We live in a world where things are not always what they seem. There are grand machinations and schemes beneath a great many things in day to day life that go unseen by most and unbelieved by others. We live in a world of illusion. Illusions of freedoms, skewed perceptions, twisted words, conspiracy theories, and double talk. Recently, an individual has chosen to present a new “conspiracy” that attempts to envelope or call out groups and individuals in the local music scene, in a bit of manufactured intrigue that in and of itself would be amusing to some degree, if logic didn’t exist. Off hand comments and observations of people that may “exhibit” traits of “The Illuminati” or “Satanists” and the supposed ulterior motives these people may have against all of you, the ones who support the local scene. Simultaneously, another person or group has launched a campaign against those in the 231 that either produce shows or stand up for the family. This person (or persons) has claimed they will not fail at their mission to do this or that to the scene here in northern Michigan. They perceive that the scene is broken and that the word “family” has no meaning behind it when spoken from the lips of those of who proclaim it. For whatever reason this individual feels slighted in some way, feels like they are on the outside looking in, and that they have been excluded from our “little clique”. We don’t have a clique in our scene, there are new bands here constantly, and new kids at every show. We don’t exclude anyone from our family, everyone is welcome, UNLESS they do something to hurt the family, because in this family, we ALL have each others backs and we all work together at keeping the music scene moving forward and growing. The music scene isn’t dead when kids are going to shows and bands are lining up to come play for them. The kids choose what bands come back by their comments and questions. Whether by coincidence or design, these events happened concurrently with “new” people attempting to add us under what was perceived as suspicious circumstances. If these people feel they were questioned or treated unfairly as to their identity or motives with all that was going on AND they are truly REAL people who were indeed just trying to reach out, then we owe you an apology. We are VERY protective of the music scene here and very protective of our family. We would never knowingly shun anyone from pursuing their desire to find like minded musicians to connect with or make someone feel left out. Having said that though, some of the rhetoric that is fueling this is coming from people who have ostracized themselves from this family, by their words and actions continuously. They hide behind their computer and never own up to their own problems because its easy to win when you are the only one having the fight, deleting comments and blocking the people who call you out and prove you for the weasel(s) you are. The only blame for your situation lies completely with you, as you created your own hell and turned away from any and all hope of redemption, time and time again when presented with the opportunities to change and grow.
Recently, it was written to me that we would praise someone for calling out a rival for a perceived wrong doing, that is incorrect. For the record, neither Mickey or myself has ever called anyone out, for any reason other than the ABSOLUTE truth. We don’t do the pot and kettle routine, and we don’t have “rivals”. I have pointed out several times that too many shows in the same area KILLS the scene, not strengthens it, because that is fact. We have historically worked in conjunction with other productions to stay OFF their feet and not schedule on top of them and we post our shows MONTHS in advance so others know when they are happening. We have been asked by our supposed “rivals” to assist with their shows and have offered support where we are able from DAY 1. We were asked to run sound for AxiomKing shows and would have if not for the venue telling Eric he had to use their sound guy. We ran sound for Chainsaw for quite a few shows and continue to support Mike in his endeavors, even after a round of schoolyard crap that was out of our control (gotta love when bar owners think they can do youth shows the same way as adult shows). We support Just Another Hardcore Productions with their shows. Most of the TC shows were supported by us during the 00’s whether it was from gear rental from Mr. Gig’s, shows at the Glacier Club or behind the scenes support with advice and consultations. Somewhere along the line, since 1999 we’ve been involved in keeping music moving forward in some capacity in Northern Michigan. So no, we have no rivals to talk shit about and to us it is family. Unless you want to do something against the kids or the scene and you place yourself above your brethren…. THEN we will call a spade a spade, we will speak up. And will never hide behind a computer. We are easy to find, easy to contact, and very easy to talk to most of the time. And very quick to protect the music scene that we work very hard to keep growing and the people who work right along side of us to do the same thing. Bands and fans and promoters all working TOGETHER. Our reputation is impeccable because we do what we say we are going to do, we treat everyone with the respect they deserve and we do what we do FOR the community not for ourselves. Our track record is beyond reproach and we have the backing of a long list of people and organizations to prove it. That’s why bands want to come back time and time again. And why we are always (broke) keeping the bands coming here.
