Members ckcondon Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 I'm getting ready to step away from my current band in Dec. The main reason is due to scheduling conflicts. The leader wants to gig more often because he needs the $$. I have a demanding career that involves a lot of travel. I can only gig about one weekend per month. That's also as much I really WANT to do since I've been doing this a long time. In the past 10 years, I've only been in 2 bands, both of them very successful in our niche of top-earning local coverbands. I'm relieved in one sense because the stress of being in a working band is fairly constant and there will always be some level of drama or personality conflict. Just human nature. I'm also nervous that once I step away, it might be hard to find another project that is at the level I want to perform. I see all the nightmare stories about auditions and bands imploding that wonder what might come next for me.I don't want to be in a garage band or thrown together project. I want to play good shows with good players who care about their craft. Just wondering how many of those are out there who don't want to play full-time! The other aspect is the state of the industry and the fact that most "good" bar/club gigs are going away. I don't "Need" the money, but I know damn well that I'm not going to fight bottom-feeder bands for $300-$400 gigs! I'm also not terribly interested in the corporate/wedding scene because I like to play rock. Oldies, slow dances and disco just aren't something I want to do. So how important is being in a gigging band for you? At what point do you say "It's more trouble than its worth?" Cheers, CC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members vanlatte Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 So how important is being in a gigging band for you? At what point do you say "It's more trouble than its worth?"Cheers,CC As opposed to what? Not gigging? I don't really understand what you are asking...why be in a band if you don't gig? Or are you talking about just recording? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members tim_7string Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 I would say that right now, it is very important to me, more important than being a recording artist (i.e. home recording dork). However, stopping altogether is something I think about once in a while. If I join a band, I get frustrated at the decisions the bandleader makes, taking us down a road I don't think we should go down. If I form and lead a band, I feel like people are looking at ME that way and are also trying their best to take over the group and change as much as they can. Call it paranoia...or perhaps experience? Right now, I'm in the best band I've ever been in and it's one that I am the bandleader for! That makes the situation twice as sweet. I have a kickass female bassist that can sing her ass off, a great lead guitarist (and damn good bassist too, when need be), and a fantastic drummer that nails the beats and accents of pretty much any song I can think of. And we all get along pretty well. We are getting busy too. This weekend is the first weekend in a while we have off, which is nice. The pocketbook has been feeling heavier lately too. So, why am I responding to this thread? It's a lot of stress, managing a band, thinking about the lives of three other people. If a gig gets cancelled, I feel personally responsible because all of us were counting on that money. Thankfully, that hasn't happened very often, but it still happens. It's also a challenge to keep everyone happy gigwise. Two of us would like a weekend off here and there, while the other two would prefer to play every single weekend (something I refuse to do). Whenever we're not booked, they will try to fill up those openings with fill-in jobs. One of them is doing it out of necessity, but it has caused some booking conflicts (turning down potential weekend gigs because they are playing that Saturday, for example). So, it is frustrating, but I'm hoping it will work out soon. I'm just hoping we can continue to get along, stay together for years and become one of those bands that people love to go see and whenever it does eventually end, people will look back fondly and go, "Man, remember those guys? They were great..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators BATCAT Posted October 21, 2011 Moderators Share Posted October 21, 2011 As opposed to what? Not gigging? I don't really understand what you are asking...why be in a band if you don't gig? Or are you talking about just recording? I don't quite understand the question either. At what point is it more trouble than it's worth? I guess the point where I'm not enjoying it. I've gone periods of maybe six months or so without playing any shows, but I really cant imagine just stopping anytime soon, even if it's just monthly gigs or so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ckcondon Posted October 21, 2011 Author Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 Ok, to clarify... I love to perform. I love playing fun music with good musicians to an appreciative audience. Being a musician is a big part of my soul and I spend many waking hours thinking about it when I'm not doing it.I'm not a studio guy and I don't have any interest in "just getting together and jamming" with people. I guess if there is a question, it would be: If you are an experienced gigging musician and are not currently in a band or working, how do you feel about it? Are you actively looking for something or are you taking advantage of the downtime to do other things, or maybe improve your craft with lessons etc and figuring "something will pop up?