Is it worth staying?

mjolnir · #1 01-04-2008, 08:41 AM

I've found myself in a bit of a dilemma, chums... I'm in two bands, both original acts. One of them I've been playing with for over a year now (we'll call it R), the other only around three months (call it F).

My problem is that the band F is losing its luster for me. The music is by no means bad, but it's sort of... bland, and doesn't require much effort on my part as a bassist to hold down a groove. The other band is spectacular, I'm always pumped to play with those guys and I walk away from every rehearsal and gig thoroughly exhausted, like I put my whole heart and soul into it.

So what's the problem, you may ask? I know it seems simple enough, but my dilemma is in the fact that the guys in F are all class acts, really cool dudes. Top that with the fact that they've invested a lot of time and energy to teach me their 30+ songs and the fact that we haven't even played a show yet...

It seems if I leave 'em I'd be stabbing them in the back. Thoughts?

bluestarbass · #2 01-04-2008, 09:49 AM

Id stick around, especially if theyve been cool and taught you a bunch of their music. If you havent played any shows id hold off till you get a couple under your belt. Maybe the boring band will be super duper fun live. Sometimes bands think musicians are boring are great live acts. Most non music people prefer repetitive and poppy to complicated. Usually the band members are the reason people quit bands, not the music, so playing with cool guys may be its own reward.

5andFretless · #3 01-04-2008, 10:05 AM

I hate to say it, but there is often times a lot more to bands then the music. Being in a band is like being married to 4 people. The music is like the sex - As long as it is OK you can usually survive as long as everything else is good, and if you can't there is always the occasional daliance.

You already have the best of both words - You have a band you like and a chance to cheat on them once in a while with another band that "does it" for you.

Don't leave your wife for a super-model.

mjolnir · #4 01-04-2008, 11:22 AM

They've been incredibly cool to me, accepted me as one of their own practically by the end of the first audition. And I spent New Years with them which was an absolute blast...

I think that's an incredibly good way to look at things, 5andfretless. I never looked at it like that before.

louieeadg · #5 01-09-2008, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjolnir

They've been incredibly cool to me, accepted me as one of their own practically by the end of the first audition. And I spent New Years with them which was an absolute blast...

I think that's an incredibly good way to look at things, 5andfretless. I never looked at it like that before.

...and they haven't given you any s*** for being handicapped?

MakiSupaStar · #6 01-09-2008, 10:11 PM

The decision will make itself for you. Just tough it out with both acts. Don't make a decision until you've played live with both acts.

Rattman · #7 01-09-2008, 10:36 PM

Naaawww... Don't even think about jumping ship just yet. Would it really kill ya to play in two bands for a while? Sounds like you fit right in with both groups very well. Unless you are completely, totally bored and exhausted, I'd just wait it out for a bit longer.

louieeadg · #8 01-10-2008, 12:15 AM

It's apparent that you're apparently bored by practicing...not a bad thing. I think your frustrations lie in the depths of your inner soul...you're basically upset because you only have one foot, therefore, you think you should only have one band. Not so young grasshopper...in order for a plant to fully spread it's roots, it must have many pots...

stoneboy26 · #9 01-10-2008, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjolnir

They've been incredibly cool to me, accepted me as one of their own practically by the end of the first audition. And I spent New Years with them which was an absolute blast...

I think that's an incredibly good way to look at things, 5andfretless. I never looked at it like that before.

By the sounds of it, they are a bunch of great guys to hang with, and I am sure your feelings towards the music will change once you guys get up on stage. That should get the energy, excitement and motivation (at least for you) back into it!!

My band is a prime example, we are originals and been playing together for almost 10 years. we do maybe 3 gigs a year!!

we will get one or two lined up and be all mega excited, then after a month or two of nothing, we get cranky at each other, etc... then a gig comes up and

Stick in there man, it'll all be cool!!