Keeping up the buzz

Taking chances at the Green Room

by Bob Gulla

Bill Keough

Short in stature but big in heart, few people have been as loyal to the Providence music scene over the years as Bill Keough. Beginning in the early '80s as the bass player with his band Noisy Little Indians, then as guitar front man in Creamy before turning his sites to the booking scene, Keough has invested his time and energy in making Providence a better musical place. These days, he spends his days booking the Green Room, that splendid little reborn room annexed to Snookers. The 21-plus hall holds a happy 150 or so and is open till 2 a.m. on the weekends. The sound system there is quality, with JBL Eons and like monitors. The best part about the place, besides the great music? Ain't no cover charge.

The following is the fourth in a series profiling the booking and talent agents of Providence's premier venues. Clip and save!

Q: You have a pretty extensive career in Providence music.
A: Yeah. I was the agent for Baby Head. It was a great time to be an agent. I was the first to introduce groups like the Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, and Helmet to the area. There was so much good music happening around that time. At Baby Head, if I heard something and I liked it, I booked it. Even today here at the Green Room, if a band is unique, I go for it.
Q: How has the Providence scene changed since then?

A: Back then, the city was much more conducive to new things. As a promoter I would help a band and the club build a following working through major talent agencies. I am doing that here at the Green Room, but now it is a completely grass roots operation. I book bands locally and from Boston, New York City, and beyond with the occasional national act. I like matching up good bands from Boston and other markets with any one of the great Providence bands that play here. If the bands make a connection, they end up trading off gigs with each other and playing in new markets. Ty Jesso from the Itchies has always remained faithful to that type of philosophy and does a good job of pulling on my ear here. It is extremely important to remain open to this advice to keep things fresh and one step ahead.

This is the perfect place for that kind of thinking, because here there is no cover to get in so people will take chances on new bands. We have a pretty regular following that turns out here. The room is very intimate, so when we have 75 to 100 people, the energy is really positive and exciting. A perfect example of this is the Pills from Boston. They do this '60s British Invasion pop sort of stuff, great harmonies, really tight. People who have never seen them show up and are blow away.

Q: So what is your view on the music scene?
A: Providence is going through a rebirth of good rock 'n' roll bands. Before, every band was just jumping on the ska, alt-metal or rockabilly/ swing thing. Now a completely new slew of bands that are doing their own thing are coming out. The crowds are really enjoying these new sounds, groups like Betty Finn, who remind me of early Throwing Muses, Tokyo Texas, the Sinners Club, the Fantastics, the Fabulous Itchies, Meat Depressed and the Lashes. Our stage is meant to encourage freedom to try new ideas and to invite their friends' bands from other cities to back them on a bill. The local bands that get out of town are the ones seeing all the cool new stuff. They know what is happening and they have good taste in music. I encourage them to invite their favorite bands here.

Q: How do bands get paid?
A: Bands get paid a percentage of the gross. Obviously, bands that are new can still play here, and work on building a following. If a band is pretty well-established, they do all right by the club. The bands have to put forth an effort to promote their shows. I try to do the best job I can. Not only do we advertise, but I get on the phone and make calls to my friends and get the word out any way I can. Bands try to do so as well.

Q: What other acts are you bringing in?
A: I am getting major label acts here as well now. I am dealing with the most prominent indie labels -- Monolith and a bunch of others. They support the events with posters and stuff. It helps build a good mix of local, regional and national acts here.

Q: What makes a good band?
A: It differs to the situation. I have always believed in proper attitude. There is no one way to present a show. It's like falling in love.

Q: Can you describe why?
A: No. Good bands are good bands. Trends don't matter.

Q: What is the scene in Providence?
A: I didn't feel that there had been a "scene" for years. There were a couple of little cliques. Thank God for AS220, Fort Thunder and the Safari Lounge for keeping the new music going. Those places have always been there for bands. Now it seems to be solidifying again.

Q: What's the hardest part of your job?
A: The hardest part of my job is trying to keep up the buzz. In my ads I am trying to make things jump out at you. I try to create excitement. We have a Web site at www.snookersgreenroom.com that helps, too.

Q: Where does the Green Room fit in among the different types of venues in Providence?
A: I see people here supporting all kinds of music and styles. There is a general interest in this room. There's an eclectic mix of faces and ages here -- ska people, college kids, people in their 30s who want to come to a decent place. We get such a cross of people and interests and everyone gets along. The ambience and atmosphere here is good. I grew up listening to Mission of Burma, the Buzzcocks, and the Clash and that was an exciting time. I think we're going back to that. People demand to see good bands. Providence is an art-oriented city. They're hungry, open and willing. They are positive in relating to new ideas and new groups. I have been booking this club for almost a year and the change has been terrific. I love it here. If I didn't book the place, I'd still hang out here.

WANDERING EYE. Room 18 has just released their debut self-titled album and will have a party to celebrate its release. Sponsored by Rick's Music World and taking place at the Century Lounge on Saturday the 17th, there will be giveaways and lots o' fun to be had. Also playing that night will be Wedgie and Squirrel Cage. For more information, visit Room 18 on the Web at members. aol.com/room8teen/Room18.html.

And speaking of fun, that same night Fat Buddah will be visiting the Green Room to perform songs from its own upcoming disc Tokyo Gets the Pill. Show starts at 10:30, the set's at 11 and, of course, if you've read the above piece, you know there's no such thing as a cover charge at the Room. You gotta be 21 though.

Cool things are happening for Dave Silva over at the new WishingTree label, based in Warren. First, they've secured the grail of all independent grails -- national distribution. Because of that, they have three releases ready to fire off this fall, including a muy impressive benefit compilation that will have exclusive, unreleased tracks from: Aden, Idaho, the Lilac Time, Spoon Purple Ivy Shadows, the Aluminum Group, the LadyBug Transistor, Departure Lounge, and Sparklehorse! Sounds good to us. Check out all the other important happenings for the label at wishingtreerecords.com.

Bob Gulla can be reached at b_gulla@yahoo.com.