Advice on being in a band

[kyral210]

Hi

How do you deal with the problem of being in a band, and not always liking what the others are doing? Sometimes there is magic and sometimes there is stomach churning bad stuff. What is the best tactic to prevent problems building up?

[janekbass]

I think you have to be open with what you all want out of the band. I you as an individual demand a higher level of concentration and dedication to the music that those around you might not be willing to give, then I would suggest asking yourself if you really want to be in that band. I always tried to surround myself with musicians that were far more advanced than me, and I always found I learnt way more that way.

Being a part of writing the music can also help your cause in having a say in what direction the band goes in.

Just continue to ask yourself and your band mates questions about the music. Be constructive and act as a group to make decisions so everyone feels like they have input. And more than anything else have fun doing it. When it comes to a point that it's not fun you might want to think about moving to a new band.

Easy,

Janek

[Andrew.Glose]

Janek,

I didn't want to post a new topic, so I'll post my question here. It's 'band' related enough.

I've found myself getting progressively more comfortable playing with others, both in live and practice situations. On a gig last night, It occurred to me that I was playing too much. Too many notes when it wasn't necessary. Almost like I was trying to compensate for the simplicity of the music. And the fact that my bass is setup to be extremely easy to play makes the 'more notes' concept more inviting. Then I get in the car (I've got your 'live at the 55 bar' in the CD player right now) and I hear Mana, and Tim's solo. And it dawned on me that I'd rather have played something less, but more at the same time. To make a bigger statement with fewer words.

Have you found yourself doing this in the past? If so, how did you go about the change?

Andrew

[FretlessArt]

Originally Posted by janekbass

I think you have to be open with what you all want out of the band. I you as an individual demand a higher level of concentration and dedication to the music that those around you might not be willing to give, then I would suggest asking yourself if you really want to be in that band. I always tried to surround myself with musicians that were far more advanced than me, and I always found I learnt way more that way.

Being a part of writing the music can also help your cause in having a say in what direction the band goes in.

Just continue to ask yourself and your band mates questions about the music. Be constructive and act as a group to make decisions so everyone feels like they have input. And more than anything else have fun doing it. When it comes to a point that it's not fun you might want to think about moving to a new band.

Easy,

Janek

I agree that it is important to get into circles of seasoned musicians, performers and song writers. Most "pros" reach a point where they have nothing to prove and are now motivated by the art of music or the art of participating within a group. Being mindful of your own role as a bassist is important as is being teachable amongst highly talented musicians.

Creative people colaberating is difficult at best. Seperating your role as a song writer and your talents as a musician are difficult but nessicary in the creative process.

Begin with the end in mind by clearly defining your goals. If the other players can all align aroung a common purpose than the project has a chance. If not, keep looking.

Best Wishes

Art