added to the totals and the winners are announced. We find out when you do who won, and I don’t find out till the very end what the sound levels were.
July 24, 2008 at 3:30 am
Johnny Rano — The “youngins” just keep comin’ don’t they? But… next to drums, the sax is my favorite instrument, so yes… we do need more. Both instruments speak to my soul.
Trinity… Doesn’t sound like you had a good time last Sunday. Good to see you liking the same two to move on as I though.
Ed — good luck today on the show. I probably won’t be calling in (I know you are very, very sad to hear that), because I only have dial-up for internet access and would need to start down-loading now in order to get the buffering done by “air time”. Hopefully Shaaron will represent the ladies! Perhaps you can up-date those of us unable to “tune in” on the blog afterwards.
July 24, 2008 at 7:58 am
Trinity, I’m all for listening to constructive criticism, but to say our singer shouldn’t put on a performance isn’t very constructive. It’s part of what we are being judged on and the job of a front man. There’s always room for improvement on a performance, but if he just stood there in front of the mic stand it wouldn’t be as entertaining.
We get that the guitar tones weren’t blending well that night. It’s not the norm and we’ll do the best we can next time within the limitations of our sound check.
July 24, 2008 at 8:07 am
The good thing about opinions is that everyone has one. The bad thing about opinions is that everyone has one.
Oh, and now my shameless plug…
MONSTERS! MONSTERS! MONSTERS! MONSTERS! MONSTERS!
July 24, 2008 at 10:12 am
Hey Trinity,
I was upstairs too, over on the right.
On the sound and the sound man…
The louder an instrument is on stage the less the soundman has control over the mix. I’m sure that if you were able to hear the mix without hearing the sound coming directly off the stage you would hear singing and not much else.
On “what they were suppose to be judged on” you can visit the Introduction blog, there is a link at the top of the page.
Lastly, on who should be allowed to compete, and advance…
This is the Ultimate Music Challenge, Cover Band Competition. While we’ve had a fun time delving into the minutia of what that means, it clearly doesn’t mean original music. Every band in the competition has performed music written and made famous by other bands.
July 24, 2008 at 10:14 am
What?! You’re not going to call in to the station Colleen? I was so looking forward to schooling you, once again, on the definitions of cover bands, on the air. Oh well, that’s the way it goes I guess.
July 24, 2008 at 11:22 am
The reason people were talking about the cover band conspiracy was because of the judges earlier comments. It is not about who won or advanced. The comments just seemed like they were looking for a tribute band, and yes, a tribute band does covers:)
A cover band has to learn at least 60 songs and be able to play them in a seconds notice. A tribute band most often does a single set and only has to learn 30-45 minutes worth of material. And often do the same set list each time. That is the major difference I see between the 2.
July 24, 2008 at 11:22 am
Announcement to all minors and easily offended peoples!!! Just a little warning!!!
Parental advisory on this Sundays Semi’s. There might be a little “appropriate” profanity with our set. Boo us if you must, sorry:( We must keep true to our tribute’s roots. The songs just would not have the same impact without em! Looking forward to meeting all the bands this Sunday, best of luck to everyone, see you on the big stage!
P.S. UMC…Maybe have some ear plugs handy for the Mormons and Jahova’s, and while your at it? Yeah… maybe just make this a no alcohol show too!!! lol!
See ya folks!
Johnny (A.I.A.G.))
July 24, 2008 at 11:29 am
Randy,
You remind me of some questions I asked Colleen previously.
I never did get an answer…
What I’m really curious about is after all of your convoluted logic what are you really trying to say? Tribute bands don’t play fair ’cause it’s too easy to copy everything about an artist? Or is it that Tribute bands can’t compete because their choice of material is so narrow?
July 24, 2008 at 11:45 am
Randy, I sure would like you to give me a quote of one thing I said that meant I was looking for tribute bands.
Also, you’re way off base when you say tribute bands only know 30 minutes of their namesake’s music. Most tribute bands I know, know nearly the entire catalog of the music. Look at Help, look at Wild Child (Doors) look at Nursery Cryme (Genesis). Look at Pink Froyd (Pink Floyd) who not only plays entire nights (3 or 4 hours) of Pink Floyd music, but also plays entire albums. One night it will be Animals, the next Dark Side of the Moon.
I’ve seen hundreds of these bands and, primarily, they play all night and are uncanny in how they channel the band they are tributing.
These bands put a lot of work (so do variety cover bands) into becoming who they are covering, and it stands to reason that they become somewhat of an expert on that band, and, being so, would need to know the catalog, not just a few songs.
That being said, I have just as much respect for variety cover bands, who also work hard to channel the various artists they cover.
They are two different jobs with two different skill sets and it’s just so annoying to hear people dis tribute bands when they are largely hard working, talented mofos.
that is all for now, I go on the radio now.
http://signonradio.com
12:30 today
July 24, 2008 at 12:45 pm
I missed the first 15min. Was that you Jason?
What did I miss so far?
July 24, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Well, that was short and sweet but cool. It was a little hard to find the listen button with the huge Verizon ad hovering over it, but I managed. Good job Ed.
July 24, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Hey Dickie, I missed the first part too.
Jason, Thanks for bringing up the web site not being updated. That makes sense. However, I know a band that tried to in get after the deadline, and was told “no”. Also DU said they were asked to enter, very late. That’s why I keep bringing it up. It made common sense to me, before the rules were changed, (to allow any band, casino friendly or not, to play this contest), rather than just bands that were appropriate for the casino. I thought Viejas was having a heart attack figuring that some metal band was going to have to play all those dates. For HF though, the first rules would have worked better for us. We are designing our band to be casino friendly. We wanted the dates as well as the prize $.
I would not have the nerve to mention all this if HF had advanced to the semis, but now that we are not in the contest, I do have the nerve to ask. My questions about placement of bands, and who says which bands are chosen, and by what criteria, were not answered.
I have said several times on this blog that I respect the judges, and that this contest promotes bands, gets their names out there, and is a great experience. I still feel that way. I plan on trying again next year too. I just like to know what I’m getting in to!
July 24, 2008 at 1:46 pm
From early on I understood that the judges are not affiliated with Viejas except that they are hired to judge the contest. It would make total sense that, because of the stakes, Viejas management would not try to influence the judges.
There are the official rules
http://www.ultimatemusicchallenge.com/rules.html
and there is the judging criteria found on Ed’s Intro (link above).
I also discovered upon seeing the bands listed on the dates page that the order is somewhat arbitrary.
Now that round one is finished I can see an advantage of a different line up but I like Ed’s quote on today’s radio show. (paraphrased) one big mush. Let’s put ‘em all together and just see how it goes.
As you explore some changes for next year I would like to suggest that you declare your process on choosing the band order. I do like the randomness.
July 24, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I have been attending the UMC for the last two years and have never seen such immature bahavior, displayed by the 619 crowd!! Grow up!! I have seen 619 at bar in north county and was appalled by their sexual antics and drunkeness!! They are not worthy of playing in a venue such as the Dreamcatcher period !
July 24, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Thanks Dickie, Shaaron and Jason for phoning in. That made it way more fun for me. Dave, sorry I didn’t mention Jumpstart as one of the bands who lost but was very cool about it. I was on the spot and didn’t think of it in time.
Man, did that half hour blow by or what. I didn’t get to say 1/4 of what I wanted to talk about. Oh well. Carry on people.
