just reading the amount of discussion, argument, vitriol and wisdom that the workingclass gig topic started in the tangent of talent vs PR and networking skill, artistry vs business. I was out this weekend just gone, prowlin around some events that involved large signed bands/stars whatever way you like to call it. the thing is about these events that i noticed is that they really double over into playing and schmoozing. The guys (it was all men in this case) who were playing were into their buzz and all travelling together, but they were also socializing together, cheering each other on and networking. several of them i was chatting to all had gotten gigs and work this way by being around knowing each other etc. but still it boiled down to the essential ingredients talent and v.hard work there was one band involved who were irish and i'm not mentioning names, they are trying extremely hard to put themselves out there and they are succeeding at this particular aspect of it. but when they played they were s**te. it is indeed astounding how far they have got on the strenght of their networking skills but they won't be going much further i can assure you if this is what a totally tuneless and overinflated band with no innate star quality can do then imagine what a talented band can do wiht a little bit of neck. you do need a lot of neck, this band sure had it, they didn't mind being totally ridiculous just to get themselves hanging out with bigger better musicians. but they were the best example i've seen of if you haven't got it, you haven't got it. i suppose at least they are getting to live some of their dream out though. god loves a tryer. you've definitely gotta have stardust and that stardust is really just about loving playing,and then some, so you can get to do it permanently. this guy, the lead singer, (because later on at the club etc the rest of his band was nowhere in sight) was trying way too hard though, an asshole, anything but an artist. you know, the record deal isn't everything especially when you see assholes getting them. i think its important to realise the music is the thing and really f**king kick out the jams becasue it will get you everywhere. if it feels really good don't doubt it, be joyful welcome other members of your own tribe, because real artists are a tribe that recognise each other, the ambition should be internal, concentrating on your personal best reaching heights with what your'e doing. it definitely won't miss. i haven't seen mouse play but i read the gripe on the WCH section how they've played all over the country etc adn its disillusioning them -why?- cos they think the gigging is a means to an end? it shouldn't be, they should be doing it cos they love it. but i do think recording demos and passing them out and around is vital adn keeping at it too although i have to say if they were promised their slot and they obviously are a famously busy band on the scene then the asshole organiser who now crosses the street to avoid them should be cornered and grilled about his actions they shouildn't let anyone dis them like this he should be shot really, the music business and scene and magic and buzz doesn't just rely on bands good, bad or ugly but also movers and shakers, audiences, managers, artists, good looking girls, producers, passionate people with talents in many areas that are also essential to creating a real scene you could have a million cool talented original bands out there- without a receptive connection to people who will pick them up? its useless really without the recievers! presumably the guy organising it in question, was the brian carroll dude? answers on vellum please