stay in a Band I no longer like..or no Band at all?

[coop]

I'm really just venting more than anything, but I've really ceased to enjoy playing with the current Band I'm with. Problem is, we do stay booked pretty well and I make enough cash to buy some very nice gear (and other toys).

I've put the word out on the street that I'm looking, run ads on myspace, craigslist, and half a dozen other websites. No serious takers, just a bunch of start-ups, and ego-maniacs that no one else will put up with either. I don't live in a large city, so there are limited players available.

I know that something will pop up eventually, but I've been looking since the first of the year.

So, would you grit your teeth and keep playing the gigs you have ( Bird in the hand ) or just quit and sit around 'til something better comes along? Or would you just have a steaming cup of STFU and a nice bowl of carrots?

[tycobb73]

To me, this would be very similar to being unemployed. I may not like my job, but I hate being unemployed even more. And how can bands not need bassists, we are a rare breed.

[SundanceChile]

In your position, I'd stick around long enough to make a nice little stash of savings for a rainy day, then jet out. IMO.

[T-Bird]

Hi, coop

Just my 2 cents.

I'd keep playing. I think I'd owe that to the other band members, until I'd find a replacement to fill my spot. But that's just me.

At the same time I'd try to change the situaton to be more enjoyable somehow.

But as You said, money is a great motivator.

Regards
Sam

[meev991]

unfortunately, I too, would just stick it out, until something better comes along...

i guess the same goes with girlfriends too

I hope my honey never reads this, hahah

[invader3k]

What exactly do you dislike about your current band? Do you not get along with your bandmates? Tired of the music you're playing?

Sometimes it becomes a "grass is always greener" situation with bands, where we're in something good but figure there's gotta be something better around the corner...only to find out that we had everything we needed before. Not always, but sometimes this is the case.

[coop]

Originally Posted by invader3k

What exactly do you dislike about your current band? Do you not get along with your bandmates? Tired of the music you're playing?

Mainly I'm tired of the same old set list. Nobody seems even remotely interested in learning anything new ( or even old, if it's not already on the list ). I find myself daydreaming during gigs. The guitar players are getting sloppy. All of this is causing my attitude towards the band to become less than desirable.

I would never just walk out on them, but I'm real close to letting them know that after the gigs we have on the books now are done, someone else needs to be playing Bass.

[Munjibunga]

Do what I did. Start your own band. Advertise for maybe a guitarist and you choose which one you like. Then the two of you audition a drummer, same thing. Then add in your other players/singers. It'll take about 6 months to get going, but it's worth it.

[T-Bird]

Hi, coop

For the same 'ol set list problem, if You're playin covers that is, there's a solution that usually works (does for me anyway ). A request made by an attractive sample of the opposite sex. Someone outside of the "inner circle", so it isn't too obvious. I believe it's called lobbying .

Works like a charm with the lead guitardists , since there's always the need to show off without thinking that much. A simple line like: "Hey, that song **** has the most bitching guitar riff I've ever heard. Why don't You play that. Please?" And for the lead vocalist maybe: "I love that song, ****, I think Your voice would be great in that tune."

Before You know, the word's out and others may request something spontaneously. You just have to push 'em into right direction from time to time .

Again, just my 2c
Sam

[zongeek]

I agree with Munji, do your own band. It will be harder work and a longer time period but ultimately should be much more rewarding.

I had a friend tell me once that when I felt like I was punching a time card when I went to practice that that was a sign... to leave for bigger and better.

Also, didn't some famous bass player say something about not playing music that you aren't wholly into because it will poison your relationship with all music?

[SteveC]

FWIW...

I played in a band a few years ago that while I liked the music and most of the guys (it was a 10 piece funk/horn band) I didn't like that 3-4 of us always loaded in and out, no real voice inmusic selection, and the handleing of money was always questionable. I stayed because it was the "only game in town" and I was trying to give it a chance. I stuck around a year too long, burned some bridges and lost some friends. It's been a few years now and I think I have healed most of thosed wounds, but there is still some stuff out there.

The money is nice, but hey, it's only money. When I quit that band and wasn't playing, I started playing in church. That's been fun.

I am fortunate to be in 2 bands now that I like, we all basically get along, and eveything is on the up and up. I promised myself that if I ever got in a questionable situation again, I would quit before it was too late and damage was done.

[Onebass]

I've got a neat way of suggesting songs for our band I just post a video of a good song on our Myspace site and when the rest of the band listen to it a few times they love the song and we do it! now we have a set of songs I love

[aceshigh]

SteveC is right. I'd bail out before you burn your bridge. If you're not into it anymore, chances are you will do a poor job. Even if you don't mean to do a poor job.

I would only stay if this was my only source of income and only way to support my family. On this case I'd wear my best smile and silently shop around for the 'bigger and better'. When you find it give them a fair warning, the same warning you'd like them to give to you if they we quitting your band. And move on.

As a hobby musician, I don't see the point of doing something that is anoying me. You'll get the chance of buying more gear later.