The Progressive Band
 

What exactly is a progressive band? Is it simply a band that writes and plays music that is complicated in terms of composition or does it go deeper than that?

In this short piece of writing I'm going to outline our philosophy on what a progressive band is.

We think that what constitutes a progressive band is one that is forward thinking in it's approach to all aspects of music, be it composition, promotion, marketing, distribution, instrumental technique, general lifestyle choices, etc. It is more a way of approaching life and therefore the entirety of the lifestyle of the modern progressive musician should be geared toward innovation.

Prog music became a fixed style in itself which was progressive at the time that it came about (late 1960's) but didn't really progress much after the style was created. We don't think that the progressive band should be tied down to a specific style of music. What determines whether or not they are progressive has more to do with the way that the band thinks as well as how it goes about it's business. A progressive band should always be experimenting with new ways of artistic expression as well as new ways of promoting themselves. They should also experiment with new methods of promotion and distribution that utilise all the most modern means of getting their music to their potential fans.

Instead of simply accepting antiquated techniques and approaches to music as a whole, they should always be pushing up against the boundaries of innovation in all areas. The defining characteristic of a progressive band is that they innovate and never blindly accept rules or boundaries on faith passed down to them from the past. They asses each area of their band from a fresh point of view and define which is the best approach with which to proceed in order to achieve their aims. In short, they think deeply about their situation and apply their conclusions in order to best suit the current musical and business climate.

Progressive music is music that progresses the art of musicianship in one area or another. A progressive band is one that applies innovative techniques in order to achieve their goals.