OT in-stadium music question

Submitted by Carcajou on August 23rd, 2022 at 9:36 AM

I often wonder when I hear piped in music at the stadium or other sporting events:
why don't at least sections of the band jam over the top of pre-recorded music when it is played? Or let the recorded clip start things and the band take over.

Are there rights or licensing issues that preclude this?

I can think of quite a few songs (not only the standard "crowd pleaser" hits, but other lesser-known tracks (EDM, etc.) that could be riffed off of or added to, thereby enhancing rather than detracting from the stadium experience.

Wallaby Court

August 23rd, 2022 at 9:44 AM ^

It's an acoustics and timing problem. The sound of piped-in music travels from speakers all over the stadium. The band projects sound from a single location. If you're sitting across the stadium from the band, you'll be hearing a song from a nearby speaker while the band's accompaniment has to travel across the bowl. They won't sync up.

True Blue Grit

August 23rd, 2022 at 2:09 PM ^

I'm not sure what your point is, but I agree with Wallaby.  I do sit almost as far from the band as you can sit in the stadium and the sound doesn't travel well.  The acoustics of the stadium probably cause some degree of "bouncing around" of the sound.  Add to that all the extraneous noise from the crowd and speakers, and it can be very hard to hear what the band is playing.  I've never been a fan of the piped in music and wish they would at least cut back on it.  

1974

August 23rd, 2022 at 9:54 AM ^

Apples and oranges. I don't think most of the crowd-pleasing songs are ones that would make sense for the band. Given the amount of talent in the band, I'm sure they could play "Down on the Street" from The Stooges very well, but it wouldn't make as much sense as The Victors or other songs they play.

Mercury Hayes

August 23rd, 2022 at 9:59 AM ^

College basketball bands always play a variety of songs from oldies to rap during games. I am not a lawyer but covering a song for 15-30 seconds is likely not a rights issue.

crg

August 23rd, 2022 at 10:31 AM ^

I'm normally in the "all band, no piped in music" crowd.  However,  "pump it up" was a great crowd effect in certain moments.

HAIL 2 VICTORS

August 23rd, 2022 at 10:52 AM ^

Still not sure exactly what is being defined as a 'DJ".  Is this just some person in M gear running up and down the sideline with a mic hyping up the crowd as the piped in music plays like a cheerleader?

Or are we talking an actual DJ booth where they control the music and it's a "performance" during the long breaks.  Does the "DJ" in this scenario get moved out on wheels in the DJ booth/stage and be part of halftime?

A DJ can be many things and this might be really cool if in sync with the student body or could go very poorly like a Dave Brandon idea.

          

 

 

 

Beaublue

August 24th, 2022 at 8:54 AM ^

I used to get to the games early to watch warm ups and catch up with my football neighbor friends.  You could actually hear some chatter from the players and could have a conversation with my seat neighbors.

Now the "music" is so painfully loud that I don't show up early anymore.   I wonder if the stadium is half full at kickoff because others feel the same way?   IMO, the nonstop painfully loud music detracts from the college football atmosphere and quite honestly may keep me in front of my tv this year for the nonconference games.

I like "Mr. Brightside" and "Pump it up" as much as the next fan but there needs to be a better balance between the band,  pumped in stadium rock, and maybe even a few minutes of "quiet".