Just Say No (it really is that simple)

[cassanova]

I see threads here asking "what do I do" "what should I do" and other derivations of that question.

Every band has its ups and downs. If the downs outweigh the upside or if you think they will outweigh the pros of joining the band, then just say no, it really is that simple.

If someone approaches you and asks if you'd be interested in auditioning/joining their band, find out what style of music it is and other pertinent details of the band and if you don't like what you hear, then just say no. Again, it really is that simple.

If you're unhappy with a band you're currently playing in then quit, thats not exactly saying no but it is still relevant to the topic at hand and yes it really is that simple.

Don't waste the bands time by going to arrange an audition for a band that you know isn't going to be your cup of tea and don't join a band that you don't think its going to meet your expectations. You're not only wasting the bands time (because they could be actively auditioning more serious candidates) you're also wasting your own time because you could be home honing your skills and seeking a project that is more suitable to you.

Its music not brain surgery I think if we all do a little soul searching the answer will often times be found right in front of our face.



This ends your public service announcement/rant.

[Loempiaketzer]

+1

BUT! (:P)

there are some spaces in between worth discussing here.
sometimes you need a metal push.
things arent always that black/white, theres a lot of grey spaces in between.

and afterall, like someone who's name i cant recall said: "this is TALKbass" :P

peoples need to talk about this kind of stuff here




so, keep rocking and think about yourselve while doing that

[Zappstorius]

No

[Craig_S]

I once joined a band that was very misleading. It ended up being a guitar Nazi situation, where my song suggestions went out the window and at rehearsals we only ran through songs he liked to play. He refused to learn anything he didn't care for, even if the band vote was to learn the song. It took about three months of that for me to quit. The thing is, it started out looking and sounding like a dream gig. I guess they wasted my time. I goes both ways.

[Stumbo]

"Just say no". Didn't work for Nancy Reagan, won't work here.

When one talks about "expectations", sometimes one is referring to assumptions.

We voted in a new keyboard player one time into a band that was going well for a couple of years. Within a month, he walked off with half the band.

Delving into the details of a situation is sometimes the only way to learn something about yourself in relation to others, especially when one is short on experience.

[mutedeity]

I have to say I am with you on this one Stumbo.

There are people that lack experience that can definitely benefit from the advice and insight of those of us with more experience.

This "it's music not, brain surgery comment" stuff is droll and myopic as well. There are people that have spent as much time studying music as any given brain surgeon had studied and take it every bit as seriously. Music is science and mathematics and psychology and art all combined. Complex stuff right there, not to mention the professional and business aspects of being a serious professional musician.

Maybe if you don't see the complexity in music it's because your approach is lacking in complexity and probably about as uninteresting as the comment about brain surgery, too.

[Skarekrough]

If I've learned anything by playing music it's that there are and never will be absolutes.

Have guidelines, sure. But never write something off entirely; evaluate every situation as it comes.

[LilMissStrange]

Hey, theres some younger folkson here, or just folks in general new to the music thing. They want advice from seasoned musicians...nothing wrong with that. Its good to see what others think about the situation and take their opinions into consideration. I personally dont mind giving my advice, and often times these people are in situations I once experieneced myself. Isnt that why were here? Thats why this is the "Band Management" thread. If you dont like reading about peoples problems, move on to the next topic. Just say no, it really is that simple!

[mutedeity]

Originally Posted by LilMissStrange

Hey, theres some younger folkson here, or just folks in general new to the music thing. They want advice from seasoned musicians...nothing wrong with that. Its good to see what others think about the situation and take their opinions into consideration. I personally dont mind giving my advice, and often times these people are in situations I once experieneced myself. Isnt that why were here? Thats why this is the "Band Management" thread. If you dont like reading about peoples problems, move on to the next topic. Just say no, it really is that simple!

Well said.