Bad Reason to Join a Band?

[I<34080]

your parents still go to your gigs?

 

[JoZac21]

your parents still go to your gigs?

Well, from time to time they do (far from every gig). My mother is a big audiophile, and they're very supportive of my music. Some people may think this is very uncool... I'm appreciative of their support...

 

[jarrydee]

Well, from time to time they do (far from every gig). My mother is a big audiophile, and they're very supportive of my music. Some people may think this is very uncool... I'm appreciative of their support...

hey man, I am 38 and my father is the guitar player in my band, best player i have ever herd...be grateful your parents come and see you!

 

[Nev375]

What the hell is wrong with me that I think that I need to constantly play music that "challenges listeners", thus making me question my wanting to join a simple, hard rocking band that I like? Is this not the attitude that has kept me playing to so few people for so long?

99% of those listeners don't want to be challenged. They just want to hear their favorite song or at least something familiar sounding.


Imagine a concession stand at a state fair serving a variety of salads. Salads are healthy, nutritious and just what most everyone needs more of in their diet.

Now imagine them set up next to the stand that sells corn dogs, funnel cakes, nachos, cotton candy etc...

Guess which one has no line?

 

[xgator4u]

99% of those listeners don't want to be challenged. They just want to hear their favorite song or at least something familiar sounding.


Imagine a concession stand at a state fair serving a variety of salads. Salads are healthy, nutritious and just what most everyone needs more of in their diet.

Now imagine them set up next to the stand that sells corn dogs, funnel cakes, nachos, cotton candy etc...

Guess which one has no line?

This.

People know what they like, and what they want to spend their money on. If you, and/or the venue do not provide what they want at that moment, well they will find someone that does.

 

[JohnMCA72]

...
Am I "selling-out"? Is it okay if I don't care if I am?

You ask as if you think "selling out" is a bad thing.

Somebody may go into Medicine fully intending to find the cure for cancer. The reality is that most professional doctors' days are spent putting their finger where they'd probably rather not, but insurance companies pay them $100 every time they do. Does that make them a "sell-out"?

 

[oniman7]

A preemptive Thank You and Nod to anyone who reads this long, inane, rant:

I have been playing music for 20 years now. I have, in my life time, been in at least 17 bands. I studied at a prestigious music school for three years...

If I am being completely honest, I know I am a damned good musician. I know I can hold my own playing with well established professional musicians... I have... (this is not meant to sound like bragging, and I hope it doesn't, but I know this is the case).

Despite everything I mentioned above, I have really gotten nowhere as far as being "successful" goes. I have never been in a band that has a following of people that doesn't consist almost entirely of friends of the band. I have never gone on tour - not even a one gig out-of-town thing. I have spent much more money on equipment, lessons, etc. than I have ever made as a musician.

So here's the deal:

I am currently playing in a band in which I really like the music... only it's not going anywhere, and I doubt it ever will. The band has existed in some incarnation or another for over ten years (I've only been a member for a year) - and we still play to about a dozen people per gig on average. My last band used to play to about 100, but I like this band better...

Yesterday I found an ad on Craigslist for a band looking for a bass player... and they seem to really have their act together - they've already toured, done interviews, opened for/played with some established acts, etc.

The thing is, while I do like the music, and I think they're really talented... it's not the kind of music I would normally play, let alone listen to. It is far from bad... but I've always been attracted to "innovative" and "inventive" music... this band, while quite good, are far from breaking any molds...

I must admit, I am mostly attracted to this band because I think they can gain popularity and I want to play for more than a dozen people at a time... two of which are my parents...

Am I "selling-out"? Is it okay if I don't care if I am?

Again, the music really isn't bad... it's just not something I would normally want to do... but if I'm playing to a large crowd, I don't think I'd mind...

Any thoughts would be appreciated...

TL;DR - I'm thinking of joining a band that plays music I wouldn't normally want to play, but they look like they may become successful, and my sell-out-self likes that possibility. Is that bad?

