"Making it In the U.S."

Flea21212 · Post by **Flea21212** » 1/31/2004, 11:53 pm

What does that term even mean anymore? Everyone says OLP hasn't made it in the U.S. but the truth is they're playing the same size venues as everyone else that has "made it in the U.S."

I mean look at a band like Puddle of Mudd (a band that I can't stand, because they're trying to rip off Nirivana) They're getting all this radio air play. Then I hear a radio DJ say "There's a HUGE concert announcement we have to tell you ... it's HUGE!! ... Puddle of Mudd is coming to Rochester and they're playing at the Waterstreet Music Hall."

The Waterstreet Music Hall is the same place that OLP has been playing for years and selling out. Hell, OLP have played bigger venues (not including festivals) and have sold out their shows.

The truth behold, their are only a few bands that are big enough to sell out an entire amplitheater by themselves these days. I mean even Aerosmith and to bring on the added power of Kiss to sell out their tour last year.. and Aerosmith is supposed to be huge.

In fact the only bands (not including boy bands or Ms. Spears) That are able to sell out shows of more than 20,000 are Dave Matthews Band and U2.

So then what is the criteria for making it? A song that makes the radio and gets tons of air play? Like "Superman's Dead", "Somewhere Out There" "Innocent" "Life" "Clumsy"? Or do you have to sell a certain amount of albums? ( I don't have album figures)

My discussion is a little chopped up ... but I think you get my point.

Daniel · Post by **Daniel** » 2/1/2004, 12:39 am

it deoends on whether your talking about making it as an artist or an entertaine. If your talking about it as an entertainer then I suppose you would know you've made it when you do make a shit load of money and end up selling out concerts all the time.

But if we're talking on an artistic level, it shouldn't be about selling any amount of records. If you have the ability through what ever form of osmosis to transfer your ideas in your head to what ever form of art that you do, then in my opinion your on your way to making it. The thing is though that artistically I don't think any artists/bands could ever really completley make it. Because making it would mean that you have learned to the fullest extent every different way to create your art (in olp's case it would be thier music) and lets face it, there are tons of different ways that haven't even been touched as far as musical composition goes (at least in our culture anyway) So perhaps making it is simply always being open and able to learn and grow as an artist. Selling a lot of records (imo) only makes the goal of honesty in music (the ability to create real music from your brain) that much harder to reach because there are so many outside variables acting on you and your counterparts (the band) e.g- Record lables, money issues, fan wanting the same record over and over again. ect

Post by **faninor** » 2/1/2004, 3:26 am

Flea21212 wrote:In fact the only bands (not including boy bands or Ms. Spears) That are able to sell out shows of more than 20,000 are Dave Matthews Band and U2.

I think Radiohead could. 8-)

Who have made it and are making it whichever way you look at the term. 8-)

But yeah, around here OLP would have to be really huge to be able to have concerts in bigger venues than they do right now. Unless they want to open for another band.

Flea21212 · Post by **Flea21212** » 2/1/2004, 8:31 am

faNINor wrote:
Flea21212 wrote:In fact the only bands (not including boy bands or Ms. Spears) That are able to sell out shows of more than 20,000 are Dave Matthews Band and U2.

I think Radiohead could.

Who have made it and are making it whichever way you look at the term.

But yeah, around here OLP would have to be really huge to be able to have concerts in bigger venues than they do right now. Unless they want to open for another band.

Yeah... Radiohead could... i didn't think of them untill after I made my post

Joe Cooler · Post by **Joe Cooler** » 2/1/2004, 10:45 am

Tool has sold out in less than 8 minutes in some places in the states. Unless you listen to metal you wouldnt really hear of them that much. Infact you wouldnt think they are all that big if you only listened to the radio and yet they have a larger fan base than most bands.

Dabekk · Post by **Dabekk** » 2/1/2004, 12:25 pm

yeah, tool is a good example of how weird the music industry is. Tool has millions and millions of fans, sell out arena shows (in edmonton a city of 800,000 they sold out an arena show which must have seated around 12,000 no problem) yet you never ever ever hear them on the radio other than 'sober' occassionally and some of their other stuff when a specific 'metal' show is on. They're never ever on television, except schism got played a couple times on much when it first came out. Madness!

