Cover Songs vs. Original Music

Today, I want to dive into a debate that invokes passion in a lot of musicians.

Originals or Covers?

To this, I say "Why not both?" With care and a little hard work, a great show can be executed with well-known cover songs AND some amazing original music. Let's unravel the magic of blending your own creations with time-tested hits for a killer live show.

The Beauty of Originals

When it comes to original music, it's like stepping into my own world, pouring my heart and soul into the melodies and lyrics. There's nothing quite like the rush of sharing your personal stories and creative expressions with a crowd. It's a chance to carve out your unique musical identity, connect with your tribe, and build a fanbase that resonates with your artistic journey.

However, let's be real – it's not all sunshine and rainbows. New songs can be a tough sell initially. The unfamiliarity might create a bit of a barrier between the music and the audience. Add in the marketing hustle and the constant pressure to maintain creativity, and you've got yourself a challenging but rewarding adventure.

Here are some pros and cons for using original music in your show.

The Comfort of Covers

Now, covers – the classic crowd-pleasers. There's an undeniable joy in delivering tunes that people already love. Instant recognition, easy audience connection, and the ability to showcase versatility across genres – it's like musical comfort food. Covers also provide a sweet escape from the pressure of songwriting, letting me focus on the sheer joy of performance and interpretation.

But, and there's always a but, right? Relying solely on covers can make it challenging to stand out. You might find yourself swimming in a sea of other artists doing the same tunes. Depending on your gigging situation, there can also be legal needs navigating copyrights and potential financial constraints that can put a damper on the cover party.

Here are some pros and cons for using cover songs in your show.

Finding the Harmony

So, why not have the best of both worlds? I can tell you from personal experience that if your original music is as good as you think it is, your audience won't even realize that it's not a cover song and everyone will sing and dance along anyway. The biggest trick to do this well is to NOT introduce your original song before playing it.

I can't tell you how many times I've seen a band say something like this ...

"This next song is an original." or "We wrote this one. Let us know what you think!"

This is typically followed by an entire dance floor of people walking back to their seats. What you really want to do is announce it AFTER playing the song. IF the crowd danced and sang along, THEN you can say something like this ...

"DID you like that one? It was an original song. You can find it right now on Spotify, Apple Music, etc...."

If you find that a method like this works for you, you can then weave in and out of originals and covers, maintaining a delicate balance. Originals allow you to tell your story, while covers provide that musical familiarity everyone craves. An additional benefit is that you are not just about keeping the crowd engaged – you're keeping things exciting for yourself too.

Why It Makes Perfect Sense

In a nutshell, incorporating both originals and covers in your live shows is a strategic move. Originals help to build your brand and connect you with dedicated fans. Covers, on the other hand, provide immediate engagement, showcase your versatility, and create that instant bond with a broader audience.

It's not about choosing one over the other; it's about creating a musical experience that's diverse, dynamic, and downright unforgettable. So, learn to find that sweet spot and let the magic happen on stage. 

Thanks for reading and watching.

Danny