Band mini rant

[TolerancEJ]

I was feeling bad about the story until I read $1K - $3K payouts. Just stick it out with this band.

You could always join another band on the side where you would be able to play music more enjoyable to you.

 

[1stOfficerRiker]

Don't you hate it when some band members think they are too good for the rest of the band?

Not trying to be rude, but just sayin . . .

 

[pharmakon]

This is actually a much better performance. Seems we've gone downhill from this.

Old white man dance at :30 FTW!

 

[pharmakon]

I've surprised myself at how much I'll compromise my musical integrity for a nice payday ... ... Like any another profession, being a musician is sometimes just work.

This deserves an Eye of the Tiger quote!

"So many times it happens too fast, you trade your passion for glory..."

Invalid Link Removed

 

[MNAirHead]

Chill oyut.. soundes like you may be the misfit.

 

[DWBass]

You could always join another band on the side where you would be able to play music more enjoyable to you.

I love the music. The music ain't the problem.

 

[DWBass]

Don't you hate it when some band members think they are too good for the rest of the band?

Not trying to be rude, but just sayin . . .

Not that at all. They just need to step up their game. This area is known for musicians who get to a certain level of skill and never get any better but have the attitude of a star!! I'm originally from NY and gigged the NYC music scene (extremely competitive scene I might add) for many years, where if you couldn't hang, you didn't play! Simple!

Bottom line, I'm just the bass player. If it was MY band, they'd be gone! Do I think I'm too good for the band? No! Do I feel I am a better musician and more professional? Yes!

 

[DWBass]

Chill oyut.. sounds like you may be the misfit.

Oh I'm cool. Gotta vent sometimes! I may be the misfit but I play my parts well (always prepared) and act like a professional!

Did I mention I have to field phone calls from the bandleader who complains about the same crap? Ok, it ain't just me!

 

[Beginner Bass]

On one hand, you should enjoy playing music. We call it "playing" music for a reason. It's meant to be enjoyed.

On the other hand...

That's a LOT of money! I would stay, when that kind of money is there. Sure, develop a side project, but do NOT give this gig up. Even if it means looking at it as a jo rather than a band, that's too much money for me too walk away from.

 

[Thundar]

Seriously....you COULD be playing Skynyrd covers, setting up & tearing down PA, running the board, and making $75 a night...and thats playing 5 sets.....LOL...Im just sayin'

 

[walknbluez]

I watched the video and didn't really see the part where you guys suck.

 

[Marko 1]

It’s the vocals/harmonies, and song list that make it work.

Especially when we started, learned a gang of songs in a short period of time, some of us not as experienced as others, made a lot of mistakes, but we have good vocals and harmonies… not great, but good.

I learned from that, people hear the vocals, feel the bass/drums, good guitar/lead instrument help, and so long as there are no train wrecks, people are happy.

Guitar player is the anal one in our band, and I’m wondering it he’s capable of being happy. If you’re like that, I just feel sorry for ya, and hope the others are having a good time.

 

[dogofgod]

$ is never a good enough reason to do anything, we live to short on this earth to play music we don't enjoy. money will always find you.

 

[Marko 1]

Your band kinda reminds me of the "Rudy and the Professionals" band that I know - his wife/keyboard player I talk everyday at work, and I’ve met Rudy many times.

You’d probably love to play with them; they’re super tight and professional, and I think they did like, 24 gigs last month.

 

[invader3k]

The only thing that really jumps out at me is the bad drummer. That would annoy me. Has anyone else in the band noticed or said anything? Maybe you could have some side practices with just him, playing with some CDs or something. I wouldn't stir up too much if the band is making thousands per gig, though. Sounds like you have a pretty sweet deal, really.

 

[invader3k]

money will always find you.

This sounds like something broke people say.

 

[DWBass]

The only thing that really jumps out at me is the bad drummer. That would annoy me. Has anyone else in the band noticed or said anything?

Absolutely! Everyone in the band has an issue with his playing. And he's one of those hot headed guys who doesn't take to constructive criticism! He spouts off about how he has over 30 years experience playing in a corporate cover band and he knows what the people want! But it seems it's more of a 'him' show. He constantly misses beats. Places inappropriate fills in the wrong places in the wrong songs! Totally screwed up the beginning of Moondance at our last gig. I had to edit the audio file to the chorus section as that is where he picked up the right groove! He complained about being cold! We noticed a high profile politician there (who was trying to stay low key) and he was ready to get on the mic and 'out' the guy until the leader told him not to say anything. He gets mad and says he wasn't going to say anything and he should not be talked to like a child! Oh, it was a fun night. We have a new guitarist who had only 2 weeks to prepare for the gig and he still rode the guy all night! The guitarist was visibly annoyed! On "The Way You Look Tonight", he played on his snare instead of crossstick totally changing the vibe of the song! Oh, it was a lovely evening to say the least. The leader is planning to have a face to face with the guy fully expecting him to blow up. So we have a few cats waiting in the wings in case the #$%^ hits the fan!

 

[DWBass]

I watched the video and didn't really see the part where you guys suck.

We actually play that medley very well. That vid was taken back in August. Things have gone a little downhill since. That guitarist 'kicked' himself out the band due to some crazy demands! The new guy is going to take a while to get acclimated to how we all play and he really has to work on his funk chops. Drummer has gotten way, way busier and out of control (has attitude problems as well). Keyboardist has serious timing issues and has to be 'counted in' quite often throughout the evening!

Still, the money is what's keeping me around! I have bills and constant car issues. Also need to fund my G.A.S.! So hey, I mark my calendar, show up to play and wait for my check in the mail!

 

[dminer]

"So we have a few cats waiting in the wings in case the #$%^ hits the fan!"
There's your answer... I guarantee you that there's plenty of great, "in the pocket" drummers that would jump through flaming hoops at a chance for a paying gig like that. And badgering the new guitarist all night long...WRONG...Maybe even the keyboardist would improve with his timing issues if the drummer was locked in.

We had a drummer for a SHORT time with "speed up" syndrome and when we cut in the studio it was quite apparent on the playback, even though I tried to keep it steady with the bass... and yet he refused to believe his own ears or anything that we we're saying, and we tried to be very diplomatic. He stormed outa the studio and was very quickly replaced. Life goes on and so did we.

 

[DWBass]

Ok, here we go. I'll share a bit!

Video #1: This Masquerade http://www.vimeo.com/16415221
@2:05 What the heck was that?
@4:02 Huh? I'm scratchin' my head on that one!

Video #2: Moondance http://www.vimeo.com/16518207
This is the one where he totally forgot how the groove is played.
@00:10 He gets it! Yay!
@1:23 What the heck was that?
@2:14 What the heck was that?
@2:20 Huh?

Video #3: The Way You Look Tonight http://www.vimeo.com/16518155
@00:30 Singer looks at drummer wondering why he's using snare and not crossstick!


This is just a few examples. There are a lot more. Especially the 'missing beat' thing. Just about on every song! We'll be grooving along and all of a sudden, he'll skip a kick or a snare and we all kinda turn around but I don't think he realizes what he did!