Henrietta · Post by **Henrietta** » 2/1/2004, 1:09 pm

When OLP comes to Utah, they either open for someone or play in a club. The only place they could play here would be Bricks, on their own. I geuss it's possible they *could* play the E-Center, I don't think they'd even come close to selling it out. I don't think they've made in the western part of the United States in terms of selling out, or even record sales.

Baby Thief · Post by **Baby Thief** » 2/1/2004, 1:26 pm

OLP have made it in the US. There is no way they could have or will get any bigger. You're never going to see OLP lunchboxes or school notebooks in the US. To me, making it in the US means that they are a recognizable name. And in my school, just about eveyrone has heard of the name Our Lady Peace

Joe Cooler · Post by **Joe Cooler** » 2/1/2004, 2:19 pm

I dont think any respectible band would have lunch boxes with their name on it , but i know what you mean. Honestly though i think being big in the US, or even Canada can be overrated. Nickleback recently came to Saskatoon and sold out a stadium but they are by no means better then some bands who are only able to sell out a club.

Random Name · Post by **Random Name** » 2/1/2004, 2:26 pm

I think OLP have been around for so long in Canada and they have had so many hits that they have become the band that everyone knows of. They may not be icons or anything but everyone in Canada knows who they are. And now I think that since they have done so much touring and had a handful of hits in the states that they are building a name for themselves. The difference is, Pop music in the States is far more pop/hip-hop oriented as opposed to the more rock oriented feel in Canada. So while rock bands are going to do well, they are not going to have the hype of Fifty Cent and Britney Spears. Does that mean they haven't "made it"? no. It means that they are not going to get a concert special with back up dancers and pyro on HBO. Rock music isn't as saturated into the mainstream culture of the States as it is in other places, but there are still going to be huge rock fans.

Hell, just look at all the Americans that are on this board right now!

Tattooed Angels · Post by **Tattooed Angels** » 2/1/2004, 2:34 pm

Flea21212 wrote:What does that term even mean anymore? Everyone says OLP hasn't made it in the U.S. but the truth is they're playing the same size venues as everyone else that has "made it in the U.S."[/qoute]

This is just my opinion. I think when people say OLP haven't made it in the USA, they mean as far as sales go. They do have some succes down here, but not like in Canada. Then again Gravity sold over 500,000 copies in the USA to Canada's 200,000+ copies. It is by the media attention they get on TV( stations like MTV, FUSE, etc) and radio airplay. ALthough OLP have had alot of songs on the modern rock charts they still aren't played in alot of areas that have huge radio markets. I live in NYC and unless they are in the top 40 you will never hear them on the radi here. As for areana. OLP are still in the small venue stage here. they play 1000-3500 seaters. ALthought I think they have headlined a few bigger places.

Flea21212 wrote:I mean look at a band like Puddle of Mudd (a band that I can't stand, because they're trying to rip off Nirivana) They're getting all this radio air play. Then I hear a radio DJ say "There's a HUGE concert announcement we have to tell you ... it's HUGE!! ... Puddle of Mudd is coming to Rochester and they're playing at the Waterstreet Music Hall. The Waterstreet Music Hall is the same place that OLP has been playing for years and selling out. Hell, OLP have played bigger venues (not including festivals) and have sold out their shows.

Compared to OLP, Puddle of Mudd does get more airplay.( on radio and TV) I don't know the size of that place. I know OLP played there. Are there any other size venues in Rochester? Then again. Rochester is close to the border.They have always had a larger fan base in cities close to the border. I know alot of Canadian artist are heard up there and not down here.

Flea21212 wrote:The truth behold, their are only a few bands that are big enough to sell out an entire amplitheater by themselves these days. I mean even Aerosmith and to bring on the added power of Kiss to sell out their tour last year.. and Aerosmith is supposed to be huge. In fact the only bands (not including boy bands or Ms. Spears) That are able to sell out shows of more than 20,000 are Dave Matthews Band and U2.

Lots of bands can play bigger places.It has to do with prices that hurts tikcet sales more then anything. Concert tickets have gotten ridiculous expensive. What use to cost $25.00 years ago, you be lucky to get for $60.00. As for Aerosmith., they do sell out on their own. That was a huge tour. I have seen a bunch of bands play large areans. I will let you in on a little secret. There is always a few tickets left for arena shows. I have seen a alot of acts in areans. If it is more then 90 % filled they say it is sold out. The last few years a bunch of bands have sold out the arena here. Red Hot Chilli Peppers, KORN, U2, Coldplay, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Radiohead. There are alot of bands palying larger arena. Even some of the huge acts will play small venues.. I don't go to arenas much cause I prefer small venues and as I have said Ticket Prices have gotten ridiculous now.

