My Shout‑Out To The People Who Keep Local Las Vegas Alive!

 You know, every once in a while, it's nice to receive a "Thank You" for what you do :-)

When I rolled into Las Vegas back in 1999, I already had 31 years in the media biz as a ghost — writing in the shadows, grinding through deadlines, and living the kind of behind‑the‑scenes hustle only lifers understand. "Been there, done that", I thought!

Not long after I hit town, two of Vegas’ top photographers pulled me aside. These were the kings of the pit, the guys who owned every stage in the local music scene. They told me my work was really good… then warned me that might be the very thing that would burn me out. They said the politics, the jealousy, the haters, and the noise would eventually make me lose interest and walk away. Well — decades later, I’m still here, just barely.

And here’s the truth: I never even considered photography as my strong point. Writing is, was, and will always be who I am! Taking pics is just a side gig for me.

Las Vegas used to be packed with local media pros who covered the local music scene because they lived it. Journalists, writers, photographers, and podcasters who knew every dive bar stage, every late‑night jam, every band grinding through the neon haze. They weren’t tourists with press badges — they were locals who showed up because the music mattered, documenting the scene from the inside out.

Today, the roster’s thinned to a couple of magazines, a handful of writers still swinging, a few podcasts fighting the good fight, and a handful of talented photographers keeping the flame alive.

Being a local media member in this town isn’t easy! You deal with armchair experts who swear they know more about media than the people actually doing the work. You deal with people who talk behind your back. You deal with has-beens that never was. You deal with haters who get jealous because your name hits the spotlight and theirs doesn’t. And you deal with people who simply don’t appreciate your grind — the long nights, the hustle, the passion it takes to keep Vegas’ local music story alive.

But the ones still standing? They’re locals. They’re loyal. They love music, and they're proud to show it through their work!. And you know who you are. Good job. Thanks for keeping the music scene alive, and for keeping Las Vegas on the map. I appreciate you!

To all the amateur writers, journalists, photographers, and podcasters, O hell yes, thank you!  You’re the ones in the trenches, the ones hauling cameras into dark bars, scribbling notes under neon lights, hitting “record” in living rooms and garages because nobody else is telling the story. Your work is raw, real, and absolutely vital. You keep the pulse beating when the pros thin out. You keep the scene visible when the big outlets look the other way. And your work? It’s awesome too. Don’t let anyone — the armchair critics, the jealous shadows, the noise — tell you otherwise. Vegas stays on the map because you show up. And I appreciate every damn one of you!!

And lastly — to the two badass photographers who pulled me aside all those years ago, trying to warn me about what was coming… You nailed it. You hit it right on the head! Is it to late to say thank you?

Gary England

What Are Your Thoughts About Your Local Music Scene?

 I was asked to write a positive article about the "Local Las Vegas Music Scene." 

Remember, I said a positive article... So here goes...

The “Local Music Scene” isn’t some cute little club or a polite gathering of folks who happen to like guitars and music.

No — it’s the living, breathing undercurrent of a city’s soul. It’s the late‑night storytellers, the stage‑burners, the die‑hard fans, the bartenders who’ve heard every band’s first demo, the venues that keep the lights on for one more set, and the media misfits who amplify the whole circus. Not the mainstream media!

When we talk about the Local Music Scene, we’re talking about the ecosystem — the grid — the electric network of people who keep the music alive before it hits the big casinos, the big labels, or the big money. It’s the proving ground. The launchpad. The place where legends get their first scar.

Is it just a bunch of people who like music? Hell no. It’s a tribe. A culture. A shared obsession. It’s the folks who show up on a Tuesday night when the band’s still figuring out their sound. It’s the musicians who haul gear in 110‑degree Vegas heat because the gig matters. It’s the fans who know every lyric before the band records them.

It’s the writers, photographers, podcasters, and bloggers who show up daily. Those people who shine a spotlight on the ones still clawing their way up, not about the musicians and bands who have already made their way up to Rock-Stardom, they already receive plenty of press!

Being part of the Local Music Scene isn’t about a membership card — it’s about showing up. Supporting. Creating. Sharing. Caring enough to keep the amps warm and the stages busy. If you contribute to the pulse — in any way — you’re in the scene.

You think?

Leave your comments below.