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members New Trail Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 Yeah, I like gigging. I start to feel a little weird if I have two successive weekends off. To the OP: May I ask what kind/style of music does your current band play that allows you to not have to compete with the bottom feeder bands? If that's the kind of music you still want to play, but just not as much as your current band plays, then maybe you can find some other people in your area who want the same thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ggm1960 Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 So how important is being in a gigging band for you? At what point do you say "It's more trouble than its worth?"Cheers,CC On a scale of 0 - 100 it's about a 7. There are a couple reasons that gigging doesn't really do it for me anymore. First, I'm past 50 and I've spent way more than my fair share of time in bars, either playing or getting {censored} faced. Secondly there is a limit to what one can accomplish in this area. As a working stiff I can't be traveling all over the place so I'm sorta tied to working the places in this city and the surrounding towns all of which pay about the same. It kind of becomes a treadmill where you keep running but not getting anywhere. I recently joined another local group after taking a year and a half off. It seems now that it's just what I do like a bug buzzes around a light bulb. Just the other day I got a call from a guy over in the Quad Cities who has a Lynyrd Skynyd tribute band that travels all over playing casinos for big bucks. He'd really like to have me join up. That really sounds like fun, he says they get $2000 for a 90 minute show and then hang out at the hotel. I had to turn him down of course. I can't quit a job I've been at for 20 years with great pay and benefits to hit the road with a band. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members vanlatte Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 Ok, to clarify... I love to perform. I love playing fun music with good musicians to an appreciative audience. Being a musician is a big part of my soul and I spend many waking hours thinking about it when I'm not doing it.I'm not a studio guy and I don't have any interest in "just getting together and jamming" with people. I guess if there is a question, it would be: If you are an experienced gigging musician and are not currently in a band or working, how do you feel about it? Are you actively looking for something or are you taking advantage of the downtime to do other things, or maybe improve your craft with lessons etc and figuring "something will pop up?" Ah ok I see what you are saying now. Actually I am in that exact situation; my duo fizzled out about 5 months ago and I am bandless. I miss it like crazy, no doubt about that. Still see bands regularly and everytime I see a band I get the itch. I check the cesspool known as Craigslist daily. That is one big "MEH" The point for me was in line with everyone else so far; when it ceases to bring joy. Not 100%, around the clock non stop euphoria because that is unrealistic. But when the bad out weighs the good it's time for a change; maybe that is a band meeting or maybe it's cutting ties. In a way it's nice to have the extra time and I do other things but the thought of not gigging is never far from my mind. Being a musician makes that impossible I think, I will *always* have some desire to perform and don't think it will ever dry up completely. It might fade in and out but will always be there. So for me, the downtime is spent on other things and I don't really like just "jamming" either unless I know it will be fulfilling. If the right project comes along I would jump at it but my standards are pretty high right now and I am not willing to waste one minute of time on dead ends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ckcondon Posted October 21, 2011 Author Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 Yeah, I like gigging. I start to feel a little weird if I have two successive weekends off.To the OP: May I ask what kind/style of music does your current band play that allows you to not have to compete with the bottom feeder bands? If that's the kind of music you still want to play, but just not as much as your current band plays, then maybe you can find some other people in your area who want the same thing. Well, I think everyone is competing with bottom feeder bands these days. Clubs are looking to cut expenses everywhere and bands always seem to be on the top of that list.We play mostly modern rock with a few 80's tunes for fun. It's not that we're breaking any new ground, we just do it well. Everyone in the band is a pro with lots of experience and we understand our role as "Party facilitators and beer salesmen"! We've built our success out of hard work and being professionals with some talent.The band will continue on, I just can't commit to all the gigs that are being put on the schedule.I know the challenge is finding talented people who "get it" and only want to do t part-time. I know they're out there, but the searching is the hard part. I also don't want to be a bandleader again. I did it for too long, and I'm ready to just be the drummer for a change! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members FitchFY Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 Man, I 100% hear you on this thought process. I Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members urca Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 I'm getting ready to step away from my current band in Dec. The main reason is due to scheduling conflicts. The leader wants to gig more often because he needs the $$. I have a demanding career that involves a lot of travel. I can only gig about one weekend per month. That's also as much I really WANT to do since I've been doing this a long time.CC I would've replaced you a while ago, and have replaced guys who couldn't make the time commitment. I love gigging, it's why I play guitar. I can't stand having a weekend off, I need to be out playing in front of people, I crave it..