Two bands; should I play in both?

BassMonstrum · #1 07-12-2008, 06:43 PM

Here's the scenario:

First off, band A

I joined this band a few years ago and they have existed a long time, making me "Jason NewKid". My creative input doesn't matter much, hough I have managed to lurk in a couple of my songs in there. To the guitarists, the bassplayer is just the guy in the back playing a four-stringed guitar and the drummer relies more on the them than me, which I experience as an insult. When we were mixing our debutalbum my ideas were shot down and the bass is barely audible as they removed all mid and high frequencies leaving a low-end rumble with no definition, just as they expect from a bass.

Other than that, there is some hazing as I am the youngest, the smallest and the newest member. When I had some personal issues, none of them ever thought to reach out a hand thus leaving me to myself to struggle through a year long depression.

Still, we have a record-deal, a good reputation and a rising carrier ahead of us. Lots of gigs, good income and a small piece of fame.

Now, band B

This is a band that I started a year before joining band A and I left in the fall 2007 due to schedule-conflicts and such. However, they have recently asked me to rejoin.

My creativity was very much welcomed as I wrote most of the songs. I had more responsibility and the bass was a vital part of the music. I totally connected with the drummer and the guitarist has told me that he simply admires my skills. After the first year with these guys I really felt that my technique and musical-understanding had evolved and unlike band A, these are guys that I frequently hang out with and could talk to about personal stuff.

However, our genre is not that commercial, narrowing the chances of making it big and not many places would book us due to our "originality". Also, when being a member here, I sometimes questioned to devotion of one of the members as it seemed that he was not willing to go all the way to make it.

So my question is: do I chose fame and happiness or do I risk not making it for the sake of myself? Or maybe play in both and hope that nothing crashes, sacrificing only my personal-life?

Bob the bassist · #2 07-12-2008, 07:04 PM

Who's to say which band has the greater potential? Today's alternative could be tomorrow's mainstream. What's the point in playing with a bunch of guys who treat you like some corporate clock-puncher? If that's the working environment you want, you might as well be flipping burgers at McD's. So you've got a record-deal, a good reputation and a rising carrier ahead of you, lots of gigs, good income and a small piece of fame. So do half the bands out there, but very few of them will ever make it 'big.' Most will achieve a few years of local fame, release an album or two, implode and disappear with a whimper instead of a bang. Let's face it: that's all that most of us will ever see. So why be miserable getting crapped on by these guys with no guarantee of permanent success?

jschall84 · #3 07-12-2008, 07:09 PM

well the answer is pretty obvious... what do you want? Would you rather do something you dont like for the chance at some good money? or would you rather do something you really love because you love to do it?

**Howlin' Hanson** · #4 07-12-2008, 07:09 PM

For peace of mind and more pleasure, go with band B.

Do you have other income, or will you need the income from band A? If the latter, then it's band A for you, my friend.

If you do both, better be sure everyone is in the know. No surprises.

As usual, there may be another choice, but it will be up to you to find it.

**butchblack** · #5 07-12-2008, 07:16 PM

Life is too short to play music in a band that you're not happy with. Unless you're relying on that (extra?) income I see little future in playing in a band that treats you like ****. You missed choice C... join or start a band that is more mainstream if gigging a lot is a priority. The fact that you wrote a lot of band B's material makes me think that's where your heart is and your talents lie.

My 2¢

gotmule? · #6 07-12-2008, 10:29 PM

I would say join band b and leave band a. You need to remember its not all about the fame and money, although that helps, lol. What is most important is that you are having fun and liking the music.

IanStephenson · #7 07-13-2008, 01:43 AM

Band A's a job. Band B is a hobby/project.

If you need the job, then even playing music you don't like is better than most jobs. Sounds like band B is never going to provide the income band A does, while band A is never going to provide the personal outlet that B does. Most of us have jobs and hobbies - we don't quit our jobs to do our hobbies full time (unless our hobbies can become jobs), and we don't give up our personal time projects for our jobs (at least we try not too).

A and B are different things to you. Figure out how to do both.

Ian

René_Julien · #8 07-13-2008, 03:06 AM

For me it's a no brainer.

Leave band A and devote yourself to band B.

I had sorta the same experience several years ago, but with better benefits.
I started a band B (analogy to yours) were I was the main source of creation.
But I also joined a band A with more experienced musicians. Except in my case the appreciated my fresh input.
I learned a lot from the members in band A. Wich helped me devellop myself as a bassist and helped my band B.

But in your case: it seems you are not getting much for yourself playing in band A.
In band B you and the others in that band have the chance to devellop yourself. You'll all grow into a great band toghether. While band A just is holding you back.

That's just my two (euro)cents.

So with all the advice you recieved (from above posts) the question is still up to you.

As a musician you are an artist, you'll have to take risks as each artist does.
So that would be band B.

Unless you want to be the unsignificant but necessary back up in band A. But I don't think you want.

Best wishes.

Inflin · #9 07-13-2008, 05:27 AM

Record deal?
Make sure you're actually ALLOWED to be in two bands at once, then do that.

