Las Vegas Bands With Original Tracks: This Is Your Moment To Be Seen And Heard!

Calling All Vegas Bands Ready to Blast Their Original Music Into the Spotlight!

This post is for you!

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Frenzy Fest 2026 is roaring into the Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, August 24, 2026, blasting off at 6 PM and running deep into the Vegas night. Twenty original‑music Vegas bands will be tearing across KAOS, Palms Pool, and Greene St. Kitchen, each firing off tight, high‑voltage 20‑minute sets. No covers, no recycled hits, no safety blankets—this is a pure‑blood showcase of hometown creativity, the kind of sonic chaos that reminds you Vegas isn’t just a city of residencies; it’s a city of musicians!

The festival doubles as a rally for Positively Arts, fueling young creators who are chasing their own voice. And here’s the part every band needs to hear: when I last checked, band applications are STILL OPEN. If you’re an original‑music act with something real to say, Frenzy Fest is practically daring you to step up. This is the night where new bands get seen, heard, and remembered. You can hit FrenzyFestLV.com to apply, get details, and lock in your shot at one of the three stages.

Fans get in free—just register, toss in a suggested donation if you can, and prepare for a marathon of homegrown Vegas sound. For bands, this is the moment. Want your original music in front of a real crowd, real ears, and real Vegas energy? This is the place. Good luck; this is your shot. Step up, plug in, and make the night explode. This is your stage. Own it—and let your set crack the sky wide open!

Big Thanks to Beyer Entertainment and to the Palms Casino Resort for this Awesome Event!

Gary England

Second Runs Second Chances: How Rewrites Multiply The Reach For A Journalist Or A Writer And What They're Writing About

 Since stepping out of the ghostwriter shadows and finally signing my own name (2019),

I’ve been introduced to a little industry magic trick called the "rewrite."

A rewrite happens when another publisher likes your story enough to run it, but not exactly as you wrote it the original time. They may want you to switch up the language, trim or expand the piece, swap in a few new photos, or reshape it to fit their format.

The beauty of it? The writer gets paid again for the same original work, and the people who are written about—musicians, athletes, friends grinding in their lanes- get double or triple the exposure they would’ve gotten from the first run alone.

At the end of the day, rewrites aren’t just a publishing trick—they’re a reminder that nothing in life is locked in its first draft. Stories evolve, writers evolve, and people evolve. I’ve learned that giving a piece a second run can open doors, boost visibility, and breathe new life into something you thought was finished. Maybe that’s the real lesson here: every one of us has a rewrite in us. Tighten a few lines, cut what no longer fits, add what makes you stronger, and step back into the world with a cleaner, sharper version of yourself.

Gary England

Why Toxic Know Nothing Armchair Critics Attack Talented Musicians And Performers On Social Media

WARNING: RANT ALERT!

 Research Provided By: 

American Psychological Association / Professional Services & Consulting

I get tired of seeing know-nothing armchair critics post bad things about my very talented musician friends, and my friends who are in the show business world on social media platforms!

Here are my thoughts, and the thoughts from psychology professionals and doctors about this abnormal behavior.

Every musician who’s ever posted a killer clip, a glowing review, or a packed‑house photo knows the pattern: the better the performance, the louder the know‑nothing critics get. These aren’t industry pros, fellow musicians, or even informed fans. They’re armchair commentators who contribute nothing yet feel compelled to tear down people who are actually doing the work really well!

So why do they do it? The answer is a mix of psychology, insecurity, and the strange incentives of social media.

🎭 1. Excellence Exposes Insecurity

Great performers trigger something uncomfortable in people who’ve never taken a risk, never stepped on a stage, and never put their talent on display. When someone sees a musician thriving, it highlights their own lack of achievement. Instead of being inspired, they lash out.

Criticism becomes a shield — a way to pretend they’re above the thing they’re actually afraid to try.

📱 2. Social Media Rewards Negativity

Platforms amplify comments that spark reactions, and negativity spreads faster than praise. Armchair critics know this instinctively. A snarky jab or dismissive comment gets attention, replies, and engagement.

For someone who has no real voice or audience, stirring up conflict becomes their only way to feel relevant.

🪞 3. They Mistake Opinion for Expertise

The internet has blurred the line between having a thought and having knowledge. Many critics genuinely believe their uninformed opinion carries the same weight as years of training, rehearsal, and live performance experience.

They don’t understand the craft — but they’re convinced they do.

🎤 4. They Want the Power Without the Work

Performers earn their spotlight through sweat, discipline, and vulnerability. Critics want the feeling of authority without any of the responsibility. Commenting is easy. Creating is hard.

Tearing down someone else’s work gives them a temporary illusion of superiority.

🧩 5. They Don’t See the Human Being Behind the Art

Distance makes cruelty easier. When a musician is just a face on a screen, critics forget they’re talking to a real person with real effort behind every note. The lack of empathy fuels comments they would never say in person to their face!

