Does anyone simply show up and hope for a good time at a venue anymore?
Before the internet came about you’d get to the end of the week and simply head down to your local live music bar and see who’s playing, a real hit or miss cover charge.
This still happens with Eyegum in Wellington, Pint Night in Dunedin and countless other midweek drinking excuses. Their draw cards are cheap beers and free entry, the music is secondary.
Iconic gig venues around New Zealand like San Fran, Meow, Whammy, The Powerstation, Darkroom, Blue Smoke, The Cook and many others… they all have this legacy feel to them, this longevity that countless bands have used as a stepping stone.
But do they draw a crowd on their own for the general public?
With social media, the first invitation is probably a Facebook event or you spot a band you already know of announce a show on Instagram. If you don’t already know their music you go straight to their Spotify right? and you can also easily see if your friends are going. All very key parts of deciding whether it’s worth going out or not.
Showing up to a venue you’ve never been to before can be exciting, but it's definitely a subconscious deterrent if you’re already hesitant on the line up or don’t have a few pals to tag along with you.
As someone who hosts gigs, it would hurt to hear that a gigs location prevented someone enjoying a night out with friends. But, there's obviously power in a familiar space, which is something that’s out of your control.
With that being said, you can’t beat a beer and durry on the San Fran balcony, it's iconic… but that's not related to the music is it?
Are venue names a gig draw card? by Ben Morgan
