When & Reasons Why You Should Quit Your Band

[Marial]

Originally Posted by bluewine

No, just my opinion. I could be wrong.

Blue

That's cool then.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

I dont think its declined in my area since the 70s at all, in fact Id say its probably grown.
Thats not to say that things have gotten better for bands, or that these bands are all good, but Id wager there are more bands out gigging today in Los Angeles than there were 40 years ago.



There are definitely more venues and opportunities for gigging.

Matt,

I really don't have a good argument, however I'm maintaining my opinion regarding the 70s.

BTW , when I reference gigging opportunities I want to be sure were on the same page. I am specifically talking about " no strings attatched" good paying gigs.

Blue

[Marial]

What does 'no strings attached' mean?

[Phalex]

Originally Posted by Marial

What does 'no strings attached' mean?

Here: sell these tickets.

How many people can you bring?

We'll give you a piece of the door....

I think Blue prefers (as do I) You play from 9:30 to 1:30 with 2 set breaks and the job pays X number of dollars a night.

[Marial]

Ah, so we're really just talking about working cover bands. I know nothing about that scene or pay-to-play venues.

[Raymeous]

Originally Posted by tZer

The "two out of three" rule:

1) Good Chemistry
2) Good Music
3) Good Money

If you are getting at least 2 of the 3, you should probably stick around. Any less, you should probably move on.

^ This is very good.

However for me if 2 & 3 are good and 1 is not there, I'd probably still leave. If I want to kill them then I should leave before I actually do it.

[Phalex]

Originally Posted by Marial

Ah, so we're really just talking about working cover bands. I know nothing about that scene or pay-to-play venues.

I think so, That's my take on it anyway.

[Marial]

Right on, that's a different world from the originals scene I've always been in. With the advent of DJs and electronic dance music, and the economy, I suspect Blue is probably correct with regards to opportunities for cover bands.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by Phalex

I think so, That's my take on it anyway.

The thread is about reasons to leave a band and when to leave. It could be cover or original non gigging or gigging, pay or no pay.

But there have been a few side issues especially since no gigs is a reason for many to leave a band as well as money.

Blue

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by Marial

Right on, that's a different world from the originals scene I've always been in. With the advent of DJs and electronic dance music, and the economy, I suspect Blue is probably correct with regards to opportunities for cover bands.

Now that I think about the decline in opportunities may have only had a minimal effect on originals band opportunities depending on the region.

If anyone wants to specify why and when to leave a band and let us know if your talking original or cover, that's cool.

Blue

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by Phalex

Here: sell these tickets.

How many people can you bring?

We'll give you a piece of the door....

I think Blue prefers (as do I) You play from 9:30 to 1:30 with 2 set breaks and the job pays X number of dollars a night.

Good definition of " No Strings Attached "
Blue

[tZer]

Originally Posted by Raymeous

^ This is very good.

However for me if 2 & 3 are good and 1 is not there, I'd probably still leave. If I want to kill them then I should leave before I actually do it.

If murder is in the offing, I'd definitely recommend moving on! ;-)

In my experience, I have rarely been in any band where all 3 points were satisfied completely.

And every rule has it's exceptions. I just joined a band specifically on the promise of really good paying gigs since this band is backed by an events promotions company.

It's a given that the music will sometimes sub-optimal (typical wedding stuff) and it really doesn't matter much to me if I like the rest of the band as long as everyone's doing their job. As long as the paying gigs are there, so am I - with bells (and probably a cheesy tux) on.

But if the money gigs don't happen - even if I really like the rest of the band (and I do) and the music is cool (and it is) I won't be able to hang around. I took the gig for one reason - and one reason only - to get PAID WELL playing music.

So for me, for this band, it's a really simple litmus test - show me the money or show me the exit. Chemistry be damned and I could care less if we're playing the "hokey pokey" and "the duck dance" all night long.

[puddin tame]

I just had to call it quits on a band that I started in which I was the primary song writer because I could see it wasn't going to get anywhere due to everyone going in separate directions. We're all young, the drummer was going to study a masters degree half way across the country, the singer had just graduated and was looking at all sorts of job offers, and my own work schedule was getting too hectic to allow me to put enough time into writing quality material.

We'd also just taken a big ass break so everyone could concentrate on their final exams.

It sucked but I could see that we just weren't going to get any decent momentum in the forseeable future. Awesome band though.