⭐ The Truth: Their Comments Say Nothing About the Performer

Toxic know-nothing critics don’t reveal flaws in the artist — they reveal flaws in themselves. Great performers keep growing, keep playing, keep winning crowds. Armchair critics stay exactly where they are: on the sidelines, shouting into the void.

The best musicians know this: the louder the critics get, the more your work is reaching people. And nothing frustrates a toxic know-nothing commenter more than seeing an artist succeed anyway.

{My Take}

In the end, toxic know-nothing armchair critics aren’t a threat to real talent — they’re background noise. Great performers keep creating, keep improving, and keep winning over real fans, while the know‑nothings stay stuck in the comment section, shouting into the void. The smartest artists understand this simple truth: criticism from the unqualified is just proof that your work is reaching people who could never do what you do. Let them talk — you’ve got a stage to own!

Gary England

Why Some Local Musicians And Bands Get Noticed And Why Some Never Get Their Fair Share Of The Bright Lights Of Las Vegas

 Pretty much every day since moving to Las Vegas in May of 1999, when I first wake up, I check social media to see what's going on around Las Vegas in the music and entertainment industry. Then I proceed to my Associated Press and United Press International news feeds to see what is happening around the world that might concern Las Vegas. Then I write my blogs and ghost articles and send them off to press.

The media plays a significant role in determining who gets noticed and who doesn't around the world. So do many other factors. Las Vegas is overflowing with musical talent. Many musicians and bands seem to stay in the spotlight consistently, while other musicians and bands hardly ever get mentioned. I'm here today to explain why.

Yesterday I asked my Facebook friends the question: Who are some of the most gifted musicians in Las Vegas that have not received the accolades they deserve?   

In one day, 24 hours, the post received over 125 comments, and was seen on Facebook by over 2,800 people, mentioning musicians and bands who they believed deserved more of the spotlight that Vegas has to offer. All the names that were mentioned have incredible talent! So, why aren't they mentioned more when it comes to the local music scene? As a lifelong journalist, I'm here to shine some light on why I believe this is happening.

Las Vegas is a city teeming with musical talent, from polished tribute acts and lounge legends to gritty rockers and boundary-pushing originals. Yet, anyone watching the scene closely knows that not all talented musicians get the same spotlight. Some names seem to pop up in the media again and again, while others, despite immense skill, fly under the radar. So why does this happen?

One major factor is visibility and branding. Bands that maintain an active social media presence, regularly update their content, and engage with fans tend to draw more attention from bloggers, journalists, and promoters. Media outlets are more likely to cover artists who already have an audience or know how to market themselves.

Another big reason is relationships and connections. Musicians who take time to network, whether with venue managers, local influencers, or media professionals, often find themselves in the right place at the right time. These connections don’t guarantee talent, but they do open doors for interviews, reviews, and mentions.

Timing and trends also play a role. If a certain genre becomes hot, like country, funk, or ‘80s rock tributes, bands within that style are more likely to be featured. Others, even with equal or greater musicianship, may be overlooked simply because their sound doesn’t match the current wave.

Finally, some musicians treat their craft as a full-time pursuit, investing in press kits, hiring publicists, or staging high-quality shows. Others may play purely for passion and word-of-mouth, which can limit their exposure even if their music is top tier!

In the end, talent is essential, but in a city like Las Vegas, presentation, persistence, and promotion can make the difference between background noise and front-page news!

Ultimately, it's not just about who plays the best; it's about who gets seen, heard, and talked about. In Las Vegas, the spotlight isn't always fair, but those who learn how to chase it often find themselves right in the center of the bright lights of the Las Vegas music scene!

Comments welcomed!

GE - Gary England

Onward And Upward For The Las Vegas Local Music Scene !

 After attending the 4th Annual Las Vegas Drum Show this past weekend. 

And looking forward to the Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show coming up on May 30th through June 1st later this year. I've got to say that the Local Music Scene in Las Vegas is red hot!

Yes, Las Vegas definitely has a thriving local music scene!

But by Las Vegas Standards, there’s always room for growth. 

Just look how things have changed in Vegas over the last ten years or so.

What would it take to complete and enhance the Local Music Scene in Las Vegas?

Here are a few of my thoughts.

{My Take}

Vegas has plenty of small clubs and massive arenas, but there’s a lack of mid-sized venues (500-2,500 capacity) for growing bands to play before they reach the big leagues. More venues like Brooklyn Bowl or House of Blues would help bridge that gap.

While electronic and pop acts thrive due to the city's club scene, rock and metal bands don’t get as much attention. More dedicated rock venues and festivals could help balance the playing field in Vegas' Local Music scene!

Most live music in Vegas happens in bars or casinos, making it tough for younger musicians and fans. More all-ages or 18+ venues could encourage the next generation of local talent.

While there are many talented musicians, different genres and groups tend to stay in their own bubbles. More cross-genre events, jam nights, and collaborative efforts could strengthen the overall scene.

