There was this interesting debate in a facebook local music forum, that I had to post about it here too. A guy made a thread explaining how venues these days are pretty critcal about volume levels at venues. A lot of bands want to play loud but some venues do not welcome loud music. They’ll get ordered by the owners to turn it down some. They also claim that loud music will anger the venue owners and fans that goes to the gigs.

Well I agree, and disagree.

I do agree that venues these days have been critical about volume controls. I’ve played a bunch of acoustic gigs in the past, and I was ordered to turn it down some ’cause I never realized, I was playing too loud.

I disagree with loud music at venues being a bad idea. Those musicians claimed that loud music is a bad idea. Here’s why I disagree with it…

If you’re going to play in a rock n’ roll band, and not play LOUD. I mean turning the amps all the way up to 10, then what’s the point of playing in a band to begin with? Isn’t the whole point of playing in a rock or metal band is playing loud? I’ve seen plenty of rock and metal concerts in the local music scene that got my ears ringing all night. Loud music is what puts on the good shows, and fans love loud music. Some bands prefer to play loud because that’s how the music is supposed to be played. It depends on the style, the genre and what’s right for the music.

Sure you’re going to get all kinds of headaches, and hearing loss, especially tinnitus, but if you want to be a true rock n’roller, playing loud is worth it. Besides, you don’t get tinnitus right away. You only get it after years of listening to loud music. Neil Young got tinnitus after years of loud music.

When I get a band going, we’re certainly not going to be playing at low volumes. No way. If you get the hint with my songwriting, the music is going to be fuckin’ LOUD. That’s how I always heard my music in my head. I love loud & tight rock n’ roll. I’m a fan of volume. Johnny Ramone said in “Commando”, that if you wear ear plugs, it is cheating. I agree.

To me, loud rock music is what playing in a band is all about. Not all venues are critical of loud music, there are some venues out there that welcome it. It depends on the size of the venue and the acoustics to allow loud music. The larger clubs would be more appropriate for loud music.

It’s your choice if you want to play loud or not, and everyone have their own opinion and views on it. Tell any punk rock band or metal band to turn it down some, I dare ya. You betcha those guys will laugh at ya and tell ya, “No fucking way”.

Kev