July 24, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Hi Shaaron,
I just want to clear something up. In your previous blog you stated that D.U. was asked to enter the contest very late. I’m not sure if you had spoken with any other members of D.U. but when you had spoke me about our late entry I informed you that we had been asked if we would like to compete again this year long before this contest even statrted, I was standing next to Mike while setting up when given this offer. I believe we were asked that right after they decided to have this second one. What I told you was 2 of our members wasn’t sure that they wanted to do this again so we delayed entering but, when the spot came available and offered to us we accepted.
This may not make a difference to you and I understand. But, we may have been the first band asked and the last to accept.
Be well,
B.
July 24, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Ed — I hope the radio talk went well. I tried to get my dial-up to work, but alas… no success.
Dickie — convulated logic? I thought you said you respected my opinion. Guess you were lying… I don’t have a lot of patience w/ ones who lie. Anyway… because I believe in peace… I’ll let it pass. You asked the following questions… “Tribute bands don’t play fair ’cause it’s too easy to copy everything about an artist? Or is it that Tribute bands can’t compete because their choice of material is so narrow?”…. I have never stated that one was easier than the other. Nor have I stated that I felt a band shouldn’t participate.
The issue I have is with the casino calling this a battle of COVER bands. There IS a difference between a “cover” band and a “tribute” band who, granted, covers a particular ARTIST/BAND. But a tribute band is not a COVER band in the true sense of the concept of a COVER band.
As I’ve stated in a much earlier blog, if cover bands and tribute bands (which in my opinion have equal importance in the musical world), are to compete in the same competition, then call the competition simply a battle of the bands. That, my dear, would solve all the “cover vs. tribute” controversies. It would cover (pardon the pun) all genres and types of bands. And if an original band wanted to play original music, then why not? What’s wrong with original music? “Twist and Shout” was original music until it was recorded.
To specifically answer your two questions… 1.) “”Tribute bands don’t play fair ’cause it’s too easy to copy everything about an artist? ” Quite the contrary. I think it is harder to copy an artist. Especially an artist who is well known, because everybody is so familiar with songs/nuances/look. But because the tribute band may already have a “built in” fan base due to the original artist/band, then if they perform well, the audience response might give them an edge. But… they would have to perform well. 2.) “Or is it that Tribute bands can’t compete because their choice of material is so narrow?” I never thought the material choice is narrow. How could anybody say that a Beatles tribute band, or a Johnny Cash tribute band, or an Alice Cooper tribute band possibly have a NARROW amount of songs from which to choose?? In fact, it might be more difficult to choose because there are so many songs!!
There, Dickie… I hope I have throughly answered your questions and that you have listened and learned some more. Peace out little grasshopper. Keep learning!!
BTW — Haven’t heard much from LHC or Ben… I hope the women (i.e. Shaaron, Patti or I) haven’t scared ya’ll off!!
July 24, 2008 at 3:10 pm
My convoluted logic comment was made weeks ago when we were hashing out our differences. (which still exist)
I mearly pasted it here. I do respect your opinion.
Our disagreement is NOT the differences between the tribute bands and the other bands in the contest. We all have agreed what makes a tribute band and probably shared this view before we met and talked about it.
My point (and Jason’s and Ed’s, etc. etc.) has always been that every band in the competition is a cover band.
I don’t care what you call ‘em, and when you say “cover band” I know you are excluding the tributes.
July 24, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Poor abused tributes.
::sniff::
July 24, 2008 at 3:16 pm
jason, I wanted to comment in regard to the topic of bands being “appropriate for the venue” as discussed on the radio program. If we’re one of those bands who you don’t think would fit in on your regular nights due to the extra testosterone injected material we perform (which I would understand) I hope you would still consider as an opening act for when a good old rock concert comes through if you think we’d be a good fit. Thanks.
July 24, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Hey Ed. That was the first time I have ever called in on a radio show. I have a tendency to talk too fast, and get scared out of my wits. But it was fun, and not scary at all.
I asked about the rules one more time to try and make a point. I have said several times, although I really don’t like rules, I play by them. When I don’t like the rules I work to change them. I have succeeded changing rules on both the state and county level.
I think the contest rules should be more consistent. Once the contest starts, the rules should not change. Period.
As far as DU is concerned, they are a better band than HF, and won fair and square. But had they not been allowed in, it would have been a different outcome for HF. I have heard several different stories on the DU issue, from Jason, guys in DU, and fan input. That’s why I suggested an over point system for the entire contest, not just weekly. In the event that another issue comes up in the future, it would be more fair. It might be a good idea to keep the entry date open. If the dates fill, bands could be put on a waiting list, to fill the spot vacated by say Willovealot or Clay Colton. When a band drops like 80z All Stars, the next highest point earning band should get the spot. Maybe even have a wild card spot. Then bands like HF and Corvelles, who are VERY casino friendly, still have a chance.
I think my input to this blog, and participation in the contest speaks for it’s self. I really appreciate Viejas for promoting live music. This is a wonderful chance for bands to get ahead.
I have been a musician in this town since the mid 60s. San Diego used to have live music venues in every hotel lounge, and clubs all over the place. Then came DJs. Then came Kariokee (however the hell you spell it), and one by one the hotels shut down their music. I think I can honestly say there is about 25% of the amount of venues left. There are also places that you have to pay to work in! Some places demand that you only get paid what the door brings in! So, bands, you know the drill. You bring in your fans, get cheated out of the door take, and the bar makes money selling drinks to your friends. It has to stop!
I know, I’m ranting. Again we all owe a lot to the places that support live music. Thank you, Viejas, for doing this contest! Thank you for continuing to hire the best bands in San Diego. Thank you for paying us fairly.
July 24, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Ed,
No worries about not mentioning JumpStart.
Just like the contest, you get your shot and that’s it.
btw, I like the randomness of the contest as far as the line up is concerned. It doesn’t make a lick of difference what we do on stage based on who we compete against.
My earlier suggestion about two bands advancing still preserves the randomness and simplicity.
July 24, 2008 at 3:34 pm
btw, when plugging the show for this Saturday night I neglected to mention that the door goes up after 7pm.
JumpStart – Detroit Underground
Saturday, Humphrey’s
July 24, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Shaaron,
Let’s hope that one day off in the no so distant future you get over loosing. I think everyone else has, but then they aren’t going through “the change”.
July 24, 2008 at 3:51 pm
OH OH, Mr. Kotter!
PopRox tonight at Humphrey’s
http://www.humphreysbythebay.com/backstageMusicClub.cfm
July 24, 2008 at 3:54 pm
If only all of the other bands were crappy.
Too bad they chose good ones or else we would have won.
July 24, 2008 at 4:06 pm
I think the randomness of the bands on given nights would not make any difference if you had a consistency in the QUALITY of all the bands. Maybe be more clear in the criteria for sending in to be a part of the competition. Maybe find a group of people from different areas (professional recording engineer, working musician, regular music lover, club owner, sound guy, lighting tech, etc.) and have them go through applications and actually SEE the bands play. AND/OR have the same group of people search out local cover bands and then INVITE them to play in the competition.
There were bands this year that simply were not on the same level as others and it would be a lot more fun if the bands at least were working bands with some type of following (check out their websites, myspace, etc) to confirm they have more than a few hundred friends. I think the casino would benefit from having exclusively working cover bands with large followings like 619, HELP!, HF, DU and MONSTERS ~ and I know I’d enjoy it more.
There are MANY, MANY local tribute and cover bands that play every month and I’d like to see a competition amongst these bands. The level
of musicianship would raise without doubt! And the credibility of this Battle of the bands would be MUCH better.
Oh, and find a better way to measure crowd support.