It's not wrong for you unless you think it's wrong for you. I'd play Nickelback if it meant being successful, playuing to huge crowds, etc.

 

[oniman7]

It's not wrong for you unless you think it's wrong for you. I'd play Nickelback if it meant being successful, playuing to huge crowds, etc.

Also with the post script that you have to be satisfied. Without that, nothing else matters

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

So you have gone nowhere in your musical career yet by changing your path your selling out??

Who the ef are you selling out?? The 12 fans won't miss you considering there has probably been 5+ bass players in their 10 year stretch.

 

[JWP]

Depends on your goals. Is it about playing consistently or playing music you really enjoy? Who knows...maybe a new genre with a group that has their stuff together is exactly what you need.

 

[JoZac21]

Update:

Talked to the guitar player on the phone for a while... I'm jamming with them later this week... I'm now pretty excited! Wish me luck!

 

[Exploiter8]

Good luck!

But most of all,

HAVE FUN!

X8

 

[xander8280]

A preemptive Thank You and Nod to anyone who reads this long, inane, rant:

I have been playing music for 20 years now. I have, in my life time, been in at least 17 bands. I studied at a prestigious music school for three years...

If I am being completely honest, I know I am a damned good musician. I know I can hold my own playing with well established professional musicians... I have... (this is not meant to sound like bragging, and I hope it doesn't, but I know this is the case).

Despite everything I mentioned above, I have really gotten nowhere as far as being "successful" goes. I have never been in a band that has a following of people that doesn't consist almost entirely of friends of the band. I have never gone on tour - not even a one gig out-of-town thing. I have spent much more money on equipment, lessons, etc. than I have ever made as a musician.

So here's the deal:

I am currently playing in a band in which I really like the music... only it's not going anywhere, and I doubt it ever will. The band has existed in some incarnation or another for over ten years (I've only been a member for a year) - and we still play to about a dozen people per gig on average. My last band used to play to about 100, but I like this band better...

Yesterday I found an ad on Craigslist for a band looking for a bass player... and they seem to really have their act together - they've already toured, done interviews, opened for/played with some established acts, etc.

The thing is, while I do like the music, and I think they're really talented... it's not the kind of music I would normally play, let alone listen to. It is far from bad... but I've always been attracted to "innovative" and "inventive" music... this band, while quite good, are far from breaking any molds...

I must admit, I am mostly attracted to this band because I think they can gain popularity and I want to play for more than a dozen people at a time... two of which are my parents...

Am I "selling-out"? Is it okay if I don't care if I am?

Again, the music really isn't bad... it's just not something I would normally want to do... but if I'm playing to a large crowd, I don't think I'd mind...

Any thoughts would be appreciated...

TL;DR - I'm thinking of joining a band that plays music I wouldn't normally want to play, but they look like they may become successful, and my sell-out-self likes that possibility. Is that bad?

You're not selling out. I would do the same thing. You'll meet people along the way and maybe find musicians that share your exact tastes, then you can start a different band. If anything the tour life is fun. Do it up, don't worry what people think, they're probably jealous/bitter and wish they could get "big".

 

[gareth dunster]

I know quite a few musicians who really have to grind dreadful contract gigs to make a living. Finding a band that doesn't play your first choice style but has prospects is in no way a sellout.

 

[Sub300Hertz]

After investing so much in your gear and musical education, I can only say: why the hell not? Go for it, specially if you manage to keep yourself interested despite the kind of music they play.

 

[bassinplace]

I don't think your motives are unreasonable. So long as you can enjoy playing the music and have a respectable relationship with the other members, it'd be a go in my book.

 

[bluewine]

I know quite a few musicians who really have to grind dreadful contract gigs to make a living. Finding a band that doesn't play your first choice style but has prospects is in no way a sellout.

I agree,I had to compromise in making a decision to join and play in blues/ rock band while some of my pickier peers sit at home in their bedrooms while I'm out gigging, having fun and making $$.