Play'r Productions
Mick Malone
Issue date: 5/31/09 Section: Entertainment
Pittsburgh-based Donald Byron, aka Play'r Productions, has been working hard to bring your favorite bands to town and break out the ones already here.
Play'r Productions is establishing a strong scene throughout Western Pennsylvania, booking shows featuring nationally touring acts such as All Time Low, As Tall as Lions, The Scene Aesthetic, He Is Legend, Hit The Lights, Gym Class Heroes, The Receiving End of Sirens, My American Heart, Foxy Shazam, The Devil Wears Prada, Portugal, The Man and many more.
In addition to bringing in large bands that fans flock to see, Play'r Productions focuses on helping out fledgling local bands out by adding them to shows with larger bands and regularly booking all local-band showcases.
"I'd rather have a show with all local bands go really well any day over having a show with signed, national bands go really well," Byron told The Voice. "We started Play'r to help good local bands get attention and make a name for themselves, and that's still my goal."
Many local bands have benefited from Play'r Productions help, including Punchline, a Pittsburgh-based Pop-punk band who enjoyed a stint on indie powerhouse Fueled By Ramen Records and continues to tour the country today.
"The first show that I ever booked was for Punchline back in 2000," said Byron. "I read an article in a local newspaper about them, so I checked them out and went to a show they were playing. We became friends really quickly, so I decided to help them out by planning a free show near our area."
Byron rented out a local basketball court for three hours for the show, dropping a $120 deposit and passing out flyers at local high schools. The show was considered a success, and the band, used to playing to crowds that topped out in the single digits, gained a horde of new fans.
Play'r Productions officially began three years later and continues to be an integral part in the Pittsburgh music scene, though that's not to say it has become an easy feat to pull off.
"At this point, the main challenges of doing shows are financial," Byron explained. "Almost every show has a cost of $1000-$4000 associated with it, so it's a huge gamble every time. I don't do Play'r to make money, but I sure don't want to lose money either."
Byron cautioned of the challenges that lie ahead for those who want to book a show for themselves.
"Booking shows can be very frustrating, especially when starting out," said Byron. "There are going to be shows where thirteen people come and you lose a couple hundred dollars renting a building and a P.A. and things like that."
But he also said determination and good planning will increase chances of success.
"Put some money aside to get through the rough patches, and if you're serious about it, stick with it," said Byron.
"You're going to have your ups and downs from the get go, but if you can survive the initial learning curve and frustration, you'll most likely be okay."
Play'r Productions is establishing a strong scene throughout Western Pennsylvania, booking shows featuring nationally touring acts such as All Time Low, As Tall as Lions, The Scene Aesthetic, He Is Legend, Hit The Lights, Gym Class Heroes, The Receiving End of Sirens, My American Heart, Foxy Shazam, The Devil Wears Prada, Portugal, The Man and many more.
In addition to bringing in large bands that fans flock to see, Play'r Productions focuses on helping out fledgling local bands out by adding them to shows with larger bands and regularly booking all local-band showcases.
"I'd rather have a show with all local bands go really well any day over having a show with signed, national bands go really well," Byron told The Voice. "We started Play'r to help good local bands get attention and make a name for themselves, and that's still my goal."
Many local bands have benefited from Play'r Productions help, including Punchline, a Pittsburgh-based Pop-punk band who enjoyed a stint on indie powerhouse Fueled By Ramen Records and continues to tour the country today.
"The first show that I ever booked was for Punchline back in 2000," said Byron. "I read an article in a local newspaper about them, so I checked them out and went to a show they were playing. We became friends really quickly, so I decided to help them out by planning a free show near our area."
Byron rented out a local basketball court for three hours for the show, dropping a $120 deposit and passing out flyers at local high schools. The show was considered a success, and the band, used to playing to crowds that topped out in the single digits, gained a horde of new fans.
Play'r Productions officially began three years later and continues to be an integral part in the Pittsburgh music scene, though that's not to say it has become an easy feat to pull off.
"At this point, the main challenges of doing shows are financial," Byron explained. "Almost every show has a cost of $1000-$4000 associated with it, so it's a huge gamble every time. I don't do Play'r to make money, but I sure don't want to lose money either."
Byron cautioned of the challenges that lie ahead for those who want to book a show for themselves.
"Booking shows can be very frustrating, especially when starting out," said Byron. "There are going to be shows where thirteen people come and you lose a couple hundred dollars renting a building and a P.A. and things like that."
But he also said determination and good planning will increase chances of success.
"Put some money aside to get through the rough patches, and if you're serious about it, stick with it," said Byron.
"You're going to have your ups and downs from the get go, but if you can survive the initial learning curve and frustration, you'll most likely be okay."