July 24, 2008 at 4:07 pm
it’s no more difficult of a task judging Detroit Underground against Monsters of Rock (neither of them are tribute bands) than it is judging Help against Rockandy. The tribute part of it is not the issue, it’s the genre part of it. And even that’s not a big deal because we know what sounds good and what doesn’t and that’s that.
Hell, think about all those talent contests out there, like America’s Got Talent, during which the judges grade fire breathers against jugglers, against singers, against dancers, against contortionists, against magicians, against people who make funny faces, against hula hoopers against rappers. If David Hasselhoff can distinguish between those acts, then i’m quite certain Jamie Valle can judge between different types of cover bands.
So forget about it people. Tribute bands are going to continue to be welcome at UMC, and the name will still stay the same because tribute bands ARE NOW AND ALWAYS HAVE BEEN COVER BANDS.
Sorry, didn’t mean to shout there.
Shaaron, FYI – Karaoke is the correct spelling. It is the combination of two Japanese words.
Kara – which means “empty” and
Okesotura – which means orchestra.
Karaoke = empty orchestra.
Kind of neat, huh?
You should hear me do a version of Rock Lobster..
“in walked the dogfish, chased by the catfish… ROCK LOBSTER!”
oops, didn’t mean to shout again.
July 24, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Ok Ed… calm down. You are giving me a headache. We get it. I actually like having cover and tribute bands together… it is nice to have it all mixed up.
So, you sing karaoke huh… I’d certainly love to see that! Maybe you could do a short set while the bands are changing out this weekend at the Semi’s?
July 24, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Patti!! Ed doing karaoke! What a great idea! How about having Jason too and have them compete against each other?? I think you and I should fill out the judges forms for them!
Ed… you don’t have to shout! I get what you believe is a cover band! And I agree with Patti… keep the cover and tribute band together. It’s fun to listen and see the differences!
BTW — I stand by my original picks for this Sunday… DU & AIG will move on. Although I would be pleasantly surprised to see Gin Pistons go on. Play that harp!!! Love it! And Old School? Best of luck to you too!
July 24, 2008 at 5:06 pm
hahaha, you wanna talk about a headache, try running this blog. If my headache saw your headache on the street one day, my headache would shove your headache to the ground and take his money because you’re headache is so weak.
LOL
Not in a million years, + 10 would you see me do karaoke at the DreamCatcher
So, about the picks, did anyone get it right last week? What are the picks for this week?
July 24, 2008 at 5:35 pm
I mentioned last week that I believe AIG and DU will advance.
I missed Gin Piston & Old School and heard rave reviews so I am not dissmissing them.
Anything can happen!
keep rockin’
July 24, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Hi Gilbert, nice to see you back. Fo the record, I am over losing. (Although losing our week was only part of the contest for us. We have booked gigs, and met people who are helping us. Agents are aware of us, and the band is better for all the rehearsing. So “losing” is only part of it). I would just like to see the contest improved, and made a little more fair. I stand by my “overall” instead of “weekly” judging suggestion.
July 24, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Why Ed! Why would you have a headache from running this blog??? We all get along so well!!! hahahahaha!
How about in a million years + 11? It would be so much fun!!
You already got my picks… but just for the record… DU & AIG to move on to the finals. With DU winning it all, MOR claiming 2nd, and Alice to claim 3rd.
July 24, 2008 at 8:25 pm
What is the lineup for this weekend’s semi’s?? If so, AIAG is on first! We better get there extra early!!
July 24, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Screw the show!! Its all about the BLOGS!!!!!
July 24, 2008 at 9:55 pm
619 totally had this competition hands down. However, congrats go out to the winners. BUT: I’ve known these guys for years and they’re awesome! All of us….the fans…..we are the ‘619 Family, the Circle of Friends’. The loss doesn’t go to this band, it goes to The Dream Catcher Lounge. We all have an idea of how much of a balance the bar gets at the end of a 619 gig! You guys so rock! And to Monsters Of Rock, this is the first time I’ve ever heard you play…..you guys were great, loved your show, but my heart and cheers belong to 619……and if you win this competition, more power to you. All the Best!
July 24, 2008 at 10:16 pm
The line up for this Sunday is here…
http://ultimatemusicchallenge.com/bands_07.27.html
July 24, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Ed…. don’t be a bully. Do you always have to be the best? Oh well, I’m a good sport and I don’t want to get trampled on so you can have the worse headache.
How about if I get on my knees and plead with you… one little itty bitty karaoke song… and I promise I won’t even judge you or nothin. Just for me (and everyone else at the semi’s). You know I’d love you even more!
BTW, I didn’t hear ANY of the bands that won this round of Semi’s so I can’t really predict the winner…. and since I don’t a favorite this round I should be completely non-biased. Around here, that never happens!
I’m excited about Sunday and bringing my earplugs!
Oh, and if the meter had been read and reported correctly I would have been right… I had MOR and 619. And for the finals, I’m a MONSTERS girl all the way babay!
July 25, 2008 at 8:01 am
Fritters, I don’t think there’s anyone that would question 619 is a great band and has a large and loyal following. Even if we’re not #1 in your book, we hope you’ll still come out to support us at the final.
July 25, 2008 at 8:04 am
Shaaron,
To say you would like to see the contest a little more fair is to imply that it currently is a little less fair. While I believe in continuous improvement I reject the notion that there is a problem with fairness.
We’ve seen bands have to deal with cymbals falling, amps breaking, sequencers playing the wrong song, as well as facing whomever comes up in the draw.
Currently each night of competion is self contained with winners being announced right then. I prefer that to waiting the entire round one before you find out how you did. The last night being eight weeks later than the opening night. That’s too long to compare the first band to the last one.
July 25, 2008 at 8:58 am
Shaaron, obviously your band is good, got great recognition and is better off for being in the competition. But, you keep implying the reason you lost is due to a flaw in the rules instead of just accepting the loss. A lot of bands seem to imply this, but they’ve all eased up by now. Suggesting improvements is cool, implying you were robbed, not so much.
July 25, 2008 at 9:10 am
6ONE9 was better (in my opinion) than Alice.
BUT!
You must accept the facts ***
6ONE9…
played loud (f**kn’ loud) <—- not the sound man’s fault
Many might think, “so it was a bit loud, what? are you too old?)
Loud causes…
lack of dynamics
inability to hear monitors
poor house mix
audience that feels assaulted
While this might seem a minor complaint it was enough to knock them out and totally self inflicted.
This is heartbreaking because they might have gone all the way.
July 25, 2008 at 9:26 am
Dave, you think 619’s vocals were strong enough to take them all the way? I noticed numerous serious pitch issues.
July 25, 2008 at 9:29 am
That’s right Dave, nothing can ever be perfect, and it’s great to strive for perfection, but fairness is an interesting and elusive quality.
For instance, it isn’t fair that Help had to play first, which is when the crowd is least lubed up, and less of them are there. However, because the order of the bands were drawn randomly, and every band had an equal chance at going first, well that makes it fair.
Also, there are two sides to fairness’s coin, for instance, take the lighting conspiracy: That the light men will better know how to illuminate a band’s set if that band has played the DreamCatcher before. Which is true, and maybe gives them an (ever-so slight) advantage. However, wouldn’t it also be unfair to exclude bands simply because they’ve played DreamCatcher before? Of course it would, so, like in life, Jason makes decisions about UMC that is most fair for most people.
Nothing in life is ever totally fair, but in the broad sense of fairness – that the judges, the production crew, and the management take no actions (or inactions) to give any one band or type of band an edge (in fact, strive for total equality) — in that respect, the Viejas Music Challenge is ultimate.
