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Beginning of the end?

Goatee220

Goatee220

Bassist/Photographer/Goalie
Dec 10, 2009
485
381
56
Spring City, PA
#1
I joined a new band in the beginning of December. They had been around for a few years and recently lost their bassist. They seemed like they had their act together, website, youtube channel, etc. After coming over and jamming for a couple of weeks, it seemed like a good fit and was asked to join the band. We jammed all winter, focusing on 7 original tunes they wanted to record for a new EP, as well as their old original stuff and some covers. We recorded those 7 tunes in April, and it went really well. We can get into the studio June 10th to mix. Sounds good so far, right?

My concerns are as follows:
Since I joined the band the management aspect seems like it has been stuck in neutral. The website hasn't been updated because our guitarist can't find the password. There isn't a picture of the 4 of us. I am a semi pro photographer, so it's no problem to get a fellow photgrapher to take a few pics of us. I can do all the editing, etc myself.

We made a list of covers we want to work on - some are new to them, all are new to me. I have been busting my butt working on them, but it's obvious that no one else (except maybe the keyboard player) has worked on them.
We haven't booked any gigs yet. We discussed it, but it doesn't seem like it's happening any time soon. Maybe they want to wait until the mixing is done?

We're losing our practice space. We practice at our keyboard player's house on 10 acres. He rents the house with a buddy and his roommate bought a house. When his roommate moves out, he'll move in with his girlfriend.

It seems like everyone is just going through the motions, and no one wants to address what seems like is going to happen. The drummer and keyboard player are in other bands that are playing out, so they seem to be content.

My wife and I are expecting our first child June 9th. She could go at any time. I'm going to do everything I can to keep playing, because I need to, but I think they're worried about my committment. I've told them several times, but maybe it hasn't sunk in.
I know the best way to find out is to talk to them, but I'm apprehensive about doing that being the new guy.

What do you guys think?
 
#2
You've been with them for 5 months apparently doing what you can to make it work. I don't see what would be unreasonable about discussing your concerns, and it looks like there are several legit concerns here.

If you're a member of the band and it's a problem to try to rationally discuss issues, that's a problem. That would tell me all I need to know about this band, I'd start looking for other opportunities.
 
#5
They're right to question your ability to commit after the baby comes. Honestly they don't seemhungry at all so I'm not sure what their concerned about unless there are a bunchof shows coming up. The baby comes first though
 
#8
Most bands who wind up being productive in some way do not do all their work sequentially. The fact that you don't have recordings completed should have nothing to do with getting out there and playing.

If everyone in the band is not Busting to get out and play often, this thing probably won't fly.
 
#14
bassphreak said:
Best thing is to air it out with the band in a constructive and professional manner. Go back and restate goals for everyone and make sure you're all on the same page. Had to do this recently in my band, worked out in my case.

Likely need to move on and be very thankful that you have a very pregnant wife that is so supportive :-)
Click to expand...

I'll see what we can do at Tuesday's rehearsal, provided my wife hasn't gone into labor by then. Maybe I'll bring beers to put everyone at ease.

My wife rocks. She actually found the ad for this band on craigslist and sent it to me, say "this looks right up your alley, you should email them".
 
#15
You may be the Newest guy but at 6+ months you're not New. You're also not a paid flunky or an indentured servant. You've got a stake the band as does everyone else.

It's time to find out what the band situation really is and where you stand.

Otherwise things could just drag on aimlessly for a heck of a long time.
 
#16
ddnidd1 said:
You may be the Newest guy but at 6+ months you're not New. You're also not a paid flunky or an indentured servant. You've got a stake the band as does everyone else.

It's time to find out what the band situation really is and where you stand.

Otherwise things could just drag on aimlessly for a heck of a long time.
Click to expand...

+1

I know your situation all too well. Get them to get their ass in gear with performing and if they try to give you crap for being the newest member or that you aren't an "original member" or something stupid like that, leave. You don't want to be in a band that doesn't respect your opinions. I learned that the hard way.
 
#17
So after 5 months not one gig? That's not a band, that's a hobby. If they've been together a while before you came around they should have a little more going on. Even if it's a once a month $50 a man type of thing. Perhaps they're caught up in "paralysis of analysis". The desire to perfect things to a point that it will never be good enough to pop that first gig cherry and just get out and play. I've seen a lot of bands dissolve in that exact situation.
 

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