Unique personal growth issue

[Soreinsun]

And I don't mean something viagra can solve. I am currently in a mostly awesome hard rock original cover band that loves me and lets me take solos and play interesting lines and riffs, etc... The bad news is that we're not gigging out or retaining an active fan base like I would like. I'm also not a huge fan of our drama queen lead singer who an ruin my mood some days.

there is another band in the area that does more dance-able, funk, jazzy type 'rock' that also appeals to me, and they gig out a hell of a lot more. They have visions and the drive for "making it" (we all know what that can mean) and they are quite talented and polished. But they will probably desire a more conservative bass sound and I probably won't have the solo opportunities I so enjoy. They are having bass auditions soon and I don't know if I should go for it because of the type of commitment they might have in mind should they become even more successful then playing in Philly, NYC and Hartford on rotating weekends.

One other thing; I'm a full time public school teacher (music... of course ) and I'm not going to leave that job for either band if they decide they want to dedicate everything to travel and playing out. Honestly bands seem to have to do that these days before they can be assured of any kind of return on the effort. If I could be promised an amazing yearly wage or something... then we'd talk.

Anyway... what do you guys think?

[jive1]

Originally Posted by Soreinsun

And I don't mean something viagra can solve. I am currently in a mostly awesome hard rock original cover band that loves me and lets me take solos and play interesting lines and riffs, etc... The bad news is that we're not gigging out or retaining an active fan base like I would like. I'm also not a huge fan of our drama queen lead singer who an ruin my mood some days.

there is another band in the area that does more dance-able, funk, jazzy type 'rock' that also appeals to me, and they gig out a hell of a lot more. They have visions and the drive for "making it" (we all know what that can mean) and they are quite talented and polished. But they will probably desire a more conservative bass sound and I probably won't have the solo opportunities I so enjoy. They are having bass auditions soon and I don't know if I should go for it because of the type of commitment they might have in mind should they become even more successful then playing in Philly, NYC and Hartford on rotating weekends.

One other thing; I'm a full time public school teacher (music... of course ) and I'm not going to leave that job for either band if they decide they want to dedicate everything to travel and playing out. Honestly bands seem to have to do that these days before they can be assured of any kind of return on the effort. If I could be promised an amazing yearly wage or something... then we'd talk.

Anyway... what do you guys think?

Play in both bands if you have the time. If the one band doesn't gig out, then it shouldn't be too much of a scheduling conflict. I think it's a good idea for a working musician to have a fun project, just to keep motivated and have fun.

I'm in a variety band that works pays pretty decent, but doesn't work as much doing material I may or may not love. I also play in a house band weekly that lets me play whatever I want, but the pay is crappy. But, I get to stretch out and have a good time while keeping my chops up. Win and Win.

[tangentmusic]

Well, I would stick with your current band. You get to play in the style and genre you want without the compromising it seems.
I know about singers with LSD (Lead Singers Disease). Thats just how they can be, but if the music is awsome and you're lovin it, I would stay put, and progress to playing out.
Could you explain what an Original Cover Band is though?

[kesslari]

What jive1 says.
And don't worry about "quitting your job".
Worrying about having to quit your job to tour with a band that has gigs, talent and drive is like worrying about buying a wedding ring when you meet a girl who is intelligent and attractive.
It's really not likely to go that far, and if it does, you'll have plenty of time to think about the decision along the way.

[Stumbo]

If you do the audition, I'd just be upfront about what you can and can't do as far as gigging/touring. IMO, no point in creating drama in the new band if they decide to do some mini-tours and you aren't able to go because of your day job.

[lucas vigor]

Well, there is something to be said for playing more sparsely or more conservatively. It forces you to focus on what really serves the song, and helps you play more musically.

Something Sting once said, was that his songs had very short jazz solos compared to real jazz, where they solo over 16 or 32 bars (or more!) and that he preferred it because whoever the soloist was forced to really put their best effort into that one little solo.

I have done both: been in bands where I could do solos and play as much or as many notes as possible, and others where I play only a few notes. I think you can take good aspects from either scene, you know?

So maybe a change of scenery would do you good, and then save your exploratory noodling and soloing for your home practice.

[thetaxmiser]

for me, gigging is the best part of being in a band. No comparison for me...be more of an ensemble player and play out more often wins every time.

Be clear on what your availability and future plans hold when auditioning with the other band. It will either work or it won't.

Why isn't the current band gigging more?

[Jason P Bass]

Is it more fun to play bass solos at practice, or gig with an organized working band?

If it were me, this decision would be made in an instant. No shows? Then I'm a no show.