Members Micky Z Posted July 31, 2007 Members Share Posted July 31, 2007 How many of you play in more than one band on a regular basis? I have a situation where the drummer in my band is in two bands - one is the cover band I'm in, the other an originals band that no other members of the covers band are in. The covers band has been together about a year, the originals band maybe six months. The covers band has been playing steadily 2-3 times a month, and getting paid $400-600 per night. We have gigs booked out for a couple of months and NYE. The drummer being in two bands hasn't been a problem until just recently, when the originals band is starting to book gigs, which has begun to interfere with adding to the cover band calendar. My guess is that the originals band won't play too often, because there's not much of a market here for originals bands, but still, I'd like the band that's making some money and building a reputation (the covers band) to be able to continue unimpeded. So how do you all handle something like this? Do you simply say "first come first served" regarding booking dates? Do you ask/require band members to keep one band a priority over the other, including pre-empting dates that the "second" band may have already booked? Do you try to keep a pool of fill-in players so that both bands can play on conflicting dates, although not always with the same players (replacement drummers are tough to find around here)? Or do you just fire anyone who tries to be in two bands, figuring they're not going to be reliable to show up when you have an important/paying gig? Personally, I'm leaning towards firing this twit - if he doesn't think my band is important enough to commit to it, then I don't want him around to f_ck things up. We've had other issues with this guy, so this may be the last straw. Comments? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mahon451 Posted July 31, 2007 Members Share Posted July 31, 2007 I don't know where you're located, but around here, decent drummers are a rare breed, and it's not uncommon to have one drummer playing in 3 or 4 bands... hell, I'm a guitarist with a day job, and I'm involved in 4 projects myself. Thing is, if they can successfully juggle it without causing problems, then let them have their projects. However, it sounds like there are other issues at play here. If there's anything I've learned from my (many) musical failures, it's this: cut all dead weight as soon as you can. If this guy's still causing problems for you after said issues have been addressed, they'll only get worse over time. Best of luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jkg Posted July 31, 2007 Members Share Posted July 31, 2007 well, I have 3 bands, I'm the one who runs the booking for them,one is an original band, other is a classic rock cover band, and an acoustic trio for parties, etc. Thing is...right now my priorities are the cover band and the original band, some of the members on these 2 bands have other projects too, so I ask them to tell me what dates they have in advance, like a month or so, and I ask them that if I book a date, they respect that date and try to see their other projects don't book the same date...the band that book a date first has the priority. It seems to work for me. good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mahon451 Posted July 31, 2007 Members Share Posted July 31, 2007 That's how I roll, too. If your drummer can't do that, then {censored} 'im. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members uncle psychosis Posted July 31, 2007 Members Share Posted July 31, 2007 I don't see how a guy being in two bands is much different from a guy who works funny shift patterns! Sam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Hollow body Posted July 31, 2007 Members Share Posted July 31, 2007 For now ask him to commit to "first come first served", and book your gigs as far in advance as possible. But if he's a "twit", and not just a guy looking to play as much as possible, be looking for another drummer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ddeerreekk Posted July 31, 2007 Members Share Posted July 31, 2007 I was playing in 3 bands at a point in time, although one of them wasn't too much of a serious thing. I never had any trouble juggling practices or gigs. just because somebody is involved with other projects, doesn't mean they arent commited to yours. My two cents Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members tim_7string Posted August 1, 2007 Members Share Posted August 1, 2007 I don't see anything wrong with people having multiple musical projects as long as they don't conflict with each other. I currently play open mics on Thursdays as a solo act (vocal/acoustic guitar) and the occasional gig with a cover country-rock band. I plan on forming my own rock band in the future so I'll have three things going on someday. Two years ago, I joined one band as a bass guitarist/vocalist. The drummer from that band was a fill-in for the night. His main band was a band that played casinos. He enjoyed my playing and attitude so he recommended me to the casino band, since they did not have a steady bass guitarist (I was their 10th). So, because neither band was playing very much at the time, I joined both bands. For a while, neither band had conflicting dates, which was great. Then it became an every-other weekend situation (first band on the first weekend, the second band the following weekend, the first band the weekend after that, etc.). That was even better, because I was booked all the time. Then I had to make