July 25, 2008 at 9:50 am
Gilbert,
I think that the ability is there but they probably were fighting to be heard on stage. :::Just a guess:::
I wonder if their arrangement for the Def Leopard song is correct. That aside, When we did our set (week three, JumpStart) I had no problem hearing my monitor. Then a funny thing happened. About halfway through the set my monitor suddenly went off. I motioned to Casey who took off upstairs but it never came back on. The other monitors on the stage were still working and because we weren’t too loud I could still hear them.
We DO strive for “that” tone with our guitars. It is no accident, and volume is an important part of getting that tone. You’ve got to trust the soundman to bring it to the room though.
July 25, 2008 at 9:57 am
The rules are the rules and they are the same for everyone and that makes them fair. You don’t like the rules, you don’t join the competition. I think this blog is good for evaluating changes for next year and I appreciate that everyone feels free to give their opinions. This is only the second year of this and so it makes sense that some things may have to be “tweeked” to make it better. But it has been and continues to be a blast and I’ve meet so many next friends… so yippee for that!
July 25, 2008 at 10:03 am
Correct me if I’m wrong…
The rules haven’t changed one bit since the contest started.
It was mentioned that online voting wouldn’t happen as shown in the scoring sheet. Also, Ed clarified some aspects of HIS take on the rules in his Introduction. But the official rules as listed on the UMC site are unchanged.
Yes?
July 25, 2008 at 10:07 am
Gilbert; You just don’t get it. I have said countless times, we were beat by a better band. My suggestion of a point system has nothing to do with Haute Flash losing our round. It is only a suggestion of how I feel the contest could be better. I even said that if a point system was used in the case of 80z All Stars dropping out, that the Corvelles might have a chance to advance. I have also said that I play be the rules. When rules are changed or ignored we all lose.
Dave; You missed part of my point. Score the bands, let them know at the end of their night what the scores are, and how they placed that night. Tally them all up and at the end of the contest and announce the final scores. It is just a suggestion to have all the bands compete against each other, not just 5 at a time.
Bands that play so hard that they knock over rented equipment is abuse on their part. Recorded music should not be allowed, period. It’s a music contest, not a programming contest. I don’t know. Maybe I’m just too old fashioned. It’s all about respect. Respect of the other bands, judges, Viejas, and the audience. I respect other people’s equipment, I respect the rules, I respect the spirit of this blog. But I am feeling that my participation is is unwanted.
July 25, 2008 at 10:17 am
Dave, from what I understand it wasn’t the “loudness” factor that prevented 619 from moving on, it was the decibel reading (huge sigh …).
July 25, 2008 at 10:23 am
Shaaron, let me be the first to say that your participation is wanted and appreciated. It’s just a simple fact that when you put yourself out there, you are likely to get some lip back. The stronger your opinions, the stronger will be the opposition to your opinions.
That’s how it works so, sack up girl.
LOL, just kidding.
I think this blog has been a fantastic way to communicate with each other. Sure, there were some insulting things said here and there, but for the most part it’s been a good, healthy debate.
speaking of insults, I wanted to let you all know, that Dave Reynolds, the Lennon character from Help, who made a few, insulting comments to me, and others, on the blog, has been banned.
Not by us, but by his own band. Apparently they were worried about their reputation being sullied, and risking not getting booked by Viejas.
I only bring this up because, he emailed me the other day to tell me how sorry he was for the comments he made and wishes he could have them back. I told him all is forgotten, and that I too apologize for the mean things I said in retaliation.
So all is good between us again. Sadly, Dave is still banned from posting comments, but his spirit is still with us and he is missed. And Dave, if you’re watching, know this – Help! is one of the greatest tribute bands I’ve ever seen and I’m truly bummed that We won’t be seeing you in the finals. Perhaps next year?
ed
July 25, 2008 at 10:26 am
Your participation IS wanted. We’re just kickin’ around some ideas here.
I didn’t miss any part of your point, I just like the randomness of our chances in this contest. I like that you get just one shot at a time. No vetting of the band’s total talent or any such attempt to get a comparison to the entire field.
The contest is bigger than a Music competition, it is a Show competition. Each night the show is five bands and the winner is the winner of that show.
I invite you to reconsider my tweek of the competition. I would like to preserve the randomness while allowing a great second place to advance. btw, Week Three had no dogs so this idea may not have advanced JumpStart. :::but watch out next year:::
Each night of round one has two bands advance.
Four nights of Semi finals instead of two with this change. The Judges will set up the lineup and order of bands when round one is complete.
Only one band advances from each semi final night.
July 25, 2008 at 10:30 am
Jona,
6ONE9 had no control over the audience reaction to Alice. They did have control over their show. Had they scored better on their performance they wouldn’t have been vulernable.
So when you look to a future competion do you try to change what you can’t or try to change what you can?
July 25, 2008 at 10:31 am
I want to congratulate AIAG, Gin Piston, and Old School for moving on to the semi-finals. I didn’t get a chance to see your first round but have read a lot of good stuff about you all on this blog. I look forward to hearing you and sharing the stage with you guys this Sunday. Best of luck to you all.
JR of DU (the only freakin sax player in this competition)
July 25, 2008 at 10:33 am
The sax player conspirecy is revealled!!
July 25, 2008 at 10:34 am
Shaaron, as many times as you’ve said DU is a better band, you’ve also implied that they should never have been in the competition to start with as if they cheated to get in. You’ve said only “Casino Friendly” bands should be in the competition which would eliminate bands like AIG, Alice and MOR. Now you say bands are abusing equipment? Why, because the cymbal kept falling off the stand for Gin Pistons? That’s equipment failure, not abuse. That drummer was great!
No rules have been broken or changed and this has been explained to you by Ed and Jason. I do get it, not sure if you do though. But we all love you, you know that right?
July 25, 2008 at 10:35 am
… like a player loves his axe
July 25, 2008 at 10:45 am
Ed,
If you already successfully negotiated a peace treaty between you and
Dave Reynolds, “the Lennon character from Help,”
way not let him back on the blog then? where’s the freedom man?
Holy shorts!
July 25, 2008 at 10:50 am
Excellent point, Dave.
July 25, 2008 at 11:03 am
Shaaron,
You seem happy to declare that Haute Flash is a second rate band compared to Detroit Underground.
Talk about missing the point. It is true that the judges scored DU above HF in week eight.
If you hadn’t already lost to them in your head maybe you would have won that night?
That is the power of the secret.
Hey, B. Battle! are you there?
July 25, 2008 at 11:04 am
back me up here
July 25, 2008 at 11:04 am
No, no JV, you misunderstood. It was his own bandmates and band manager that have banned him, upon “threat of an ass whoopin’”
I never banned him, nor would I ever.
e.
July 25, 2008 at 11:09 am
Ok JV, I see a typo in your post as well Mr. School Teacher.
“way not let him back on”.
There will be a one point deduction on your grade.
July 25, 2008 at 11:14 am
Hey Johnny Rano,
There you are, welcome back, it’s good to hear from you, I’ll see you tonight.
Be well,
B.
July 25, 2008 at 11:20 am
Hey Dave,
Point well taken, you have to have faith and believe it’s possible before any accomplishment can be manifested.
July 25, 2008 at 11:24 am
JV… if I understand Ed correctly (yeah, I know… strange concept), the banning is not by Ed, but by HELP!’s request.
