As someone who may or may not perform on this tour, all I can say is that I stand behind the idea 100%. I can also see how the promotion needs to be different, and all that. But without getting into all the details, as a possible artist I can exert some degree of rumor control: The terms of the gig were laid out with total clarity. There is no advantage or ill will here. There's no guaranteed door money. That's reality, and it was spelled out in full. On a tour like this, you travel and play maybe 40 minutes if you're not the headliner, so for those worried about curfew, these won't be 5 or 6 hour shows.
My take is that you have to start somewhere. For me and the guys in Sonus Umbra and Might Could, the only restriction to joining this traveling circus of prog are the realities of employment and family. Without more careful planning, we are basically restricted by where we can drive to and back on a single day. And yes, you spend money on gas, tolls, meals, etc, and there's no one at the other end paying you back for any of it. Except that you get to play your music in front of people you have never seen, in a city you're likely never gonna visit otherwise. For me - and I can't speak for anyone else here - that is more than enough. That's why I've been doing it since 1989, and that's why I don't see myself stopping.
I understand proghound's concern regarding buying tickets for a show that may or may not include a band. This is 100% legit, and he deserves to take no flak for that. In the end, it's not the most professional way, but even festivals have made announcements only to have bands pull out. It's an unfortunate part of this rigmarole.
I'm still awaiting confirmation from the organizer and important information about backline, etc for the show in Indianapolis, and also whatever is going on on the 19th. But it's all fine. That this crazy bastard is doing this at all is commendable. Truly.
That said, for sure know Sonus Umbra will NOT be at Orion studios in support of this tour. That was a premature announcement, and it is absolutely impossible for us to make it work. But you know what? I would have loved to go back there and do it; The last time Sonus played there was a long time ago, and the room was packed. My favorite place to play in the states, hands down. it's small, it's unassuming, and it is magical.
Go to a show if you can. Reserve judgment until after the fact. Go only knowing that it's a Sound of Contact headline show. Be prepared to be surprised by whoever else might be there. It's the best way to be supportive of such a crazy idea.
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