Not sure how I feel about this one...

Thingus995 · #1 08-10-2009, 11:14 PM

Alrighty guys, its story time... I joined my current band a few months ago (March to be precise) and at the time of my joining, was told I would be taught all the songs, etc...

All is fine and good, they are teaching me the songs albeit slowly... I have been taught 4 to date, which is ok by me as we dont meet nearly as often as I feel we should... I really enjoy the music that they've been showing me and blah blah...

Here's the problem: tonight they busted out a new song (by they I mean guitarist and drummer who started the project and have nursed it along for the past two years, as just the pair of them) I thought cool, they are gonna have me write a bassline for this (most others, lets say 7 of 10 they claim they dont have bass parts written for)... After their little demo the bring it up on the computer... It is a finished song that they wrote the bass part for a few days ago... Interesting I says to myself... Am I not the bassist in this band? Do they not trust me with their old material? Do they have ideas for the "song skeletons" they've spent the last two years crafting? Am I being sensitive????

The whole thing struck me as odd, when I am really trying to push these guys to get their name out there, the music is good, the writing is good, but they don't seem to want to do the legwork required to market themselves... I don't want to do the legwork if I am not gonna get a hand creatively, that's a managers job (which I am not)...

What would you guys do????

electracoyote · #2 08-10-2009, 11:25 PM

It's not unusual for the writer/arranger of a song to have input as to how he wants the other musicians to play the song.

Thingus995 · #3 08-10-2009, 11:33 PM

I totally understand that, and am not put off by that, but I wasnt even given the chance to play it... I came in, heard the drummer and guitar piece, then they busted out the already recorded bassline on the computer... which was written a couple days ago apparently, which is what I am curious about

Marko5657 · #4 08-11-2009, 12:15 AM

Seems to me they could have let you lay the bass track.

MattAT · #5 08-11-2009, 12:18 AM

I don't mind being shown ideas but I always add my own spice to it.

Marko5657 · #6 08-11-2009, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattAT

I don't mind being shown ideas but I always add my own spice to it.

Maybe that's what they were afraid would happen.

Marko5657 · #7 08-11-2009, 12:25 AM

Maybe they’re concerned with copyright disagreements.

The band I was just in abandoned the singer and me (to pursue the pay-to-play for “exposure”) so I sent in a demo CD we did for copyright protection, claiming only my contribution of lyrics and my buddy’s vocal melody.

Soon afterwards the guitarist is harassing the singer, threatening me with law suits and all kinda crazy stuff.

MattAT · #8 08-11-2009, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marko5657

Maybe that's what they were afraid would happen.

Well, what makes it fun if you can't play your bass with your own feel?

Marko5657 · #9 08-11-2009, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattAT

Well, what makes it fun if you can't play your bass with your own feel?

We’re talking about a recording of an original they wrote.

Live, sure, no problem. I play bass btw so I know where you’re coming from.

Edit: Of course I play bass... I forgot where I was.

MattAT · #10 08-11-2009, 12:36 AM

Yeah, I hear you. I just have a problem when someone is denied their own contribution to the band.

Thingus995 · #11 08-11-2009, 12:51 AM

Thats how I feel about it, the songs that ive learned have had preexisting basslines, whatev... No sweat off my back... But the fact that this song was just a skeleton when I came in, and that I have been a part of this project for quite some time now, but they disregarded that kinda bugs me...

Marko5657 · #12 08-11-2009, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattAT

Yeah, I hear you. I just have a problem when someone is denied their own contribution to the band.

All members of an originals band are not necessarily part of the songwriting team.

Too-many-cooks kinda thing.

electracoyote · #13 08-11-2009, 01:25 AM

The best you can do is hint at the possibility of re-working the existing bass line. You can politely and diplomatically ask them if they are stuck on that bass line and want you to play it note-for-note, or if it's okay for you to embellish on it. Then it's their call, and you should graciously accept their decision. If they let you re-work it, and they don't like what you do, you have to swallow your pride and play it their way. I'm sure it's not personal on their part, and it's good etiquette on your part.

sound of bass · #14 08-11-2009, 01:49 AM

They should have at least consulted you or asked your opinion. Even if they had no intention of "using you", it would have made you feel included as a band member. Id be put off by it.

Thingus995 · #15 08-11-2009, 01:52 AM

Sound Of Bass, you nailed how I feel... I am actually to the point at which I am considering forming my own project on the side, not because I dont like the guys, or what we are playing, but because I am involved in music to create, not to stand by as a puppet for others to use as their whim dictates...

Stumbo · #16 08-11-2009, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thingus995

Alrighty guys, its story time... I joined my current band a few months ago...and at the time of my joining, was told I would be taught all the songs...

I think there's your answer. Whether the bass line was written 5 minutes ago or 5 months ago, they're going to teach it to you.

Since they wrote the bass line for a new song, if they had wanted you to contribute your creativity, IMO, they would have asked you.

IMO, it's time to speak up(in a positive way) or move on, depending on what your goals are.

Thingus995 · #17 08-11-2009, 02:21 AM

Thanks Stumbo, your opinion on matters band related is one I have seen to be reliable and honest... I believe my course of action will be to remain in this project as it doesnt hurt anything (with the inconsistent rehearsal schedule I dont lose much of anything) and begin my own creative endeavor... Thanks guys, I can always count on ya!!

BassManic · #18 08-11-2009, 02:30 AM

In my experience there is no way but the honest and open way. Nobody has to be rude but honesty is allways the key. Like stumbo said, speak up. If you like to contribute, ask. If you like to have a sideproject, tell. If they don't like your doing, man up and decide to stay and do their stuff or go and do your own. But be honest, allways, safes a lot of trouble.

Jens

ChrisB2 · #19 08-11-2009, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thingus995

What would you guys do????

I would move on. If all they want is a bass machine to perform at their leisure, they would need to find someone else. Especially if they're not ambitious about gigging. Or writing a fat check.

I see tons of original bands looking for a bass machine to play their tracks for free. It cracks me up.

Or, if you really like these guys and want to stay with them, tell them you need more involvement in the writing process. If they decline, then move on knowing they aren't willing to work with you. That's better than hanging around a situation that's going nowhere.

Sartori · #20 08-13-2009, 02:03 AM

I look at it this way.

If I'm in an originals band, I'm one of two things...

1. A contributing member involved in the creative process and fun of composing new music, or

2. A hired gun. And if this is the case I expect to be paid.