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rangefinder Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 I know the challenge is finding talented people who "get it" and only want to do t part-time. I know they're out there, but the searching is the hard part. I also don't want to be a bandleader again. I did it for too long, and I'm ready to just be the drummer for a change! It sounds like you know what you want. So now it's just a matter of getting out there and finding it. There doesn't seem any obvious reason why it couldn't work. The hard part is knowing which spots to say "NO" to, and you've already figured that out. In hindsight, this sort of situation makes it clear why it's a good idea to keep/build a network even if you are happy with your current spot. Things always change, sooner or later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Yer Blues Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 I wouldn't play with a band that doesn't gig. I have some friends that come over every so often who aren't really musically inclined and sometimes like to bang on instruments. They might consider it a band, but I just consider hanging out with friends. I would probably play with guys who aren't interested in gigging, but I wouldn't take that over a band that plays out. If I wasn't in a band I would still play music. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members wardjames Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 I think your going to run into a difficult time finding a band that earns top dollars AND plays once a month. Assuming you can get a tight band together playing that infrequently, I doubt you're going to find the caliber of musicians necessary to do it, because they're going to want to play 3-4 times per month at a minimum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members MartinC Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 I've come to terms with it. I've only done a handful of gigs this year, and may do a few more the rest of the year or none. I've had years where I did 200 gigs. I've been doing gigs since 1977. I could go out and book a gig if I wanted to , or call a gigging band I used to play in and jump back in. I have a group of musicians I can call on to handle anything I could book. It used to bug me when things went slack, but no more. I don't need the money I can earn playing, so I can't claim that reason. I don't need to be on stage, so that's not an issue. Not that I don't enjoy playing with great musicians in front of a great audience-how can you not get off on that? But the time and energy it takes to make that happen is in excess of what I'm willing to expend, so I wait until past momentum creates an opportunity, or not. I'm ok with it. I also have a very demanding day gig, which earns me solid income, so that is where I'm putting my energy. I still practise at home semi regularly, trying to keep at least some skills up. I hope one day i can spend more time playing, but if not, I had a great run. A guy I play with has been in several major orchestras all over the world. He is in the same boat as me, doesn't play much these days. I asked how he could walk away from all that work. He said just because playing was his life for 40 plus years doesn't mean it has to be his life for the next 40. Point taken. Ok, to clarify... I love to perform. I love playing fun music with good musicians to an appreciative audience. Being a musician is a big part of my soul and I spend many waking hours thinking about it when I'm not doing it.I'm not a studio guy and I don't have any interest in "just getting together and jamming" with people. I guess if there is a question, it would be: If you are an experienced gigging musician and are not currently in a band or working, how do you feel about it? Are you actively looking for something or are you taking advantage of the downtime to do other things, or maybe improve your craft with lessons etc and figuring "something will pop up?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members SpaceNorman Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 I think your going to run into a difficult time finding a band that earns top dollars AND plays once a month. Assuming you can get a tight band together playing that infrequently, I doubt you're going to find the caliber of musicians necessary to do it, because they're going to want to play 3-4 times per month at a minimum. There's alot of truth in this post. I suspect there are very few true "top dollar" bands that gig once a month. A true "top dollar" show requires more care and feeding to keep fresh and tight than a "once a month" gigging schedule affords. Change "top dollar" to "decent money" (recognizing that they're both relative terms) - and it becomes a little more doable. I view these sorts of groups as "situation bands". The money isn't the driving factor - but rather having a "situation" that works for the band members. My "Superstars" project is what I consider to be a "situation" band. We typically have one bar that we play - once every 4-6 weeks. We're the ONLY band that plays there - and pack it every time we do. By "pack", I mean - every table in the place is reserved a couple of weeks before we're there. We've got a following that has been developed over a 10+ year run - that give us wonderful support. We augment the consistent, but intentionally spread out bar schedule with "event" gigs (private parties, beer tents, etc.) to get to our target workload of 1x-2x per month. These sorts of bands are out there ... however, they're certainly not the easiest to find, and tend to have been together for ages (pretty much a requirement to be able to a draw that provides the leverage needed to have much control over your scheduling and what you earn.