Shaaron — you CANNOT leave this male dominated blog!! There are so few of us logical, intelligent, all-knowing, level-headed females! I agree with your scoring concept as far as the determination of bands to move ahead in the event of a situation such as 80z All S. is concerned.
Dave — I like your idea of having two bands go forward and having 4 semis. However, I do not like the idea of having the judges set up the line-up. That would take away the randomness, which I enjoy, and would put the judges in line of “rigging” the contest.
Peace ya’ll
July 25, 2008 at 11:32 am
“logical, intelligent, all-knowing, level-headed females”
Bahhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Funny!
July 25, 2008 at 11:36 am
Hey BB, Did ya miss me? I thoroughly enjoyed our “cappin” on each other session but I decided my time was better spent practicing my horn. It had absolutely nothing-whatsoever-at all to do with that “Photoshop Assault” from that tpt player who now better not crack any notes from not practicing.
July 25, 2008 at 11:44 am
Colleen, I agree that the judges should not be in the business of picking the lineup. I can’t imagine they would want that responsibility and unlike now they might get accused of some kind of conspiracy : )
July 25, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Tom, you got me!
July 25, 2008 at 12:04 pm
JR == I hear what you mean… judges are safe from all accusations now!
Actually, I loved the “Photoshop Assult”! You “fit” in so well!!
Yes, tumpet needs to be good too…. please no squeaks! — besides drums, my husband also played trumpet, so the trumpet is my third favorite instrument. So In one band he played drums and trumpet at the same time! And vocal harmony (obviously not while playing trumpet, although that would be a good trick!).
BB — do miss that entertaining humor between you and JR! Makes my lunch break so much more entertaining!
July 25, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Colleen, oh you saw that….yes one of his finer works. If he could only make a living at it he could afford trumpet lessons…..woohoo…here we go again. I’m glad someone is entertained by this. Maybe there’s a retirement future in Vegas for Musical Comedy.
I’d like to see this Drums and Trumpet thing. He should have entered this competition.
July 25, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Listen up all you hard headed males, especially Gilbert.
The rules were changed. Even Jason said to me on the air, “yes, but it was done early on in the contest when you had a chance to pull out”.
My OPINION is that when the powers that be saw so many really good metal bands winning, they had to re think their stance on what a cover band is. So the wide spread belief that Viejas was looking for the type of cover band they wanted in their pool of talent is no longer valid. The prize of GIGS at the casino has been pulled. HF missed the memo on that one.
Dave; I have never implied the HF is a second rate band. I have only said that DU is a better band. Please, don’t try and second guess me. I am 100% straight forward, truthful, and most of what I say is either my reality, or from information that I have from other bands. I am not just running my mouth.
Gilbert; Please quit insulting me. If you have something intelligent to say I will listen and respond.
Colleen; Thanks for the support. I have been accused of spending all my time on this blog. The reality of it is that I am e mailing agents and buyers on behalf of HF, and I do check the blog a lot. It’s been fun. But I have no time for mean people. At least my “unwanted” comment got the blog busy. So, now my choice is to keep on blogging, or go deal with my teenagers. Oh, hell, what’s the difference? LOL
July 25, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Dave; Just a thought. If 9 people are using the “SECRET” from DU, and 4 are using it from HF, wheres the law of attraction then?
July 25, 2008 at 12:46 pm
OK Shaaron, I’ll speak to you on your level – “Wa Wa Wa, call the wambulance!”
July 25, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Shaaron,
I’m not saying you didn’t do enough to win. What I’m saying is you have done too much to lose. Even in your defense you say “I have never implied the HF is a second rate band. I have only said that DU is a better band.”
In the context of this contest, speaking about your competition with DU you are saying you are the worst band. At that moment you have created a barrier.
I’m all about giving DU their props. I’m not suggesting being delusional about your chances either.
To answer your question more directly, You cannot affect others around you, but you can totally affect your own situation. …and with that said, I think you gained exactly what you asked for with this experience. (and I’m not talking about losing)
July 25, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Shaaron — LOL! Is there a difference?!?
July 25, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Shaaron…. lmao. Nope, no difference at all! Hang in there!
July 25, 2008 at 2:20 pm
The rules were changed?
the gigs as prizes were snagged away but what rule changed?
July 25, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Shaaron, in my OPINION, it’s fine to suggest improvements for next year, but it’s disrespectful to the bands that did advance to try to disqualify them on a technicality. That seems to be your daily mission. Hope that’s plain enough for you to understand.
July 25, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Gilbert In your OPINION rules=technicalities? You must be a republican. (That remark is only meant ti be funny, and refers to the “hanging chad incident).
The contest deadline issue was explained to me by Jason, on the air, that DU was in the contest, but he (Jason) was late in updating the web site to reflect it. I had other information that I will not share out of respect for the informant.
Dickie; In the beginning somehow, I, and others, were under the mistaken assumption that the casino wanted venue appropriate cover bands in the contest. Information to that effect has been removed by Ed, from the top of the blog. But for a while it was there.
The prizes were listed as cash and gigs.
There was a dead line to enter.
And if I remember correctly, guitar players had to use amps provided, as did bass players. (?)
July 25, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Colleen,
I see your point about setting up the line up for the Semi finals. Even if Viejas did it instead of the judges it would be subjective.
That idea was my attempt to avoid a situation where all of the favored bands are up against each other in the first night. Or two bands that competed in round one see each other again in the semi’s.
As it is now advancing bands go to the next “slot”, no preference.
In my scenario with two bands advancing (using the “next slot” method) the first and third night of the semis would be first place bands and the second and fourth night would be second place bands.
Hmmm? I kinda like that.
Or you could alternate systematically to get an even mix of first place bands and second place bands for each of the four nights of semi finals.
Either way no band will see a competitor from their night in round one in the semis, only in the finals… maybe.
An alternative to that would be to have a quater finals (16 bands, 4 shows) where two advance from each night in the semis. Then a semi like you have now (8 bands, 2 shows).
Jason!
You like how I’m playing fast and loose with your budget? ha ha
July 25, 2008 at 3:20 pm
I like your first scenario (your 4th paragraph). I would not like to see the competition expanded any longer. Jason — trying to save the budget!
I like the idea of staying in the summer months. Sergio needs to get back to his class!!
July 25, 2008 at 3:22 pm
OK, I just went back and reread the rules. What I am going to say really doesn’t affect anything, it’s just an observation of what appears to be iffy rules.
Rule #
6. Guitar amps were to be provided.
8. Drummers “just bring your sticks”. several bands, including mine, brought their own stools and pedals, and I saw one bring in his own cymbals
9. Equipment had to remain on the stage until after all the bands finished.
13.Max of 10 people on stage. “Inside Out” had 11
16. Contact Jason to get a video. I contacted him several times. We didn’t get a video.
None of this affects the outcome of the contest. But it shows that the rules have been, let’s say, “adaptable”.
July 25, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Oh yeah, there were also the “on line voting” and “stage plots” we were supposed to follow.
July 25, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I would say that the rules were set up to favor Viejas as a company to help avoid chaos.
translation of rules by hack follows
6. If we provide guitar amps then you’re stuck with what’s there, but we didn’t so bring your own.
8. We don’t have time to change out the drumsets between bands. Set stays, accessories ok.
9. We don’t have time to dilly dally around with the show, oh, you got your shit off already? good job.
13. Max of 10 people on stage. Inside Out, you’re disqualified.
16. Contact Jason to get the video we made of your set. If we made one.
July 25, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Dave; I like your proposal. It works! Also I have said that what if AIAG, MOR, 619, Alice, and DU all ended up on the same night. It would be a sin to not have all these bands in the semis.
