Many of my friends and colleagues in music over the years, even myself, have played in covers bands. The reasons vary but usually have some link to it being easier to attract and hold a crowd with songs the audience “know.”
But do the punters really know the songs they hear? In one band I formed with long time friend, Deadman Turner, punters sometimes asked about the, “Midnight Oil song we played.” The song was an original of mine, arranged by Deadman and me, and was one of many originals peppered through a setlist that was a mix of original and cover. We played across rural northern Tasmania for about 6 months and in towns we were told originals would never be accepted, the originals were what the punters talked to us about, and it was always favourable.
Then there’s the vice versa. I’ve had people suggest that, “You guys should do <insert song here! It's awesome and would fit you guys so well!" Guess what? We do, it was the last song in that set, we finished 2 minutes ago. No, we didn't do a strange arrangement, we've been told it sounds like the record. This everyguy loves the song, is always front and centre on the dance floor, and doesn't know his "favourite" song while we play it "like the record."
Basically, a musician is not a juke box. A musician is a passionate artist and music fan. Why waste your talent promoting the work of others who are already famous enough, to people who aren't there for you, but for somebody else they'd rather was playing. The punters who appreciate the music, who hear what YOU create and value the new and different, they are your fans. The knob who wants you to, "Do Enter Sandman!" or "Do Mustang Sally!" isn't after music, they're after a party and might as well go home and throw one. Do Mustang Sally? Not even with your dick, mate.
If you write songs, don't play covers. Stand proud of your work and fight for its right to party with you and the audience. Admire your favourite artists, by all means, but don't hide your light behind their's. Stand out front, loud and proud, and give voice to your muse. The audience you attract will be better than any cover hunter punter.
