Scott, I got all the answers brother...you ready? I'm serious...I'm not just saying this.
The problem is, the music you play. It's great music...but it's musicians music. It's music to party to and enjoy. The kids don't really get into that. They want music they can jump around to. Do you guys jump around? Most "real musicians" don't jump around because they are thinking and concentrating too hard on what they are playing. The key there...know your stuff so good, you no longer think about what you're playing. This allows you to put on a show and jump around.
Ok, so we have cover bands around here that make $6000 per show. The age of the guys are 50's. Yep, you heard it. 2 guys...they go by Secret Service.
http://secretserviceonline.com/ One of the biggest most successful bands around here. Booked solid...nothing much to look at if you're a younger bar hopper. However, their music and fun draws you in. Keep in mind bro...these dudes use sequencers! Two guys....6k plus per night...all the NJ hot spots...down the shores....Atlantic City, Sea Isle City, Wildwood, Ocean City, Cape May....casinos....these are the best places to play. You can't even get into Ocean Drive unless you promise large numbers. Why do they do so well? The material and presentation.
Original bands are a tough sell. The original band concert goers are few and far between. What are you doing that would make the younger generation want to see you? See this is the key. It's not about looking hip...it's about delivering something that they cannot deny. The older folks usually don't even feel like going out because they are working super hard in this economy. They also aren't living under their parents roof so they may be working 2-3 jobs. The younger generation is in school, maybe have a part time job, maybe one full time, maybe no job...living with parents. That's not saying all the younger people are like that....I'm saying, it's what I've seen. While they party on a Wednesday night at a place, it's rare you'll see anyone in their 40's on up in that place.
Drinks are way too high...you can't smoke and people are upset about this....too easy to get a DUI....older people are smarter and want nothing to do with this where most of the younger generation has no fear. So you have a lot against you. The younger bands are in college....it's easy to bring loads of friends and get that happening. The older bands have to keep on promoting. You have to have something that gets them in and keeps them there.
This is why the punkier stuff does so well. The younger generation can be all crazy and you can be crazy with them. Your music is very serious. Sometimes too serious is the problem. Look at The Darkness. They have so much fun....people just flock to them. Look at Steel Panther. Old 80's guys that are vulgar as heck, but they sure can play! They are gaining quite a following having fun while people laugh at them. Though they are a bit too vulgar for me, I had a blast at their show and really enjoyed their musicianship as well as the fake, comedy they portray. They are landing young kids, middle aged, older people with a sense of humor....you need to get that special something that makes you acceptable to everyone.
What that is...you and the band will need to search for. It's not talent...you guys got that part and then some. It's not your looks as looks are not as important as they used to be. Don't get me wrong...if you create a look that makes people go "wtf" it's always something to consider. Image is important, but it's not what totally sells a band today, which is my point. I've seen some hurting looking people really draw a crowd. They had that extra something that drew the people...and that's what you need brother. Classic rock type bands that just take the stage and play lude or acid trip music (not saying that's you, just in general) TODAY are not going to get the numbers a band like Escape the Fate will. Look at them sometime. They sound kinda 80's..look kinda 80's...dress sort of like Motley Crue...singer isn't a great singer...sort of unique voice...but the kids absolutely love these guys. They have this energy that just bursts "come to the front of the stage, we dare you."
So if I were you, I'd take a look at the band...the image and the songs and say "ok, this is what we have...these are the results we've been getting...let's look at what others are doing and maybe we can see how to implement a few things into US." What would make your show better? What direction would you like to go song wise? If you are totally happy with what you do...you need a show and a delivery that makes these songs come to life. You have to make people WANT to come to that stage. Maybe Ali needs to be sexier...not that she isn't already....I'm just saying...the hotter a chick singer is, the more it might help. You don't need to sell sex...but eye candy is a part of the entertainment business. How you guys all move on stage....the actrual show. Let their be a beginning, a middle, a climax and an end. Make them want to stay at the front for the whole show. Add in elements that make a signed super band just that... a signed super band. Don't be afraid to go against the grain and don't play it too conservative. Again I say...it's the entertainment business. That goes beyond "just playing instruments and having good songs." How you present the stuff is equally important.
So give this some thought bro. It can definitely make a world of difference. Good luck!
-Danny