Join a poor rep band?

OtterOnBass · #1 12-07-2007, 08:51 AM

First time joining a gigging band, and I'm set and excited to step in live and try out. However, a contact with lots of experience in the local scene has said absolutely do not play with this band, booking agents don't like them, they'll stiff you, etc.

What would you do?

The local scene is less than thriving, and I'm a patient guy, able to handle difficult personalities.

mjolnir · #2 12-07-2007, 08:53 AM

Give it a shot. The worst that can happen is the person turns out to be right, and you can leave.

Phalex · #3 12-07-2007, 09:49 AM

Is it a personality issue, or is it an integrity issue that people have with this band?? I've played with some people I really didn't like, but they were really talented, and they showed up for gigs.

I'd try to get as many details on particulars and keep an eye open for the reasons that other people dislike them.

Go ahead and play with them, but don't let their reputation rub off on you. If excrement does indeed come into contact with the impeller, bail before it gets all over you.

tZer · #4 12-07-2007, 10:17 AM

If you know this contact and find his word to be good, than you'd be wise to listen to him. If you have no real experience with this contact and don't know whether his word is good or not, you'd be foolish to allow 3rd party hearsay guide your decision. You should get a second, and even a third opinion if you don't know whether or not the "contact with lots of experience" really knows what's up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phalex

Go ahead and play with them, but don't let their reputation rub off on you. If excrement does indeed come into contact with the impeller, bail before it gets all over you.

Joining with the idea that you can dodge the rep as an individual is risky. You would end up having to explain to people how "yeah, they were like that but I wasn't" way too much.

Further - committing to a band with the idea that you can bail at-will is not a very good way to proceed, ethically. Sure, anyone can do anything they want, but if you get a rep for joining and quitting, well then your rep will soon become just as bad as the band that you are questioning now. I suppose if you commit but include an "out clause" that allows you to split for 'reason X' or 'reason Y' - then sure... go for it. But committing means committing - not dipping your toe in and booking if the water's cold.

Stumpy · #5 12-07-2007, 10:27 AM

I don't know. There are times when the player (a good person) will enhance the group. If they are snotbags and you haven't noticed it yet... But if they are a pain in the business arena but good people... You know.

So, the question, for me, comes down to if you play in the band do you sacrafice your integrity/honesty/personal worth/and reputation? Or will it help you.

You can play in any number of bands and have gigs. Being a ho about it is not a good thing. Nor, IMHO, would being naive about the future be good for you.

Slater · #6 12-07-2007, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tZer

If you know this contact and find his word to be good, than you'd be wise to listen to him. If you have no real experience with this contact and don't know whether his word is good or not, you'd be foolish to allow 3rd party hearsay guide your decision. You should get a second, and even a third opinion if you don't know whether or not the "contact with lots of experience" really knows what's up.

plus one.

Otter, what area of MI are you in? Maybe a TB'r in the same area has the scoop...

OtterOnBass · #7 12-08-2007, 08:22 AM

Thanks for the input guys. For the time being I've told them that I'm not looking to join, but if something changes I'll get in touch.

The contact is someone who's looking out for my best interests, and was seconded by someone at his house - i.e. I heard them yell in the background as we talked over the phone. I'd rather not give any more details to avoid spreading any kind of bad vibes and getting people mad at me.

For the time, I'm going to see if my contact can find something for me with his connections.