When I started booking shows over a decade ago it seemed everyone wanted to do show trades. Show trades were so common it was almost expected when bands helped each other out. Now it seems almost impossible to find bands who are actually interested in doing show trades. This doesn't mean bands say they don't want to do a show trade, it's that they don't follow through on anything for their end.
Scenario: Band A hits up Band B saying they need help to setup a show in Band B's area but can help out B in their area when B tours. Band B helps setup the show, both bands play the show, show goes well and everyone is happy. A few weeks later Band B starts scheduling a tour of their own and contact Band A for the same help in A's town.
What Should Happen: Band A contacts Band B saying they will be happy to help and offer what they can. This could be as big as Band A actually booking the show or as small as giving a few references on local venues or promoters.
What Usually Happens: Band A contacts Band B saying they will see what they can do. Band B never hears from A again, even after repeated follow-ups.
What Happens Too Often: Band A doesn't contact Band B at all.
Now I'm not saying that every time you help out a band you should expect something in return, I'm just saying that it feels like one hell of a slap in the face to do a lot for dozens of bands and then almost all of them ignore you when you ask for the favor of playing their city. Makes me ask, "Where's the love?"
It's obvious to almost all bands that there is very little money to be made in the music industry, especially on the road. So why not actually help each other out? The funny thing about music, especially these days, is that even if it's not about the money the only way to keep afloat is by somehow making money. When on the road bands need help because most wouldn't make ends meat without it. Sure, the band you are helping may draw almost nobody in your area but every band needs to start somewhere in every city and that is the point of this whole system.
I always thought of show trades as the perfect tool for every band hitting the road, especially those who do the DIY booking. The music industry's version of "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours". It's great because bands from different cities are able to really befriend each other, each playing the other's city and pushing each other to both fan bases. Isn't that the whole reason of touring anyway? To make new friends, make new fans, and spread your music.
Hopefully show trades don't go extinct, it'll just require an active music community.
Scenario: Band A hits up Band B saying they need help to setup a show in Band B's area but can help out B in their area when B tours. Band B helps setup the show, both bands play the show, show goes well and everyone is happy. A few weeks later Band B starts scheduling a tour of their own and contact Band A for the same help in A's town.
What Should Happen: Band A contacts Band B saying they will be happy to help and offer what they can. This could be as big as Band A actually booking the show or as small as giving a few references on local venues or promoters.
What Usually Happens: Band A contacts Band B saying they will see what they can do. Band B never hears from A again, even after repeated follow-ups.
What Happens Too Often: Band A doesn't contact Band B at all.
Now I'm not saying that every time you help out a band you should expect something in return, I'm just saying that it feels like one hell of a slap in the face to do a lot for dozens of bands and then almost all of them ignore you when you ask for the favor of playing their city. Makes me ask, "Where's the love?"
It's obvious to almost all bands that there is very little money to be made in the music industry, especially on the road. So why not actually help each other out? The funny thing about music, especially these days, is that even if it's not about the money the only way to keep afloat is by somehow making money. When on the road bands need help because most wouldn't make ends meat without it. Sure, the band you are helping may draw almost nobody in your area but every band needs to start somewhere in every city and that is the point of this whole system.
I always thought of show trades as the perfect tool for every band hitting the road, especially those who do the DIY booking. The music industry's version of "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours". It's great because bands from different cities are able to really befriend each other, each playing the other's city and pushing each other to both fan bases. Isn't that the whole reason of touring anyway? To make new friends, make new fans, and spread your music.
Hopefully show trades don't go extinct, it'll just require an active music community.
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