A band I played with is becoming famous

[crow01]

A band I played with a few years ago just got signed by a big label. Got a touring gig throughout Europe. Contract to make 3 records and get exploited to the max...The works.

Do I regret quitting the band...mmm Nope.

After I quit the band. My bandmates had all odd jobs and lived from the day to day. Lived in crappy places. Had barely any bills to pay.

Practice every day and gigged to a crowd of 5 people. They did the same for 3 years after I quit.

I didn't want to sleep in a van when touring out of state, only to play to a crowd of 5. I thought it was not worth it.

I went to school, got a job, and played on my free time. I wanted stability.

Later I heard they got a new singer who had connections...who was also a junkie.

Later I heard they got an interview with some big shot.

Later I heard they got signed and were going to tour (first class, fancy tour bus, etc).

It would have been cool touring across Europe and make records, but I just could not wait so many years until that happened.

If you are still young with no attachments, just graduated from high school or college. Go and do it, play your ass off. Go on tours.

You might reach your dreams of becoming a rock star. But have a backup plan if that doesn't work out.

[Johnny Crab]

Good one.

No matter which road you choose, make sure it is the one YOU want to be on and remember:
All roads have bumps
Some roads are dead ends
And more than one road can get you to where you want to go

[Mark Wilson]

Good for you for what you decided and not being pissed off about it.

I'm young, and things are looking good for me (so far)
but, I have nothing else but music. So as far as I'm concerned, I'm making it, or i'm putting up a fight.
I've played to crowds of 3 people, but you never know who that ONE person might be. Maybe it's a scouting agent from EMI looking for a night off and you happen to BLOW him away.

That's my attitude. 110% all the time. That way, on my off day, i'm at everybody else's 100%.

[was3funk]

Good attitude. Remember, at least you're not Pete Best!

[JAUQO III-X]

Originally Posted by crow01

Contract to make 3 records and get exploited to the max...The works.

Contract to make 3 records sounds like somebody is running some old school bs on them.




With the state of the music biz today, it's not happening with a relatively unknown band getting that kind of deal.


Those offering the 3 record deal are not being on the up and up.

[Burlington]

Inspiring story! Having a backup plan is always obviously. If my band never gets signed, I'll have my awesome job that I am still progressing in.

And if that doesn't work, well there's always the service.

[Stick_Player]

A band I played with a few years ago just got signed by a big label. Got a touring gig throughout Europe. Contract to make 3 records and get exploited to the max...The works.

Let's look at their NEW obligations...

Endless touring, promotion. Probably no profit to pocket after the expenses that they are ultimately responsible for.

Chances of 3 records actually being made is less than getting signed (they have probably already run out of luck). The 'next' record always depends on the success of the last.

Exploited... hmmm... The 'band' will be responsible for ALL costs incurred in this maximum exploitation. They will most likely owe the label.

This is how it works

Bleak.

But, one never knows, they just might become famous.

As far as you go -- you might end up being the "poor ol' Pete Best" of this band.

But I'm betting - NOT.

[pbass2]

Originally Posted by JAUQO III-X

Contract to make 3 records sounds like somebody is running some old school bs on them.




With the state of the music biz today, it's not happening with a relatively unknown band getting that kind of deal.


Those offering the 3 record deal are not being on the up and up.

I agree, sounds suspect. Even the majors aren't doing those kinds of deals for anybody, unless you're, I dunno, Michael Bublé or something. They'd have to have some very significant success they achieved on their own for that to happen (the kind where they actually don't "need" the label). Do they have a charting song or make enough bank on tours to attract this "big label"? I hope they have a good lawyer.
And you're right, a plan B is VERY critical if you want to have any kind of comfort and security as you get . . older.

[Bob C]

crow01,

I too feel that you have a good attitued. You are honest and realistic about your past, present and future.

We all have moments of wondering "What if ...?" BUT to say "That would have been me if I'd stuck around" is only guesswork too.

The main thing is that you made a choice, you're living with it AND things are going well for you!

[Spaldo]

I was in the John Butler Trio.....they went HUGE afer I left.
But I'm not bitter about it, nor do I hold a grudge and I'm still in contact with them.... Hasn't stopped me making music or loving the life I'm blessed with.

You gotta look at the positives

[bluewine]

If you are still young with no attachments, just graduated from high school or college. Go and do it, play your ass off. Go on tours.

You can tour if your lucky enouh to retire in your early 50s too.By that time the kids are on their own and your divorced and single.

[Drop-the-One]

Originally Posted by bluewine

If you are still young with no attachments, just graduated from high school or college. Go and do it, play your ass off. Go on tours.

You can tour if your lucky enouh to retire in your early 50s too.By that time the kids are on their own and your divorced and single.

yup! I plan on doing all that in my early 20s though... I'm too scared to even THINK about gettin' married and havin kids...

... When I retire @ 50, that will be my 2nd life-wave of touring XD

[Jeb]

This thread is strange, to say the least.

[crow01]

I don't know the details of their contract. If it's a 3 record contract or whatever. What I am sure is that these guys get "perks".
All brand new quality instruments and amps. Full stacks, pedals and whatever else.
Toyota prius or smtg like that for each. Not a BMW but at least a free car.

I still talk to the drummer but he says he cannot say much about the "deal" itself.

Maybe when they get richer they call me to fill the bass position again.

[TheBasicBassist]

Do we get to know the name of the band? :-)

[TrevorOfDoom]

Originally Posted by crow01

Maybe when they get richer they call me to fill the bass position again.

or if you can't do it when the time comes, i'll be glad to take the hit for you.

[JAUQO III-X]

Originally Posted by crow01

I don't know the details of their contract. If it's a 3 record contract or whatever.

Well where did the below info come from?

Originally Posted by crow01

Contract to make 3 records and get exploited to the max...The works.

[MikeBass]

Originally Posted by JAUQO III-X

Contract to make 3 records sounds like somebody is running some old school bs on them.




With the state of the music biz today, it's not happening with a relatively unknown band getting that kind of deal.


Those offering the 3 record deal are not being on the up and up.

Oh I believe that the written deal. Will it actually happen?
I highly doubt it.
They'll sign you for a 3 record deal. If your first one tanks, then they can dump/shelf you.
If it blows up, they have you on the hook for two more.

I turned down/left a MAJOR MAJOR gig before the they hit. About a year after I turned it down, they were all over MTV and all over the radio. Huge.

I had a new wife, new baby girl.
Wouldn't trade where I am today for anything looking back.

[Bassdirty]

Originally Posted by crow01

After I quit the band. My bandmates had all odd jobs and lived from the day to day. Lived in crappy places. Had barely any bills to pay.

Practice every day and gigged to a crowd of 5 people. They did the same for 3 years after I quit.

I didn't want to sleep in a van when touring out of state, only to play to a crowd of 5. I thought it was not worth it.

I went to school, got a job, and played on my free time. I wanted stability.

Later I heard they got a new singer who had connections...who was also a junkie.

Later I heard they got an interview with some big shot.

Later I heard they got signed and were going to tour (first class, fancy tour bus, etc).

It would have been cool touring across Europe and make records, but I just could not wait so many years until that happened.

I'm pretty sure thats how it goes for all struggling bands before they get signed.

(I watch behind the music )

I always thought it was part of the "rockstar life".



* Note: Let this be a lesson for all the young kids who want to "make the big time".
sleeping in Van, no food, playing for "crowds" of..5.
Thats what it takes.
If the proverbial "big time" can even be made anymore.

[nightcityburn]

Please provide a band name.