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So I assume you are also opposed to people using Band in a Box for live shows and recordings? Because it would be pretty hypocritical to complain about open mic folks while putting bass players, drummers, keyboard players, etc. out of work just because you found software that could do their job a lot cheaper, right?
I think we are comparing apples to oranges here. The situation you describe IMO is entirely different. Let me explain:
A single or duo using BiaB or other backing tracks will play in a place where the owner/management will never hire a trio or quartet, so no musicians are out of work.
The venues around here that traditionally hire larger bands still hire larger bands. The venues around here that have always hired singles and duos, still hire singles and duos. So who is out of work?
I know this from experience. I am in a duo where we play very small rooms on 'stages' where even a duo with a drum set would not fit. So who is out of work here?
However if a club that used to hire a quartet hired a duo with backing tracks instead, I'd agree with you 100%.Last Friday we played at the very place where ASCAP is billing the condominium board of directors. Small room, perhaps 75 guests, they brought their covered dishes and alcoholic drinks, mixers and ice was supplied by the entertainment committee. We set up in front of the kitchen between two doors in a space I'd guess 4' by 10'. In front of us was the dance area (tables cleared out and replaced when done) and after the covered dish dinner the dance area was full until we stopped playing. A trio with a PA would have never fit there. So who is out of work?
Tuesday we played outdoors at a marina. They have music 7 days a week. Mostly singles and duos. They have been there since the 1940s and never hired bigger bands. So who is out of work here?
Wednesday we did a Yacht club for about 65 people in a 'cubby hole' so small the speakers wouldn't fit in with us. Leilani had to be careful not to hit her guitar against the wall. I'd guess 8' width max. Who is out of work here?
Saturday we did a mobile home park where a lot of Canadians spend the summer, perhaps 60 people. The 'stage' would have probably fit a quartet if the drummer had a small kit, but the park has been there since the 1960s and as far as I know have never hired anything but singles, duos and an occasional trio. So who is out of work here?
Back on topic. Is this a just cause for ASCAP to charge the condo where they bring covered dishes to a party a yearly fee? If so, I think the copyright laws need to be adjusted. But I've already learned 'my' government representatives may listen to me, but that's about it.
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