pay to play
2004-03-10, 8:08 p.m.

In Nashville we have this phenonenom called The Showcase. They happen in NY and LA too, but I can't help but feel like it's peculiar to our city. It's when a band plays for, usually, music-industry-types. It can happen any time of day, but most often happens at the end of the work day. Once I went to one at a place that doesn't exist anymore as a venue, called The Ace of Clubs, for this girl who lived in my neighborhood. Her name was Faith Hill. Other than that one? They're all a little weird and awkward, especially for the bands, who are playing during a time of day most rock stars would probably consider essentially just past morning. And playing to an audience who's there to judge them. Like American Idol, but less funny judges. Also? The scam with the showcase times at most bars is that you pay to play. Pay to Play. That was the title of the original version of Nirvana's "Stay Away" wasn't it? Ah-hah, now you probably think I'm going to rant about rock music needing to be more organic. But no, I don't mind my rock bands being a little contrived. Contrive away. Go ahead. I'm waiting.