How does C3 Radius Clause Benefit Local Chicago Bands?

That of course assuming your band isn’t at the level to play Lollapalooza. By this time you may have heard a bit about the investigation into C3 Presents, the coordinator of Lollapalooza, being an anti-trust. There is a

great review by Jim DeRogatis here for your reference.    

C3 is being investigated for what seems to be a far too rigid radius clause in their contracts with artists hat perform at Lollapalooza. These clauses keep the artists from playing in Chicago and 300 miles round for a good portion of the year. C3's attempt to protect their investment in the festival has caused negative repercussions to midsize venues in Chicago, however has created voids that local acts can use to their advantage.

Of course if you are a concert goer in Chicago it has been noticed less national acts are touring through during the summers since Lolla arrived.

At a first glance a dipping economy, reported lacking concert ticket sales and high gas prices seem to be the reason less bands are touring and less music is in Chicago. With a closer look you will find that those factors are only a small part of what is happening and this radius clause is affecting the city’s music scene. This is the obvious part. A not often noted aspect about this whole situation is the affect this has had on the indpendent market in Chicago.

Consider that the 120+ bands that are being kept from performing within 300 miles of Chicago for most of the year are leaving a whole lot of vacant slots stacking up in some of the midsize Chicago venues. This is now giving a lot of independent local and touring acts shots at clubs they never would get a shot at. This void in the touring market though Chicago has increased the opportunity for a flourishing independent market and changed the climate tremendously both for the good and the bad.

Filling the Void

A lot of the middle size acts that fill up the bulk of the roster at Lollapalooza are the same level bands that midsize venues have relied on in the past to keep their rooms full and bar ringing. With less acts available these clubs are left to try and fill the void. Bookers are now putting a noticeable increased focus on the independents to fill up some of these notable venues.

This void naturally creates a more cut throate independent market becausethere are less national touring acts around to fill the rooms. The ones that can are often cannabilized, the ones that can't are losing credibility before they gain it.

The local acts of  Chicago and other independent touring acts can't compete with nationals and to find an exception is qutie uncommon. It is a tough spot for the venues and a hard request for a lot of these independents to fufill.

*Keep in mind that the same venues that are being affected by the C3 radius clause put the same clauses, though not as extreme, on their contracts to ensure they get the highest attendance possible per each act that performs at their venues.

The Often Delusional and Proud...

"Yes! Oh My God! Duuuude, did you hear? We are playing the 'name of one of the many significant and awesome venues in Chicago here'! I can't believe it! I was conceived in that bathroom man!"

Some bands get really excited to play some these rooms and rightfully so.  I know I still get excited when we play these rooms but each man for their own reason I am sure. I do know it beats not having monitors and playing through a worse sound system than what you have at your rehearsal space. A nicer venue can impress your fans and friends and you don’t feel bad when your mom sits down. It looks great on a resume and awesome lights never hurt. However despite these many perks that come along with  playing a big room is a double edged sword.

While being a placeholder and getting a shot at agreat room isn't a terrible thing, a lot bands aren't aware that taking a bigshow and not filling up the room could bedetrimental to their careers and other levels flat humiliating. There have been quite a few bands that have done a good job for these venues in getting people through the door and contributing. More times than not is safe to say you wil see ½ empty rooms and proudest girlfriends at the foot of the stage. 

       Model Stranger @ the Metro.

I have to admit that it would be interesting to see the results of what 5 more years of Chicago being in this current position would yield and as of right now with the contract C3 to keep Lollapalooza around until 2018 we will have that chance. With the increasing number of independent festivals like the I AM Fest and Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival to name a few and the various collectives being formed in Chicago it would be only a matter of time before the average concert goer caught on more to the underground. In our personal independent experience with Chicago Noise Machine we were able to raise a lot of awareness, generate press and sponsorship to eventually start the I AM Fest. Other collectives like the Chicago Roots Collective have shawdowed those ambitions with great success as well. I am not implying these models or examples are end all solutions but they are a step in the right direction.

The Gamblers

If the 'best of the best' are playing Lollapalooza then the chances of a concert goer seeing a band of the same level in Chicago naturaly will lessen. Of course not EVERY band in the world is playing Lollapalooza but if they are hot right now there is a strong chance you can find them on that festival. Can you blame them for taking that bill? The overall quality of music in the market naturally lessens and suddenly going to catch a show seems like a gamble. Of course there are still great shows happening but it comes the concert goer is not as quick to go catch a random show as they once were. 

Closing the gap or clipping the life line?

The most positive thing that a relaxed radius clause would bring back is obvious. The obvious doesn't intrigue me though. How would it affect the independent market? Would more of these locals be sidelined or would it close the apparent and growing gap between national acts and independent acts? The best case scenario would be a middle ground where we can see our favorite nationals with the independents on as openers on a more regular basis, rejuvenate a wounded scene and bring the boys back home.

What are your thoughts on this as a concert goer?

As a venue owner?

As an independent band?

Do you think C3 shouldn't be allowed ot put radius clauses in their contracts?

How about midsize venues? I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Thanks for Reading!

Stephen Francis