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AC was cool!
8 years ago
To be honest it was more work than fun for me but it was good seeing all my friends like 
thunper 
toraie 
foxamoore 
peppercoyote 
cosmik 
rhubarbthebear and others I haven't seen in years and being able to perform there again...it was work for me because I haven't had a chance to sit down behind my drums and learn the show material fully I only had days to listen to it. HOWEVER the debut Dreamcatcher show with Fox Amoore went flawlessly, even though I rushed the fuck out of some of the songs (due to being on stress and a can of monster energy) it went better than I expected for the fact we didn't rehearse.
However...as a performer I do have some complaints...it seems AC seems to be out of touch with musicians who do music professionally.
I say this because there was nothing set in stone as far as details are concerned, for example there was nowhere to rehearse for either of the 2 shows I performed in and there were no agreed time for soundcheck prior to the con or performance. It was all kinda like "We'll find out once we get there". It was very last minute.
For those who know me I HATE THAT SHIT...I'm all for going with the flow but let there be some kind of PLAN estimating the schedule. I mean ITS ANTHROCON! A con this size shouldn't be this disorganized.
Which brings up another point, I performed in 2 shows...FOR FREE...Yes backline was provided but I'm sure if I didn't bring up "I need backline" I'm sure I would be expected to bring my own kit from Maryland to Pittsburgh which is a NO NO for me (even if I had my own car)...unless y'know I'm getting paid. But in this case I'm technically paying to play at Anthrocon.
Do I expect AC to pay me? It would be nice but Nah because I know they stand for helping a lot of people.....but I know AC is the largest furcon in the US so I know they have the budget meeting performers halfway at least.
For those who don't understand, I am a freelance musician also known as a hired gun. Like artists here on FA,DA,Pixiv,etc. I get commissioned by artists and or music directors to perform or record music at a agreed fee, If I can't get money out of it, there has to be some kind of even trade for my services.
GRANTED yes I'm sure furs would love to perform at Anthrocon, which is understandable it's the biggest fur con in the US and the exposure would be great. HOWEVER for me I am a MUSICIAN FIRST, a WORKING MUSICIAN at that and also you can die from exposure. If I were a hobbyist I would LOVE the opportunity but I am beyond that at this point. You're probably wondering "Why don't you record your own music?" or "Why don't you form a band?"
1. I can compose but Freelance work is how I get paid.
2. I don't play in bands (unless they hire me) nor do I have the time to play free gigs again, I've paid my dues.
3. You can hear my recordings in my Gallery.
ANYWAYS during reg I did ask if there was some kind of comp deal since I'm playing 2 shows, of course the answer was no but I just wanted to make sure since I already paid for my hotel and prepared for this show I was just making sure if the heads of AC would be kind enough to make some kind of exception.
NOW don't get it twisted I LOVE performing at AC but there should be some even trade at least.
ALSO it was a pain to get in and out of the performance spaces...I don't have nowhere the recognition of foxamoore or peppercoyote but there should be a "Performer" banner on performer's badges to let doorsai know that they can access the mainstage or blocked out areas at any time. You know...a All access pass...
Also the payment method for the Artists alley was HORRIBLE this year...I've never seen a line that long EVER...It took me a hour to pay for the stuff I got...My suggestion is for AC to invest in some iPad POS systems like the Apple store or Nordstrom rack has where you can pay for things right on the spot if you have a debit card.
Suggestions-
Now in a perfect world it would be awesome for a con to help give discounted rooms or pay for rooms for staff or performers while everyone still pays for reg at regular price, and then also there should be auditions for furs who want to perform, maybe hold video auditions for the next Anthrocon after a Anthrocon is completed for a certain amount of time
For example AC2017 ended July 3rd the following month Video submissions,demos and electronic press kits can be submitted and the window will close in December 2017 or January 2018.
Then have 3 headlining acts like foxamoore peppercoyote 
hali for the con
TL;DR
-Went to AC saw bunch of friends like Thunper toraie foxamoore peppercoyote cosmik rhubarbthebear
-Show went Flawless for the fact of having NO rehearsals
-Complaints about AC: Out of touch with Professional Musicians, No communication on details,UNACCEPTABLE FOR THE LARGEST CON IN THE USA.
-I'm not always about money but meet me half way/ Comp reg or help with hotel at least since I'm performing
-I'm a Musician first...Fur second...I do music for a living exposure doesn't mean anything.
-Suggestions: Open up video submissions,demos,EPKs from August 2017-January 2018
thunper 
toraie 
foxamoore 
peppercoyote 
cosmik 
rhubarbthebear and others I haven't seen in years and being able to perform there again...it was work for me because I haven't had a chance to sit down behind my drums and learn the show material fully I only had days to listen to it. HOWEVER the debut Dreamcatcher show with Fox Amoore went flawlessly, even though I rushed the fuck out of some of the songs (due to being on stress and a can of monster energy) it went better than I expected for the fact we didn't rehearse.However...as a performer I do have some complaints...it seems AC seems to be out of touch with musicians who do music professionally.
