MUSIC Recordings bring band popularity

Fans have downloaded more than 35,000 shows.
By JOHN BENSON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
There are plenty of contemporary bands one would associate with being technologically advanced. Perhaps the electronic gadgetry of Radiohead or the progressive sounds of U2 come to mind. But what about Gov't Mule?
The blues-rock based, Southern-rock influenced band is following in the footsteps of a few other acts -- most notably Pearl Jam -- that post live concert recordings on their Web site (www.muletracks.com) for fans to purchase literally hours after the last note is played and the house lights come on.
"As soon as possible, we're shooting for I think 72 hours," said singer/guitarist/songwriter Warren Haynes, calling from his home in New York City. "They are extremely high quality and, in most cases, almost on par with a live album. It's a little scary from the band standpoint because your great nights are up there along with your bad nights. But we're a band that's okay with that."
For groups with loyal and large enough followings, it's not only a lucrative financial decision, but it also ultimately affords the band control over its bootleg concert market. Haynes -- who is also a member of the Allman Brothers Band -- said while Gov't Mule still allows fans to tape and trade concerts, there's no beating the soundboard recording it offers from each show, dating back nearly two years.
Naturally, the venture requires a financial commitment by the band, including start-up costs and a full-time engineer to clean up the recordings, but Haynes said the outfit's sales have increased every quarter. In fact, so far more than 35,000 shows have been downloaded at $9.95 per concert. That's a lot of cash. Imagine if the Grateful Dead could have employed this technique during its heyday.
Such a notion begets the question of why other bands or acts don't offer their fans the same opportunity.
"If your sole mission as a live band is to recreate your records, then there's not really a point in putting yourself out there," Haynes said. "But bands that improvise and play a different set list all of the time, it makes sense."
Benefits and risks
There is a downside to the Internet, which has affected how Gov't Mule approaches its live shows. Unlike in the past where the band would road test new material for months or even years, the group refrained from playing any new material from its 2004 album "Deja Voodoo" based on what Haynes witnessed with the Allman Bros. band's last studio project, 2003's "Hittin' the Note," where fans were too familiar with unreleased material.
"I think not only does that keep you from having the proper amount of impact that the album should have on its release but also people kind of get used to a version before the studio record comes out," Haynes said. "Once you're used to a certain version, that becomes your favorite version so you're not really giving the studio version a chance."
As for Gov't Mule's upcoming new album "High & amp; Mighty," which arrives in stores on Aug. 22, the band hasn't been as tightlipped about giving new material stage time. Fans seeing Gov't Mule open for the Dave Matthews Band Aug. 2 at Blossom Music Center can expect to hear such new songs as "Brand New Angel" and "Child of the Earth," which further explore the group's rock, soul, blues, jazz and folk foundations.
Even though Gov't Mule started in 1994, and co-founder Allen Woody died in 2000, the outfit exists under the mainstream radar. Still, Haynes remains busy. When he's not performing with the Mule, there are most likely Allman Brothers Band dates, such as a half dozen shows later this month when the guitarist will have double duty. He's not complaining.
"It's a cool situation," Haynes said. "It's a lot of work, but it's what I love to do."