Anyone else just get tired of it?

glocke1 · #1 07-13-2010, 06:20 AM

Im 43, been playing bass since I was 15.

Playing music is not my career, (im a biochemist), but it is how I enjoy spending my free time.

Over the years Ive been in a variety of bands ranging from swing orchestras to southern rock. Most of these bands have been quite good, and filled with top notch players. A couple of these bands have even done very well locally and regionally.

Unfortunately a recurring theme for me is that once one of my projects starts to gather steam, something inevitably happens. Someone leaves for "greener pastures", someone has a mental breakdown, etc...and I am pretty much left to start all over again.

I think the last project I had was the straw that broke the camels back. I had spent all of last fall and winter working with a KB player finding musicians for a new band. This past spring we finally got the lineup set, started playing gigs, and started scheduling gigs for the summer, some of which included opening slots for some well known headliners.

At the start of the summer the KB player decided he wanted to do a cruise ship gig all summer and left giving us a weeks notice. Unable to replace him, I had to pretty much cancel everything we had booked for the summer.

I cant really blame him, as he DOES play music for a living, and the money for this gig was supposedly very good. Overall though, this latest disappointment has left me with a pretty negative attitude towards bands in general.

Anyone else get that way?

John Wentzien · #2 07-13-2010, 06:24 AM

spade2you · #3 07-13-2010, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glocke1

Unfortunately a recurring theme for me is that once one of my projects starts to gather steam, something inevitably happens. Someone leaves for "greener pastures", someone has a mental breakdown, etc...and I am pretty much left to start all over again.

....yeah, that sounds like musicians. I'd say I'm taking a break, but I've started to run out of musicians to work with.

Sounds like you need a break. I don't think anyone ever stops loving bass, but working with musicians is an exercise of will and patience at times.

yamark · #4 07-13-2010, 06:28 AM

I get discouraged pretty often. However, if I didn't play something, I'd go crazy. Our drummer recently had to sit out 3 weeks for tendinitis, and I became incredibly antsy. Its funny b/c my fiance can tell when we haven't played in a while based on how I act. Anytime she complains that I've been spending too much time with the band, I respond "you know how I get when I don't play." She then suggests that I should play more.

I am a physics teacher by profession. So, while I hope our band continues to get more attention and bigger gigs, it won't kill me if we don't. And if someone leaves for greener pastures, there is a huge need for bassists in my area and I'll jump on with someone else.

larrison · #5 07-13-2010, 06:32 AM

YES. I'm the same age and have been through alot over the years as have so many of you. The "fun" factor has largely (not totally) disappeared and has been replaced with work, some oscar winning performances from drama queen guitar players, grown men acting like toddlers, meds, lack of meds, etc, etc, etc. It drives me insane, often wondering why the hell I put myself through it all. Oh wait, I do love playing bass. However, I do wonder if it's worth it. I'm very thankful that I have a day job!

lowend1 · #6 07-13-2010, 06:36 AM

The key is finding people with the same head - first and foremost. A player who is paying his bills by playing music will most likely go where the money is. A musical genius in a band of "capable players" will not be inspired, and will ultimately move on. If you have a sneaking suspicion that a band member is a few fries short of a Happy Meal, well, he/she probably is. Listen to the little voice that says "this probably isn't right".

RonChase · #7 07-13-2010, 06:37 AM

thats show biz I myself have played with some gifted players and some clods,like an older wiser drummer I respect in one of my better bands told me,and I quote you meet the best of people you meet the worst of people

i hate username · #8 07-13-2010, 06:45 AM

whats a KB player? sorry to go off topic but i have no idea.

**john turner** · #9 07-13-2010, 06:48 AM

the basses forum is for instrument specific discussion. i moved this to a forum that is more topically appropriate.

Diogenes · #10 07-13-2010, 06:48 AM

I'm not a pro musician but take my music seriously. For almost 30 years I've gone through the same crap with bands... the same ups and downs. I think it's just the nature of the beast. Basically you're in a relationship with multiple people... plenty of drama and issues can arise. In a way it's even more difficult to deal with than a marriage.

Just keep on keeping on.

Diogenes · #11 07-13-2010, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i hate username

whats a KB player? sorry to go off topic but i have no idea.

KeyBoard

Orangeclawhamme · #12 07-13-2010, 06:50 AM

I'm gonna crawl out on a limb and say "keyboard player". Of course, now we'll find out that the OP meant someting else.

ridgeback · #13 07-13-2010, 06:53 AM

yeah i think we all have been there at some point..i dont play in bands anymore i play for fun, teach some kids (and one dad).to play guitar for free because for me nowdays i just find money always finds a way to kill the buzz of what your trying to do..i know for a lot of people money is the big factor in playing and they go where the money is..its hard to find people that have the same outlook and visions as yourself.ya just have to keep looking ..

Magnus Scott · #14 07-13-2010, 06:55 AM

keyboard

Edit. too late, sorry

newwavefrank · #15 07-13-2010, 06:56 AM

Been there so many times. You really just have to accept the fact that thats the way it is. I own my own business, and while its a hassle to replace employees, turnover is part of the deal. Bands are no different. I finally just started my own band so I could control things. I own ALL the equipment, pick the songs etc. One suggestion would be to always have backup plans. Do you know people who could sub if someone gets sick or quits? I once had a bass player call me on Tuesday saying he had to work nights that weekend. On wednesday the drummer and I ( I was playing guitar at the time) got together and I recorded 4 sets of bass to a click track. The gig went off without a hitch. (and then I was prepared for next time). Could you reall ynot live without keys? If your band is dependant on specific people, you will always go through this

lfbassguy · #16 07-13-2010, 06:59 AM

i guess i have been pretty fortunate. i have always been a hired gun, locally, regionally, and nationally. i've never had to worry about members coming and going, or bookings. i just show up and play. my motto is "if its paying i'm playing". well anyways its always worked for me. i stay out of the logistics side of it.

Lichtaffen · #17 07-13-2010, 06:59 AM

I know where you all are coming from. My band is going through it right now. Then people get discouraged and drop like flies. We have one gig scheduled, but afterwards I'm guessing the drummer is pulling the plug. Oh well.

I've started thinking that I should get into solo bass playing. I love playing with others, but everything else that goes along with it does kill the buzz.

Lichtaffen · #18 07-13-2010, 07:05 AM

As I just finished writing the above and then went to check my email, I found out the drummer cancelled practice tonight for personal reasons. I know people have lives, but this is the second time in three or so weeks. Sheesh.

waleross · #19 07-13-2010, 07:06 AM

Don't quit your day job !

bassbully · #20 07-13-2010, 07:13 AM

This makes you wonder how some bands or bandleaders make it so many years without going nuts. You know how insane musicians are and you see some acts keep going year after year. I understand how you feel and just keep my fingers crossed. IMO there are 2 things you can do. Put up with it, or become a hired gun and get involved with several bands playing diffrent music on call.
I will continue to work on my solo guitar/songwriting if anything goes south this time with my current band (fingers crossed).