supply and demand

does supply fuel demand? or does demand just always find its supply?

i used to like open mic night for its subtlety. singer songwriters testing new material, gaining experience for their own shows, amateur performers simply covering their favourite artists songs and the occasional jam session between a few (sometimes skilled) musicians.

it seemed people were happy with this format. a new performer would generally get peoples attention and then as they became a regular feature people became familiar with their songs and simply relaxed with friends and enjoyed a conversation, the music being a background accompaniment.

over the last few weeks though the tone of the nights has shifted. many of the artists at last nights gathering were what i describe as glory hunters. they are not interested in testing new material but in playing crowd pleasers, the same songs every week played in exactly the same tried and tested way. bands are taking to the stage and playing fully electric covers complete with guitar solos - it is no longer possible to have a conversation with the people sat around you - my ears were actually ringing when we left.

and it seem that people are happy to spend their evening listening to this type of performance. perhaps because taunton doesnt really have a live music scene so this is the only time when people are exposed to this type of music.

have these acts been increasing at the events because the audience are crying out for a more rounded, fuller sounding, attention grabbing act, or is it that the acts are forcing themselves upon the public who feel they have no say in the matter so are simply accepting the change?