Trying out for bands while still in one

eedre · #1 05-02-2008, 11:42 AM

So what's the best way to do it? Do you tell them straight up you're looking for other gigs? Or do you keep it a secret?

I'd think it could go well both ways. They may start getting their act together (and I mean the lead singer) and start playing better - or they may start treating you like dirt and looking for another bassist (

hah.)

They always say make sure you have your ass covered before crapping where you eat!

derrico1 · #2 05-02-2008, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eedre

They always say make sure you have your ass covered before crapping where you eat!

Now there's a metaphor you don't want to picture. Thanks for that.

As for advice: Band are not girlfriends. If you want to play with more than one project/band, be upfront with everyone about what kind of commitment you can--and can't--make to rehearsals, songwriting, gigging, booking & promo, etc.

OTOH, if you plan to bail on your current band to find a new exclusive band, I'd suggest letting them know that you're moving on, that you plan to go by specific date X, and that you will happily cover any currently booked shows.

mjolnir · #3 05-02-2008, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derrico1

Now there's a metaphor you don't want to picture. Thanks for that.

As for advice: Bands are not girlfriends. If you want to play with more than one project/band, be upfront with everyone about what kind of commitment you can--and can't--make to rehearsals, songwriting, gigging, booking & promo, etc.

OTOH, if you plan to bail on your current band to find a new exclusive band, I'd suggest letting them know that you're moving on, that you plan to go by specific date X, and that you will happily cover any currently booked shows.

Dead on.

Just be straightforward with the guys. If they're cool about it, they're cool, if not that's a really good indication you should move on anyway.

Rickett Customs · #4 05-02-2008, 12:17 PM

That is why from the "get go", I will lay down the idea that I am a "hired gun", I like to keep my options open.
If I happen to like them after some observation, that is subject to change and If they're super nice guys, but I find myself leaving, I'll find them a bass player, give him the material to learn, that way, at least it's a smooth transition. I'm in the process of finding the group i'm currently playing for a new bassist (they fall under that "super nice guy's category").

jgroh · #5 05-02-2008, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alembicplyr

That is why from the "get go", I will lay down the idea that I am a "hired gun", I like to keep my options open.
If I happen to like them after some observation, that is subject to change and If they're super nice guys, but I find myself leaving, I'll find them a bass player, give him the material to learn, that way, at least it's a smooth transition. I'm in the process of finding the group i'm currently playing for a new bassist (they fall under that "super nice guy's category").

Ive been trying my damndest (is that a word???) to do the same: be a hired gun and keep my options open but much like a girlfriend, they want a commitment.

eedre · #6 05-02-2008, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alembicplyr

That is why from the "get go", I will lay down the idea that I am a "hired gun", I like to keep my options open.
If I happen to like them after some observation, that is subject to change and If they're super nice guys, but I find myself leaving, I'll find them a bass player, give him the material to learn, that way, at least it's a smooth transition. I'm in the process of finding the group i'm currently playing for a new bassist (they fall under that "super nice guy's category").

That's very nice of you to do their HR work for them!

Rickett Customs · #7 05-02-2008, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgroh

Ive been trying my (edit)Gotsdarnest(/edit)

to do the same: be a hired gun and keep my options open but much like a girlfriend, they want a commitment.

Only YOU can make a decision to commit or not, if they are not as receptive to it, that's your bridge to cross...it's at your discretion .Reminds me of a 90 day period, some jobs do to you.

Typically after 2 weeks, I can get a glimpse of how the situation is and how far I think i'll go with it, different personalities etc.

Also keep in mind, what exactly works for me.....YMMV. I've had the opportunity to play with some of the best in the Southern MD and DC area,so I gained a little knowledge from various folks. I only mention this because if you have a good name for yourself in your area, the possibility of being a "hired gun" will be more accessible to you.

Rickett Customs · #8 05-02-2008, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eedre

That's very nice of you to do their HR work for them!

