How many people just play for FUN?

Nyarlathotep · #1 02-10-2009, 08:57 AM

Obviously, I don't gig. It has recently come to my attention that some people see that as inferior. To the point of being a little malicious IMO.

Does anyone actually play for FUN nowadays???? What do you figure is the % of people on here that do play for fun?

This are serious poll, so no carrots

Pilgrim · #2 02-10-2009, 10:52 AM

Yes, but not often, and not for pay. My band performs benefits.

I enjoy playing.

This are serious response.

kesslari · #3 02-10-2009, 10:56 AM

Gigging is fun for me.
Just playing music (solo at home, or with friends) is also fun.
Playing music is fun.

But there's a part of me that likes to perform (which is why, while my band isn't gigging, I'm going to a couple of blues jams). Putting myself on the line, and making booties shake, is fun.

Bottom line, though, is playing music is what it's about, and however that works for the individual is all OK.

Ed Fuqua · #4 02-10-2009, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanielTulip

Obviously, I don't gig. It has recently come to my attention that some people see that as inferior. To the point of being a little malicious IMO.

Does anyone actually play for FUN nowadays???? What do you figure is the % of people on here that do play for fun?

This are serious poll, so no carrots

You might be serious, but you're a little misguided. FUN has nothing to do with whether or not you get paid. Little kids playing T-ball have fun, A-Rod has fun. Money has nothing to do with the quality of fun.

You may want to think about the distinction between someone who is serious about their development as a musician and someone who isn't. The cat who is serious is always trying to learn something new, is working on the depth of their understanding of music, of their ability to execute on their instrument what they are able to hear with clarity (either internally or externally) and are working on their ability to hear with clarity to a deeper and more nuanced level. They play as much as they can, they practice as much as they can in very specific focused, progressive and consistent ways.

The cat who isn't may only pick up their instrument when they are going to play with other people. They may only learn a few tunes, a little technique (maybe mostly in the form of patterns or learning what another player did when they played the same music) and really don't do any work to get deeper into music, in building a solid foundation in music's fundamentals. When and if they do "practice', it's mostly unfocused - playing things they already know how to play, maybe playing along with some CDs and grabbing the parts they can hear and glossing over those they can't. Or mindlessly running some patterns while they watch some game on TV.

You can't really say that one guy is having fun and the other isn't. But you sure can say who is more serious about being a musician.

excane · #5 02-10-2009, 11:10 AM

I voted yes, but it's really yes and no.

How can you NOT play for fun? (whether you're gigging or not)
Playing bass for me is an intrinsic part of who I am.

I've done many gigs (not as a professional making a living) but playing is something that IS fun whether you're selling out Madison Square Garden or wanking (bass and other assorted junk) in your bedroom.

NJL · #6 02-10-2009, 11:13 AM

when i gig, i no longer have fun playing. i do have fun hanging with the band, though, they are funny people. i play strictly for money. it's a job.

i'm set to play flugel horn on two gigs this week, so i THINK i'll have fun on these gigs.. the band has been waiting for my return on horn for roughly about 4 or 5 years now. don't know how long i'm going to last on flugel, so if i tire out, i'll just jump on bass..

it's an easy gig, there were cut backs, so we're stuck playing along with jamey aebersold's boys on these gigs

i really wish we could just play live on our weekday gigs.. on weekends, we have the full band.

SteveC · #7 02-10-2009, 11:15 AM

I play for fun - and money. If it wasn't fun I wouldn't play at all. I have no problem with people who don't gig. Why would anyone?

NJL · #8 02-10-2009, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveC

I have no problem with people who don't gig. Why would anyone?

For the most part, I agree.. i actually learn a lot from my students.. especially this one that is a PhD.. when he doesn't understand something, i know i have to adjust and take different angles on my approach, it's very intriguing.

unbridled · #9 02-10-2009, 11:21 AM

If the gigging isn't fun, I don't do it. Too many gigging bands (at least around here) have forgotten that playing is supposed to be fun. That eventually shows up in the performance.

Phalex · #10 02-10-2009, 11:45 AM

I play for fun.

Moving 2,000 pounds of PA equipment in and out is gonna cost you though.

**baba** · #11 02-10-2009, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveC

I play for fun - and money. If it wasn't fun I wouldn't play at all. I have no problem with people who don't gig. Why would anyone?

What he said.

However, I don't have fun playing bass alone. I have fun playing bass with others in a band (or even duo) format only. If I'm solo I'll play guitar and sing for fun.

Webtroll · #12 02-10-2009, 12:22 PM

I enjoy playing but I haven't been in a band in years. Not officially retired, but not looking for a gig either. I definitely play for the fun of it.

kesslari · #13 02-10-2009, 12:31 PM

Quote:

I play for fun.

Moving 2,000 pounds of PA equipment in and out is gonna cost you though.

Yep.
When I *was* gigging professionally, I used to say that I play music for free, but that I charge for hauling gear and for talking to drunks for 15 minutes out of every hour.

I stopped gigging as my livelihood because, for me, it wasn't worth it. Dealing with drunks and club owners for low wages wasn't worth it.

So I started earning my bread doing other things, which allowed me to "just say no" to Holiday Inn gigs, and to only play music that I love.
That works for me.

Jefenator · #14 02-10-2009, 12:41 PM

IMO/E there are 3 forms of currency, all equally valid, that compensate for a musical endeavor: fun, learning and money.

I shoot for all 3, but if you're getting enough of any one, you're golden.

The Golden Boy · #15 02-10-2009, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jefenator

IMO/E there are 3 forms of currency, all equally valid, that compensate for a musical endeavor: fun, learning and money.

I shoot for all 3, but if you're getting enough of any one, you're golden.

Huh? Wha?

Philbiker · #16 02-10-2009, 01:34 PM

There are those who play for money, babe,
There are those who play for fame.
There are still those who only play
For the love of the game

Another T-Bone burnett quote from the song "Killswitch".

Nyarlathotep · #17 02-10-2009, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveC

I have no problem with people who don't gig. Why would anyone?

Good question

Thunderscreech · #18 02-11-2009, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanielTulip

Good question

Some people think that that makes them more, er, holier because of blah blah blah such and such a reason.

The real reason is they can't stand to see anyone else have fun.

lawsonman · #19 02-12-2009, 05:47 AM

When gigging isn't fun anymore,I'll stop playing.

johnnyflats · #20 02-12-2009, 02:47 PM

I dont gig as i feel i"m not ready to at this stage but i do practice every day for at least an hour and once a week i get together with 5 guitarists ( yes 5 ) to knock out a few tunes and learn different things.
Its chaos at the community centre where we practice, 3 acoustic guitars, 1 electric guitar and 1 bass ( me ) no drummer,occasionally one of the guys brings a keyboard which is the biggest keyboard i"ve ever seen in my life.
I would say that yes i do have fun while i"m practicing and we have a good laugh and there is talk of forming a band at some point but tbh if it never came off then it wouldnt bother me in the slightest as i"m enjoying myself and i"m happy with the way its progressing at the moment.