a choice. Both bands had gigs on the same dates in one month. I decided to go with the casino band because they were beginning to play more often than the first band. I stuck with them for nearly two years, then quit to work a regular job for a while. Now, I'm back with the original band but playing guitar instead of bass guitar and keyboards. Just this past weekend, this sort of scenario reared its ugly head (being in more than one band). Our original drummer decided to play a five-nighter with the casino band I used to be in, rather than the Saturday night gig (one-nighter) we had already scheduled for the past three weeks. This left the group in a bit of a bind. We found someone else, but then this guy got himself a DUI on Friday night and was locked up in jail for the weekend! After exhausting several leads for fill-in drummers, we could not find anyone at all, so we had to cancel the gig. If your drummer doesn't realize the cover band should be his priority, then he should probably just stick with the originals band and you'll have to find someone else. Hopefully someone who is devoted enough to your band. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Dave Martin Posted August 1, 2007 Members Share Posted August 1, 2007 Its first come, first served for me - once I commit to doing a date, the only thing that will change it is LOTS more money (at least double what I've already agreed to) and even then, I find my own subs and clear it with the band leader of the first gig. The leaders around here understand that, so I've never had a problem. Sometimes, though, they'd rather find their own subs rather than using mine, and that's fine with me, too - I'm just making it easy on the bandleader... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members SkullCap Posted August 1, 2007 Members Share Posted August 1, 2007 For me it's always been about my original band. All other projects I was / am in revolve around my original band. I guess it's all about commitment. To me I just feel it's more important for us to keep pushing our original music because the covers will always be there. This is just my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members salislore Posted August 1, 2007 Members Share Posted August 1, 2007 We just got rid of our Bass player, because he started to play in another band. We told him right up front when we hired him that if he wanted to join our band, he could not play in another band that gigged on Friday or Saturday nights. We had no problem with other projects that played any other nights during the week. So, he knew right up front what the situation was. He had been in our cover band for over a year and a half when he informed us that he was starting a 80's Hair Metal band. He even had the nerve to tell us that he would get "US" a back-up Bass player if there was ever a double booking! We said B.S. on that. So, needless to say he's now out. The thing is, he said he started playing with this new band, because he wanted to play more than the rest of us wanted to play. But, in the end, he ended up getting let go from our established band, which steadily gigs 2-3 times per month (which is the max/month we all want). His new band has played two gigs. The first one they opened for another cover band (which we never had to do). The second was in a very small club that we wouldn't even bother playing. I think they have two more gigs scheduled for the rest of the year so far. His Lead Guitar player is playing in another established band that takes priority over the new band. So, they won't be able to play near as much as we play. Go figure. I do all the booking for my band. There's no way I am going to have to check with another band(s) to see if I can book a particular date! I say get rid of your Drummer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rhat Posted August 1, 2007 Members Share Posted August 1, 2007 We just got rid of our Bass player, because he started to play in another band.We told him right up front when we hired him that if he wanted to join our band, he could not play in another band that gigged on Friday or Saturday nights. We had no problem with other projects that played any other nights during the week. So, he knew right up front what the situation was. He had been in our cover band for over a year and a half when he informed us that he was starting a 80's Hair Metal band. He even had the nerve to tell us that he would get "US" a back-up Bass player if there was ever a double booking! We said B.S. on that. So, needless to say he's now out.The thing is, he said he started playing with this new band, because he wanted to play more than the rest of us wanted to play. But, in the end, he ended up getting let go from our established band, which steadily gigs 2-3 times per month (which is the max/month we all want). His new band has played two gigs. The first one they opened for another cover band (which we never had to do). The second was in a very small club that we wouldn't even bother playing. I think they have two more gigs scheduled for the rest of the year so far.His Lead Guitar player is playing in another established band that takes priority over the new band. So, they won't be able to play near as much as we play. Go figure.I do all the booking for my band. There's no way I am going to have to check with another band(s) to see if I can book a particular date!I say get rid of your Drummer. I am a one band at a time guy. If a member isnt willing to put all his or her eggs in one basket,,, i think most bands should pass on them. Sooner or later its going to be