Band Member or Hired Gun?

[NathanTbass]

Which do you prefer? What are the pros and cons that affected your decision?

[MatticusMania]

In 9 years I have never worked with, or as, a hired gun.

[jmattbassplaya]

Sometimes I really prefer being a hired gun. You can charge whatever you want (even take in a bigger share than the individual band members on a gig), you don`t have to deal with band drama, and you can gig as often or little as you want.

That said, I also enjoy being a part of a group or even the leader of one. I like working together with people to reach a common goal and I love seeing a band evolve and progress. The problem with this is it`s hard to find people who you match up well with and are at a similar skill level as you and who share the same goals, but when you do find it it`s so worth it.

[Blue Moose]

Definitely band member.

[DaZombieWoof]

Pino Palladino and Leland Sklar come to mind as supreme hired guns.

[NathanTbass]

So for those who are in bands and take a strong stance on the fact, how do you make money? Or is it even about the money?

[MatticusMania]

I work 40 hours a week.

I sometimes consider joining a coverband or becoming a hired gun to make some extra cash, but that would give me less time to focus on the music I really want to be creating. It takes a lot of time and effort to learn other peoples' set lists, and Im not up for more 'work'.

Playing music has never been about the money for me, its my art. An expression of myself (and my bandmates). I dont favor mainstream genres and the like, and there isnt a huge market for experimental improv music. Thats okay with me, so long as I get to keep playing I'll stay sane.

[Deluge Of Sound]

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

In 9 years I have never worked with, or as, a hired gun.

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

I work 40 hours a week.

I sometimes consider joining a coverband or becoming a hired gun to make some extra cash, but that would give me less time to focus on the music I really want to be creating. It takes a lot of time and effort to learn other peoples' set lists, and Im not up for more 'work'.

Playing music has never been about the money for me, its my art. An expression of myself (and my bandmates). I dont favor mainstream genres and the like, and there isnt a huge market for experimental improv music. Thats okay with me, so long as I get to keep playing I'll stay sane.

+1 to both.

With the addendium that since I don't enjoy playing live in the traditional sense of the word (load in, play a predetermined set, load out, collect pay), being a hired gun has almost 0% appeal to me.

[CapnSev]

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

Sometimes I really prefer being a hired gun. You can charge whatever you want (even take in a bigger share than the individual band members on a gig), you don`t have to deal with band drama, and you can gig as often or little as you want.

+1! There's also less rehearsals. The downside is that you have to know your stuff to get a lot of calls for hired gigs.

I have a regular band that makes good money and its a lot of fun with very little time commitments, but still- Hired Gun FTW.

[NathanTbass]

MatticusMania:
I can respect that...thanks for the thought-out, honest answer.

Brings up another thought though...isn't learning others music (other setlists) an artform in itself? Being able to pick up things quickly, music recall, muscle memory etc.? Being able to pull it off musically and look good while doing it...and because of carrying out this "art form" well, you go home with a good paycheck...
Just some thoughts?

[MatticusMania]

Originally Posted by NathanTbass

Brings up another thought though...isn't learning others music (other setlists) an artform in itself? Being able to pick up things quickly, music recall, muscle memory etc.? Being able to pull it off musically and look good while doing it...and because of carrying out this "art form" well, you go home with a good paycheck...
Just some thoughts?

I certainly won't dispute that. Im not sure I would call it an artform myself, but art is open to interpretation and sure, there could be some form of 'art' in all that effort. But, I would equate that art more to the person who paints copies of Van Gogh's work, not that it doesnt still take skill and an understanding of the medium to do so, but its certainly not the inspired work of Van Gogh himself. Sure, the copier is getting paid for his work (probably more so than Van Gogh made in his life, most original artists don't get fame until long after theyre gone) but he's really riding off of Van Gogh's work, and not his own.

Keep in mind, I have nothing against coverbands or hired guns. I just prefer to focus my effort, skill, and understanding of music to create something new and inspire others. I never found enjoyment in learning other peoples' work, though some may be fun to play. However, I find it a hundred times more fun to jam out and create awesome music in the moment. I understand as well that not everyone will feel the same way, and thats why I say to each his (or her) own.

[CapnSev]

Originally Posted by NathanTbass

Brings up another thought though...isn't learning others music (other setlists) an artform in itself? Being able to pick up things quickly, music recall, muscle memory etc.? Being able to pull it off musically and look good while doing it...and because of carrying out this "art form" well, you go home with a good paycheck...
Just some thoughts?

Different strokes for different folks.

I did the original band thing for a while, writing my own tunes and leading a band. It was fun, but turnout to gigs was low, gigging night after night for little pay, and all the rehearsals and organizing took their toll, and frankly; I didn't think the stuff I wrote was anything special, looking back.

I am much happier now playing covers/hired gigs. The audience is bigger and happier, I have more free time, and I'm getting paid close to what I think I'm worth.