As has already been said, they're two different things. Income, and pleasure. Do both. Since one isn't as commercial as the other, you should probably be able to juggle them without too much conflict.

fdeck · #10 07-13-2008, 08:24 AM

Lots of people have a money gig and a fun gig. I'd say do both. Figure out how to get some benefit out of band A, such as improving your chops and keeping your eye out for Band C.

Adam Bomb · #11 07-13-2008, 04:26 PM

My $0.02 is to do both. I like being in 2 bands because they complement each other and provide a more satisfying experience for me overall. Also, there is potential crossover - e.g., maybe Band B could open for Band A one day?

--Bomb

Unless you *hate* the dudes in Band A. If that's the case then I say eff 'em.

--Bomb

Zappstorius · #12 07-14-2008, 12:38 AM

I also say do both. Band b is your "creative outlet" or side project if you will. Tons of people are in multiple bands.

Now, I don't know what your touring schedule is with band a, recording schedule etc. But I would think that you'd have time to do both.

Stealth · #13 07-14-2008, 01:51 AM

+1 to Zappstorius' PoV. Band A may be annoying right now (thanks to the guitar player), but in time you'll be able to push your own ideas in - if that doesn't work out, you can always quit, but stick around and see if you can carve your own sigil in, so to speak.

As for the second, "non-profit" (non-commercial) band, stick with them. It's a creative outlet and even if it is a niched genre, trust me, there's always a fan or a dozen worldwide. It works for me, and god knows there's not too many avant-prog fans.

bassplayinggirl · #14 07-16-2008, 04:04 AM

If Band A is your main income, then figure out how to do both. Otherwise, get the hell out of there. Band B is your band, that's where you should be.

JimmyM · #15 07-16-2008, 04:19 AM

Making money in the music business is tough. Anyone can be creative. But it gets a lot easier to be creative when you have money and some notoriety behind you. I'd suck it up with band A and see where it goes for a year and try to do band B on a side basis.

stylonpilson · #16 07-16-2008, 04:37 AM

I just wanted to add my voice to the "stick with band B, and if you need the money, stay in band A too" faction.

S.P.

Gintaras · #17 07-16-2008, 04:58 AM

do both as long as you can. Get the money, the satisfaction and the extra practice.

Heard a quote by Billy Sheehan about practicing. He said he never had time to practice because he was too busy gigging

My instructor plays in 3 bands, a duet and subs for a bunch more. Also does studio gigs. Hard to even keep track of him

Vincent P · #18 07-16-2008, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Making money in the music business is tough. Anyone can be creative. But it gets a lot easier to be creative when you have money and some notoriety behind you. I'd suck it up with band A and see where it goes for a year and try to do band B on a side basis.

Agree, there are far to many artists to even attempt to list that started off with bands and then left. Does band A know your also playing in band b, to which you're the creative force? Having stated that they don't care for your input or sound, I'm thinking either you have'nt told them; or they look at you as replaceable and figure if you become a liability to their success they can.

Secondly if they do know your in this other band and are the creative force with a style outside of theirs. They may not want that influnce mixed with the style they play and the road work they've mapped out for the bands success.

If I could play devil's advocate for a second, how is your mood and personality when practicing and playing with them? Are you simply quite, withdrawn or un-enthused because its not your thing? Or are you outgoing and show real intrest with whats going on, a team player.

Lastly, have you sat down with the bands lead and asked what can we do for each other?

mrjim123 · #19 07-16-2008, 05:39 AM

Play in both for now. Eventually you'll figure out what you want to do, or events beyond your control will leave you with just one band.

BassMonstrum · #20 07-16-2008, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent P

Agree, there are far to many artists to even attempt to list that started off with bands and then left. Does band A know your also playing in band b, to which you're the creative force? Having stated that they don't care for your input or sound, I'm thinking either you have'nt told them; or they look at you as replaceable and figure if you become a liability to their success they can.

Secondly if they do know your in this other band and are the creative force with a style outside of theirs. They may not want that influnce mixed with the style they play and the road work they've mapped out for the bands success.

If I could play devil's advocate for a second, how is your mood and personality when practicing and playing with them? Are you simply quite, withdrawn or un-enthused because its not your thing? Or are you outgoing and show real intrest with whats going on, a team player.

Lastly, have you sat down with the bands lead and asked what can we do for each other?

Band A is aware that I was the creative force in band B. However, I have not made a decision yet. Still, when I joined band A, they told me that my input would matter and that I would be a part of the collective group, not just a hired hand which is my experience up to date.

As for my mood and personality, it's hard to be outgoing and enthusiastic when everything I do gets shot down. We even had a meeting with our management where everyone was telling how miserable I was at rehearsal and after gigs, blaming the bad vibes on me. So, I'm actually just waiting for the day when they give me the boot, since they're the kind of guys that would rather turn their backs than reach out a hand.

Oh! Thanks for the input, everyone! Means a lot! From bassman to bassman...