Gary England

Double Exposure: How Amateur Writers Or Photographers Get Noticed In The Music Scene!

 Thinking Out Loud.

I define "Amateur" as someone who takes pictures or writes and doesn't get paid for their work.

After 58 years in the media grind — with 27 of those years spent right here in the Entertainment Capital of the World — I get hit up often with the same question from hungry newcomers trying to claw their way into the music side of the biz: How do you make your mark as a photographer or a writer in this scene? 

From the smoky bars to the neon‑lit stages, from backstage chaos to front‑row fire, I’ve watched generations of shooters and scribes rise, fall, and rise again. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned in all these decades of noise, sweat, and spotlight, it’s that breaking through isn’t magic — it’s momentum, attitude, and the guts to keep showing up until the scene can’t ignore your name anymore.

In the roaring chaos of the local music scene — where neon bleeds into guitar feedback, and every stage feels like it’s one spark away from catching fire — the amateur photographers and hungry music journalists are the unsung heroes grinding for their shot at discovery. You see them everywhere: crouched at the edge of the stage with a beat‑up camera or tucked in the corner of a bar scribbling notes while a band tears through a set like they’re trying to outrun gravity. These are the dreamers who show up night after night, shooting until their shutter finger aches, writing until the words blur, chasing the kind of moments that can crack open a career. And in a business that rewards the relentless, they know the truth — you don’t wait for permission, you don’t wait for the spotlight, you don’t wait for someone to tap you on the shoulder and tell you you’re ready. You carve out your style, you tag every band and venue, you publish fast, you shake hands with promoters, you document the scene like it’s your personal mission from the rock gods themselves. Because in this world, where everything moves fast and the breaks come without warning, the next flash — or your next words — could be the one that changes everything!

What's my best advice to the new kids (Photogs & Writers) on the block?

Just be yourself. But be different while doing it!

Gary England

The Rock‑Writer’s Survival Guide: High‑Voltage Promo Tactics For Bands Musicians & Events

 As a rock writer, I don’t just crank out stories about bands, musicians, and the wild circus of events they ignite — I track what happens after those pieces hit the stage. I watch who shares them, who ignores them, who weaponizes them, and who still doesn’t realize they’re holding free dynamite in their hands.

Because here’s the truth: every band, every guitarist, every drummer with a dream knows they should be using media to fuel their rise… but a whole lot of them still don’t have a clue how to squeeze the juice out of it.

So, here's my official built for bands, musicians, and event managers who want to squeeze every last drop of juice out of the media spotlight you’re getting. Here’s your Backstage Cheat Sheet — fast, simple, high‑voltage moves that turn media coverage into momentum!

 Every article, photo, shoutout, and video clip is free fuel. Your job is to burn it hot!

Hit the Ground Running

When a piece of media drops, don’t wait. Post it. Share it. Tag it. Momentum dies fast — you keep it alive.

Stretch the Spotlight

One post isn’t enough. Break the coverage into pieces:

• A quote today

• A photo tomorrow

• A clip next week You’re not promoting once — you’re promoting in waves.

Tag Like a Pro

Writers, photographers, venues, promoters — tag them all. Tagging expands your reach and builds relationships. Relationships get you booked.

Build a Promo Rhythm

Consistency beats chaos. A simple cadence keeps fans engaged and algorithms awake:

• Early week: Announcements

• Midweek: Behind‑the‑scenes

• Weekend: Live footage Repeat until famous.

Engage Loudly

Reply to comments. Thank people who share your stuff. Spotlight fans who post your merch or photos. Engagement is free — and it builds a tribe.

Use Media as Leverage

Send your coverage to:

• Booking agents

• Festival organizers

• Radio hosts

• Podcasters

• Sponsors Media proves you’re worth their time.

Make Your Links Easy

One link. One hub. Music, videos, merch, tour dates — all in one place. If fans have to hunt, they bail.

Promote Like a Business

Clean graphics. Consistent logo. Professional photos. Your brand should look as good as your band sounds.

Collaborate Loudly

Cross‑promote with other bands. Share each other’s posts. Play shows together. Collabs multiply your reach without multiplying your workload.

{My Take}

Simply Said: This spotlight I’m throwing your way is free — but what you do with it determines whether it becomes a spark or a wildfire! 

