Nate Dorough is a promoter from Michigan that runs Fusion Shows, puts on Bled Fest, and does work with Phantom Creative Group as well. In his seventh blog for our ongoing Contributor series, Nate discusses the reality of there actually being an “economy for bullshit” in the music industry, but how important it is to support what you believe has quality. It’s a great read and is certainly relevant whenever you question a tour lineup, so check it out and enjoy!

I learned an awful lot in the three years I worked with Koji. About him. From him. And by doing things for him. “There’s no economy for bullshit” is one of my favorite things that he ever said to me.  

I’m not sure he’s right though.  

Today, a friend promoter of mine told me that this “Barstool Blackout” Tour sold out his nearly 1000-capacity room in not that large a town, in 2 hours. Sold out. 2 hours. Nearly 1000 tickets. And it’s basically just a trashy party, with no-name DJ’s, fog, some laser lights, and 1000 skanky college kids grinding on each other spastically.  

Nearly $20,000 raised in mere moments, by a few shrewd businessmen. No real talent or musical ability involved.  

There IS an economy for bullshit.  

However, the important thing to understand, for those of us who believe in the power of music, is to support the things that are not bullshit. Foxy Shazam has a new record coming out next week. So does Nada Surf. The Swellers are on tour. La Dispute’s over in Europe with Former Thieves. Tiger! Tiger! and Elliot Street Lunatic and a million great Michigan bands have big local shows this week. The Menzingers are out with Rise Against, a huge opportunity for them. Cheap Girls has a new record coming out next month. Into It. Over It.’s out on the road on the Where’s The Band Tour with some amazing musicians. Weatherbox and Hidden Hospitals and Citizen and Squid The Whale are touring independently and playing a show near you.  Record stores and DIY venues are scraping by to provide a valuable service for you. DO NOT TAKE ANY OF IT FOR GRANTED!

There is so much happening, and it’s so important that we’re loud about it, that we’re telling everyone we know, because there are people who are listening. There are people that want to know what’s cool, what to do with their Friday nights, because they want to get into the live show experience. They want to go to that hardcore show and stage dive with their friends. They want to circle pit at the punk show. They want to sing at the top of their lungs with Frank Turner or dance their brains out with Grouplove. Their other option is the club scene, dubstep, and the rest of the BULLSHIT. It’s there, and it’s easy to find. It’s in every town.  

Make the live show atmosphere the best that it can be. Spread the word about your favorite bands, encourage your friends to come, and spend your money, if you feel your favorites are worthy of your hard-earned dollars! Take care of each other in the pit. Teach your friends the words to your favorite song. BE LOUD AND SUPPORT WHAT YOU LOVE