Only for the "nice guys", the A-holes I give a time limit.
I have dealt with alot more really nice people than buttheads, but they out there

Besides, finding them another player will most likely ensure you future work either direct or indirect from feedback and the sheer, "***?, why is this guy leaving and helping us out at the same time?"

I think i'm paying for being an egotistical ass from 16-20yo, I'm 32 and still feel guilty for it

But It's good karma too.

CapnSev · #9 05-02-2008, 05:21 PM

+1 to the above posts.

If I go into a band blindly and they want a commitment because they're going to be huge and touring and stuff, I interpret that as "we really suck and we want you to suck with us."

theshadow2001 · #10 05-02-2008, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alembicplyr

That is why from the "get go", I will lay down the idea that I am a "hired gun", I like to keep my options open.

How does this work then. Do you get a cut from the gig the same as anyone or do you get a flat rate regardless what the rest of the band get paid.

Rickett Customs · #11 05-02-2008, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theshadow2001

How does this work then. Do you get a cut from the gig the same as anyone or do you get a flat rate regardless what the rest of the band get paid.

I've been fortunate enough to get an even split.

But I did play with a country artist that payed a flat fee, that was agreed by me and he had me sign a contract for it.It was not bad pay either.
$80 per show (club) $150 per show (outside events) didn't need a big rig either.

The current band (cover band) $100 per show 2x a month.

theshadow2001 · #12 05-02-2008, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alembicplyr

I've been fortunate enough to get an even split.

Which could be good or bad depending on how much the gig goes.

It seems to me that your just a member of the band that doesn't commit straight away more than a hired gun. Your a bass hussy is what you are!!

I think flat rate and once off kind of gigs or subbing seem to be more hired gun style

Rickett Customs · #13 05-02-2008, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theshadow2001

Which could be good or bad depending on how much the gig goes.

It seems to me that your just a member of the band that doesn't commit straight away more than a hired gun. Your a bass hussy is what you are!!

I think flat rate and once off kind of gigs or subbing seem to be more hired gun style

Yes, sir
Thats Mr. Slut to you

I also do a bit of subbing, when available, but the key is I take whats there.

QORC · #14 05-04-2008, 09:09 AM

I look at it this way -- if I'm not a full member. If I don't have THEIR full commitment, they don't get mine. If they ARE treating you great, then you need to tell them. If they're not, screw 'em. Play for yourself. You owe no one explanations. You're a free agent.

For some bands, if you tell them you're trying out for others, you're gone. So that's one risk. Unless you don't care.

On the other hand, it's a little risky going on try-outs on the sly, but until you find out if there is indeed anything better out there, you'll never know. Hell, I had to leave one band sooner than I needed to because someone ass-hat HERE ratted me out to them, merely because I expressed my concerns over the drunk, philandering guitarist, the hack of a drummer who thought that practicing was not worth the effort, and the prima donna singer who showed up late and left early and rarely lifted a finger to do anything with loading and unloading. *shrugs*. I moved away anyway, so it didn't matter. But I was virtually on the way out anyway. Life is too short to play with jerks. But I would've stayed until I found something better because I'd rather play than not play at all. So I tried to bite my tongue and just go with it until I knew whether I was moving or not. If I hadn't moved, I would've gone on try-outs and not told them. Why? The childish mentality of the drummer would've made me announcing that I was trying out with other bands tantamount to getting a "you're fired" speech. Whatever.

I got tired of being screwed by people and decided that honesty is something I choose to give or not give, depending on the circumstance. Most musicians aren't honest with each other anyway. Do what you think is best for you. If this current band is really good to you and up front, they deserve the same. If you're not happy and they're not treating you right, I wouldn't say a word. Happens all the time. Musicians up and leave. Bands steal musicians. There is no loyalty in the biz. So don't feel guilt

junglegirl · #15 05-08-2008, 11:30 AM

If you're unhappy in your current situation, be honest with your band members. If you can't be honest, then you're being a coward. The worst that can happen is that they tell you to go, which would probably have happened anyway and is most likely for the best. Sneaking around is never the way to go in any situation in life.