"Studio Musician" or "Band Member" - Which are you?

Sonicfrog · #1 07-29-2011, 10:31 AM

Even if you don't operate in either role, what do you see yourself as?

I would love to think myself capable of being a "Session Man". I do have a somewhat unique style of playing and can hang with a lot of different styles. Odd time signatures generally won't throw me off. I have a very good ear for picking out notes to play and can play either simple root lines or more melodic. I work well with others, don't inject myself into stuff that doesn't concern me and am more than happy to play something the way someone else envisions it.

BUT...

I'm also aware of my limitations. It's been eons since I read music, and was only good at it, not great. I can't play super-dooper fast, and my slap-and-pull technique? Well, lets just say there is a reason why I use it sparingly.

So, as much as I would love to do session work, I still think I'm better suited as a "Band Member" type of bassist.

How do you see yourself as a musician / bass player?

Marial · #2 07-29-2011, 10:43 AM

Definitely a band member, though studio work would be fun to get into. As it is I barely have time for the two (all originals) bands I'm in after work/relationship duties. The reality is that music is an avocation for me, not a profession.

zachoff · #3 07-29-2011, 10:59 AM

Band member for sure. No way I could play/record in a studio, basically unrehearsed.

bassbrad · #4 07-29-2011, 11:01 AM

Both I wear a lot of different hats because I play in several bands. I am the leader of one band, member in 2 others and a hired gun in 2 others. I am also fairly active on the studio scene as a session bassist and do some pickup work.

**TRichardsbass** · #5 07-29-2011, 11:05 AM

Like most people, including the legendary Joe Osborn, I don't really sight read. I did learn how to read Nashville charts and some other variants of chord charts, which for a lot of things are all that is needed. I probably consider myself more of a "session man" today only because I get more calls to drop a quick baseline or fix someone elses.

Sight reading is a skill that I think I might actually master before I die

, however the most in demand guys are all way superior and I couldn't and wouldn't compete with them anyway.

seanm · #6 07-29-2011, 11:23 AM

I'm either a band member or hired gun. Never did any studio work. To be honest, I am not that interested in studio work. I like performing in front of an audience.

zachoff · #7 07-29-2011, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanm

I'm either a band member or hired gun. Never did any studio work. To be honest, I am not that interested in studio work. I like performing in front of an audience.

Both of my studio experiences made me a better bass player and aside from the usual 10-12 hour days when recording it's a really fulfilling process. That said, I could never do it all the time & I've only ever recorded my band's material which was rehearsed for months before taking it to the studio.

SteveC · #8 07-29-2011, 12:41 PM

Band Member and proud of it. I've done very minimal studio work, and it was fine, but I prefer playing live.

onosson · #9 07-29-2011, 12:41 PM

Hired gun mostly ... not really involved in any busy projects as a band member, and don't get much studio work other than those projects and the odd gig for a buddy who has a home studio.

MatticusMania · #10 07-29-2011, 02:06 PM

Mostly a band member, but not opposed to doing studio work though.

::::BASSIST:::: · #11 07-29-2011, 02:52 PM

Definitely band member. Playing live is what its all about to me. If it weren't for that I would not play bass at all. When one of my bands recorded a cd I played the basslines for it, but I did not find it a pleasurable experience. Although it was interesting from a technical standpoint, I found it very stressful. Stress = no fun.

Sonicfrog · #12 07-29-2011, 05:33 PM

Yeah... Forgot to mention I LOVE playing live! No retakes or patches if you have an Oopsie! Let it all hang out Baaybeeee!!!

LongHairFreak · #13 08-02-2011, 08:54 PM

Absolutely a band member. A couple/few years shy of 40 years of bass, I'm still not savvy enough for session.

CG Jones · #14 08-05-2011, 08:07 PM

Much as I'd love to be a studio player (especially after having my first recording session last week), I work much better as a band member. Being with the same group of musicians over a period of time has really allowed me to grow as a player.

Elrend · #15 08-05-2011, 08:15 PM

Band member, because I don't like playing music I don't like.

scotch · #16 08-05-2011, 08:24 PM

I'm fortunate to do both! I'm a member of 2 different bands and still have time to do sessions as well as 'freelance' touring. Hopefully I can keep it all rolling as long as possible.

renobassman · #17 08-08-2011, 02:16 PM

I really like both, but tend to prefer studio work. I like having a set band that I work with, but I tend to get bored and burnt out pretty easily playing the same set over and over. Playing sessions and doing 'hired gun' gigs is a good way for me to branch out and play in some styles that I might not normally play with a band. I also really enjoy the challenge of coming up with the best bass line I can think of on the fly. It can be stressful, but it really pushes me to be a better musician.

For me, playing live with a band fulfills my need to have fun with music, and the studio fulfills my need to be challenged by it.