YMMV.

[NYCBass]

For the last 15 years I have gone the hired gun route. A lot less drama and more money.

[guroove]

I've done and played with both. I'm a hired gun for this country/hip-hop artist in town. He approached me about it years ago, and consistently pays me the same rate. I've gone on tour in Europe with his group, and it's a job to me. I show up on time, try not to make mistakes, and get paid what I think is a fair price.

I'm the band leader of my own project, and I won't deal with hired guns, except for horn players, and fill-in musicians. I have played with lots of drummers who try to be hired guns, but I will only play with them as backups. I have respect for their musicianship, but I try to avoid them as much as possible.

[CapnSev]

Originally Posted by guroove

I'm the band leader of my own project, and I won't deal with hired guns, except for horn players, and fill-in musicians. I have played with lots of drummers who try to be hired guns, but I will only play with them as backups. I have respect for their musicianship, but I try to avoid them as much as possible.

Out of curiosity, what's the reason for that?

[peterpalmieri]

Originally Posted by NathanTbass

Which do you prefer? What are the pros and cons that affected your decision?

To step back a little bit to be a hired gun you most likely would have put some time into a group where you developed a repetoire from which to draw from. Not always...

This is going to depend on the genre you play in. Most guys that I know who work successfully as a freelancer cut their teeth in a band over many years. That experience allows them to be called at a moments notice to fill in and more then likely be familiar with a broad range of tunes.

The other case would be a Ricky Minor, Pino type, preparing for a specific gig which may include a high level of sight reading ability and a great ear. This is very high level.

Your question: Is it to join a local band or work as a hired gun doing bars/clubs and/or weddings? Or maybe you are considering trying to join an established act touring vs. trying to be a hired gun for that kind of act. I have zero experience with the later.

What I can tell you is I've played in many cover bands over the years and have a pretty good repetoire of 50s - 90s music and can read well. I have filled in with other bands on occassion as a "hired gun" there is something about not knowing what the set lists will be, the keys they play tunes in and all that comes with it that makes me uneasy, nervous and not all that thrilled to be there. I'm guessing it shows in my playing as well. Luckily I don't play for the money so I can avoid these situations unless I am fairly certain I know exactly what I'm getting into.

Some guys thrive on this stuff, not me

[guroove]

Originally Posted by CapnSev

Out of curiosity, what's the reason for that?

1. I don't have money to pay them

2. I like having mostly the same people show up all the time and be a cohesive unit.

3. It's a band, not a solo project. I want everyone who is part of the band to feel that it's their band. I'm not a dictator of a bandleader, more just the organizer/facilitator.

[jnuts1]

i do both. my band is all originals & a seperate cover band too for contractual reasons. it's a lot of fun being in a working band with the same goals but i REALLY like meeting new musicians & learning their tunes so i have to be a hired gun if i want to do that too.

But i am looking forward to the day i drop the bands & i do only hired gun work & run my own band.

[phatbass]

Upside? The biggie - NO PERSONAL/POLITICAL BAND DRAMA. By the time they get to where they need to hire me, they've gone through 90% of the bullpoop bands go through and are at the stage of actually getting paid gigs and have at least half an idea and have it a bit together musically. This automatically cuts out *MOST* of the flakes and time-wasting wannabes.

I'm not involved/interested in band promotion, merch, CD's, etc.

I don't have to sit through amateur-hour auditions. Either as auditor or auditee.

I lay out my expectations and they can meet them or not hire me. Nothing personal. I specify that I'm NOT a lugger/PA guy/gofer/taxi/freight courier. Tell me where the gig is and when, and I'll see the rest of you there.

I'm not a total butt about this - once my gear's loaded in or out, I'll usually help with lugging PA stuff, and I will help out with non stupidity-induced problems during the night if I can. Unless they've been a bunch of twats.

I don't have to rehearse Mustang Sally/Freebird/Margaritaville.

I don't get the joy of sitting through "5 awful bands for 5 bucks" shows. Or "If we sell enough tickets we might make enough for Pizza". Or "This gig's great exposure".

Downsides are (possibly) a lack of long term security (although one band has been using me regularly for 12 years). And let's face it; how secure are most bands?

Some bands have a fairly vague definition of the phrase "just like the CD".

[NathanTbass]

Originally Posted by peterpalmieri

Your question: Is it to join a local band or work as a hired gun doing bars/clubs and/or weddings? Or maybe you are considering trying to join an established act touring vs. trying to be a hired gun for that kind of act. I have zero experience with the later.

I wasn't necessarily speaking of a particular situation (local band vs. wedding/coverband vs. touring artist). I was actually just kinda interested in what others think about it. I know the decision I made years back, but I'm always intrigued to see what other people feel works for them and why...
so thank you to all who are answering and I hope it continues..im gaining lots of insight into the mind of bassists (as distorted and weird as our brains are)