Stop Playing For A Moment...Are You Still An Asset?

palm grease · #1 10-22-2008, 08:50 AM

It's been said that us bass players make great producers. In my opinion its because we hear the whole piece, as thats our job. As redundent as it may be, I feel this is my strong point as a musician working with a band. However, I don't feel as if I've worked towards this.....a natural trait as a bass player?

In your opinion, aside from your musical abilities, what is your strength as a member of your project? Can/Would you have the same effect if you were to switch instruments?

This is the question of the week for my band.

Thoughts?

Atoz · #2 10-22-2008, 08:55 AM

Am I an asset?

You're only off by two letters.

Seriously, though... I'm the band "taskmaster," so I guess I have value aside from playing.

Asa Samuel · #3 10-22-2008, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atoz

Am I an asset?

You're only off by two letters.

Seriously, though... I'm the band "taskmaster," so I guess I have value aside from playing.

You're a set?

Atoz · #4 10-22-2008, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass Junkie

You're a set?

I've certainly got one.

4bpauly · #5 10-22-2008, 09:00 AM

I don't know about bass players in general, but I would say my stength would be to arrange the songs and listen to the band as a whole.

this is a great spot as a bass player as well, because you really understand the affect your lines can make to a song.

i guess this helps?... my 2 cents anyways

palm grease · #6 10-22-2008, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atoz

Am I an asset?

Seriously, though... I'm the band "taskmaster"

so, your in charge of toilet paper replenishment?

MakiSupaStar · #7 10-22-2008, 09:01 AM

I'm a monkey. If that counts for anything.

**Thor** · #8 10-22-2008, 09:02 AM

We (my newest top secret project) discussed this and the
lineup looks like this.

Guitarist>songwriter>vocalist

Bassist>arranger>backup vocalist

Drummer>recovering alcoholic

And I am all in support of our drummer.

Atoz · #9 10-22-2008, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palm grease

so, your in charge on toilet paper replenishment?

**Thor** · #10 10-22-2008, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MakiSupaStar

I'm a monkey. If that counts for anything.

I heard that song on the radio, I decided that would be the
coolest cover ever.

palm grease · #11 10-22-2008, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4bpauly

I don't know about bass players in general, but I would say my stength would be to arrange the songs and listen to the band as a whole.

is this due to the nature of your instrument? or is it in your blood, so to speak?

are we bass players even before we play bass?

Phalex · #12 10-22-2008, 09:14 AM

I'm the peacekeeper, sometime arranger, and beast of burden.

dave64o · #13 10-22-2008, 09:15 AM

My last project kind of faded a while ago, but referring to that one ...

This was a two man project so we both had many roles besides our main instrument. My friend did most of the writing, almost all of the guitars, and all of the keyboards. I did the drums, bass, most of the arranging, and most of the recording and mixing.

Baryonyx · #14 10-22-2008, 09:16 AM

Yes, I can fill in with a passable Joe Zawinul impression on keys if need be, and I often arrange pieces of music for groups I'm playing with.

palm grease · #15 10-22-2008, 09:20 AM

only a few posts in.... anyone see a trend yet?

control?

Georynn · #16 10-22-2008, 09:34 AM

yeah, we do the heavy lifting, but they get all the chicks...

BTW, Band rehearsal space is at my house. My guitard-ist plays a guitar I built him. drums are mine, PA gear is mine. Singer is my wife( but she's just filling in). I book the gigs.

"I write the songs that make the whole world sing"

.

SteveC · #17 10-22-2008, 09:38 AM

You know the old saying - everyone's replaceable - so I guess that doesn't make me much of an asset. I'm basically a paid sideman. I don't book gigs, I don't have much say in music, we're a cover band so we don't write. I learn my parts and show up on time.

mjolnir · #18 10-22-2008, 09:38 AM

I occasionally cry on demand for the others.

I also run sound at practice, produce, and do all the talking with venues.

Baryonyx · #19 10-22-2008, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palm grease

only a few posts in.... anyone see a trend yet?

control?

Because so many bassists here are talking about arranging? I've worked with musicians who can write nice lick and passages but have no ear for shaping them into something with pace and a listenable quality. I think a good arranger brings that to the table!

DudeistMonk · #20 10-22-2008, 10:02 AM

My project is just starting but already I've taken the role of band secretary/organizer because nobody else was stepping up to the plate.

I'm a web developer/designer so I know I'll be building/running our website and myspace.

I know pro-tools so when it comes to mixing and editing a demo or home recording I have a feeling I'll be involved.

I'm also being prodded into doing back-up vocals...we'll see how that goes when I try to sing and play the chorus to "fire" tomorrow.