Asked to do a song - sorta long

Michelob_64 · #1 01-15-2009, 02:27 PM

This past Saturday night, I was out with the little lady celebrating her B-day. We went to see a band I had auditioned with several months prior. I only because I knew the singer & he'd have fun embarassing my wife.

Anywho, singer dude asked if I wanted to come up & play a song. I said "sure if it's cool with your bass player." They had hired this other bass player over me in a very close decision. So I go up & do Crazy Bitch - Buckcherry, simple, easy & perfect for jamming with a group of guys I'd only jammed with once.

So, we are walking back to the table to sit & the drummer comes up to me & says "dude, that sh*t was tight, don't go anywhere." I was puzzled, then one of the guitar players said "did you learn the rest of our set lists?" and proceeds to tell me "you might wanna start getting them down."

Now I was really confused because I thought they liked the guy & only chose him because he'd played with them in the past. The drummer came back at the end of the night and confirmed my suspicions when he said "dude, keep in touch, this sh*t isn't working out. This bass player is a clown." In other converstations at the end of the night I was told that if 2 of the members had their way I'd be in the band. Even the bass player's g/f looked at my wife and said "why did they take X over your husband?"

Now keep in mind I had not gone to see them play in an effort to secretly garner a chance to play or even upset the apple cart for this other bass player. I'm in a band currently myself, although not as successful as these guys. They play every weekend and my current band only plays every other weeknd, one night so 2 nights a month. These dudes are nailing down 8 nights a month.

So now I'm sitting here wondering if I've sealed the fate of this guy & have put myself in the position of deciding what band to play for. It's going to be hard to turn down $800 - $1000 a month verses $150 a month that I get now.

Anyone have an opinion of what they would do if the "dude we want you in our band" conversation comes up? To my wife it is simple "show me the money." But I like the guys in my current band, but I also like these other guys. Now I sit here pondering a decision that may or may not be one I need to make lol.

jgroh · #2 01-15-2009, 02:38 PM

Dont worry about the other bass player, if he was doing his thing then they wouldnt be looking to chase him out. But beware, Ive been in this situation before and if this band doesnt immediately move on booting this guy, then walk away. Ive been led by the nose by bands that were doing well but couldnt bring themselves to pull the trigger on their bass player and it went on and on.

You got to do what you got to do for yourself. Dont worry about how the current band will feel if you leave. Its about what you want to do (at least that is my motto these days)

Beyer160 · #3 01-15-2009, 02:42 PM

If a guy in my band quit to take a gig that paid 8 times as much, I'd be happy for him. Just make sure it's a done deal before you burn any bridges.

How well do you know this other band? Maybe the new guy isn't "fitting in" because the other three are asshats? Something to think about, anyway.

scottbass · #4 01-15-2009, 02:43 PM

If it were me, I would join the better band, but make sure to not hang the less-talented band out to dry as far as already-booked gigs go. It would be my responsibility to play the remaining already-booked gigs with the less-talented band, or to line up a fill-in and possibly pay that fill-in a little extra money.

We only get a few opportunities in life, and we tend to regret the ones we don't seize for a long long time.

rokkitt · #5 01-15-2009, 02:49 PM

hey who knows.....

the other guy in the busy band that is getting tossed might fit into your current band that is less busy

a bass player trade!

just a thought

MatticusMania · #6 01-15-2009, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rokkitt

hey who knows.....

the other guy in the busy band that is getting tossed might fit into your current band that is less busy

a bass player trade!

just a thought

that would be interesting...

txbasschik · #7 01-15-2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rokkitt

hey who knows.....

the other guy in the busy band that is getting tossed might fit into your current band that is less busy

a bass player trade!

just a thought

Do like that show Trading Spouses and swap bassists for a week! Then critique each other's bands. LOL!

Ok, seriously...

If these guys call you, agree to jam with them a few times and see how it goes. That way, you can see whether they are jerks or not. It might be that their bassist is a good dude, and they are not-so-much.

Keep on with your current band. Don't quit unless you know the other band is a done deal. And fulfill all your gig obligations with them.

Cherie

Jehos · #8 01-15-2009, 04:10 PM

Make your decision as if the gig was offered to you, but take absolutely no action and don't talk it over with anybody but your wife, and tell her to keep it to herself.

If you decide you'd take the gig, then take it when the time comes. If you decide you wouldn't take the gig, tell them as soon as you know so they don't boot their bassist assuming you'll join then find out you won't.

**Stumbo** · #9 01-16-2009, 02:09 AM

Ask for a meeting with the band and discuss all issues.
Here's a link that may help you out: If only I knew then what I know now... If I only knew then...

I know it's their band but really, how do you want a band to be run, etc. Maybe they'll dump you as soon as they get to know you. Nail down all the details. If you're in it for the long run, tell them that and that you expect to be treated a full partner in the band, not just the "new guy".

If the other guy has the skills, what is it exactly that they don't like about him?

Good luck.

Skarekrough · #10 01-16-2009, 06:54 AM

They were looking for a good excuse to unload the guy.

If it were not you or anyone else it might have come down to a sequencer.

Count your blessings, take the gig and remember it when you think of slacking off on keeping your chops in shape.

Michelob_64 · #11 01-16-2009, 08:39 AM

Thanks, everyone!! I agree if this "D" guy were cutting it then they wouldn't even consider having me play. Two months ago, they decided between "D" & myself as to who would be the bass player for the band. He edged me out only because he lived closer & they were worried about me bailing due to the 30-45 minute drive to practices.

I do agree that this is a trade/job, etc. If I found a better paying daytime job with greater opportunities I'd take it. I won't burn any bridges as you never know if you will have to cross them again, lol.

As for this "D", he really isn't playing the songs correctly. I was cringing Saturday night because I knew the songs & the bass lines and just thought "come on dude." So in reality I think his playing/style just doesn't mesh & fit well with the rest of the band. The rest of the guys in the band are really nice and when I auditioned we seemed to hit it off well. This "D" guy is the boyfriend of the singer's girlfriend's sister, so I think that might have given him a little edge too. Bottomline is that they are just not happy with his playing, and they are slicing & dicing their setlists to cut out songs he can't do.

To their defense, they did say they were going to give "D" a few more gigs to see if he pulls himself together. So they are trying to give him a chance. My fear is learning about 12 songs in short order, I know about 80% of what they play. Guess I'll just have to grab a 2-liter, some chips & head to the bass cave, lol.

A bass player trade, now there is a thought!!!

debassr · #12 01-16-2009, 08:47 AM

If you do join, just remember not to ever let an audience member stand-in for you. You might just find yourself without a band before the night is over.

Jefenator · #13 01-16-2009, 01:46 PM

It's awkward, isn't it? I do a fair amount of subbing and it does come up from time to time, that situation where they approach you afterwards and say: man, we really want you in the band.

On one hand, I don't want to be a "band-wrecker" - it's bad form to raid your fellow bassists' gigs. Most of them are friends of mine and I want to keep it that way. Conniving isn't where it's "at".

On the other hand, if a player just isn't working out, the rest of the band has every right to reach out and try and improve their situation. So why should you say "no"?

IMO the main thing is to be upfront with everyone & extend as much consideration as possible. (In my case, I tell 'em I'm a hired gun. So if you're wanting more exclusivity, you'll probably want to keep looking...)

I've been replaced in various outfits, for various reasons and I always respect their decision (as long as I get ample notice). If I'm getting bumped for musical reasons, well, then I know there's something I need to improve! There's currently no bad blood between me and any band or player.

If someone isn't giving a band what they need and they're not cool about understanding & moving on, AFAIC that's their own problem.