Comments made out of context or without full knowledge from start to finish of a situation lend confusion. So to set the record straight for the LAST time… This isn’t ODP’s scene, it’s the kids and the bands who share that moment at the shows scene. They have been told that time and time again. THESE ARE YOUR SHOWS. THIS IS FAMILY. They know they have a safe place to go to and to hang and listen to / play music. They know they can come to any of us for any reason without fear of judgement. The bands know they will have a good time and that they will get their guarantees and be treated with respect… As long as they respect the crowd and the scene. The scene here is alive and doing well because we all put the work and effort into it and will continue to do so no matter what schemes and conspiracies are offered by those who’s only aim is to bolster themselves within their own illusions. Or is the word I’m looking for delusion? You can knock us down, but you will only make us stronger. It starts with the locals kids and bands and continues to grow up through the national bands, agents, and labels. THIS IS FAMILY. And this document is the ONLY statement that is based in FACT with NO ulterior motives what so ever.
And that’s ALL I have to say about this bullshit. Period.
My name is Damien Allen And I approve this message.
I guess if you don’t repeat yourself a lot, people just don’t understand the situation, so I will, AGAIN, reiterate the process so that just maybe one or two more people grasp the concept. We throw shows once a month in northern Michigan, sometimes 2 (or 3) if there is a community or charity event, or a tour offer we can’t pass up, but once a month is the norm. We have done the shows here in Kalkaska with only 2 months left showless over the past 4 years that they have been here. We average somewhere between 60-80 bands a year on our shows, if you figure NO LESS than 5 bands per show and at least 3 shows a year with 10+ (Troutzillafest, Punkfest, Christmas Charity Concert & Lock In). We used to do pizza and water for free with paid entry, but after the economy took a hit in 2010, we had to stop due to the cost and lack of sponsor support (they couldn’t afford to help out anymore). We used to try to keep the cost of entry down to $5 for local shows and $7 if it was a regional but gas went way up and things got more and more expensive. Nationals started coming here and the bills went up more and we raised prices for those shows to $10, or maybe $15 at the door day of show if we really had to. Did we make bank doing any of this? Nope. We haven’t made “bank” at a show since we did them in Detroit during the 90’s, and we didn’t really make bank then, because all the money went back into the bands and into the next show. It’s not for profit, it’s to give bands a place to play and for the people to come see them and have a safe, affordable good time. We tend to book multi-genre shows so there is something for everyone, and we try to bring in new bands constantly, so you don’t see the same bands over and over. (Sorry it might occasionally stack up, but enjoy it, the bands you did see within a couple of months here will be playing elsewhere and different ones will be here). To keep all of this moving forward and growing and thriving, it takes a symbiotic relationship. 1: ODP books a show and promotes the hell out of it. 2: The bands booked don’t charge an arm and a leg, then promote the hell out of the show they are on from the moment of booking up until the show. They show up on time, play their set, interact with crowd before/during/after, and sell some merch, gaining new fans, increasing the odds of getting asked back, and earning their way up the food chain (i.e. better shows, placement, increase in pay). 3: people who show up to pay between $5-$10 to see no less than 5 bands close to home and hang out with their friends having a good time in a safe place, enjoying music. Any of these things breaks down, and the scene dies. Shows go away. Period.
The Attic in Alpena is closed now, they are trying to find a way to get it going again, but without people paying admission (remember that, all you people who like to weasel into shows for free and then brag you support the scene), the venue can’t cover overhead. Bills don’t get covered, bands don’t get paid, DOORS CLOSED. Bands over charging for a 30 minute or less set and little drive time equals either bills not getting covered if the promoters are legit and always cover the guarantees, or bands getting shafted and then refusing to come back, meaning shows degrade into crap, people stop coming, and DOORS CLOSE. So without everyone working together to keep the scene alive and healthy, it all goes away. That doesn’t mean everyone should fire up a production and throw more shows, it means you need to step up and support existing shows, because if there is one every 20 seconds NO ONE is going to go to all of them, the economy and region can’t support it, and it isn’t an event, it’s an everyday thrown together crapfest of the same thing. Congrats! You’ve killed the scene!
It’s YOUR music scene… If you want shows to go to/play at, you need to do YOUR part to keep them going. We, and our fellow production brethren statewide are doing what we can to keep it alive. If you don’t want shows, keep being apathetic and not showing up… Then you can whine when they are gone that you are bored, or that you had to drive 5 hours and pay $50 to see 3 bands. Or charge too much to play locally so no one can afford to pay your guarantee, have to raise door fee to cover it, and then don’t forget to not pull your weight with the promo end so your fans don’t pack the house. Your attention directly impacts our involvement in what we do. Get it? We all hope so, because for us, at least, it IS all about the music. We all play musical instruments in our household so we won’t be without.
Hope to see all of you at a LIVE performance soon.
Support live music in a local venue near you.
‘Nuff Said Maximus T. Pugabug ODP Mascot & Supreme Leader of Planet Earth
Posted by Damien Allen from WordPress for CrackBerry.
Liner Notes 