Covering local bands.

[Houdini]

I just started playing with a couple of people, finally, who actually like the same kind of music that I do, and there is one song by a local band that's a bit different but pretty close, and I want to cover it. I've done my best to track down a member from it (they broke up), and I'm waiting for them to get back to me, and let me know if it's ok.

Just wondering what you would have done in this situation, and what I should do if they never get back to me.

http://purevolume.com/fenway

It's the last song on the player. Also, A couple members are still around, and if we didn't ask the band and they eneded up hearing us I figured that would be bad.

[Ex Xombie]

If it were me I'd just go for it, hey a cover is a cover, just make sure there isn't any heavycore fans around in case you don't it justice

[Sponer]

My guitarist ripped out an old local band's riff at a show before, and we all jammed to is as a quick warm up (pre-planned). It was a cool band and had a decent crowd for them. So a few people recognized it and thought it was real cool and nice to sort of support the band like that. One of the members of that band was there too, and he thought it was pretty cool too.

[Ex Xombie]

Wow I wish I had that nice of a reaction when my band did Battle of the Bands, we started playing another bands song that was also in and everyone's jaws dropped, so people were pissed but most people thought it was funny ... afterwards

[Sponer]

That's lame... if a band covered one of our songs, I'd be pretty pumped. :)

But we never did the hole BotB thing, so I'm not sure how the crowds are for those things. I'd assume there's a more competitive atmosphere, but still. I guess they took as you guys were stealing their song? I dunno.

[Ex Xombie]

Well we didn't actually play the entire song just the opening

[Seafroggys]

I would do this, and be totally honored if others did the same for me.

[Damo]

Most bands would be honoured, but be aware that they own the copyright of that material, and playing a local bands material could be cutting a little too close to home and they could seek compensation for it.

If it were me, Id contact the band, and if I couldnt get in touch with them, Id ditch the idea and play something else.

[Houdini]

Thanks for the input everyone.

[\m/-CHeV-\m/]

wow, lol.. if it were my band, I'd let you juyst because I'd be honoured.. anyway, like said before, contact them.. it's the best way i think.

[Stickman Sam]

If a band covered one of my band's songs, I'd be impressed first and foremost.

For me, it'd come down to what kinda terms I was on with the band. At the end of the day someone put effort into writing the piece and whilst, as has already been mentioned, a lot of people would be happy to see this kinda thing, it'd just be generally better to make sure it was okay.

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