Motivation

[klejst]

To make a long story short I am currently in a original rock band, we are a four piece and we are all in our early to mid 20's. We have been a band for almost four years now and have played a lot of shows and met a lot of great people along the way. However jump forward to now and I myself have noticed lately that the motivation of the band is really lacking. I usually show up ready to dive into the music, however a couple of the other guys it takes them a hour or two to just get motivated enough to go into the practice room to start practice. We play through our set list once (maybe twice) and then call that good and are so focused on what we are doing after the practice. The thing is we have been working on a EP since late December and it is still not done, the producer we are working with even has stated it should of been done by now, but I feel as a band we are really dragging our feet and before you know it Summer, the time to do stuff, will be over. It really sucks because our new stuff is really really awesome, however who is going to hear it if everyone cannot get their act together to finish it. The drummer and I's parts are all done, we are waiting on the guitarists to make up their minds if they want to add extra guitar parts and harmonies to the vocals or not. I know we all want to get this done and I know outside the band we have lives to live too, however for me this band is a big part of my life and I really want it to become something, but it is hard to when it seems you have anchors attached to the bands feet so to speak. What dose TB members who are in bands do to maintain motivation and the drive of the band?

[SymphonySamurai]

It sounds like your band has been doing the same routine for quite a while. I gather it's an originals band, so what about new songs? New gig venues? Maybe change the routine and spice things up a bit. As far as the EP goes, give your guitarists a deadline. Something like EP parts ironed out and recorded by August. Then, make it a point to ask them how things are coming at every rehearsal. Eventually, they'll get the hint and maybe start working on finishing up. If they don't, then it might be time to start looking for either two new guitar players or another band to join that has their act more together. I know that thought sucks, but if your band can't get an EP done after 4 years together, something isn't working. Another idea would be to take the next rehearsal to sit and have a band meeting, see if you can get the other guys to talk about their thoughts on the band, where they see it going, and where they would like it to go. There may be some stuff going on behind the scenes that you don't know about, or they may not see any problem with the way things are. Communication is key, but like I said, if they're not making the same effort to further the band as you and the drummer are, then it might be time to part ways. Just my 2 pennies.