It seems like there are a lot of small annoying things in my original metal band, stacking up and reducing my enjoyment in the band. But, I seem to be the only one in the band having "issues". For starters, the music is not mine and not exactly my style... I only wrote bass lines to their existing music. I have recorded some of my ideas, but mostly no one even bothers to listens to them. Okay, so this is a gig where I am not a contributing writer, I just write and play bass; fair enough so far I suppose.
I get a lot of enjoyment from the hobby of music, so I do things like record and produce our garage demo, burn a spool of free garage demo CDs for every show, create our set opening track burn to cd and coordinate it with sound man, and setup our online presence. I read and watch videos about bass, mixing and recording, live sound... you know, all the topics in these forums. But that's me, I do it for fun, and I have the time. The other band members don't do so much.
Where I start to get annoyed is they don't practice at home or try to get a better sound or do any kind of learning/growing. If we don't have band "practice", they don't practice... despite me uploading backing tracks to our google drive. I practice at home, so my parts are solid... we have been playing together for a year, and at this point it feels like a waste of time to get together to... practice.
The vocalist is the worst. After a year (he has been in the band longer than me) we still don't have names for half our songs (we only have 8 songs), he has not sent anyone any lyrics so I don't even know what he's screaming, and he just shows up to band practice and gigs with nothing except d*** in hand. I suggested we use some band money to get the vocalist gear, and he looks at me incredulously and asks sarcastically, "what gear do I need?". He's relying on venues to provide his mic, PA, and effects.
The rhythm guitarist has crappy pedals plugged in a random order/fashion and does things like leave his phaser on while his amp hisses at the end of songs. Blows money on a crappy 8 string he can't even play instead of doing a little research and using that money to improve the band's sound. I try not to get annoyed at that, cuz it's his money... but I can't help it and it makes me feel uptight and petty.
Lead guitarist brings an ugly stupid cinder block up on stage, just to set his foot on it for solos. Even the soundman was confused who's cinderblock was on stage, and why. It's all up in our videos and picture, so (despite how douchey it is to bring a cinder block to set your foot on for solos) I suggest we at least paint it black or something. Maybe even make it a thing by putting something funny on it or our band initials/logo. The drummer says keep it and don't paint it, he likes the "industrial look"... so I offer to take some steel wool and a spray bottle of water to his drum kit since he likes the industrial look. Needless to say he passed... At this point I am feeling pretty little and petty, I'm trying to be understanding but stuff is stacking up.
There is all the standard word salad "I'm gonna do X" but it never happens. "I know someone who can..." no you don't. The worst is the way our bandleader emails venues. His opening emails never give any info or links about our band... usually just asking "Do you book metal bands?" and literally that is the whole email.
He pissed off the owner of our main venue and made us all look like a big goof troop, with his ridiculous emails asking to change dates and add bands to the line-up when they have no room, then questioning them... she was literally getting ready to post the event to facebook and confirmed with our band... then 5 minutes later BL asked to change to the next weekend with some random band from 4 states away that messaged him on facebook. She finally had enough and schooled us... told him how lucky we are to get weekend shows as a new band with no fans, that they usually book 3 months in advance, and the booker has been very nice giving us weekend slots due to cancellations.
Knowing he will make it worse, I ask him not to reply, but he does anyway. He blames the venue owner for not confirming the date sooner with the random band from 4 states away, and then asks if any weekend slots are available in the next few months. At this point I am furious and thinking about quitting the band... no one else in the band cares or thinks it is a big deal. All they know is they get gigs (for now), and just have to show up with d*** in hand ready to play. Makes me question why I am getting so upset... that I should just show up and play. There is no metal scene here, so it's not like I can just join a different band... but at this point I'm just about to quit and sell my gear. I don't even get paid, it goes into a band fund ie: the band leader's checking account.
Also one guitarist has a big picture of jesus on his cabinet on stage, which I am not a big fan of, but I don't have the right to ask him to remove it. We are not a religious themed band.
Here is the wonderful email we received after he jerked the venue around over the course of 35+ emails. This happened a few days ago, I slept on it, and it still bothers the hell out of me, esp when I think about all the other stuff. We are adults in our 30s... and I'm the only one in the band that cares or has issues; I am strongly considering bailing on our out of town gig this weekend, cuz I don't want to spend the money am I just uptight?
No. those dates are held.
I just checked w/ you before announcing this show!!! 3/18
This is getting tiresome.
You need to understand. [venue name] is booking shows 3 months in advance most of the time.
You have been very lucky to play on two weekend slots so far for your shows because of cancelations.
Newer bands are usually put on weeknights but Dan has been kind to you guys.
If you want a show with your friends band request a weeknight and you will probably get it.
You need to concentrate on getting some people out to your show on 3/18.
(BL then replies asking for another weekend show)