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mstreck Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 Yeah, I like gigging. I start to feel a little weird if I have two successive weekends off. ^This. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members New Trail Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 ....The band will continue on, I just can't commit to all the gigs that are being put on the schedule..... Maybe you could find another local drummer to sub out some of the gigs to? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members tim_7string Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 I would've replaced you a while ago, and have replaced guys who couldn't make the time commitment. Kind of a difficult task, replacing the bandleader and all. But worth an attempt, I guess! I love gigging, it's why I play guitar. I can't stand having a weekend off, I need to be out playing in front of people, I crave it..... I love it too, but I also love spending time with my family and my parents (who live 3 hours away from me and my wife). We're all getting older and I don't want to regret not spending time with them when they eventually expire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Roy Brooks Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 I like to play paid working live music situations as often as they come up. That is what is "important" to me. If I wasn't doing it I reckon I would have to get up off my ass and start doing it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members tim_7string Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 I think your going to run into a difficult time finding a band that earns top dollars AND plays once a month. Assuming you can get a tight band together playing that infrequently, I doubt you're going to find the caliber of musicians necessary to do it, because they're going to want to play 3-4 times per month at a minimum. As much as I don't want to, I have to agree with this. You can't have your cake and eat it too. You'll have to take it easier and lower your standards to play with sub-standard musicians/bands to have the schedule you want or stay where you are with the 'big boys' and try to somehow keep your sanity. Top musicians WILL move on if the gigs aren't there. I know to keep the guys and gal in my band happy, I need to be constantly booking us. If I should decide to slow down the gigs to once a month or something, they'll be gone and I'll be stuck with inexperienced or lesser-talented people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ckcondon Posted October 21, 2011 Author Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 Lots of different perspectives here...For the record. These 2 bands have always been part time. One weekend per month bar gigs with charity shows, festivals, privates as we can fit them in.We have played at a high level relatively part time and have always had way more offers than we can play.We have used subs when I'm on the road, but with additional shows on the calendar, I have become the sub! That is the reason I'm stepping down as a "member". I'm sure I'll pick up some shows with them here and there.The biggest change is that when I booked the band, I worked with the weekends that everyone was available. Now I no longer have that responsibility and the gigs get booked regardless of who is available. The leader then fills in with subs when necessary. Just a different way of doing business!I would LOVE to play more often, but the reality of my life is that I have other responsibilities that keep me from doing so. I'm very lucky to have an awesome career in sports photography that enables me to travel around the world and not have to share a hotel room with 4 other dudes! I get well-compensated and have full benefits and retirement. Ain't NO bar gig worth giving that up for!I know my situation limits me, and I'm ok with it. I just know that I'll really miss being on stage if I don't find something else that is musically rewarding! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members New Trail Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 Well, then, problem solved, you're a sub. The band moved on. It happens. Sometimes bands start out with a common goal and that changes, and some members can get left behind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members StratGuy22 Posted October 21, 2011 Members Share Posted October 21, 2011 I think your going to run into a difficult time finding a band that earns top dollars AND plays once a month. Assuming you can get a tight band together playing that infrequently, I doubt you're going to find the caliber of musicians necessary to do it, because they're going to want to play 3-4 times per month at a minimum. This is us. We play every oh, 6 - 8 weeks or so. Sometimes a couple times a month. It really varies. We make good money at it, private functions. We already have bookings for next year, up to next October. But it's still an easy pace that works for everyone. Everyone has families, lives so it works out for us all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Psyre Posted October 22, 2011 Members Share Posted October 22, 2011 I'm having issues with members too worried about missing an evening class to play a gig, when there is no repercussions for missing, it's annoying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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