a trouble. When guys start working multiple bands they move from band member to hired gun status. Thats fine ,,if everyone is ok with that. Personally i just dont think it works out that well. rat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members wades_keys Posted August 1, 2007 Members Share Posted August 1, 2007 Personally, I'm leaning towards firing this twit - if he doesn't think my band is important enough to commit to it, then I don't want him around to f_ck things up. We've had other issues with this guy, so this may be the last straw. It seems that you have answered your own question; your band should have priority - in fact you should not have to hear about his other band. Start auditioning drummers now, then can the guy when you've found one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members MartinC Posted August 1, 2007 Members Share Posted August 1, 2007 The musicians that play in my group all play in other groups, and also have other commitments like family events, vacations, etc. It is a pain in the ass. But, they are really great players, and since I have a day gig and they don't, I can't expect them to sit around waiting for me to call with a gig. I have used subs, and it usually sucks, so I've stopped, for the most part, accepting gigs that the main players can't do. It's a personal choice. I could replace these guys, or try to find subs. Sometimes I try to change the nature of the gig based on who is available. But the bottom line is that it is not realistic to expect in demand pro players to turn down work, or back out of gigs in order to protect someone else's gig. No way I'd tell a band that I'd turn down other gigs based on anything less than a full time group that paid enough or offered enough promise to forget about other gigs-that's only happened to me a couple times in 32 years. And even then, if a way better offer comes along................99% of the players out there are gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members SpaceNorman Posted August 1, 2007 Members Share Posted August 1, 2007 I've got one primary band which has top priority at all times. I've also got a "work band" (made of up folks from the office). The "work band" has had a couple of "big" shows (hey, it's a big company) - however I've always been able to schedule around things so there's never been any conflict. I also do a little bit of sub work - and again, only when it doesn't conflict with my main act. My main act has struggled with bass players. We've been through a couple that haven't worked out - and currently have a great one who plays with a several groups. He takes the "first come, first serve" approach to booking, and since our gigs tend to be booked some time in advance - we've haven't had many conflicts. We did wander into a couple of last minute gigs this summer that he couldn't make - however, he was able to turn us onto a replacement who is in the same league playing wise. There's still a few tunes in the repertoire that we haven't worked on with the sub (we're in "summer concert in the park" mode which tends to see a slightly different playlist than a late night dance set (which tends to see more "dancehead/pop" stuff than the summer concert in the park playlist does)). Frankly, I suspect that once he's been exposed to the "dancehead" material - the two bass players will be pretty much interchangeable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Micky Z Posted August 1, 2007 Author Members Share Posted August 1, 2007 Thanks, everyone, I appreciate your viewpoints. Sounds like a mixed bag, from "don't mess with the pro players" through "first come first served" and "make the band a priority" to "fire the bum". If this guy was a pro player and really talented, I think I'd probably feel fortunate to have him spending part of his time with my band, and I'd get used to the issue. This particular mook isn't that guy - he's paranoid, insecure, passive-aggressive, selfish to a fault, and couldn't keep time if he had nothing but a click track in his monitors. AND he expects the band to come up with subs - not his problem. See where this is probably going to end? Like I said, I appreciate the input. The whole band is going to make the decision, not just me, and we may even sit down with him to talk it over and give him a chance to declare his priorities. But from my point of view, it would be no great loss... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members wades_keys Posted August 1, 2007 Members Share Posted August 1, 2007 Like I said, I appreciate the input. The whole band is going to make the decision, not just me, and we may even sit down with him to talk it over and give him a chance to declare his priorities. But from my point of view, it would be no great loss... Cool. Hey, noticed your band is named "White Horse"; Mick Mars of Motley Crue was in a band with that name before hooking up with Sixx and Co....apparently they opened for Van Halen many times... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ned911 Posted August 1, 2007 Members Share Posted August 1, 2007 We maintain a yahoo group just for the band and mainly for the calendar feature. This way people can block dates they don't want to gig - family stuff, work stuff, etc. It works very well, I just check the online calendar before committing to a booking - if you don't update the calendar then shame on you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Brian Krashpad Posted August 1, 2007 Members Share Posted August 1, 2007 I'm in 3 bands but all play originals so it's not like any real money is at stake. None plays weekly or anything, so booking hasn't been a problem. We have to be careful every year when the Gainesville Summer Music Showcase comes up, to make sure that none of the bands are booked to go on the same time at different venues, since all 3 bands usually play during that 4 or 5 day period. On a given nigth at that fest I have played in 2 different bands on the same bill. That actually saves me some gear-hauling. If there was ever a conflict I'd say first come, first served. If anybody can't deal with that, they can fire me. No biggie, all the bands I'm in seem to be on the same page about it. I was in my main band already when asked to join the other 2, so it's not like they didn't know I would be playing with others from the start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Mike_Hawk Posted August 1, 2007 Members Share Posted August 1, 2007 I just can't believe how many cover bands there are!!! Thats nuts!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members JacieFB Posted August 1, 2007 Members Share Posted August 1, 2007 It is completely impossible to have more than one band and not have them conflict with each other. Impossible. Any time spent playing with, practicing with/for, or promoting a 2nd, 3rd, or more band is time you could have/should have spent promoting your 1st band. That said, there are advantages to spreading yourself thinner than that. With the cover/originals thing, as many have mentioned, you can funnel cash earned in a covers project into the original project. The skills you learn in one band can translate into better songs/performance in the other band. There is also the fun aspect of it...it's fun to play with multiple people and get lots of musical perspectives. It's fun to play to different sorts of crowds and different sorts of music. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members miles to go Posted August 1, 2007 Members Share Posted August 1, 2007 One thing I rarely see in these threads is the positive sides to playing in multiple bands. I currently play in two bands. One band is made up entirely of people in other bands as well. We all book on a first come/first served basis. Sure there are schedule conflicts, but we keep communication open and no one gets bent out of shape. The networking possibilities this situation opens up are substantial. We're all on friendly terms with the other bands and help each other out when needed. We also come out to each others gigs when possible, and have even subbed in on a few. Plus we've shared contacts for sound men, photographers, booking agents, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members miles to go Posted August 1, 2007 Members Share Posted August 1, 2007 It is completely impossible to have more than one band and not have them conflict with each other. Impossible. Any time spent playing with, practicing with/for, or promoting a 2nd, 3rd, or more band is time you could have/should have spent promoting your 1st band. True, conflict are inevitable. But no one realistically devotes themselves 100% to a band. There are always other factors: job, family, school, hobbies, etc. So, instead of playing xbox or taking little Johnny to soccer practice (no kids here) I'm playing with a second band. It all depends on how you look at it, but I've never heard any complaints on my level of commitment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members JacieFB Posted August 1, 2007 Members Share Posted August 1, 2007 True, conflict are inevitable. But no one realistically devotes themselves 100% to a band. There are always other factors: job, family, school, hobbies, etc. So, instead of playing xbox or taking little Johnny to soccer practice (no kids here) I'm playing with a second band.It all depends on how you look at it, but I've never heard any complaints on my level of commitment. Right on...and it really boils down to your commitment to a band or a project. For instance, if you are driven to make your original band a success, then every second that you are physically able to devote to getting your music heard by potential fans and by people that could potentially positively affect your career, you should do so. Playing in another band is not really a luxury that you can afford in this case if you truly honor that commitment. I would say the same goes for a cover band...unless you are an era/decade-specific band, and most-likely, even if you are, you always have new material to learn. You always have promo to do. Again, is it for fun? Is it a job? You have to decide your level of commitment and make sure your bandmates are on board with that, else there will be likely be scheduling conflicts down the line that will step on one band's toes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members uncle psychosis Posted August 1, 2007 Members Share Posted August 1, 2007 Right on...and it really boils down to your commitment to a band or a project. For instance, if you are driven to make your original band a success, then every second that you are physically able to devote to getting your music heard by potential fans and by people that could potentially positively affect your career, you should do so. So if I don't devote every waking hour of every day to my band, I'm not taking them seriously enough? What if I want to play football, go out for a meal with friends or just sit and have a nice cold beer? Being in a second band is no different to any other hobby as far as I'm concerned. Sam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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