Media: Use it, or you may just lose it!

Gary England

How Musicians And Bands Can Use The Media To Their Advantage

 Bands and musicians can absolutely turn media into one of their biggest allies if they play it right. 

Here's a breakdown of how bands and musicians can use the media to their advantage.

Media loves a good narrative. It’s not just about the music—it’s about why you make it.

• Unique angle: Are you a firefighter by day, metalhead by night? Did your band form in a rehab center? That’s your hook.

• Visuals count: Think aesthetics—stage presence, social media branding, press photos.

Before traditional media picks up on you, create your own buzz.

• Consistency: Regular content (rehearsals, behind-the-scenes, gig teasers).

• Engagement: Respond to comments, show love to fans, build community.

• Virality: Post snippets that could go viral—funny moments, challenges, duets.

Have a killer EPK (Electronic Press Kit) ready to go:

• Bio (short + long versions)

• High-res photos

• Music samples

• Live performance footage

• Press quotes (if any)

Reach out to:

• Local newspapers

• Indie radio stations

• Bloggers (Me) & podcasters

• Local TV morning shows (they love a feel-good or artsy segment)

Form relationships with tastemakers:

• Tag journalists when you share articles they’ve written.

• Offer exclusive tracks/interviews.

• Invite local media to shows.

Regular, high-quality content makes media take you more seriously.

• Live session videos

• Music videos

• TikTok's or Reels with personality

• Vlogs from tours or studio days

Media loves “newsworthy” events:

• Album/EP releases

• Anniversary shows

• Charity gigs

• Tour launches

Send a press release ahead of time.

If you land an interview:

• Be memorable. Be yourself but sharpen your message.

• Prepare a few witty one-liners or strong quotes reporters will want to use.

• Stay humble but sell the band’s vision.

Even a blog with 500 followers can lead to something bigger.

• Share every bit of positive press.

• Thank the writer publicly.

• Add quotes to your press kit.

{My Take}

In today’s fast-moving music world, media exposure isn’t just a bonus—it’s a weapon. 

Whether you’re playing dive bars or festival stages, how you show up offstage matters just as much as how you sound onstage. 

The good news? You don’t have to wait around for big media to come knocking.

Create your own spotlight. Control your narrative. Connect with your audience. The more you treat the media like a strategic partner, the more power you give your band to grow and to get noticed. Climbing the music ladder of success ..

And remember to be good to writers and to bloggers like me!

GE

Those That Make The Las Vegas Local Music Scene One Of The Best In The World !

Have you ever thought of who makes up our (Las Vegas) local music scene? 

Not only the awesome musicians. 

But who helps make our Local Music Scene one of the Best in the world!

Of course, the Musicians & Performers

Local Bands & Solo Artists – The heart of the scene, ranging from cover bands to original acts spanning all genres.

Session Musicians – Instrumentalists who record or perform live with various artists.

Street Performers (Buskers) – Bringing music to public spaces and creating an organic connection with audiences. Check them out on the Fremont Street Experience and on the Las Vegas Strip.

Music Industry Professionals

Producers & Sound Engineers – Help musicians record, mix, and master their music.

Booking Agents – Connect artists with venues and coordinate performances.

Managers & Promoters – Help market and guide musicians’ careers.

Music Teachers & Instructors – Foster the next generation of musicians through lessons and mentorship.

Local Venues & Event Organizers

Bar & Club Owners – Provide spaces for live music performances.

Venue Staff (Sound Technicians, Stage Crew, Bartenders, etc.) – Help make live shows run smoothly.

Festival & Event Coordinators – Organize large-scale music events that bring the community together.

Media & Content Creators

Music Journalists & Bloggers – Cover local artists, events, and trends.

Photographers & Videographers – Capture live shows and promote musicians through visuals.

Radio DJs & Podcast Hosts – Showcase local talent on air. Social Media Influencers – Help promote artists and events to a broader audience.

Fans & Supporters

Dedicated Local Fans – Attend shows, buy merch, and spread the word.

Online Community Members – Engage with local music through forums, social media, and streaming.

Patrons & Sponsors – Financially support artists, venues, and events through funding or partnerships.

If you think about it. All the people and professionals that I've mentioned together make our local Las Vegas Music Scene one of the best in the world!

Thank You All ..

GE

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