Alan Oakes

Up Late Writing

2009-07-18T15:26:00.001-07:00

WHEN CORPORATE MUSIC PRISONS BREAK DOWN, LET EM’ RIOT!

2009-06-26T23:28:00.000-07:00

By Mario R. Martin

From the Orange County music scene came the story: Band forms. Band gets signed. Band puts out a great record. And shortly thereafter, the band gets dropped from the label - only to go back to the garage unnoticed. It’s an all too familiar tale in the music industry. In almost every case when a young band has sampled a taste of reality from the business of making records, its members part ways lacking the motivation to start over. For whatever reasons, some continue playing and others don’t. For some the end is just the beginning and this is where the story of Let Em’ Riot begins.

The latest group to hail from Southern California, Let Em’ Riot, can’t really be called a group at all because it has only one member. His name is Alan Oakes. Oakes has been writing and performing for over a decade. After numerous bands and a handful of albums, he continues to move forward. But to truly understand the full story behind Let Em’ Riot and Alan Oakes, we have to rewind just a bit.

“Someone once told me that the music industry is a game that can’t be won, only played,” states Let Em’ Riot’s only member, Alan Oakes, while sipping coffee in the patio of his Orange County residence. “Once I let those words sink in, everything else seemed a bit easier to understand.” Alan Oakes grew in Orange County and started his first band at the age of 15 during Orange County’s 3rd-wave ska movement in the late 90’s that gave birth to such bands as Reel Big Fish, Save Ferris and The Aquabats.

Oakes played guitar in several different bands throughout his formative high school years and it was during this time that his love for music became a passion. “I wouldn’t call it a scene back then. It was more like a home away from home. The kids, the bands, we were all a part of something. At the shows, everyone knew everyone. My bandmates were like brothers. I spent every weekend playing shows and that’s where it all started for me. It was about as carefree as it gets.” His band was even courted by a major label during the signing frenzy that took place, but never landed a deal. “We were teenagers. We all had the ultimate goal of getting a record deal but wouldn’t have known what to do with it if we had actually gotten one.”

Alan got to work and began singing and writing on his own and fronted several bands. In 2004, however, a start-up production company had approached him about putting a new project together. A full album was recorded that would eventually be picked up by a major label and released in 2007. “This is where I first got a taste of record labels, managers, lawyers and the music industry as a whole. There was no signing bonus and no big advance. I was signed and still living with my parents and working at a coffee shop making $150 a week. Nothing changed except that now I had someone telling me what to do. Once contracts come into play, band members become less like brothers and more like business partners. Which technically they are.”

Life on a label soon revealed itself to be no picnic and what was once viewed as an ultimate goal for a musician was quickly found to be the beginning of a long and uncertain journey.” I had friends who were getting signed and getting shelved. There’s nothing worse than sitting around waiting to see if your record will ever see the light of day. It’s not like you can tour or write another record somewhere else because you have to sit and wait until the label decides what to do with you - and that could literally take years! That’s why when the record was finally released, I felt it to be a huge accomplishment.” But just as the album was hitting stores, promotional funding was cut. Within the year the band was dropped from the label and the members parted ways.

To no avail, Oakes spent the next year searching for musicians and his next project. He decided to continue his search all while learning about home recording and the necessary software it takes to have a way to write, record and save his music. As time passed Oakes’ computer hard drive filled up with song ideas until he decided that rather than wait for the right group of musicians to come along, he would finish the songs on his own. These are the songs that would later become Let Em’ Riot anthems. “The past year or so was pretty rough. I felt like I was playing the waiting game all over again. I finally decided that if I couldn’t find a drummer, I would just learn how to use a drum sequencer and record the drums myself. If I couldn’t find a keyboard player, I would buy a MIDI controller and record the parts myself. I recorded vocals, bass and so on in my room until the songs were all there. All I knew was that I had to keep moving forward, no matter what.”

So what’s in the future for Let Em’ Riot? When asked, Alan Oakes said, “This is it, just keep writing, recording and putting out music. It’s the only thing I know how to do. I don’t set goals for the future anymore. I’m not trying to win anything. I just love to play.” Inspired by technology and gadgetry, Oakes is pushing his project to the limit. The concept is to release tracks on the internet for free, giving his music away to anyone within earshot. This model is obviously a rogue idea and very DIY in spirit, yet necessary for an independent artist just in it to make music for himself, and for those who appreciate it. By releasing a track at a time, the model satiates the fans of the underground, willing to consume piece by piece. This also takes the pressure off of Oakes to write, record and put out an entire record in a specific timeframe. This time he is creating for the sake of creativity - without boundaries. And in today’s world, filled with economic woes, war and unrest, the only answer is to Let Em’ Riot. Amen.

