I'm on a Boat!!!

JoZac21 · #1 08-08-2011, 01:34 PM

‪Cosmolingo - Beathe (on a boat)‬&rlm; - YouTube

My band, Cosmolingo, on a boat. Now, I'm not going to lie, I've been considering leaving this group, as the management doesn't nearly match the level of talent. I honestly don't see this band going anywhere... despite how good the band is. The business end of things have been handled horribly. So, I suppose my question to you all is, is this good enough to stick around for? Thanks for the comments in advance.

::::BASSIST:::: · #2 08-08-2011, 01:57 PM

Personally, just based on the number of people in the band it would not interest me. More people = less money for each member. My .02.

JoZac21 · #3 08-08-2011, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

Personally, just based on the number of people in the band it would not interest me. More people = less money for each member. My .02.

Ah, $.02... about how much I got paid for the gig lol.

Seriously... I'm not terribly concerned about money. I'd rather have a large number of people in the audience than a Franklin in my pocket. But our bandleader has done little to nothing to sell our band. We've been together for almost 2 years, and we're still playing almost the same set and we don't have a website or merch or ANYTHING to give to audience. Sure, there's a lot of people in the group... but the large majority are extremely talented. I don't know what to do. Ultimately, I think I'd rather be in a band that gains exposure than a band that is great but sits in the dark... i dunno.

FrenchAK · #4 08-08-2011, 02:17 PM

I liked the music, it looks like a ton of fun. I'd like to try being in a big band like that (Tried to put one together through a bunch of musician friends, never did end up having a practice where everyone showed up...).

If you're not worried about the money, stay! Although, if it's not going anywhere, you either gotta light a fire under them or get out... But, then again, it looks like so much fun!

Gord_oh · #5 08-08-2011, 02:22 PM

as a band, its not what people are listening to.
it really doesnt matter how good you are, because fans are what will make you or break you.
now im not saying to sell out. that should never be a last resort.
play what you. it shouldnt be about getting famous, although that is a nice perk sometimes.

ps- nice skills man, you can play. if you think youre skills can be used better then go out looking.

JoZac21 · #6 08-08-2011, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gord_oh

as a band, its not what people are listening to.
it really doesnt matter how good you are, because fans are what will make you or break you.
now im not saying to sell out. that should never be a last resort.
play what you. it shouldnt be about getting famous, although that is a nice perk sometimes.

ps- nice skills man, you can play. if you think youre skills can be used better then go out looking.

We always get a great reception from the audience... and I truly feel that if we had something to give the audience, we'de get return customers... honestly, I have no problem "selling out" so long as what I'm selling I can get behind... but we're not really selling anything at this point, and it's been 2 years.

::::BASSIST:::: · #7 08-08-2011, 04:39 PM

Honestly from reading your posts if I were you I'd consider two options:

Step up and offer to take on some of the responsibilities. Setting up a wix.com free website is pretty easy. Then the next thing is going after gigs. In my opinion a band can only be successful if it gigs on a regular basis. If you take on more responsibility perhaps it will motivate others in the band to step up and help out too. One advantage of being in a big band is that there are more hands to help. It sounds like your bandleader isnt organized enough or is not willing to put in the effort to make things happen. So if you are not willing to help him out and get some of that stuff done, I'd leave. The band will just spin its wheels if someone doesnt do the work required.

JoZac21 · #8 08-08-2011, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

Honestly from reading your posts if I were you I'd consider two options:

Step up and offer to take on some of the responsibilities. Setting up a wix.com free website is pretty easy. Then the next thing is going after gigs. In my opinion a band can only be successful if it gigs on a regular basis. If you take on more responsibility perhaps it will motivate others in the band to step up and help out too. One advantage of being in a big band is that there are more hands to help. It sounds like your bandleader isnt organized enough or is not willing to put in the effort to make things happen. So if you are not willing to help him out and get some of that stuff done, I'd leave. The band will just spin its wheels if someone doesnt do the work required.

The bandleader/lead singer seems a bit power hungry and wants to take charge of everything... yet he's the worst businessman I've ever met in my life. The problem is, I love playing with the rest of them... I just want to see this group do something already.

P. Aaron · #9 08-08-2011, 07:37 PM

Determine what your goals are...for the next 3 months and where you want to be in a year. If this act doesn't fulfill the short or long term goals, start working with others. The big goals are only achieved by reaching some of the small ones. Make one of them, who's going to lead and what, in the short term needs to be done first? Define what success is...for the short term to a year...personally-professionally.

