Reluctance...

I'm unsure about something, and how to approach this.

1) My current band's situation is an unknown. The guitar player told the bass player he's done. Bass player asked me to hold off for a week and see what happens, however, I'm the impatient type, so I posted an ad looking for another band. This band, while I like the music we're playing, and the guys in the band I am fiercly loyal to, we aren't making {censored} at gigs, and while we probably are good enough to play out at every venue that would accept our music, there are member(s) that believe we won't be ready. The second "problem" is that I consider two of the members to be friends, so I don't want to screw them over for another band. The other part is that we have shows booked at a "cozy" biker bar that doesn't pay hardly anything at the end of each month for as long as we'd like. Granted, no guitarist, means no shows - but, I don't know if the band is going to dissolve, reform, or if the guitarist is just barking because it's too hot out and/or doesn't want to practice.

2) Another band contacted me. This band plays a lot of 80's music, which I'm happy playing, has shows lined up, and told me up front that the pay is pretty decent ($100/person). The only thing, is that opinions have been expressed to me about them not being all that good, so it has me a bit reluctant to commit to them without hearing them. That said, they are making more money and have more shows booked, so... anyhow, they also said that I'd have about 2 weeks before my first gig with them, and it's material that I've not practiced or performed yet, but I am familiar with it from listening to it over the years...

3) Another band contacted me. This band has a drummer who's "getting his cherry broke" this weekend, so they might be calling me if it doesn't work out - a blues/blues rock/rock group, which is another music I'd enjoy playing. I know nothing about this group, short of the two emails. They also have shows booked.

So, what would you do?

I'm thinking of seeing what #2 is about, and see if the opinions that have been expressed to me are valid. If they aren't all that good, no loss, if they are good, and they've just had off-nights with those who have said lesser things, then I don't know what to do. With #1, I am reluctant to just pack and go, I've put nearly a year into it, and would hate to see it die off at this point, but, some things you can't control...

1) Don't worry about this situation too much. You gotta take care of #1 (YOU!), so just see what happens with the other possabilities. If it falls apart as a musical group, then at least still hang out with the freinds whenever possible, maybe even lure them into another group and expand.

2) Get yourself lined up with a jam session, or impromptu rehearsal. See for yourself what they are about, maybe even swing by that bar and ask some of the regulars.

3) Go see this cherry popping for yourself, and get a feel for the group. Maybe just don't talk to them, if they don't know who you are yet.

Who says you can't be involved with more than one project ? Check all of it out, that leaves YOU more options if anything changes.

That was the other thing I was gonna say.

I can understand that free time might not be adequate enough to be in multiple bands at the same time, but if you're not gigging and/or practicing regularly then there should be nothing stopping you from pursuing other musical endevours.

I agree, the thing is time.

With #1, we would practice 3x week, M/W/Sa, or M/W/F if we had a show on Saturday. That leaves little time for the woman at home, and me to "heal up" between sessions. I'm a VERY physical player, way more than I probably need to be, but it's a release...lol - that said, of course, if things have falled apart, then that don't matta.

With #2, if it's something that'll pan out, I'll have to do a crash-course on the material, meaning on the nights not spent with #1, I'll have to force myself to practice the material. If #1 is still on hiatus, then I still have to break my trend of not practicing at home. The first show with them would be in two weeks - a two nighter.

With #3, I'm sure I could step in and play the material. Blues/Blues Rock, once you have the mojo (which I do), it's easy, even screw ups aren't as big of a deal.

As for checking out the other bands, I plan to with #3. With #2, they are playing somewhere else this weekend, and by the time their next show happens, I'll have already jammed out with them. With #2, as far as I have been told, it's a parting of ways, not a fire/quit scenario.

The only other thing is that I am not a flaky musician by any means. I commit myself entirely to a project, so, while I could juggle two at once, or even three, I don't want to mislead anyone...

hard decision dude,why is your bud done?

best of luck man.

Good advice from SkiAZ and Big Daddy.

Don't commit to #2 or #3 until you've had a chance to hear and/or play with them.

As for #1, talk to your friends as friends (not as band mates) and let them know you put feelers out and that you've been contacted. You don't need to give details, but out of respect for your friendships, keep them informed so they can decide what they want to do. Maybe they know other guitarists they can bring in so your core stays intact and the band continues without the guy who quit.

Another thought...if band #2 isn't so good but has connections/gigs, maybe you can broker a merger of the best musicians from both bands and end up in a better band with connections and better paying gigs

Above all, do what makes YOU happy.

If band #1 stays together, cut rehearsal to 1 time a week. 3 days a week excluding the weekend gig?? WHOA Way too much time...even if it's an all-original project, that's a lot of rehearsal. Cover tunes work themselves out on-stage, on the gig. Once a week is fine. then that leaves you open for...

....either band #2 or #3. Like the others have said, check out the bands that are looking at you. If you like, then you can commit to a once a week practice with the "new" band (if thats what they do). It sounds like the concentration would be on band #2...since there might have to be rehearsal time...band #3 you can just show up and play the gig more or less, which is cool.

Hey man, it's good to have options. Some people don't have so many options, capice? To me, freelancing is great. You can play with different musicians and different genres, be more versitile, and fill up your calender if you need too. Relying on one band sometimes can be limiting.

definy... expose yourself.

NO, not like that!

We are sidemen. I wouldn't feel bad about having more than one gig, I do it all the time. The problems start in scheduling. This is where you have to be upfront with people and let them know where their band stands in YOUR gig order. If everyone can deal with it then fine, if not move on. Good drummers are in demand.

That's exactly what I was thinking. 2 things are going on here:

1. 1 or more of the band members lack the confidence to go out and play

2. 1 or more of the band members don't want to do live gigs, but won't say that for fear that the project will break up.

either way they're waisting other members time and effort by not being up front.....I hate that.

Whatever you choose, be up front and let everyone know where you stand. Do what feels right for you. If these other musicians are truly your friends they will understand.

btw, option 2 sounds like it might be a giggin project with 1 or 2 members that are hard to deal with. That's usually how you get a bad rap.......usually a singer or guitarist:rolleyes:

My current band was like this when I joined them. We jammed together 3 times and then I booked a gig. They started in with "we're not ready!!"

I told them we not only need to practice the music, but our on stage performance and no better way than to get on stage. Sure, there will be mistakes and you'll learn from them and do better next time. You'll also learn a hell of a lot about how to perform, when to move into the spot for solos and when to slide into the background so focus is on another (like me!). It also helps hone any choreographed moves the verticals might do during dual leads, etc.

We did the show. We've been gigging a few times a month ever since. I consider it paid practice and our stage show now rocks

I've heard of guys having emotional meltdowns just before going on stage because they didn't want to play a gig. There are lots of guys out there that don't want to play in front of a crowd for whatever reason.

Hallelujah, brother!

My policy is: the first band to get a firm commitment on the gig is the band I put on my schedule. All the bands I play for know this and are cool with it. There have been a few conflicting dates here and there, but by sticking to my policy, it puts the onus on the particular band leaders to get off their butt and "close the deal"....know what I mean?

Hallelujah, brother! My policy is: the first band to get a firm commitment on the gig is the band I put on my schedule. All the bands I play for know this and are cool with it. There have been a few conflicting dates here and there, but by sticking to my policy, it puts the onus on the particular band leaders to get off their butt and "close the deal"....know what I mean?

Nailed it.