Unlike cities with strong indie radio stations, Vegas lacks a major platform that consistently supports local artists. A dedicated radio station or media outlet focused on local bands would help give them more exposure. I like to think that the blog that you're reading helps that cause! 

Vegas hosts major festivals like Life Is Beautiful and When We Were Young, but a homegrown festival focused on local talent could put the city’s musicians in the spotlight.

Major labels, booking agents, and management companies are mostly based in L.A. or New York. If Vegas developed more of its own music industry infrastructure—local record labels, management firms, and booking agencies—it could help local artists build careers without having to move away.

These are just a few of my thoughts (As a journalist) about how to complete and/or enhance the Local Music Scene in Las Vegas. 

What are your thoughts?

Comment Below.

GE

The Good The Bad And The Not So Ugly Sides Of Pay To Play In The Music Industry

 A few of my friends in the music business have asked me what I think about Pay to Play.

After a handful of conversations and some research. This is what I came up with.

Pay-to-play is a controversial topic in the music industry, especially in cities like Las Vegas, where competition for stage time is high. Here’s a breakdown of the good, the bad, and the not-so-ugly sides of pay-to-play:

Good Sides of Pay-to-Play

Exposure for Emerging Artists – Provides a chance for new or unsigned musicians to play at well-known venues, potentially gaining new fans and industry attention.

Opportunity to Perform on Big Stages – Some pay-to-play shows take place in venues where artists wouldn’t normally get a shot, allowing them to say they've played at a major club or festival.

Networking Potential – Can lead to connections with promoters, other bands, and industry professionals, which might open doors to better opportunities.

Control Over Performance – Since bands are essentially buying a slot, they sometimes have more control over their setlist, promotion, and guest list compared to being booked by a venue.

Potential for Profit – If ticket sales are handled well, bands can actually make money by selling more tickets than they’re required to buy upfront.

The Bad (And The Not So Ugly) Sides of Pay-to-Play

Financial Risk – Bands may have to front money for tickets they can't sell, leaving them out of pocket.

Devalues Artists – Instead of being paid for their talent, musicians are essentially paying to work, which can set a bad industry standard.

Not Always a Fair System – Watch Out! Some promoters take advantage of eager musicians, charging high fees for little to no real exposure.

Can Lead to Poor Crowds – Since some bands may struggle to sell their required tickets, shows can end up with weak attendance, leading to a disappointing gig.

Hurts Local Music Scenes – It can push out talented but financially struggling artists in favor of those who can afford to pay for stage time, leading to a scene built more on money than skill.

There are more sides and variables to "Pay to Play" in the music industry.

I'll be talking about them in my next blog post.

 

{My Take}

While pay-to-play can offer opportunities, it’s often a risky and exploitative model. Musicians should weigh the potential benefits against the downsides and consider alternatives like building a strong local following, networking with venue owners, or seeking fairer booking deals.

It's all about making money. Right?

But by whose expense?

(To Be Continued)

Comment Below.

GE

Battle Of The Bands Best Band Contests Hot Events In LV !

 Right now, "Battle Of The Bands" and "Best Band" contests are very popular in Las Vegas. 

Two that I'm currently involved with are "The Battle Of The Bands" at The Bonfire LV, and the upcoming "Best Rock Band In Las Vegas" contest at The Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show - RockGodz Hall Of Fame Awards Ceremony coming up May 30th thru June 1st at the Silverton Hotel Casino.

The Bonfire LV

Best Rock Band In Las Vegas - Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show

There are many benefits for both new and established bands in the industry to enter these contests.

Here are just a few of the many benefits that bands enjoy from taking part in these contests.

One of the main reasons is the Exposure. 

These events attract music fans, industry professionals, and other musicians, helping bands gain new listeners and potential networking opportunities.

Prizes, Awards & Opportunities – Many contests offer cash, studio recording time, new gear, or even performance slots at major festivals or venues. 

The contest at the Bonfire LV awards the monthly winning band a thousand dollars in cold hard cash. While the Best Rock Band In Las Vegas contest at the Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show is awarding the winning band a RockGodz Hall Of Fame Platinum Award Of Excellence. And will be the opening band for the RockGodz Hall Of Fame Awards Ceremony on May 31st.  Plus, National exposure across the US. 

Experience & Growth. 

Competing helps bands refine their stage presence, tighten their performances, and handle the pressure of live shows.

Building a Fanbase.

Local or online battles can introduce bands to new fans, especially if there's audience voting involved.

Industry Recognition.

Some competitions are judged by industry professionals, giving bands a chance to be noticed by record labels, producers, or booking agents.

Fun & Camaraderie. 

It's a chance to play live, connect with other musicians, and enjoy the competitive yet supportive atmosphere of the local scene.

Did you know that the Beatles and Karen & Richard Carpenter competed in many Battle Of The Bands contests before they were famous! 

Keep Rock'N !

GE