July 25, 2008 at 3:48 pm
My only concerns would be
Avoid making a subjective decision in line up.
Once the points are converted to place rankings toss em, as I think that points from one night are not comparable to another night. (judge substitutions, memory loss, Miller Lite effect)
July 25, 2008 at 3:59 pm
SUCCESS!! Dave and Shaaron have negotiated to agreement! Jason! All you have to do is put your stamp on it!!
#13… Yeah I noticed Inside Out had 11 too. I remember when Ed reviewed the band he remarked about the “10ish” member band… so Ed noticed too.
July 25, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Shaaron, I for one am damn glad (can I say that on the mic?) that Jason, Joseph and rest of Viejas Entertainment had the vision and guts to open the UMC to all varieties of Cover/Tribute bands and not limit this to a complete bland-fest of “Casino Friendly” “Venue Appropriate” bands. And I think based on the crowds like last Sunday’s semi-finals and the volume of responses on this blog, it has likely paid off very well for them.
And perhaps going forward the term “Venue Appropriate” may be redefined. I suspect they wouldn’t mind having a band with a draw like 619 play the Dream Catcher on a regular basis.
And Monsters of Rock may not be faire for the VLounge, but I would definitely make the drive and drop $80 bucks on Guinness to see them play the DC or CITP anytime.
How about “Hard Rock” Sundays in the DC with early start time? Just an idea…
July 25, 2008 at 4:04 pm
You know Shaaron, Week 1 had Help, The Stilettos, and Mercy House – all bands that were truly exceptional and as good as the bands you listed (some better in my opinion). The Stilettos and Mercy House were definitely semis quality too and it’s sad they couldn’t advance. Bottom line is that there’s just a ton of really wonderful, diverse talent in this contest. A ton of these bands deserve to win, but only one will.
BTW… Thanks for your kind words. You kick ass too, mama!
July 25, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Well Shaaron,
Maybe we should get together for a song… Jump Flash or Haute Start.
ha ha
July 25, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Well Johnny Rano, I think it’s great that you are taking this contest really seriously . . . You always do the right thing . . . In fact it was just yesterday that you said you had something up your sleeve . . . you got a tattoo, a tongue extension and then had your tongue pierced. Then you said “I’ll show Alice who’s boss . . . ” What did you mean by that Johnny?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/2701731277_922b36be8d.jpg
July 25, 2008 at 4:15 pm
If there was a bit more thought in selecting the bands to be in the competition, then ALL the bands would be of the same caliber and it would truly be a fair competition. Image if the audience came to Dreamcatcher and saw 5 TRULY great cover / tribute bands. Imagine that every week was crowded like last Sunday and that the Semi’s were FULL HOUSE. Imagine what that would do to the reputation of the UMC Battle of the Bands. There are SO many outstanding bands… you just need to be a bit more selective. The blog would be CRAZY if every week you had 5 top notch performances and bands would be knocking down the door to compete every year because the reputation of the contest would be without above reproach.
Just a thought… a little less worry about the rules and a little more thought about the competitiors.
July 25, 2008 at 4:21 pm
didn’t all the bands have to prove they were a “real” band?
What more would you do? Let’s not run J&J ragged now.
July 25, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Hey LHC! Welcome back!!
“Hard Rock Sundays”…. has a ring to it!
J
ason — I think the variety of bands that were chosen this year has been outstanding. Viejas has provided a variety of genres that has been entertaining to watch, listen to and most importantly…. TALK about!! This year’s contest has been so much better than last year. Thanks to Viejas for providing this opportunity to see such outstanding talent that is within San Diego county…. and beyond…..
jlang — nice work on the Photoshop! (Although this one is a bit disturbing!)
Peace…….
July 25, 2008 at 4:34 pm
If you went to any of the weekly competitions then you most certainly saw a big difference between the quality of the bands on any given week. ALso, there was more than one band that admitted that Viejas was their first gig or one of their few gigs… Some of the bands obviously just were not tight, had no energy and really felt like “garage” quality bands. It was obvious when compared to quality bands like Help! MOR, The Corvelles, etc. If someone actually spent the time to a go to a gig of each of the bands that send in applications to compete, or if there was a nominating committee that invited bands, you would most likely eliminate the huge difference in the quality of the bands. Better bands = better competition.
I’m just sayin… for $20,000 I think they could find a more consistent group of performers.
July 25, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Hey Dave; I’m planning on catching your show at Humphries on Saturday. I kind of like “Jump Flash”.
July 25, 2008 at 4:39 pm
I agree with Colleen…. that image is TOTALLY disturbing. Eeeuuww.
July 25, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Patti; YES! That is a great idea. I also asked how the bands were selected. HF just filled the entry form, and was e mailed within hours that we were in.
July 25, 2008 at 4:58 pm
:::playing devil’s advocate:::
Colleen says this year is much better than last. Next year will be better too as the word spreads. This will mean more entries and more to choose from.
Several bands are from out of the county already. $20,000 is pretty nice for three sets of music, even if it is spread out over three different dates.
My guess is that over time, without changing a thing, we are going to see higher quality bands from farther away entering this thing.
Tom Petty does covers. Maybe Tom won’t waste his time but what about Foo Fighters? I’ll bet that they know about the contest through their buddies the Red Muffs. Don’t they live in LA?
I also like the contrast in the shows, kinda like Idol’s first round. (Ed is Simon) ha ha
I esspecially liked the week where a certain band was just aghast at the critique. “hey, we have cute chicks dance to our tunes! So there!”
July 25, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Shaaron,
How about our second set, second song? We have a sax player sitting in on “When a Man Loves a Woman”. in D
?
July 25, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Tom, thanks for the kind words towards 619. Yes I will always remain loyal to them, and they will be #1. They have become our friends not only because of their great talent but the respect they have towards their followers. At EVERY gig, Casey always points out to hold up our drinks in support and send out a long distance salute to our troops that are fighting in Iraq giving us the freedom here to maintain our lives and live them the way we want. Heck, Casey is the reason we have an annual 619 horeshoe tournament in the backyard, and he won it this year with his partner! They’re an awesome group to party with. But on another note, I guess you could say my husband and I have now found another band to follow around and support, besides 619, and Inside Out……now Monsters Of Rock. Maybe we’ll see you out at Second Wind Santee some night. Now that 619 is out of the competition, our cheers will be reserved for you.
July 25, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Dave; I will try and make it. I sing when A Man Loves A Woman in “C”, so it wont be hard. Thanks!
July 25, 2008 at 5:18 pm
UH Dave, what time are your sets?
July 25, 2008 at 5:42 pm
JumpStart 6-8pm Detroit Underground 9:30 to ?
cover goes up at 7pm
July 25, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Nope Colleen, did not notice they had 11 people on stage. I said 10ish cuz I never counted and just gave a rough estimate. To be perfectly honest, I forgot all about that rule. I’ll watch out for it next time.
Randomly pitting bands of different genres together is part of the fun of it. Once you start mixing and matching you open the doors to all sorts of inequalities, or accusations of them. I would hate it if we took that randomness out of the competition.
Jumping Haute Flash, it’s a gas!
Patti, saying a venue should only book good bands is like saying Hollywood should only make good movies. There are only a handful of good directors and a handful of good actors.
Of course Viejas would like to present only the best of the best bands, but this is life, and in life, the best of the best are few and far between.