To learn more and hear tracks from Let Em’ Riot, visit:
www.myspace.com/letemriot
www.letemriot.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/letemriot

How do you start over?

2009-05-29T10:19:00.000-07:00

It's no surprise that my old band, The Appearance, is long gone. After watching the label, management and other members lose motivation and drop out one by one, I spent over a year trying to figure out ways to salvage all the hard work put into the project. It took a long time to realize I was chasing ghosts and finally called it quits last year. I had a short stint in a local punk band but that didn't last very long either. Not because they were a terrible band or anything. I guess I just needed the time to relax and remember all the reasons why I love music.

Even though I'm on my own and back at the beginning I'm armed with few more of life's lessons: Chasing ghosts is only a waste of time and energy. There is no way to salvage the past. It is much better to simply dust yourself off and start over after falling flat on your face. Secondly, take the time to remember.

The only thing I know how to do is to keep going. I've spent the last 6 months writing and now have a hard drive filled with a handful of partially written and recorded songs. The only problem with a slate wiped clean is a slate wiped clean. It's takes more time to decide where to begin. But there is no rush. I don't have deadlines to meet.

I started thinking,"If The Appearance was a complete failure; what is my definition of success?" If money and recognition is truly what I love then yes, I failed. But I love writing and performing. Of course I have goals as to what extent but a life spent doing both would be considered a success and quitting would be the only true failure.

Get up Kids reunion show.

2009-04-03T20:48:00.001-07:00

I'm at the Troubadour in LA and gonna watch the Get Up Kids play tonight. Last time I saw them was 4 years ago on their farewell tour. Never thought I'd get a chance to seem them again but I guess never say never cause here I am, watching one of my favorite bands again. I'm making up dozens of playlists in my head of all the songs I hope they play.

If you've never or heard them, please take a moment to get to know their music. Its been such and influential and inspiring part of my life.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Just another sunset in Orange County

2008-11-08T23:55:00.001-08:00

P1000382, originally uploaded by alan oakes.

This is why I love living here. I head out to Disneyland about once a week and just walk around. I get to take pictures like this and enjoy the day.

Some Lost Words

2008-10-12T12:37:00.001-07:00

Like static from a makeshift radio, we cover it up with noise.
These cold ideas are breaking me up.
It took this long with my wrists held out to hear the sounds
Of bottles breaking, Hearts faking, making the rounds to keep me from shattering
Into a million pieces.
In the winter air I find myself walking the streets
And scripting reasons in the snow, why I came.
My spirit heated to the point of intoxication
Of the coming day while watching the Landscape shift as is moves in waves.

Lets be the first ones to the top and I'll race you down.
Show me where to hide my dreams amongst the trees and repeated themes
Of white and green.
I'll make it home again soon enough so there's no rush.
Let me stay here for now.
Shall I be consumed with ideals like thoughts
Of winter flings and Hearts of Gold
Among the nameless faces.
Close my eyes and look up to kiss the frozen skies.
I've waited too long for this...

The Horseshoe

2008-06-27T00:11:00.001-07:00

P1000055, originally uploaded by alan oakes.

When I'm in Vegas, most of my friends want to hit up The Hard Rock, The Palms or one of the many other hot spots. For me, my favorite place to go is this place, Binion's. Maybe because it's been around for over 55 years or maybe because it's the original home of the WSOP (World Series of Poker). No nightclubs, fancy restaurants, expensive artwork, or concerts. Just a good ol' fashion gambling hall. i love any place that holds a great amount of history and walking in is like stepping back in time.

The history that lingers within these walls is staggering and the number of poker legends to have graced the tables here is just as amazing. A few years back I even caught a glimpse of one of the greatest, Doyle Brunson and that was one time I really wished I had my camera on me.

You know what's really disappointing? Of all the times I've been there and the many hours I've spent playing black jack and craps at this casino, I've never actually sat down at a poker table. I've played cards at other casino's but not this one (the one with the most history and prestige) I couldn't tell you why either. Can't really call yourself a card player until you've sat down at a table at the Horseshoe. Not to worry though, it's on my "Bucket List"

No Such Thing As Bad Publicity

2008-05-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

Not everyone is going to like the record, that's obvious. I don't let things like bad reviews or drunk hecklers get me down. I find them all amusing and entertaining. I try also not to pay attention to any stats of any kind (website hits, subscriptions, show attendance, records sales) for the main reason that it can deter from the creative process. Yet, I sometimes find myself checking from time to time. Album reviews are the worst. No matter how much it shouldn't or doesn't matter, I can't help but look. The review posted here isn't horrifying by any means. It's a review printed almost a year ago in AP Magazine which is a good sized publication. The author was most likely an intern with a stack of cd's to the ceiling and only a week to go through them all. For me, it doesn't change what I do or how I do it. Even if it was printed on the cover of Rolling Stone I couldn't care less. Getting ink, good or bad, is an accomplishment. Hell, only in pop culture can you be a total fucking disaster and still be popular. The number of people that hate you is just as important as the number of people that love you. Anyways, I was going through my scrapbook and came across this. Thought I'd share it with you. It's good times all around.

