RAGINPIT MAGAZINE

From band manager to promoter, Amy Strong has developed a positive reputation for herself in the Central Valley of California. We call the area the 209. One of the better promoters in the area, according to a lot of bands, she has refined the art of putting together a successful show. With the community as a whole in mind, Amy is constantly looking for ways to bring better entertainment value to the area whether it be an all ages metal show so the kids have something to do or bringing a classic burlesque show for a taste of something different. Sometimes modest, but definitely known for her promoting style and integrity, she has gained the respect of her peers and has been able to make many contributions to the 209 area.

According to Matt of Tenth Key (Dos Palos, CA), "I think when dealing with experience, there are more bands willing to deal with her and I think she is more concerned about the well being of the bands and what she can do for the bands."

I had the pleasure of interviewing Amy to get her perspective on the 209, promoting, and bands amongst other things. I am pleased to present to you, Amy Strong of Strong Entertainment - Raginpit Magazine's next featured Raginbitch.

Having left the underground for a few years, then returning, how would you compare the state of the scene in the 209 area now to then?

Amy: When I left the 209 a few years back, I, among other people in the "scene," were trying desperately to keep things alive and make it better and create opportunity for our local bands to gain exposure in our area. I was starting to bring our bands out of the area as well to obtain a reputation for the 209. We have great venues and a number of great bands here. It was a time that could have made our area great.

Now that I am back, there have been many changes in venues, promoters, bands, generations, and the way promoting works. There are definitely a lot more people, bands, and promoters booking shows and it's a great thing to see. I am proud that a lot of members of the music community have stepped up to make it a more profitable "scene."

The caliber of your shows seems to outshine other shows thrown in the area. What are your thoughts on what makes an entertaining and successful show?

Amy: I wouldn't say that my shows outshine any others. I have seen many other promoters have great shows in this area since I have been back. There are many different events and promoters in the area now, which I am grateful. There is more room for local influence. I believe that bringing "new blood" to the stage is definitely a great angle to take in promoting great shows for the future. I love bringing bands from other areas to our venues. For example, Left of Christ from San Jose, I had them on two of my recent shows and they had a GREAT response! I have gotten many requests to have them back! To book a great show is to choose carefully and book bands or entertainment that will flow well and create the energy you are looking for.

Jeremy Epp of The Venting Machine (Oakland, CA) shares his thoughts on Amy's shows.

Well first off she works hard and she knows how to put a good bill together. She is smart in knowing how to select the right bands for each show, as well as even the line up. It draws more people to the venue and keeps them there the entire show. Plus she never over plays a band or a venue, which is good for everyone. It keeps the integrity of the bands on a constant high. She's a persistent promoter, and a very laid back person.

Do you run your shows differently from other promoters? How so?

Amy: I have no idea, I do the best I can and don't have too much time to pay much attention to others methods. I hear things, but you know where that gets you, believing what you hear...

Yes, she runs her shows differently from other promoters. Her shows are always on time. She does not fuck around like other promoters and let the bands start calling the shots.

Jimbo - Thr3efold (Central Valley, CA)

What is your work ethic like? What successes have you achieved because of your work ethic?

Amy: I haven't achieved much success doing this, I can't pay my rent doing it that's for fuckin' sure... I still work 90 hours a paycheck. I enjoy doing it and I think I do ok.

It seems your methods of promoting are old school being that there is so much technology available today. Do you prefer hitting the streets and promoting face to face or using the technology available to promote? What do you feel is more effective and why?

Amy: I believe that both methods are critically useful. Using the internet is definitely an excellent tool - Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, ReverbNation, RPM, are examples of places to spread the word, but I couldn't stress enough to bands to go out and HAND OUT FLIERS!!! Fans LOVE to meet people in bands and they LOVE to be invited to a show by one of the people in the bands. If you do this, then they will be excited to come see the guy in that one band that took the time to speak to them and invite them. Trust me, they will bring their friends as well. Posting fliers everywhere is also the best way to go. You want the names on the fliers to become household names. Promote it like it's Pepsi Cola!

How important do you think it is for bands in the same area to work together? Do you think this aids or hinders a band's success? Do bands working together (or not) help or hinder the promotional process?

Amy: Bands are doing okay. They seem to help each other out a lot more than they used to. There are a lot of kids in bands these days as opposed to when I started booking. We have to help them learn and they seem to be doing just fine. All I can say is get out there and make fliers and hand them out to every car with a sticker and every kid that looks like they like metal and keep posting everywhere on the net!

What is the most exciting event you've ever hosted?

Amy: The most exciting event was definitely the last peepshow/burlesque gig. I love it - it's new, exciting, relaxing and with hot chicks. What more can you ask for?!

When asked about the most exciting event Amy has hosted, Matt of Tenth Key (Dos Palos, CA) said:

It was our first show back after my surgery and I think it was the first show that we ever did for her, which was a Saturday at the Fat Cat. I'm going to say it was November 28th and that was probably the most exciting show for me because I have never played the Fat Cat and had that many people there.

It can be difficult to earn the type of respect you have from your peers, especially for not being in a band. What kind of advice would you give to someone wanting to make their mark in the industry?

Amy: Don't lie, talk shit, or promise the same show to everyone. Try not to step on others toes, don't undercut anyone, be respectful, and do what you love.

What are your thoughts on the future of the underground?

Amy: I hope we grow and stay successful.

Final thoughts from Jimbo - Thr3efold (Central Valley, CA)

This (scene) needs all the help it can get. Most bands don't want to do any real leg work or make the phone calls. Amy busts her ass for what she believes in. I am one of the rare few who have seen this first hand. If you are working with her, you are getting quality. I believe in her.