Besides, as we all have agreed upon in earlier posts, the whole thing is subjective anyway, and I bet if we had a discussion about which bands shouldn’t have been allowed in, I bet we’d have a good and long argument about that. For instance, I’ll bet you would say Tenacious Double D’s shouldn’t have been there, but I for one am ecstatic that they were.
e.
e.
July 25, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Ed… I think, especially after reading Shaaron’s post that “within hours they were accepted” shows very little (if any) actual selection of the bands. I’m NOT saying this in regard to HF… they proved their worth. Maybe, since this is a fairly new competition, they were afraid they would not have enough applications to fill the slots?
I’m suggesting that you could have a cut off date for applications and then take some time and go through them and actually do some research. Jason doesn’t have to do this all himself. Delegate and find a handful of people to go over the applications, and go and see the bands. Heck, it would be fun to be on that committee and I’m sure that from the look of this blog, you would be able to round up enough people that would be willing to take the time to really UP the ante. Maybe even have something on the Viejas website where people write in and nominate a great local band they have heard and then Jason and his team check them out and invite them to fill out an application?
I’m thinking that the venue is great, the sound and lighting guys are great, the judges are awesome (even JAIME) and that, if the all the bands were of the same caliber (but vary greatly in genre and include both Cover and tribute bands) that it could really be a competition that people are REALLY excited about and look forward to with great anticipation all year.
There are dozens and dozens of great bands in San Diego Ed. Please don’t tell me that you think there aren’t enough “quality, gigging” bands to fill all the slots… cause that just ain’t right!!!
July 25, 2008 at 6:56 pm
oh, and at $10.00 a pop, yes, I DO think Hollywood should only produce good movies. You don’t like bad ones do you? At least we should shoot for great and then if we fall short at least we tried – right?!?
July 25, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Alicia; For the record., Help! had my vote from the start. After the ballots were already upstairs, Ed asked me and a few others what we thought would be the outcome. My picks were MOR and Help! I said the same on the blog when Ed asked everyone to vote. I thought they were the best on many different levels.
Hey! John Lennon guy, please come back! Tell your band that you’re sorry, and that you’ll be good. I miss you.
Funny thing. I just brought an inexpensive 5 string bass that was listed on CraigsList. It was from the bassist of JukeBox! Small world.
July 25, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Alright folks,
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Joseph Doucette and I work for Viejas Entertainment and Production (VE&P). I book all the local entertainment for the our venues The DreamCatcher and V Lounge here at Viejas Casino. I’m nobody important unless your in a band and have any hope of playing here. Some of you may have seen me around I’m the hansome younger gentleman at every UMC sunday talking to the stage manager and collecting the tallied votes. I selected each of the 40 bands who made it into the contest. I selected each of the bands on what I reviewed from there EPK. Thisd was not an easy task I had well over 100 entries. Each band I selected had something that I thought everyone could enjoy. I could have filled each spot with rock and or metal bands but I didn’t. I filled the slots with veriety other than maybe one or two nights depending on your perspective. This process took a long time and I lost much sleep over this. I have had a blast since this thing has got under way and have met a bunch of wonderful people (not to mention found some talent to book in the casino). I bookede each night trying to make it fun for all and can’t wait to see the outcome.
So with that all being said, you can direct all your complaints about the band line ups and time slots solely to me. And when you do, I will polietely tell you to to sit on it, because it was a hard and time consuming proccess.
Big ups to our lighting and sound crew they are doing an awesome job! Casey is doing a great job on stage by himself making sure 4 to 5 bands are playing in one night. I like to see anybody else attempt that.
Thank you to our wonderful juding pannel including the fill-ins ( that’s you Alicia). They are people and we pay them (not very well by the way) to have opinions. So you don’t have to like it, but you do get to talk about it. So blog away my freinds and I’ll see you on Sunday!
July 26, 2008 at 6:32 am
Joseph — I still say I like the randomness and variety of which we have been able to listen to all this year. I like the idea that ANY band can submit an application to participate. And if a band turns out to be a poor performance, then people can go out and play the slots while that is happening. It’s only 20 minutes!!! I don’t think anybody has forced anybody to stay in the room when we’ve had those “bad” bands. And, lets face it people…. one person’s “bad” band is another’s AWESOME band. I for one, love all the apples and oranges we’ve had this year!
So… Joseph…. keep the selections the way they are. The only suggestion I have is to hold to the deadline.
July 26, 2008 at 10:05 am
I just don’t know what the big deal is about the deadline. It’s there so that Joseph doesn’t get inundated with a ton of submissions at the last minute, which is understandable, but from the perspective of the contest being fair and equal, what’s the difference if the band in question applied on opening day of registration, or 5 minutes before the show starts?
July 26, 2008 at 10:50 am
i’ve been remiss about reading the blog the last few days so i’m catching up.
we removed the gig portion of the prizes in response to this blog! one of the very 1st conspiracy theories went something like this: only bands who fit the casino demograpghic could win the contest because of the gigs offered to the winner… man, good point – that looked terrible. so? i pulled the gigs. joe and i get what we need, which is to see all of the awesome bands and suddenly have a much larger pool of groups to choose from.
so, if you fit our demo and played this competition win or lose you just auditioned for two of the best venues in town (the DC and the V Lounge). We also book a bunch of special events each year and are going to book exponentially more next.
now about the rules. we’re trying to be as helpful as we can. note “other backline will be discussed ona case by case basis”. that little ditty wasn’t just me talking to hear myself think. it was os that if we found we had enough time to accommodate things like, well, someone’s guitar amp we would do it.
drums. i’ll talk to casey about this one. we should have stuck to our guns on this rule or bagged it. too much time wasted screwing around with trap sets.
did you guys not get stage plots from casey this year?!?
we intended to video this thing but budget would not allow it. i should have updated the rules. we did, however, make the offer to tape this thing if we got three bands a week to commit to $500 each. this offer was made for the 1st 3 or 4 weeks but no one took us up on it. i think joe may have given up the ghost and stopped bringing it to the band’s attention after that. it was really time consuming and at our cost – so the lousy response was discouraging.
i’m not even talking about the DU thing anymore. what i said on the air was that the slot looked open for a long time; the 1st band never made it on the site due to my not updating the site, they dropped out, and then DU jumped in. thassit. no more.
band consistency. no way can joe see every applicant. we asked for epk’s so that he could gauge if the band is legit, if they would present well, and if they presented some diversity. i think joe did an awesome job. (and the dealine was held, nanner nanner)
July 26, 2008 at 11:33 am
Wow Ed and Jason! I’m the only one who blogs this morning so you both jump all over my case?!?!? Easy guys… I was SUPPORTING Joe! I too think he did an awesome job!
Geeze!! I keep forgetting the male fragile ego!
July 26, 2008 at 11:39 am
Edwin, Will your mother be at the show tomorrow? If so I have something for her…….
GP’s Timekeeper
BTW, some of you need to come out of the basement for fresh air, the blog’s are getting out of control!!!
July 26, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Jason and Jo; HF has always been supportive of the contest, the judges, and Viejas in general. We are designing HF to be a casino friendly act. Fact: HF came in 2nd on our night. That doesn’t take anything away from HF as an act. We are what we are.
Rues are rules. They were “adaptable” And were adaptable for all the bands. It didn’t affect the outcome of any bands chances of placing in the contest. Being flexible is good. The only real bitch I have, and it is now a moot point, is that if HF had won, we would want the gigs too! I do understand that the gigs are still there, and that the bands that fit are being hired. So, it is a win win, even for the bands that didn’t advance. If we are chosen to be in the contest next year, I will understand that the rules are more “guidelines” and I will be less rigid.