I say this because there was nothing set in stone as far as details are concerned, for example there was nowhere to rehearse for either of the 2 shows I performed in and there were no agreed time for soundcheck prior to the con or performance. It was all kinda like "We'll find out once we get there". It was very last minute.
For those who know me I HATE THAT SHIT...I'm all for going with the flow but let there be some kind of PLAN estimating the schedule. I mean ITS ANTHROCON! A con this size shouldn't be this disorganized.
Which brings up another point, I performed in 2 shows...FOR FREE...Yes backline was provided but I'm sure if I didn't bring up "I need backline" I'm sure I would be expected to bring my own kit from Maryland to Pittsburgh which is a NO NO for me (even if I had my own car)...unless y'know I'm getting paid. But in this case I'm technically paying to play at Anthrocon.
Do I expect AC to pay me? It would be nice but Nah because I know they stand for helping a lot of people.....but I know AC is the largest furcon in the US so I know they have the budget meeting performers halfway at least.
For those who don't understand, I am a freelance musician also known as a hired gun. Like artists here on FA,DA,Pixiv,etc. I get commissioned by artists and or music directors to perform or record music at a agreed fee, If I can't get money out of it, there has to be some kind of even trade for my services.
GRANTED yes I'm sure furs would love to perform at Anthrocon, which is understandable it's the biggest fur con in the US and the exposure would be great. HOWEVER for me I am a MUSICIAN FIRST, a WORKING MUSICIAN at that and also you can die from exposure. If I were a hobbyist I would LOVE the opportunity but I am beyond that at this point. You're probably wondering "Why don't you record your own music?" or "Why don't you form a band?"
1. I can compose but Freelance work is how I get paid.
2. I don't play in bands (unless they hire me) nor do I have the time to play free gigs again, I've paid my dues.
3. You can hear my recordings in my Gallery.
ANYWAYS during reg I did ask if there was some kind of comp deal since I'm playing 2 shows, of course the answer was no but I just wanted to make sure since I already paid for my hotel and prepared for this show I was just making sure if the heads of AC would be kind enough to make some kind of exception.
NOW don't get it twisted I LOVE performing at AC but there should be some even trade at least.
ALSO it was a pain to get in and out of the performance spaces...I don't have nowhere the recognition of
foxamoore or peppercoyote but there should be a "Performer" banner on performer's badges to let doorsai know that they can access the mainstage or blocked out areas at any time. You know...a All access pass...Also the payment method for the Artists alley was HORRIBLE this year...I've never seen a line that long EVER...It took me a hour to pay for the stuff I got...My suggestion is for AC to invest in some iPad POS systems like the Apple store or Nordstrom rack has where you can pay for things right on the spot if you have a debit card.
Suggestions-
Now in a perfect world it would be awesome for a con to help give discounted rooms or pay for rooms for staff or performers while everyone still pays for reg at regular price, and then also there should be auditions for furs who want to perform, maybe hold video auditions for the next Anthrocon after a Anthrocon is completed for a certain amount of time
For example AC2017 ended July 3rd the following month Video submissions,demos and electronic press kits can be submitted and the window will close in December 2017 or January 2018.
Then have 3 headlining acts like
foxamoore peppercoyote 
hali for the con TL;DR
-Went to AC saw bunch of friends like
Thunper toraie foxamoore peppercoyote cosmik rhubarbthebear -Show went Flawless for the fact of having NO rehearsals
-Complaints about AC: Out of touch with Professional Musicians, No communication on details,UNACCEPTABLE FOR THE LARGEST CON IN THE USA.
-I'm not always about money but meet me half way/ Comp reg or help with hotel at least since I'm performing
-I'm a Musician first...Fur second...I do music for a living exposure doesn't mean anything.
-Suggestions: Open up video submissions,demos,EPKs from August 2017-January 2018
Sorry to hear they didn't at the very least comp your badge :(
And from what I learned they don't comp anything...which is kind of a shame for a con that size but then again I know renting out the convention center isn't cheap either.
i'm 100% with you, that should be completely weird. in fact i might send a complaint...
it always was a bit of a goal to play or be involved with performance at anthrocon, but...not if they're not gonna treat their performers the way as is expected... >:/
my friend works smaller con circuits and some brony circuits and she got at LEAST comp'd. total bullshit for the largest furry con in the united states.
sorry if i'm getting angrier than you! i've just been dealing with a lot of these types lately and to hear that more serious events are no better is quite aggravating!
i'm glad you had fun otherwise. those drums sounded great from what i could hear.
Don't get me wrong I kinda came to the conclusion of "I didn't mention comp'd badges until I got to the con but if they can't comp my badge this might be the last AC I'll attend for a while"
Then I talked to Ashe and told him my concerns and he said he'll take care of everything next year. So if my schedule allows it I'll be going to AC again.