What do you mean I have to pay you to play?

2008-03-05T19:59:00.001-08:00

I have been playing music for over 10 years in numerous bands all over the States and even in Europe. When I first form a band, the agenda is quite simple: write some songs, get some gigs and get some fans. It's not easy creating something from nothing and when every band first starts out, they don't have a lot money (if any) to pump into the venture. Every band needs a little support getting things off the ground and until recently, the biggest supporters of up-and-coming music where the local all ages venues. If you know or have ever known someone in a band, I'm sure you've been hit up by that person asking you to buy a ticket to his/her shows. The first couple times this happens you oblige, purchase a ticket and maybe even attend the show. After a few months of buying tickets and going to the shows you find yourself coming up with excuses why you can't go. I'm not sure to what extent this mentality of charging young bands to play their venues reaches in other states but it has become very prominent in Orange and LA County.

Now, the clubs don't just come out and charge every band for a slot on their stage. There has to be somewhat of an incentive for the bands to even participate in this scam or they would quickly find their clubs empty six nights a week with the exception of the occasional touring act with a decent fan base. What happens is the band is given a pre-determined amount of tickets to sell to their friends/fans. It can be anywhere from 50 to 200 tickets given to one band. The incentive for the band is they can charge any amount for the tickets as long as the venue gets their share (which is usually $10), but who actually charges their friends $15 for a $10? The venues use this to sucker every band pointing out the "great potential to make money" It's possible, i will admit, but the cons out-way this ONE AND ONLY pro.

Here's how the band gets fucked: Each band is responsible for every ticket given to them. Sold or unsold, they must pay for the ticket and this is where the term "pay to play" is coined. If you where given 100 tickets at $10 a pop, the band owes the venue $1,000. Doesn't matter if you lost the ticket either which happens a lot when band members split up the tickets amongst themselves to cover more ground. I've spent many times running to the ATM last minute cause someone lost a ticket or two. I've seen bands actually pay the venue out-of-pocket for every ticket and give them away which is the biggest waste of money. And now you can see how a venue can make $5000 on a Tues. night guaranteed.

So what happens if a band can't pay up before the show? There are a couple forms of punishment: Worst of all, the band can be kicked off the show and they spend the entire evening standing outside the venue refunding every ticket. Venues rarely do this cause some money is better than no money. What normally happens is the band's set time gets shortened or their set time is moved. If they told all their friends to be there at 9:45 cause they perform at 10:00, you can imagine the headache if they get moved to perform at 8:00. On top can be denied the chance to ever be invited back and now there's one less place for them to play in their hometown.

Here's another con that is widely overlooked by bands when they do this: The whole purpose of playing gigs is to be seen, gain fans and build a following. When you have 5 bands on a bill, their friends are going just to see that one particular band. They show up 15 mins before they play and walk out the door as soon as they're done to congratulate them on a job well done. No ones interested in staying any longer than they have to. No matter how often or which venue a band plays, they are only being seen by the same group of people over and over. I've asked myself so many times, "We've played so many shows and still our following consists of our friends and family. Playing LA is worse for me cause my friends don't want to deal with the hour and a half traffic from Orange County just to watch my band for the eleventeenth time. They can just wait for the next show in Orange County.

I've realized after years of this bullshit, a band just starting out is better off booking themselves at a coffee shop, youth center or even their own garage. Here they can play for free, offer free admission and instead of spending weeks trying to get rid of tickets, print flyers and actually promote the show. The venues have found a way to make a quick guaranteed buck. Can we honestly blame them? As long as there are bands willing to give money away to the venues there is no reason for the venues to stop. So, if you're in a band or thinking of starting one up, do something more productive with your time. Rebuild your local music scene no matter how underground. I mean, isn't that one of the things that made you love music in the first place? I remember at 15, watching Reel Big Fish play a free show at my library in a room far off in the corner. 50 kids in a cramped room with a cheap P.A. just having a blast and singing our hearts out. It doesn't get any better than that.