Members cavemanic Posted February 2, 2006 Members Share Posted February 2, 2006 stories/experiences? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BlueStrat Posted February 2, 2006 Members Share Posted February 2, 2006 Originally posted by cavemanic stories/experiences? I did, for the time being, anyway. It's harder to book a band, there are fewere and fewer venues available, I don't have rehearsals every week, I don't have to drag a truck full of gear around and take 7 hours to do a four hour gig, and I get paid more money. Next month I'll play 4 nights and make about 500 bucks plus tips plus gourmet meals, and with about a 1/2 hour set up and no rehearsals. Plus I get to play what I want, when I want, how I want. What's not to love? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members worthyjoe Posted February 2, 2006 Members Share Posted February 2, 2006 Great question. Up until about a year ago, I was playing solo and did so for a couple years solid. I would sing and play acoustic. In many ways it was fantastic. I could play lots of places, didn't have to worry about bandmates, practices, or any of that stuff. Played and learned songs when I felt like it and then just showed up at the bar and played my set. Switched things around and played songs however I felt like at that given time. I also took home more $$ than I did playing in any band. Once I had a substantial songlist built up, I pretty much lived my life like a normal person. Then on Fri or Sat night I would just load up my basic PA and play for a few hours. It was cool. Those are the good points. Then in the last year I was able to play as a band with a bassist and drummer. It takes a lot more work but I have found it's worth it. But only because I have a couple of great guys who have good attitudes and are responsible, etc. That's what makes it worth it. Playing solo eventually wore me down because I just started to get bored and felt like a loner between sets, etc. I do it once in a while now and I honestly don't enjoy it that much anymore. It's probably because I'm doing upbeat rock with my band now and it's tough to change gears and enjoy doing a whole night of solo acoustic. I'm sure I'll eventually go back to that if and when this band goes by the wayside. So that's my 2 cents. Solo is great in many many ways. But you can't get the feeling you have when you are grooving within a musical unit. I don't think one is better than the other but right now I'm loving it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BlueStrat Posted February 2, 2006 Members Share Posted February 2, 2006 Good post, wj. Yeah, I can see myself going back to the band thing after awhile. it's just that after 15 straight years, I needed a break. But sometimes I miss the whole enchilada, for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mr3lions Posted February 2, 2006 Members Share Posted February 2, 2006 WJ makes some excellent points. I'm just starting out on a solo thing while the band completely changes the setlist and works in a new drummer (we're a very lazy band so I know this will be awhile). It's new and I'm still enjoying it. I've also had enough experience in the past to know I don't want to overdo it. I've got 4 dates at 4 different locations in Feb. and I promised myself and my girlfriend I'd take March off. Funny thing is I'll probably end up going out to bars and watching/sitting in with people. In my limited experience of solo work Pros:-I choose the songs-I choose when to practice and play out-I'm not held back by those who don't want to practice/play-Mistakes (missing a bridge) are much easier to cover up. -The money is all mineCons-I've always loved the "we're a gang" attitude of being in a band.-You have no one to pass the blame onto-songs are usually shorter -no solos-and perhaps most important my Freebird rendition is really not what it used to be;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members squealie Posted February 2, 2006 Members Share Posted February 2, 2006 Not too many solo spots available for a guy who's specialty, is drinking, offending women, and making pig noises with a guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members worthyjoe Posted February 2, 2006 Members Share Posted February 2, 2006 Originally posted by BlueStrat Good post, wj. Yeah, I can see myself going back to the band thing after awhile. it's just that after 15 straight years, I needed a break. But sometimes I miss the whole enchilada, for sure. True, we're kinda on opposite sides of things. I got sick of solo and you got sick of the band. hehe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 2manband Posted February 2, 2006 Members Share Posted February 2, 2006 I found a good compromise - I work w/ a drummer (hence the name 2manband) - we do a good amount of writing and recording, where he does percussion (set, congas, etc.) and I can do the guitar, bass, vocals, a little keys, etc. We play out opening up for other bands, play coffee shops, open mic's, etc. - all originals - Don't make a lot of $ playing, but sell a few CD's. We both have day jobs, so we're able to pursue music on our own terms w/out worrying about making a buck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members LateGreats Posted February 2, 2006 Members Share Posted February 2, 2006 As I've said numerous times in these forums, I would love to be a solo act, even if it were just part-time. The independence of it would be the most appealing to me. But my guitar playing is weak, so I'd at least need one other guitarist to cover for my bad playing. But then it wouldn't be solo, would it? Plus: No tryouts, no searching for bandmates or dealing with people with mental problems. Other than myself, that is. And I'd get to play what I want, not what had to be voted on by 4 people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Tedster Posted February 2, 2006 Members Share Posted February 2, 2006 I like the idea of versatility. Have some guys you can throw together for a band gig if that's what the gig calls for, but, basically...solo. No worrying about other people's schedules, etc. No arguing over tunes. Just get up there and play. I've been working on getting together with a gal who's a great singer. More tunes..being able to take a vocal break, play gal tunes, harmonies, great idea. But her schedule is a nightmare too. So, we'll just see. It might work, might not. Either way, I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mrcpro Posted February 2, 2006 Members Share Posted February 2, 2006 Originally posted by Tedster I like the idea of versatility. Have some guys you can throw together for a band gig if that's what the gig calls for, but, basically...solo. This is pretty much how I do it. I like the control and money of doing it myself, but also the camraderie of a band. I pick up a few jobs a year in other's bands too. Around here... no major metropoliton area... you just grab what you can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members SpacedCowboy Posted February 2, 2006 Members Share Posted February 2, 2006 Back in 2000, after I quit my old cover band, I didn't necessarily "go solo" as much as I became a "hired gun" doing the freelance thing in NC. Picked up some pretty good r&B/jazz/blues gigs along the way, too. But then, the TK thing started, the chemistry and the music felt so good...next thing you know, it's "oh lord, here we go again.":D What was that Michael Corleone said? "Just when I thought that I was out...they pull me back in." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Blackwatch Posted February 2, 2006 Members Share Posted February 2, 2006 I quit the band thing because of my bass players: Drug problems, control freak issues, love of arguing just before the show, stage antics, thinking he was a lead guitar, etc....And started playing with just a drummer. It seems like I see more guys doing just that. It's great for a singer/songwriter as the mix is clear and you can usually hear yourself and the words to the song. Most people in the audience I talk to say they don't miss the bass much at all. (Sorry if you play the bass, I do miss the sound)But it's very easy with just a drummer and it gives me tons of freedom musically too...I don't know if I'll go back...something big would have to happen before I did.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members SpacedCowboy Posted February 2, 2006 Members Share Posted February 2, 2006 Originally posted by Blackwatch I quit the band thing because of my bass players: Drug problems, control freak issues, love of arguing just before the show, stage antics, thinking he was a lead guitar, etc.... And started playing with just a drummer. It seems like I see more guys doing just that. It's great for a singer/songwriter as the mix is clear and you can usually hear yourself and the words to the song. Most people in the audience I talk to say they don't miss the bass much at all. (Sorry if you play the bass, I do miss the sound) But it's very easy with just a drummer and it gives me tons of freedom musically too... I don't know if I'll go back...something big would have to happen before I did.... I hear ya, BW...not to get all gheh up in here (again) but I think that if I didn't jam with THX, I'd probably end up going the way of the White Stripes/Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cavemanic Posted February 3, 2006 Author Members Share Posted February 3, 2006 lottsa good stuff! keep em coming! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RupertB Posted February 3, 2006 Members Share Posted February 3, 2006 In '96 I moved to take a new job and left behind a band that was thriving. The members were (still are) good friends and I hated leaving them. Demands of work & family made putting together a new project all but impossible. So, I started doing solo gigs. Eventually I got pretty busy with it. In the past couple of years I have started going back to Wilmington (just two hours away) to play trio gigs with the guitar player & lead singer from my old band. In fact thats how we started, as a two-guitar, three-voice group knocking off CSNY, Beatles, & some newer stuff. Also, I'm playing duo gigs with a friend up here in Raleigh. I still take a few solo gigs but my strength (and real musical love) is singing harmony & playing lead guitar. I like playing music with other people. In a few years, when my daughter has grown up and I'm not doing things like coaching soccer & going to tournaments, I may look into doing a full-on band. But it'd have to be something really special. Right now, I'm having fun & doing alright playing in these relatively low-maintenance affairs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Blackwatch Posted February 3, 2006 Members Share Posted February 3, 2006 I hear ya, BW...not to get all gheh up in here (again) but I think that if I didn't jam with THX, I'd probably end up going the way of the White Stripes/Yeah Yeah Yeahs. You guys seem to have it going on though, & that's a hard thing to find.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Kevin T Posted February 3, 2006 Members Share Posted February 3, 2006 havent had a regular "Band" in a few years. I'm constantly told keys are in so much demand but from my experience not P/T and not round here! I have kept busy as a hired gun keyboardist in 3 cover bands that gig infrequently. I did do a few through together duos with singer acost guitaristsI now have a convertivble Trio / duo. I thought the gigs would be easier to find but its not really worked out that way. More competition on the NW NJ duo circuit form long established acts. venues that keep the same acts for years! Also DJ/Karejokey competition. After 1 year of rare gigs we are just this month beginning to get some regular restaurant/club gigs. Kevin T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members AJ6stringsting Posted February 4, 2006 Members Share Posted February 4, 2006 ..........gave up on being in a band because A. most were trying to be teenagers again. B. most were not very good musicians. C. some had major ego issues. .d Subtance abuse issues. E. most didn't have democratic views on music or life. F. some were drama mammas. G. poor work ethic.H. some have Families to take care of ....first. So now, I just record my own music for my own pleasure and use my rythum tracks for my lead improvising or for general songwritting purposes. ........some times I'm a hired gun for some local bands but that's it for being a live musician on stage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Terry Allan Hall Posted February 4, 2006 Members Share Posted February 4, 2006 Last night reminded me why I went solo in the first place...Had a sweet "last minute fill-in" gig at a very ritzy hotel lounge, but my usual rhythm section (Wendy - bass/harmony vox) and Kat (congas/bongos/harmony vox) were working with Wendy's regular band, so I had to hire someone else to cover for them...everyone I usually have sub was unavailable, but a freind hooked me up with the bass and drums of another band, who weren't gigging that night...and now I know why! Neither of these guys had a clue about professionalism! The bassist looked like he hadn't bathed or washed his clothes in a week (fortunately, I had a spare shirt that would fit him...and I insisted that he keep it, and I doused him w/ cologne to make him tolerable to stand near). The drummer had much better hygeine, I'm happy to state, but (like so many rock drummers), he had no concept of dynamics...even w/o ANY amplification through the PA, he was painfully loud, and when I handed him a pair of those bound rods that allow drummers to make less racket, I still couldn't hear myself very well through the monitors...and the guy couldn't swing to save his soul, so wee had to eliminate ALL the jazz, blues and related tunes... I was amazed that not only was I not fired immediately, but got re-booked (after promising I'd use my usual rhythm section from now on!) On average, 85% of my gigs are solo voice/ac. guitar/racked harp, so the trio gigs (adding fret-less bass and percussion) are a nice change of pace...but solo gigs pay the bills better! It's all good (well, most of the time, anyway!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members SpacedCowboy Posted February 4, 2006 Members Share Posted February 4, 2006 Originally posted by Blackwatch You guys seem to have it going on though, & that's a hard thing to find.... Thanks, man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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