Does anyone else love sitting in the shadows?

Matt Till · #1 08-24-2008, 11:23 AM

Seeing the "What do you dislike/hate about playing our beloved instrument?" thread cassanova started, I knew I was going to see it a lot, and it's understandable: A lack of recognition.

Don't get me wrong, I like being appreciated as much as the next guy, but one of the main reasons I've really committed to bass is how well it matches my personality. I HATE the spotlight, but obviously, I love music.

I think it's cool that I can't play something cool and sometimes flashy and not have to worry about "

everyone's watching me!" Which is strange, because I still really like the live music experience.

I have had some spots where the bass would be soloed and I'd be playing something relatively flashy (I had a bass solo tapping part in my last band), and I'd get my props, cheering/etc... I'm not sure if I liked it. I'd almost get a sense of dread as that part of the song would come up, I considered re-writing the song to cut out the bass solo part.

As I "mature" as a musician, I really find myself trying to simplify my playing. I know it's partially out of wanting to "only play the right notes," but I often wonder what degree avoiding the spotlight comes into play.

Anyone else like this? Or am I just a quiet weirdo who accidentally picked up a musical instrument without considering the consequences of possible

attention!

Matt Till · #2 08-24-2008, 11:26 AM

For reference: Yes I have had people who don't understand what I do, but I just shrug it off. It doesn't get to me, if you think it's your job to free the world of ignorance about any subject, you've got your work cut out for you. Some people don't know what a bassist does, so what?

steve21 · #3 08-24-2008, 01:41 PM

Personally I'm just an attention whore, I guess. Bass or not.

Jazzdogg · #4 08-24-2008, 02:06 PM

I like being an integral part of the band, but I don't crave the spotlight.

Over the years I've found that I tend to be happiest when I'm sitting in the pocket with the drummer and the keyboard player or rhythm guitar player creating a foundation for the front men and horn section, and a groove for the dancers.

I'm not someone whose playing is noticed, but when my signal is interrupted or my volume is too low, the rest of the band becomes uncomfortable, and the attitude on the dance floor shifts perceptibly.

ryco · #5 08-24-2008, 02:17 PM

Bass = best seat in the house .!

Matt Till · #6 08-24-2008, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzdogg

I'm not someone whose playing is noticed, but when my signal is interrupted or my volume is too low, the rest of the band becomes uncomfortable, and the attitude on the dance floor shifts perceptibly.

Totally, with my new band, my playing is a little more simplified, but it's a rock trio. It's hard not to feel important when you are 1/3rd of the band.

superbassman2000 · #7 08-24-2008, 04:29 PM

I can't saw I like the shadows, but I don't need to be in the forefront--my hobby has shifted from bass playing to musical entertainment in the last few years, so I find that wherever I am, or whoever is in the spotlight, so long as the crowd is having a good time, I am perfectly happy, even if that means I have to stand in the shadows

the evil · #8 08-25-2008, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve21

Personally I'm just an attention whore, I guess. Bass or not.

i know what you mean lol

in most of my bands i often found myself looking forward wondering what it would be like to be able to sing and get crowd gratification for simply doing what came naturally. i will say a singer is probably the most appreciated but least talented (meaning most today just sing naturally with no real training, good or not). oh well i wasn't blessed that way

sometime i wish our praise came more gracefully and easily as a guitarist's would but what can you do. you just play or don't play, stand in the shadows or don't, i guess it's all up to you.

but in answer; Im not batman so no i dont love the shadows. i want the front spotlight just like anyone else with the same recognition. otherwise your asking to get replaced with a studio/touring player come record label signing; and if you think your mates wont sell you out for their dreams of money and fame.......... think agaiiiiiiiiiiin

the evil · #9 08-25-2008, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Till

Totally, with my new band, my playing is a little more simplified, but it's a rock trio. It's hard not to feel important when you are 1/3rd of the band.

i played in a 3 peice for a long time and felt that way in the beginning. thought towards the end found the guitarist and drummer really excited about their parts together and simply asking me to fill in after them; then being bewildered when i would get up and leave after listening to them go back and forth for 2 hours until they remembered "hey wait we have a bassist". probably my fault for joining a 3 piece when the two other guys had already been playing for years together.

BassChuck · #10 08-25-2008, 08:35 AM

I don't care for the spotlight. I do enjoy being a part of the music and I especially enjoy being one of the sounds that really controls the quality of the final product.

Phalex · #11 08-25-2008, 08:44 AM

We've been gigging with a fill in singer for the last few weeks. I absolutely love the view standing behind her all night long!

invader3k · #12 08-25-2008, 09:27 AM

In my old cover band, it was a three piece (usually) so I'd basically be front and center next to the guitarist/singer...he wasn't much of a front man, so I would have to play to the crowd a lot. I didn't mind, but my current band has been a nice change of pace for me, from that aspect. With two girls front and center, and keyboards and a guitarist, I'm perfectly happy being in back with the drummer. It definitely helps me lock in with him, too.