Awkward encounter in the guitar store...

hrodbert696 · #1 10-28-2011, 04:48 PM

Not sure if this is really "band management" - at least I hope it doesn't turn into that. Anyway, my wife and toddler and I were checking out a guitar store that I just found out about, when who should walk in but the singer/rhythm guitarist from one of the projects I'm in. He hadn't met any of my family yet, so I introduce him to my wife as the singer for "the Manchester band" (the city where we practice). He gives me a look and says "you mean THE band."

It suddenly occurs to me that I've probably never had an occasion to mention my other project to him, with a singer/keys player that's struggling to recruit more members (I've got another thread on that). And it occurs to me that he was pretty concerned when I joined about whether I'd be committed long-term because his band practices 45 minutes from where I live (but only 5 minutes from my work).

So I'm curious if this is going to turn into an issue next practice. I've got no problem being in two bands when neither one has gigs yet anyway and doesn't demand much time. If someday they actually get busy enough to have conflicts, I'll deal with it then, but that's not going to be for quite some time.

I don't know -- thoughts? Any similar experiences?

Duckwater · #2 10-28-2011, 04:59 PM

I play in 4 bands. As long as you can make time for each one then your bandmates have no reason to complain.

animvl · #3 10-28-2011, 04:59 PM

If he's a reasonable guy, discussing it should be fine. If you feel committed to the band then you should be able to explain it to him. If you actually feel more committed to the other band then he's probably right to be a bit concerned.

You said you'll "deal with it" when both bands start being busy and conflicts start, but that's not fair on the band you end up neglecting or leaving, it's probably better for you to tackle it now so that one band isn't left looking for a new bassist with gigs on the horizon.

If one of them is an originals band, then hopefully by the time gigging gets busy it can take place in tours in which case you just take a month off from the other band to do that, but if both are function/cover bands then you're likely to get double booked sometimes.

You'll have to let us know if it does become an issue, I hope it doesn't though.

bassbrad · #4 10-28-2011, 05:14 PM

Hopefully he'll be cool. I know some folks get very possessive and territorial about bands and players, but until there is a conflict I usually don't have any problems.

XtheDeadPawn · #5 10-28-2011, 05:17 PM

I play in 3.
One yet to be named - It started as a joke but, we use it now.

Don't Trust the System aka DtS - My first side project that's layed dormant for years now. It had current and former members of my other band The Dead Pawns in it but, I could never figure out how to use my Tascam DP-07. I use a local rap studio in my local mall (the word ghetto was made for this place) to record One Yet to be Named's upcoming EP were are a Punk/Nu-Metal/Hard Rock band. The studio maybe ghetto but, for less than $80 an hour you get to record through Protools. Our drummer has to bring in his set everytime we go though so he hates it also our name did I mention that the joke is really a joke on him?

pklima · #6 10-29-2011, 10:48 AM

Before I join any band, I always give them some samples of my playing and describe them as "bands I play in or used to play in". That makes it plenty clear up front. Some people don't like that, and that's fine. Those usually aren't the kind of people I'd get along with for very long anyway.

Steve · #7 10-29-2011, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrodbert696

If someday they actually get busy enough to have conflicts, I'll deal with it then, but that's not going to be for quite some time.

I don't know -- thoughts? Any similar experiences?

Maybe, just maybe, the other guys you're involved with don't want to burn the energy for an "I'll deal with it then" proposition.

I feel your pain. I have a 30 year multi-band gig whore history but, the key to success with that is total up front honesty. Some guys don't care, some guys care A LOT.

boombloom · #8 10-29-2011, 03:28 PM

Sorry. You are from New Hampshire. I couldn't resist. A band isn't exactly like a marriage. Do what you think is right. If someone has a question they'll let you know.

spaz21387 · #9 10-29-2011, 03:30 PM

Some bands dont like you playing in more then one. I have had try outs and told them up front I also play bass in this band, And usually they arent cool with it. I dont see why I can handle more then on band.

Munjibunga · #10 10-29-2011, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spaz21387

Some bands dont like you playing in more then one. I have had try outs and told them up front I also play bass in this band, And usually they arent cool with it. I dont see why I can handle more then on band.

... more than one ...

JohnMCA72 · #11 10-29-2011, 04:40 PM

I had an audition a couple of years ago, where I apparently "passed" & was told that I couldn't play with any other band(s). I told them that if they were willing to pay me $250.00 per week, gig or no gig, I'm theirs exclusively. For a second, I thought I might have made a mistake & they might take me up on it (priced way too low), but luckily they didn't make me honor my offer!

