I have lost the urge to play music.

Axtman · #1 07-14-2009, 03:43 PM

I went on vacation for 2 weeks and while I was away I just kind of lost interest in music all together. I don't listen to music, I don't play music, and worst of all, I don't seem to care. It's really strange, I am not depressed or angry/bitter. It's just that music doesn't appeal to me that much anymore. It's like sitting down to dinner and not being hungry. The food looks good but you don't have an urge to eat anything.

Has anybody else experienced this?

bassrique · #2 07-14-2009, 03:51 PM

You are not alone. It's likely to come back.

StyleOverShow · #3 07-14-2009, 03:53 PM

Yeah, happened to me a couple of months back. I did a jazz gig where the tempos were superfast (170) and the written lines were just blurs. The band leader berated me on stage and off. Came home and thought about hanging up my spurs, wrote a post here on TB and everyone said the same thing: it will come back and so will you.

-richard

mjolnir · #4 07-14-2009, 04:41 PM

Anybody can burn out a little. It happens. Just take a little break, clear your head, and the passion will return in good time.

two fingers · #5 07-14-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjolnir

Anybody can burn out a little. It happens. Just take a little break, clear your head, and the passion will return in good time.

Couldn't say it any better.

Axtman · #6 07-14-2009, 04:43 PM

Richard,

Currently I play in a church band every Sunday. I have not played with them in over a month. I am not angry or upset with them. I just have lost the desire.

My last playing experience was actually very positive. Long story short I jammed with a band at a convention. I had a ton of fun and only wish that I had played longer.

I will occasionally pickup up a bass or guitar that I have lying around, but after a few notes I put the instrument back. I also have not been listening to CDs or the radio. It's really weird.

StyleOverShow · #7 07-14-2009, 05:52 PM

Axtman - hear what you are saying and it sounds like a flat spot for you. Take some time off and if you decide to sell off your equipment PM me first (just joking). Baseball season is on and there's always fishing or something needs fixing 'round the house.

-richard

bass12 · #8 07-14-2009, 06:18 PM

It's difficult to be passionate about anything 100% of the time. Those of us who are truly passionate about music exert a lot of energy just thinking about it (let alone listening to or playing it). Also, consider how difficult it can be to get away from music in everyday life: television, shopping malls, video games, ring tones, buskers - the list goes on. The average person in North America hears between two and three hours of music per day. I'm writing my thesis right now about a topic (music-related) that I love, and right now I'm sick of it! Unfortunately, I don't have the option of taking a break from the subject (except to post opinions on TB). I wouldn't worry too much - the passion will most likely return, and if it doesn't you probably won't care. Just don't go selling off any equipment prematurely!

EagleMoon · #9 07-14-2009, 06:20 PM

I went through that and it lasted 15 years. No interest in playing bass at all, though I would listen to music, no desire to play. But when it came back, it really came back.

JimB52 · #10 07-14-2009, 07:05 PM

I've lost any interest in practice. Only like to play with the band.

sonic assassin · #11 07-14-2009, 07:25 PM

i go through this every now and then for a day or so. after 6 years, my desire to learn everything on earth has subsided. its more about the band now. im with them twice a week, and other than that, i dont do much. been in a bit of a rut.

like everyone else said, it'll come back.

ByF · #12 07-14-2009, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axtman

I went on vacation for 2 weeks and while I was away I just kind of lost interest in music all together. I don't listen to music, I don't play music, and worst of all, I don't seem to care. It's really strange, I am not depressed or angry/bitter. It's just that music doesn't appeal to me that much anymore. It's like sitting down to dinner and not being hungry. The food looks good but you don't have an urge to eat anything.

Has anybody else experienced this?

No, it's hopeless, once it's gone it will never come back. Ship your gear to me and I'll dispose of it for you.

Ed

g4string · #13 07-14-2009, 08:49 PM

I am in the same boat......as of last year, my work situation has me away from home quite a bit....because of this, I have been reluctant to commit to any project. Needless to say, I never play. Before my work schedule got weird, I was rehearsing on a weekly basis and gigging on a semi-steady basis. Before my initial departure last year, I was getting super burnt out. However, I still feel semi-limp when playing music comes to mind. I think when my transient work issues become more grounded, my music urges might become more erect. As far as listening to music goes, I usually listen to whatever "genre of music" the band(s) I am in are playing.....this was/is a good way for me to passively practice a specific song(s) or to scour for new tunes/material. My lack of playing might explain my hiatus from listening............

hesham8 · #14 07-14-2009, 11:28 PM

I guess I'll be cynical.

You're a failure. Don't you dare ever show your face around this forum again until you have mastered all four seasons by Vivaldi arranged for bass.
Now leave.
And never come back.

And give me your bass.

ByF · #15 07-15-2009, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g4string

. . .I still feel semi-limp when playing music comes to mind. I think when my transient work issues become more grounded, my music urges might become more erect.

All men have those problems from time to time.

Ed

ggunn · #16 07-15-2009, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ByF

All men have those problems from time to time.

Ed

Breathe through your nose and don't hyperventilate.

Axtman · #17 07-15-2009, 12:22 PM

I think that I will force myself to play this Sunday or at least sit down and jam along to a CD.

I hope that this is like exercise. I hate to exercise but once I force myself to do it I don't mind it. After exercising I always say that it was not all that bad and that I should do it more often.

As far as selling gear goes, I do have to much stuff, but am leary about selling because I won't get top dollar.

warnergt · #18 07-15-2009, 01:32 PM

Maybe you need to find the right music to get you inspired.
I've been going through a boatload of tunes (mostly Blues) on my
iPod while riding around in the car. When I find one with a cool
bass line, I make a note of it so I can try to learn it later.
I'm backed up with about 50 tunes that I want to learn. I can't
find enough time to work on them and I'm playing pretty much
every day.

Stumbo · #19 07-15-2009, 01:59 PM

Maybe the two week vacation wasn't long enough? Possibly you're under more stress than you realize and this is your body telling you it needs more destressing.

I say go with it, try other entertainment venues....movies, hiking, swimming, needle point, etc. and just rest your musical mind for awhile.

I also suggest not making any decisions on selling your equipment.

See how it goes and whatever the outcome, don't worry about it. It is what it is.

SSINTENSE · #20 07-15-2009, 02:03 PM

Happened to me for a year and a half after my first 3 years of playing bass. I have been playing for almost 2 years since that and am much better than I ever was in those first 3 years. Sometimes these breaks are a very good and productive thing. You will come back to it with another perspective and your learning will flourish. Hang up that bass for a while and try new things. This is the best thing you can do that is beneficial to your playing other than actually practicing.