Should age ever have an impact on which style of music you play?

Relic · #1 08-07-2008, 02:21 PM

Or alternatively - At what age do you feel the need (if any) to change direction musically?

at 42, I've been playing for 20+ years and have done metal, prog, power-pop, played classic rock cover bands, and just a lot of different stuff. Currently, I play in a band that's best described as an Indie sort of thing, bordering on garage rock.
The last few all-originals shows we've played, I was pretty much the oldest person in the place by a long shot.
If you're some legendary bass player that may work, but when you're just an average guy...?

It's starting to make me wonder "when is enough" in regards to the whole Indie/Alt/garage thing.
I've actually started up a Blues project on the side.

I'm just curious to hear other opinions from bass players young and old - does you age factor into which style of music you choose to play?

Marcury · #2 08-07-2008, 03:58 PM

No, and i don't think it should. Play what you love and die happy!

Delberthot · #3 08-07-2008, 06:05 PM

When I was 17 I was playing in a big band and a dixieland jazz band. I was the youngest member in both bands by about 50 years as the other guys had been doing it since it was considered mainstream.

The singer in my rock band now is 57 and considers himself too young to be doing weddings and club gigs. I, myself, do both.

I hope that I will always play what I want to.

I may consider forming a boy band when I hit 40 as apparently life begins again around that time.

rarisgod · #4 08-08-2008, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcury

No, and i don't think it should. Play what you love and die happy!

+1
It should have no impact whatsoever.

Munjibunga · #5 08-08-2008, 12:25 PM

Sure. Now that I'm 60, I can play only Doobie Brothers and Eagles.

BlacksHole · #6 08-08-2008, 12:59 PM

On the local scene, I find it a bit odd to see senior citizens playing death metal. Generally, one's tastes also evolve to some degree and it is difficult for most to emulate bands made up of musicians younger than one's own children. But if you really want to play boy band material to the pre-teen set, then go for it. Just try not to fondle any groupies as that will lead to child molestation charges.

SteveC · #7 08-08-2008, 01:00 PM

I'm 42. I play in a cover band, a funk/soul/jam band and a jazz trio. I play with guys 12 years younger and 10 years older than me. It doesn't matter.

Now, maybe I wouldn't fit in with some young indie band, but for many things, age is irrelevant - or at least it should be.

MysticMichael · #8 08-08-2008, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcury

No, and i don't think it should. Play what you love and die happy!

I think that's what he's saying. Key phrase is "choose to play"...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relic

At what age do you feel the need (if any) to change direction musically? I'm just curious to hear other opinions from bass players young and old - does you age factor into which style of music you choose to play?

It's different for each person. You grow and mature. Your tastes evolve and hopefully become more sophisticated.

I'm 52 years old, look more like 42, and feel more like 32 (OK, maybe 35

). I literally grew up on classic rock and old-school R&B - I was there for everything from original Motown and the British Invasion onward. But I rarely listen to classic rock, and can hardly stand to play it anymore - with rare exception.

I've moved on into more of an ambient/electronic/acid jazz/neo-psychedelic rock/world music thing. It's a process that's been gradually developing within me for many years - and it feels more natural and authentic than anything I can recall doing before.

At this point, I can't see myself playing classic rock covers in a bar band ever again. I think it's my willingness to get outside of my comfort zone and experiment with new forms that has helped to keep me young. And that's a personal decision - irrespective of chronological age...

MM

Marcury · #9 08-08-2008, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticMichael

I think that's what he's saying. Key phrase is "choose to play"...

DUH!

WickedPissah · #10 08-08-2008, 03:21 PM

The Who have been singing "I hope I die before I get old"* for 43 years. Age don't mean a thing.

*I know that's not the name of a song, I'm referring to the line in "My Generation".

cassanova · #11 08-08-2008, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relic

I'm just curious to hear other opinions from bass players young and old - does you age factor into which style of music you choose to play?

Nope, not a bit. I believe you should play what you like.

chadds · #12 08-10-2008, 03:07 PM

Sometimes we think too old for your own good.
Sometimes we act like children.
We play with ourselves so why not with others of whatever age?

It's true when I was younger if I could have sat in with some old guy of any musical genre I would.
Now the young just want to play like Green Day who are just a couple of seconds older relatively speaking.

Warpticon · #13 08-10-2008, 03:24 PM

Should your age, sex, race, or anything unrelated to the actual music impact what type of music you play? Sure, if you lack genitalia.

Single Coil · #14 08-10-2008, 03:50 PM

I'm about to turn 43 and have been playing in the same band for the last six years. The other members are 32, 30, and 22 (new drummer).

Our band plays all originals, and we have released two CD's in the last six years (Our style is a mix of different rock styles). We have never been famous and have no plans to be. We all have lives and families and are perfectly content to play our shows to whomever will listen. We've had five year olds through sixty year olds dancing at our shows, having a good time, and that is enough.

The people I play with are my best friends, and I have no plans of stopping. I think you should play whatever you feel compelled to play, regardless of your age.