As for your question about stage plots; HF was asked to provide a stage plot. We were never given a stage plot to follow. When we set up, we just put stuff where we wanted it, with Casy’s help. Our drummer brought her own stool, hoping she would be allowed to use it, as she is 5 foot 1, and didn’t want to use the big boy stool. It all worked.
I have been a very active participant in this blog, and enjoyed every bit of it. HF had a blast playing, and it has opened doors for us. In spite of my concerns about the rules, we are hoping for, and looking forward to a long and happy relationship with Viejas.
July 26, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Oh yeah. We just paid big bucks for a video. The $500 would have been fine.
July 26, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I didn’t “jump all over your case” Collen, I was merely making a statement of disagreement with you. We’re cool, I welcome your opinions, misguided though they be (LOL).
Greg, The Mother will not be there this week, sadly, she has returned to NY, the place of her, and my, birth.
e.
July 26, 2008 at 1:41 pm
It’s ok Ed… all is good. Afterall… I AM WOMAN! Thus it is without saying that I can take anything you think you can dish out.
And I’m glad you welcome my opinions no matter how misguided your opinion is that my opinions are misguided!
Say hi to The Mother for me…
July 26, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Semi Finals Week 1…. Did I hear it right?
Everyone’s ANGRY?
Remember…..
A N G E R IS A G I F T!!!!!!!!!!!
A N G E R IS A G I F T!!!!!!!!!!!
A N G E R IS A G I F T!!!!!!!!!!!
SCREAM – SHOUT – FIGHT – PUT YOUR FIST IN THE AIR! UNITE!
NOTHING CHANGES UNLESS YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
MAYBE YOU HAVE A BULLET IN YOUR HEAD!!!!!!!
SEE YA SUN. 27TH
July 26, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Colleen; I’m going to Humphries to catch JumpStart and DU show starts at 6.
July 26, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Yeah, I heard about that… sorry to miss it. I’ve got other plans. Say hi to BB, JR & Tom for me!!
July 26, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Oh! And have fun on the song! You gonna change up the words again??
July 26, 2008 at 10:11 pm
I think that the entertainment value of this contest is totally reliant on the quality of the bands. I like the diversity of the groups too… but I would rather drive all the way to Viejas on Sunday to hear 5 equally great bands. I understand it is a lot of work for Joe to do. So, get some help… make the deadline earlier so you have time to reasearch. It isn’t nearly as entertaining (in my opinion) to listen to a sloppy “garage” bands.. I have a teenagef for that. I go to see the best in the city and I think San Diego has much better entertainment than at least 1/3 of the bands turned out to be. Maybe the best bands didn’t send applications in, so maybe you did find the top 40 of those who applied?
I have had a good time both at the gigs and on this blog. I thought we were all trying to come up with constructive suggestions for making it better… that’s all. I certainly was not trying to be mean-spirited or to diminish the hard work that you all have obviously put into the competition. How about I do my part and when I hear a quality cover or tribute band I suggest that they send an application for next year?
July 27, 2008 at 12:07 am
Hey Patti, that was a really nice comment! Even the hardest of hard headed men should like your suggestion.
Colleen, you missed a good one! I sat in with JumpStart at Humphries tonight and had a ball. The players in that band are super nice and made me feel at home. Thanks to Dave for inviting me, and JB for putting up with me! Dave and his beautiful wife are turning me on to “The Secret”, to which many of you have referred. Soon I’ll be all smiles and positive thinking, and won’t have the energy to bitch on the blog. Wanna look forward to that, Gilbert? LOL
See! The contest has not only opened doors for HF, a new friendship is in the making!
Really excited about the show tomorrow!
July 27, 2008 at 9:51 am
Shaaron,
You Rock!
July 27, 2008 at 2:26 pm
ssshhhhhhh…. it’s very quiet on the blog today. Perhaps everybody’s sleeping. Storing up anger? It is a gift you know…..
July 28, 2008 at 6:55 am
Who won last night’s rounds??????
July 28, 2008 at 7:55 am
D.U. and A.I.A.G.
July 28, 2008 at 8:06 am
Thank you!!!
July 28, 2008 at 8:16 am
I heard that Old School was really great last night too! I bet it was a fun night and I’m sorry I could not be there. But here we go… onto the finals.
The shameless plugs start now GO TEAM MONSTERS!
Any controversy this week?
July 28, 2008 at 8:31 am
All the bands played really well last night. My ears really perked as soon as Old School hit the stage. Great original arrangements on some older songs.
July 28, 2008 at 8:42 am
Johnny……..you’re right, ALL the bands perfomed well last night…….
ESPECIALLY DETROIT UNDERGROUND!!!!!!!!! They TOOK THE ROOF DOWN!!! AWESOME JOB GUYS!!!!!!! (and GAL!!)
July 28, 2008 at 9:37 am
Did they do anything different with the db readings?
July 28, 2008 at 10:01 am
Sooo…this is all San Diego has to offer huh.?
July 28, 2008 at 10:21 am
Michael……..
You said: “Sooo…this is all San Diego has to offer huh.?”
What exactly were you looking for?????
July 28, 2008 at 10:23 am
You read a few (very good) books in the library then you say,”this is all this library has to offer..”
I just don’t get that question.
Are you just a snob?
July 28, 2008 at 10:27 am
Not to mention ( talking about this Michael guy) who the hell are you and who do you think you are? What kind of a thing is that to say?
July 28, 2008 at 10:35 am
Michael, could you possibly be any more vague?
July 28, 2008 at 10:38 am
I detect a little LA attitude.
July 28, 2008 at 10:41 am
Actually, we just did a show up near Hollywood on Friday and the bands were cool, so I won’t stereotype.
July 28, 2008 at 10:56 am
Michael, All of the musicians in this competition have worked really hard to get where they are, so you might want to clarify your question a bit. I’m guessing it was just rhetorical (not to mention a little “sniper-ish”). In any case, Its just begging for a better explanation.
July 28, 2008 at 11:43 am
The Radio show that Ed mentioned is now posted on the “Into the Night” website.
:::what radio show is that, Dickie?:::
…you know, the one where this blog is mentioned… um, and really cool callers. Yeah, REALLY COOL and MODEST callers.
http://signonradio.com/programs/into-night/
July 28, 2008 at 11:46 am
Wow, talk about an inane comment. That’d be like Aliens landing their space ship in a cow pasture in Butte and saying, “Is this all Earth has to offer?”
As Bugs Bunny would say, “What a moroni”
July 28, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Can anyone tell me why they changed the order of the bands performing last night???
July 28, 2008 at 2:59 pm
The line up for round one was set by Joseph of Viejas.
The line up for the final rounds are done by random draw.
The website might not reflect the proper order of bands since I didn’t pay attention when they were drawn.
July 28, 2008 at 3:05 pm
so what is the line up for Sunday?
Alice
MOR
Anger
Detroit?
Is that correct?
July 28, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Dave…..Yes, that’s the order they told us last night for next week.
Also, in round 1 of the semi-finals, they said that AIG was supposed to play first in round 2…..not 3rd???
July 28, 2008 at 3:38 pm
So Fritz,
You’re a fan of Gin Piston and you missed your band’s set.
?
July 28, 2008 at 3:40 pm
No Dickie………a DU FAN ALL THE WAY!!! We were just wondering last night why they switched the order???
July 28, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Tom’ The DB readings were taken by a white machine, not the black one they have been using. The guy was in the middle of the stage each time, and held it shoulder high. It looked consistent. But the guy holding it didn’t look like he was having a very fun time.