How to stay motivated if band "takes a break"

[Kgoodrich]

Recently my guitar player has decided to put us on hiatus until our drummer gets a job and can start replacing several of his cymbals that are busted and now I'm finding it harder and harder to stay motivated enough to practice or play even at all.

What have you guys done to get through it?

[nemo]

I would say take it easy, relax, put your bass down and after a while you will feel a big urge to play again.. its all ok..

Your skills will not suffer that much, get a life, that you will know more about what to play

[jomahu]

things i do:

curl into a ball and cry
check out other bands
practice
record random stuff
read
watch a bunch of depressing documentaries
repeat

[Justpucky]

Originally Posted by jomahu

things i do:

curl into a ball and cry
check out other bands
practice
record random stuff
read
watch a bunch of depressing documentaries
repeat

Pick a random venue (club, bar, concert) go listen, even if it's not YOUR type of music.

Then go home and see if that stimulates you to get creative. Don't focus on practice, look for new inspiration to expand yourself and your music.

[JKT]

Originally Posted by Kgoodrich

Recently my guitar player has decided to put us on hiatus until our drummer gets a job and can start replacing several of his cymbals that are busted and now I'm finding it harder and harder to stay motivated enough to practice or play even at all.

What have you guys done to get through it?

I hate downtime sometimes. I play along to CD's, practice groove training with a drum machine, explore my pedal board, go through my gear, fix stuff, go catch other bands,etc.

JKT

[Busker]

The band I've been with for going on 9 months went all winter (actually, close to four full months) with only doing 2 gigs and about 4 rehearsals.

So I started looking for another band, and found one (the drummer was looking too). Now I'm in two bands, the aforementioned, and the new one.

But its almost too much for me to handle, this being in two bands. Two rehearsals a week, one for each band, and naturally, learning lots of new material. That's not so bad, but the new band just booked its first gig... way down the road on Sept. 12th, so I told the old band. The leader was like, gee, I dunno, we could maybe get a gig on that day, hate to turn it down, we might have to find another bassist for that day if we get a gig.... Come on, its freaking Sept. 12th. Just don't schedule a gig for that day and its hunky-dory.

Sorry, I digress. Just look for another band. Doesn't mean you have to give up the old one.

[Kgoodrich]

thanks for the ideas everyone, It's gonna be tough, I think i'll just chill for a week or so then get back into it

[Kgoodrich]

Originally Posted by Busker

Just look for another band. Doesn't mean you have to give up the old one.

that is something i had considered.

searching low-key may be kinda hard though as we were pretty tight with the local scene.

[Busker]

Originally Posted by Kgoodrich

that is something i had considered.

searching low-key may be kinda hard though as we were pretty tight with the local scene.

Then be up front and not low-key, if you want to search for another band. That's the best way to be anyway, I have learned.

But true enough, the old band may not be thrilled if you start looking. Like the situation I mentioned above... The new band is cool with me being in the old band as well. The old band? They say they are cool with it, but they would really prefer that I wasn't in the other band, it seems.

[mothmonsterman]

pshh, why does he need new symbals?
Get out the pots and pans and jam.

[Kgoodrich]

Originally Posted by Busker

Then be up front and not low-key, if you want to search for another band. That's the best way to be anyway, I have learned.

But true enough, the old band may not be thrilled if you start looking. Like the situation I mentioned above... The new band is cool with me being in the old band as well. The old band? They say they are cool with it, but they would really prefer that I wasn't in the other band, it seems.

true enough, although since it was a mutual agreement i feel justified in searching for a new band.

Originally Posted by mothmonsterman

pshh, why does he need new symbals?
Get out the pots and pans and jam.

ha, every cymbal, from the china to the fast crash. he's in bad shape.

[scottmabe]

"Ohhhhh...I can't quit you babe......but I'm gonna have to put you down for a while..."

This applies to my axe's as well. I play better if I have put it down for a bit, then pick it up and learn something new.

Take a break...

[derrico1]

Originally Posted by Busker

Then be up front and not low-key, if you want to search for another band.

+1. No reason you can be in two or more bands.

Frankly, if your drummer can't be bothered to replace his cymbals and your guitarist wants to put the band in the penalty box until new cymbals appear, it doesn't sound like they're that into it anyway. In your shoes, I'd already be playing in one or two other bands.

[Kgoodrich]

Originally Posted by derrico1

+1. No reason you can be in two or more bands.

Frankly, if your drummer can't be bothered to replace his cymbals and your guitarist wants to put the band in the penalty box until new cymbals appear, it doesn't sound like they're that into it anyway. In your shoes, I'd already be playing in one or two other bands.

that thought has been stirring around in my noggin all week.

perhaps they aren't as in to it as I had suspected.

[Dave Muscato]

Stay busy with another band this is working.

I'm in 3 bands and looking to join a 4th, and I also do sessions and sub-gigs. When one band slows down, I shift my attention to one that wants to pick up. It's a constant ebb & flow that works itself out naturally.

[notenslaved]

If you guys are known in the local scene, put the word out that you're into getting a side project going...see who calls you up. You never know...

[Kgoodrich]

Originally Posted by Dave Muscato

Stay busy with another band this is working.

I'm in 3 bands and looking to join a 4th, and I also do sessions and sub-gigs. When one band slows down, I shift my attention to one that wants to pick up. It's a constant ebb & flow that works itself out naturally.

not that that doesn't seem tempting i think self devotion would prevent me from join 4 bands

[QuintrKD]

Churches are almost always looking for volunteer musicians for their contemporary or blended services, and it is yet another way to network with other musicians and keep your skills honed. Humility is really a prerequisite for this music genre, as it is all about the message and is not a performance.

[Phalex]

Two words: Side Project. Heck, you could even perform under that name!

[Kgoodrich]

Originally Posted by Phalex

Two words: Side Project. Heck, you could even perform under that name!

yep, seems to be the next logic choice. always wanted to sing.