For some the genre of nü metal brings back youthful days of spiked hair, JNCO’s and chain wallets, for others it was the near death of heavy music as a whole. Regardless, a decade and change removed from the often maligned genre’s height of popularity, a number of acts from the genre have either stayed afloat (Korn, Slipknot, Disturbed, etc.) or are attempting comebacks (Adema, Union Underground, etc.)
Apparently inspired by the latter, Cody Perez, frontman of the divisive nü metal leaning outfit Amerakin Overdose, felt compelled to share some tips via his social media to those bands hoping to return. Here’s what he head to say:
“No one else could possibly be more excited about the return of many of these bands from the late 90’s and early 2000’s than I am!!! Some call it the “nu metal” genre but to me it was just kcik ass heavy music and the best time for music.
There was creativity, melody, heaviness, people actually attended shows. There is a reason why the top bands of today that are killing it in the arenas and festivals are from this time period and genre.
It’s because it was kick ass music. Korn, System Of A Down, Rammstein, Slipknot, Papa Roach, etc etc. Almost 20 years later and still many, many people are listening and attending those shows and influenced to create their own music from this genre.
To the bands making a return, here are my thoughts for what it’s worth:
1. Remember this is not 1999 or 2000, the times are very different. Don’t expect the shows to be packed unless you are on a huge tour of festival. Don’t let this discourage you, keep going and make sure everyone knows you are back.
2. Keep as much of the original line up fans remember as possible. Some bands can get away with the lead singer being the only original member but that’s very rare. Most people want to see the line up not a cover/tribute version of the band.
3. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT make a return for a couple of months and then break up again and then try and make a return again and then break up and let the endless cycle repeat. The fans of today are not very forgiving and you will kill your crowd and hype.
4. This one is obvious, but tour with bands like you who are making a come back or recently made a comeback. The fans will love it and you can help each other spread the word about the return and build some major hype. TOUR!!! TOUR!!! TOUR!!! People need to know the band is back.
5. Tour with other bigger acts that are still doing it and playing the big shows. Hopefully you have stayed in touch with people in the industry and this will help spread the word quicker about your return.
6. Take underground/unsigned acts on the road with you that are influenced by the “nu metal” genre. Also when playing in each city get local bands that are in the similar genre.
There is a number of reasons for this. These underground/unsigned bands will be so excited to be playing with a band that has influenced them and no one will be more excited and work harder to promote the shows.
You will also be helping them out and keeping this genre of music going on to the next level. Remember, some day your band maybe asking to open up for them, so don’t rip them off with any crazy buy on prices for tour. Be reasonable.
7. Invest in PR and Internet marketing. Today it is the best thing you can do to spread the word. Many bands make a return and so many fans never hear about it so the comeback is not as successful as it should be.
8. Social Media interaction with your fans is beyond important now. Fan expectations are so beyond what they used to be. Make sure you interact with your fans from all social media outlets and that you post daily.
Reply to comments. Make the fans feel they are a part of this comeback and the success of the band.
9. Put out new material. Don’t rely solely on your previous music and hits from the past. Put some effort into new material and new videos. Remember what people liked about your sound and evolve and progress that into something new. PLEASE DO NOT sound like today’s bands!!!
That is not what your fans want. We want an evolution of your sound but remember there is a reason why “nu metal” is still more popular than a lot of today’s garbage.”
