Why Some Local Musicians And Bands Get Noticed And Why Some Never Get Their Fair Share Of The Bright Lights Of Las Vegas

 Pretty much every day since moving to Las Vegas in May of 1999, when I first wake up, I check social media to see what's going on around Las Vegas in the music and entertainment industry. Then I proceed to my Associated Press and United Press International news feeds to see what is happening around the world that might concern Las Vegas. Then I write my blogs and ghost articles and send them off to press.

The media plays a significant role in determining who gets noticed and who doesn't around the world. So do many other factors. Las Vegas is overflowing with musical talent. Many musicians and bands seem to stay in the spotlight consistently, while other musicians and bands hardly ever get mentioned. I'm here today to explain why.

Yesterday I asked my Facebook friends the question: Who are some of the most gifted musicians in Las Vegas that have not received the accolades they deserve?   

In one day, 24 hours, the post received over 125 comments, and was seen on Facebook by over 2,800 people, mentioning musicians and bands who they believed deserved more of the spotlight that Vegas has to offer. All the names that were mentioned have incredible talent! So, why aren't they mentioned more when it comes to the local music scene? As a lifelong journalist, I'm here to shine some light on why I believe this is happening.

Las Vegas is a city teeming with musical talent, from polished tribute acts and lounge legends to gritty rockers and boundary-pushing originals. Yet, anyone watching the scene closely knows that not all talented musicians get the same spotlight. Some names seem to pop up in the media again and again, while others, despite immense skill, fly under the radar. So why does this happen?

One major factor is visibility and branding. Bands that maintain an active social media presence, regularly update their content, and engage with fans tend to draw more attention from bloggers, journalists, and promoters. Media outlets are more likely to cover artists who already have an audience or know how to market themselves.

Another big reason is relationships and connections. Musicians who take time to network, whether with venue managers, local influencers, or media professionals, often find themselves in the right place at the right time. These connections don’t guarantee talent, but they do open doors for interviews, reviews, and mentions.

Timing and trends also play a role. If a certain genre becomes hot, like country, funk, or ‘80s rock tributes, bands within that style are more likely to be featured. Others, even with equal or greater musicianship, may be overlooked simply because their sound doesn’t match the current wave.

Finally, some musicians treat their craft as a full-time pursuit, investing in press kits, hiring publicists, or staging high-quality shows. Others may play purely for passion and word-of-mouth, which can limit their exposure even if their music is top tier!

In the end, talent is essential, but in a city like Las Vegas, presentation, persistence, and promotion can make the difference between background noise and front-page news!

Ultimately, it's not just about who plays the best; it's about who gets seen, heard, and talked about. In Las Vegas, the spotlight isn't always fair, but those who learn how to chase it often find themselves right in the center of the bright lights of the Las Vegas music scene!

Comments welcomed!

GE - Gary England