Honestly, I want everybody in my band(s) to play with other people. I expect to be able to do the same, unless somebody is paying me good money (I'll never offer to go for $250/week again!) not to & even then... The way I figure it is, working with a variety of folks is a great way to learn things. The things that I learn, I can bring back to the "other" band(s). That includes a better "me", for having the experience of playing with some other folks.

Thrill-House · #12 10-29-2011, 06:09 PM

Shouldnt be an issue as long as you arent neglecting one band for the other. Ive always felt that because we bassists are somewhat rare, its almost our duty to lend our skills to multiple bands. Plus, unless you are being paid on a regular basis for your time, no one band owns you.

Decedo · #13 10-29-2011, 10:27 PM

I've been playing in multiple bands for years, and the only times 'issues' come up is when you deal with insecure people.

steveksux · #14 10-30-2011, 01:17 AM

If one band is working enough to satisfy me, playing the kind of stuff to satisfy my musical goals, I'll stick with one band. Done that quite a lot, actually.

But now, I'm looking for that band, and rather have a few irons in the fire since most are liable to fizzle out. Sometimes the promising projects don't workout, sometimes the sketchy ones end up coming together.

The odds of a couple projects conflicting in this area anyway isn't high unless you're one of top, well known people. Most of the really good people in town are doing a bunch of projects, and those groups sub people as needed to handle conflicts. They want the best they can get, whenever they can get them. Especially projects which consist of the front person/singer, the backup bands are often a shifting cast of characters.

Randy

bluewine · #15 10-30-2011, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duckwater

I play in 4 bands. As long as you can make time for each one then your bandmates have no reason to complain.

I will never understand this being in 2 bands no less four bands.

I rather be in 1 band that's doing well. You would be hard pressed to convince me that all 4 bands are productive and working unless your in 4 famous/ pro bands.

JohnMCA72 · #16 10-30-2011, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluewine

I will never understand this being in 2 bands no less four bands.

I rather be in 1 band that's doing well. You would be hard pressed to convince me that all 4 bands are productive and working unless your in 4 famous/ pro bands.

I think it's mostly a reflection of the high failure rate of bands in general. In my experience, most really haven't been worth putting all my eggs into - your clause "...productive and working..." is the key point. I'm with you (& some others here) that 1 band can be great plenty, if it's busy enough. Trouble is, very few are busy enough for me (YMMV). Basically, I want to stay very busy. Whether that means 1 band, 10 bands, or somewhere in the middle, it takes whatever it takes.

Also, it's critical to be honest & up-front with all bands about what you're doing, so that there aren't any unpleasant surprises.

KeithPas · #17 10-30-2011, 04:57 PM

Do these bands compete with one another? If not then it is just a matter of scheduling, if they do then I would tell him that you plan on committing to whoever can get you quality gigs.

marmadaddy · #18 10-30-2011, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnMCA72

.... The way I figure it is, working with a variety of folks is a great way to learn things. The things that I learn, I can bring back to the "other" band(s). That includes a better "me", for having the experience of playing with some other folks.

Not to mention the networking opportunities that are created.

jive1 · #19 10-30-2011, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnMCA72

Honestly, I want everybody in my band(s) to play with other people. I expect to be able to do the same, unless somebody is paying me good money (I'll never offer to go for $250/week again!) not to & even then... The way I figure it is, working with a variety of folks is a great way to learn things. The things that I learn, I can bring back to the "other" band(s). That includes a better "me", for having the experience of playing with some other folks.

+1

It's also a great way to network and get gigs. There's been a few times when one band I was working with had to cancel for some reason, and they referred the other band I was working with for the gig. I've also been able to recruit fill-in players from other bands I've worked with. If the guys have the time for it, then all the better. To me, unless I'm already working 8-12 nights a month, I want my guys/gals to play with other bands. Let them make more money, get their various musical fixes, and take the pressure off me to keep them busy.

DBCrocky · #20 10-30-2011, 11:18 PM

I am often in multiple bands, but it is important to be upfront about it with everyone involved.

The biggest conflict is when both bands want to do a gig on the same night. In these circumstances, I feel that once you commit to a gig with one band and it's confirmed, you shouldn't back out to play a different gig with another, so the first come, first served rule should apply.