Forgive me if you’re one of the few Houstonians who actually bothers to go out on at least a semi-regular basis to see local bands play, but this past Thursday night proved to me once again that the majority of people in this city are much too apathetic when it comes to supporting local musicians.

Two of the best bands this town has to offer (and I am not solely basing that on my opinion) played together at a small club yet it was barely packed. This time, there’s no blaming sporting events, the weather or humidity, or anything really. There is no excuse why the bar wasn’t swamped with people — these are established bands with good followings and great reputations. It’s pathetic, really. I feel like I’m beating a dead horse, but Houston musicians deserve our support.

To hear a musician talk about how he or she can’t pay the bills or is continually broke or or going to have to eat ramen, Taco Bell, or [insert your least favorite fast food here] is a shame. Especially when those same musicians have released incredible albums that deserve to be heard outside the relative comforts of Houston. It’s sad.

And sure, the same musicians could go out and get what some might call “real jobs,” but to ask someone to sacrifice their dreams and goals simply to conform to an ideal is absurd, in my opinion. Also absurd is the fact that almost any decent band in Houston can drive a couple of hours in practically any direction and play to packed clubs and — get this! — even hear their songs on local radio. I know, it’s a novel concept… But an hour or two a week on public radio or the local “alternative” station in Houston just doesn’t count anymore. Good local music is out there and Houston needs to support it, nurture it, and earn the national attention that Austin and Dallas get. A ZZ Top here and a Blue October or The Hunger there won’t make it happen. There is simply no reason that these cities hog the spotlight when Houston has great bands as well — it’s very telling that bands have to leave Houston to make any sort of progress, career-wise.

Of course, I am not referring to the hip-hop scene — it does fine on its own.

Houston is about money — always has been, always will be (since I doubt there will be any sort of oil bust anytiime soon, judging from my gas bills). Maybe people here are too focused on raking in the dough, worrying about the trendy club du jour, or their clothes or hair. Maybe there’s simply too many choices? Who knows?

The reason Houston Calling exists is to help spread the word about local bands. Sometimes it just seems pointless — which is what I can only assume local bands think when they’re playing a cheap gig at a hometown bar and it’s not packed.

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