The Unsigned

Often, these gigs are a chance for artists to sell or give away demo CDs or self-produced EPs.  Likewise, they represent a chance to get noticed by talent scouts, either for other clubs, independent record labels or representation agencies.
But, getting a show or two isn’t enough to guarantee success.  The acts have to be able to bring in patrons to the venues; they have to be able to produce:
Tonyo: “Hungarian clubs didn’t really know anything about the music we play and moreover we sing in English. That was too much for them…hehe  But after a while when they saw that our shows were well attended they got it.  We started playing bigger and bigger clubs.”
Jay: “It’s more a question of being able to promote those shows well, and get people inside. That’s the trickier part… Also, playing opening slots on relatively bigger shows helps. Almost whatever you can do, you ought to.”
Music acts that have successfully made the transition from unsigned band to new artist seem to be unanimous in counselling that it isn’t about a “lucky break” but about hard work.  Playing small venues or opening up for other acts, Internet promotion, connecting with the audience and creating fans.
Seeing their way through these frustrations isn’t always easy, and this is often why an unsigned ban will either succeed or fail: they either fight their way through the frustrations, or they give up.  Staying focused on the music, on the goal, keeping things in perspective is vital.
Izzo finds motivation from the idea of overcoming adversity: “My friends and people around me really support me, it might sound crazy but people that dislike me or hate me are also one of the main sources of motivation for me, I don’t know I’ve always been a competitive guy so I’ve always been the underdog.”

Similarly, Tonyo told us how defying peoples’ expectations helped the Moog: “Well they don’t really get or see the big opportunities we have (U.S. release/tours, etc.).  Maybe it’s not that big of a deal for an American or English band, but for us who are from the Eastern block, it’s almost unbelievable.  So if we don’t screw it up they (and moreover our enemies) will be shocked.”

However, these unsigned musicians, like their more successful counterparts, are focused only on doing something they truly enjoy.  Perhaps that is the only success that matters; for in this world we only get one chance to go through life.  Isn’t it best to spend that time doing something we enjoy, something we love?

That’s what these guys are doing.  And although they want the success of being signed to a label and all the work and benefits that go along with that goal, the only outcome that matters to any of them is enjoying what they do best; as Jay said: “The most important factor will always be the music.”

The Moog can be reached at:
http://www.myspace.com/moogband

Izzo can be reached at:
http://www.myspace.com/izzo01

La Defense’s MySpace page is at:
http://www.myspace.com/weareladefense