[thunderbird66]

Chemistry is huge. If there is not a sense of commradery its very difficult for me. I took a paying/hired gun gig with a female solo artist "professional musician" that was a painful experience. My point being i would personally play for free and put out for a much more positive environment. Progress is a big deal too. But its all relative to project.

[intheory]

I started gigging again 3 years ago or so after a 15 year hiatus (long story involving cult like church dedication-I was still playing bass, but not in "clubs"
Anyway, I've been involved in 6 bands in that time. The first band was a startup funk-Motown band. We hit the Fort Myers scene quick and hard, then imploded due to horrendous bl issues after a few months. Lots of unprofessionalism and terrible pay.
2nd band was a still existing blues rock classic rock "dive bar" band. I was with them for about 6 months. Played close to 100 gigs with them, ultimately left over the poor venues, poor pay, and poor management.
3rd band was a still existing band that is fronted by an old Molly Hatchet member. I never really quit this band. The front man is a close personal friend and he kept me playing while I was looking for my next band (good friend!)
4th band-original blues rock band (with some covers as well). I played with them for 6 months or so. Nice people, just not my style of music. I did get to play several gigs with Danny Toler on this band, but I ultimately left to join my current band (more on that in a minute).
5th band-blues rock-classic rock cover band with friends-this was at the same time as the aforementioned band. I left this one as well to make way for...
6th band and current-funk-r&b-Motown dance band. We've been together for 16 months approximately. We've consistently played 8 to 10 gigs per month at nice venues in our area (Sarasota, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers FL). We've had our share of arguments, ups and downs, and outright fights, but the truth is that I love sharing the stage with these guys, and love almost every song that we play. I think I'll be on this one for awhile (if recent history is any indication .

/Dan

[ChrisB2]

Originally Posted by bluewine

Some here will leave a band over musical direction. I'm playing in a blues/ rock band, not my taste or genre.

What IS your taste and genre? Mine, I'd prefer a more pop/funk style with some modern and classic pop/rock over the blues/classic rock/country band I'm in, but.... see below...

Originally Posted by bluewine

Keep in mind, opportunities with established bands that have strong bookings and are making money are hard to find.

I'll go along with that....

[MarkMgibson]

I've left quite a few bands when I was offered a much better gig. I've seen many people turn down great gigs out of loyalty, and they always end up regretting it. Band members with escalating drug problems have caused me to leave a couple of bands as well, and it was the right decision both times.

I started gigging in the early 80's, and opportunities for both original and cover bands have declined in general in Australia. I play music for a living, but if I didn't own my house, and if I wasn't single with no children, it would be very difficult. The worst culprit in Australia is gambling, namely poker machines. As laws have changed to allow more of these things into every club and hotel, many big pubs that used to be iconic live venues have basically turned into miniature casinos, and live music has taken a huge hit as a result. I have noticed an upturn recently, but it's too soon to tell if that trend will continue.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by ChrisB2

What IS your taste and genre? Mine, I'd prefer a more pop/funk style with some modern and classic pop/rock over the blues/classic rock/country band I'm in, but.... see below...

I'll go along with that....

I love a lot of the 70s power trio stuff, Mountain, Blind Faith, Cream, Band of Gypsys .

That's what I like. I would never play in a band that did that sort of stuff. There wouldn't be enough paying gigs.

Again being in a band for me is not about what I like.

It's about good bands that work consistently. I'll play country, classic rock ( the kind that anyone from 6 to 60 years old has heard the songs) blues/ rock covers, show band , wedding band ect..

I'm happy in my current band.

When I do audition, I only audition for

1. Established working bands with a couple of cds under their belts

2. That I have seen perform several times,
3. I have confirmed past and future bookings, and how the band markets their products.

4. Minimum $100.00 per man shows, even pay split.

5. One rehearsal per week

6. Band must own an upscale PA and rehearses in an upscale neighborhood in a band members home.

7. Members are good honest people

I may sound elitist, however at the end if the day this " turn key" approach mitigates some of the nonsensical situation we can end up in.

Blue

[T-MOST]

This isn't that deep for me. When the band is far more aggravating than it is fun and/or rewarding it's time to quit. It's really that simple... been there and done that.

[Lazylion]

My "quit" button is pushed when I'm forced to admit that there is no room for any creative input from me. When my song suggestions are constantly rejected, when my singing or playing is being micromanaged, and the like.

Basically, I don't respond well to BL control-freakery.