It's been about a year since local, original musicians began infiltrating Springfield's club scene, long the domain of cover bands and tribute acts. Although this network of clubs could well be the support structure an original music scene needs to stand on its own, it's still young and fragile, much like a house of cards.
Opinions are as varied as they are numerous.
In many ways, it all comes down to economics. Original bands have become more cost-effective because, for the most part, they are willing to play for much less. They are more concerned with concepts like exposure and respect than immediate acceptance. Some cover bands are worth every penny they make, but for the ones that aren't, it's tough to recoup their fee at the bar. As for the future, Bartone knows that artistic development is a gradual process.