You've used up 2 years and the only thing you've got is the enjoyment of the music. Even that however, is only a small part. It's obvious you can play, but, the music doesn't mean much if it's only part of your definition of success.

We all define this stuff differently...but don't waste time hoping things will change or get better. You have to make changes. Without sound business decisions, there is no show.

JoZac21 · #10 08-08-2011, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P. Aaron

Determine what your goals are...for the next 3 months and where you want to be in a year. If this act doesn't fulfill the short or long term goals, start working with others. The big goals are only achieved by reaching some of the small ones. Make one of them, who's going to lead and what, in the short term needs to be done first? Define what success is...for the short term to a year...personally-professionally.

You've used up 2 years and the only thing you've got is the enjoyment of the music. Even that however, is only a small part. It's obvious you can play, but, the music doesn't mean much if it's only part of your definition of success.

We all define this stuff differently...but don't waste time hoping things will change or get better. You have to make changes. Without sound business decisions, there is no show.

I've already given myself a deadline, November 20th, my birthday for when the album must be out and tee-shirts must be made... but I'm not sure it's soon enough.

JoZac21 · #11 08-09-2011, 10:42 AM

Bump...

I'd love to get more opinions. Is this music good enough to stick around in the band even with an awful business model?

gttim · #12 08-09-2011, 10:51 AM

Hope you guys cover Mother's Finest!

To your question: There was a guy in the band break dancing? Doesn't that answer your question?

JoZac21 · #13 08-09-2011, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gttim

To your question: There was a guy in the band break dancing? Doesn't that answer your question?

Wait... is that a yes or a no to quit? lol.

Yeah, our band leader is a great dancer and performer... but it's almost like he doesn't want anyone to know our band.

TheVoiceless · #14 08-09-2011, 11:04 AM

Bands take a long time to get established. Having said that, its obvious you are not happy with the way things are being handled. Truth is if your one foot in one foot out ( as it seems you are already at ) I would approach the people in the group and see how they feel. Maybe with a little push the band leader will see the need for better management.

Can't access youtube at the moment so I can't offer you a musical opinion. But stick with it if you think its a good band. Bands are a weird thing. Some explode over night ( usually because they work so hard at it ) and other take some time to develop. If the band and show is tight, sounds like practice time should be foucused on a good business plan. But try and help them see the light first. Then if they are not receptive find a replacement gig. Think of it like work, you don't quit until you have something else lined up.

Good Luck!

Ewo · #15 08-09-2011, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoZac21

I've already given myself a deadline, November 20th, my birthday for when the album must be out and tee-shirts must be made... but I'm not sure it's soon enough.

Happy birthday in advance, fellow Scorp.

Is it possible to raise the question with the bandleader? Like, maybe try using a manager who's not part of the band?

If you like the music (IMO, it was interesting and would be fun to play) and the problem is the business side, address the problem directly.

JoZac21 · #16 08-09-2011, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ewo

Happy birthday in advance, fellow Scorp.

Is it possible to raise the question with the bandleader? Like, maybe try using a manager who's not part of the band?

If you like the music (IMO, it was interesting and would be fun to play) and the problem is the business side, address the problem directly.

I think it's a matter of rallying the other band members if anything... our band leader treats the group as an autocracy and wants full control... his business plan reminds me of this, though.

Bassman7PM · #17 08-09-2011, 11:29 AM

I really enjoyed watching the video link. That being said how often do you as a band sit down and discuss the business side of things. The leader only has the control you collectively give to him, so if you're not happy with where the band is going or not going do something about it. Does everyone in the band feel the same as you? Have you as a band mapped out a stragedy for moving forward with shared responsibilities like, recording/studio time, merchandise creation and distribution, Website creation, promotions?

::::BASSIST:::: · #18 08-09-2011, 11:36 AM

Its alot for one person to do so he cannot expect to do it all.

jkramer5 · #19 08-09-2011, 11:36 AM

Band politics aside, I liked your video, your band, and it looks like a fun gig :-)

JoZac21 · #20 08-09-2011, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

Its alot for one person to do so he cannot expect to do it all.

Agreed... I think he's taken on too much responsibility, and while he's a decent artist, I know I'm a better business person and wouldn't mind taking that aspect over.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkramer5

Band politics aside, I liked your video, your band, and it looks like a fun gig :-)

Thank you very much... if I didn't like playing w. these guys so much, I would quit right away... but the band is good.