Flea21212 wrote:So then what is the criteria for making it? A song that makes the radio and gets tons of air play? Like "Superman's Dead", "Somewhere Out There" "Innocent" "Life" "Clumsy"? Or do you have to sell a certain amount of albums? ( I don't have album figures)
My discussion is a little chopped up ... but I think you get my point.

I think in the point you are trying to make, you are comparing OLP to more established Stadium acts. While the band does not really have the support of media down here, they are by no means unsuccessful.They just don't have the same draw in the USA as they do Canada. But trust me, they have avery strong following down here that has grown over the last few years. While they may never play someplace like Madison Square Garden, they are still able to play a show here and have people show up. The last few shows OLP have played in the city have sold out within a few days. I think people will agree with me. I do wish OLP got more respect down here cause like you said there are a ton of bands who aren't half as talented as they are, yet get airplay, and you see them on the tv all the time.

My wish for OLP is to one day play either the summer series at the TODAY show, Good Morning America, SNL or even get on Lettermen. I think they are just as talented as the acts they get on there. There have been bands on SNL that you never heard from again..

That is my two cents worth. Either way I still support the band. I think that is what they truly appreciate-The fans support. Critics either love you or hate you. Alot of times they get things for free. The fans are the ones who opinions really matter.

If OLP really didn't have some succes down here, they wouldn't be able to tour the way they do. At least there is still enough interest in them for them to play down here. :mrgreen:

Henrietta · Post by **Henrietta** » 2/1/2004, 3:43 pm

Where do you live Baby Thief? There number of people who know who OLP is here are few and far between. When I wear my shirt or hoodie, people just think I'm some crazy Catholic.

Baby Thief · Post by **Baby Thief** » 2/1/2004, 4:11 pm

crazy catholic

anyways. I live in new england (northeastern part of the US) SO i guess, it may be because i am somewhat closer to canada than southern US, but not many knew of OLP before SOT. Now I would bet money that the majority of highschoolers in my state know of OLP. I'm not saying eveyrone likes them, i am saying that they have a name.

namkablam · Post by **namkablam** » 2/1/2004, 4:14 pm

I'm not satisfied until we get OLP action figures so we can recreate certain molestations.

Baby Thief · Post by **Baby Thief** » 2/1/2004, 4:19 pm

Sorry, but for me, I hate when bands get super popular. It ruins the fun. If Matt Good ever gets popular down here, i will kill everyone. I liked it better when no one knew the name Our Lady Peace down here. Don't get me wrong, i want the band happy and successful, but i'd rather their popularity level stay as low as possible where i live

deniedjunkie · Post by **deniedjunkie** » 2/1/2004, 4:23 pm

Baby Thief wrote:Sorry, but for me, I hate when bands get super popular. It ruins the fun. If Matt Good ever gets popular down here, i will kill everyone. I liked it better when no one knew the name Our Lady Peace down here. Don't get me wrong, i want the band happy and successful, but i'd rather their popularity level stay as low as possible where i live

i doubt that will ever happen, he isnt even that big here, his hometown

Post by **xjsb125** » 2/1/2004, 4:27 pm

nAm kAblAm wrote:I'm not satisfied until we get OLP action figures so we can recreate certain molestations.

miss_maida · Post by **miss_maida** » 2/1/2004, 4:34 pm

nAm kAblAm wrote:I'm not satisfied until we get OLP action figures so we can recreate certain molestations.

that would be some major fun!! :lol:

i can see it now :lol:

ihatethunderbay · Post by **ihatethunderbay** » 2/1/2004, 4:41 pm

call up todd mc farlane for the toys. i'm sure he'd do a good job with 'em

Joe Cooler · Post by **Joe Cooler** » 2/1/2004, 4:43 pm

However if you plan on making a fighting game, do not call up todd. He did a crappy job with necrid for Soul Calibur.

And yes i realize that my comment had no relevance what so ever.

Good day.

ClumsyMonkey.net

"Making it In the U.S."

"Making it In the U.S."

Re: "Making it In the U.S."

Re: "Making it In the U.S."

Re: "Making it In the U.S."