Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Live Music in Second Life

I've been doing some late night venue hopping for the past few weeks (like bar hopping, but with less chance of arrest.. or ya know.. death,) checking out live music acts. The music scene always intrigued me, but I was usually way too busy walking around with my nose up some smooth talker's pixelated butt cheeks to check it out.

I've enjoyed a two man bluegrass show, complete with corny jokes, experienced the blues and an acoustic version of "Poker Face" played to a packed house. I've mentioned some of my favorite acts in past posts, but as I hop from one act to the next, looking for the one that will hold my interest through at least one song, I've determined that there are some really sucky singers out there.

No.. seriously. The music begins and I'm all excited because it's one of my favorite songs, when suddenly and without warning, a sound like that of a dying mule in a hail storm spews forth into my headphones, making their way into my brain and, no doubt, causing irreversible damage.

I could do better. If you'd ever heard me sing, you'd realize how bad that truly is.

The only thing I can figure is, these vocally challenged residents must have been children of the 80's, when parents were being fed all that "self esteem" nonsense, when children received certificates at award ceremonies for such awesome accomplishments as showing up and not stabbing anyone in the forehead with a sharpened No.2 pencil.. things that used to be considered behavior of reasonably functioning humans, suddenly became worthy of reward.

I know I can't sing. How do I know? My mother told me, because somewhere deep in her psyche she knew that I'd grow up to spend valuable chunks of my life sitting in front of a computer, manipulating a mini-me through virtual worlds and I needed to know that if I tried to belt out a tune, it would be an assault on the senses of people all over the earth and could result in an international incident.

Moms know stuff like that.

And since we're on the subject of live music in Second Life, I'd like to say a word about the venues, most of which are freakin' awesome. When you book an act that's really popular, there are going to be alot of people show up, which is the point, right? So you come to expect a little lag as a result.

I understand that. It can't be helped.

So why do put the tp point 500 hundred miles from the stage, across six bridges, up a ladder, behind giant castle doors and up on the roof? It's like being on a scavenger hunt with the map upside down. By the time I get there, I'm so tired and annoyed, I just wanna rip someone a new one.

There are lots of great acts on the grid, if you've not had the pleasure, you really should check out a few. Most venues are well managed with friendly staff and for the most part, I've had a great time.

If you happen across an exceptionally awesome act, drop me an email so I can check them out.

I'll see ya'll soon.

5 comments:

Mistletoe said...

Well... I won't flatter myself by saying we're unbelievably awesome, but I can say with 100% confidence that we don't suck. My band, Cat Agus Cu, is playing this Friday at 4 at our hometown pub--and you will land RIGHT THERE when you TP heh. We play folksy Irish and Scottish traditional music: some instrumental, some silly, some pretty and sad. The venue is a non-Gor medieval(ish) sim; garb is not required but *clothing* is lol.

Laura said...

Know what would help? A SLURL. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Northfarthing/35/41/26. Hope to see you Friday (the 4th) at 4 PM SLT!

Lissa Pinion said...

I know I've heard some really bad ones too but I have heard some awesome performers as well. I can't sing so the only ones who suffer my off key off pitch off anything else singing are my kids and very close friends who will love me despite my lack of talent :-)

Yordie Sands said...

hehehe... love the post... you said, "were being fed all that "self esteem" nonsense, when children received certificates at award ceremonies for such awesome accomplishments as showing up..."!!

Oh god, that is so true!! hehe

Hugzzz, Yordie

Anonymous said...

I couldn't agree more. I spent a lot of time traveling around listening to live music in my first year of SL, and the majority of what I found was... meh.

Bit by bit however, I assembled a list of those I loved, and would be happy to pass it along to you in-world if you like, just IM me next time you're online.

As for names, at the absolute top of my list is Didier Soyuz, an acoustic guitarist. He is quite simply brilliant. I never tire of him, and everyone I've introduced to his all-original music has likewise become a fan.

Others I enjoy include Von Johin, Noma Falta (think Bonnie Raitt), Joaquin Gustav, and Blues4U Nowicka. There are many more on my list... trouble is, many aren't playing as frequently these days.

Anyway, this was a good topic, with great writing... keep up the excellent work. ^_^

 
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