It’s Time to Show Up for New Voices
I don’t hate the musicians in tribute acts. Most of them are talented players doing what they can to make a living in a tough industry. What I do hate is that tribute acts have become the main thing that thrives, while original music continues to starve in the corner.
It’s not the performers’ fault—they’re giving audiences what they’re willing to pay for. The real problem is the audience itself. Somewhere along the way, people decided it was more satisfying to squint their eyes in a dark venue and pretend they were watching The Beatles or Taylor Swift (who, by the way, is still alive and touring) than to open their minds to something new.
Venues aren’t the enemy either—they book what sells. And when what sells is nostalgia in a Halloween costume, guess what gets pushed off the stage?
Talented, hungry artists with something original to say.
I get it. Familiarity is comforting. Singing along to songs you already know is easy. But if we want a world with fresh voices, new sounds, and unexpected ideas, we have to actually show up for it. Otherwise, we’re just letting the algorithm win in real life.
In the current state of affairs, we need art more than ever. We need it to speak out against what worries us, to challenge injustices, and to inspire change. Sure, tribute bands might offer an escape, but hiding out lets the bad things continue and fester. With federal arts funding being drastically cut—like the recent cancellation of $175 million in National Endowment for the Humanities grants —it’s up to us to ensure that original voices are heard.
So I’m making a personal commitment: I’m going out to see more original local music. It’s affordable, it’s real, and it needs support.
Here are two upcoming events in Newtown, PA, that I’m planning to attend:
🎤 ARTWRKD Presents: SPEAKeasy
📅 Friday, April 25, 2025 | 🕕 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 ArtWRKD, 126 S State St, Newtown, PA 18940
Experience the art of storytelling performed live at ArtWRKD’s first-ever SPEAKeasy event. This immersive evening combines creative writing, live performances, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
🎶 Music in the Shop: Those Looks and PA Star
📅 Friday, May 9, 2025 | 🕖 7:45 PM – 9:15 PM
📍 Newtown Book & Record Exchange, 102 S State St, Newtown, PA 18940
This intimate, in-store concert series features local musicians performing in the cozy confines of the Book & Record Exchange. The May 9 concert will showcase Those Looks and PA Star, offering a blend of indie pop, alt-country, surf, and psychedelic rock.
I’ve spent enough time being annoyed by the state of things. Now I’m putting my money—and my ears—where my mouth is.
And if you say you care about music, maybe you should too.
