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Better Band Or Better Friends?
- Thread starter Omnipharious
- Start date
There was a film like this. Called "The Rocker" which is pretty good. I'd say unless the other guy is a phenomenal keyboardist keep the friend.
Liam
Liam
Thing is - hypothetical or not - this is not a black and white situation, like most of life. Factors need to be weighed when making a decision. It's good to see so many people thinking about the bigger picture, rather than being blinded by the "potential" of personal "success".
I understand that, so I tried to simplify it. Is being better friends, or more goal, or success, oriented best (in your opinion, obviously) for a band?
You caught me. With my friend, and my brother and I thinking about actually making music together, it got me thinking about this, but I couldn't think of a hypothetical that would pertain to the situation, and I remembered that movie.
And does anyone know if I can take down the poll? It makes me feel dumb to see it at the top of the page the whole time.
I think you'd have to ask a mod to take it down. They may be getting a bit of perverse enjoyment out of you seeing it all the time though, and be disinclined to take it down.
If, hypothetically, all my bandmates and I were:
a) Unencumbered by girlfriends/boyfriends/spouses/children/dependents
b) Equally thick-skinned and driven to practice, create, network, market, and put up with all manner of being shat on to achieve our vision of success
only then would I say yes, go for that goal.
Sounds like someone with deep pockets trying to take care of his little Johnny. If little Johnny is any good, and Dad is a promoter, why isn't he already in a band and makin' money? Your band wouldn't be your band for very long. I'd pass.
Read in context, please. "You" does not refer to the respondents here, it refers to band members in this hypothetical situation -- we are not to assume that the band faced with this decision is a group of stellar musicians, just a regular crew of dudes who can play.
Lighten up on the guy, he's just throwing out a hypothetical dilemma. I think it's gotten overcomplicated with all the scenario of imaginary producers with keyboard-playing sons etc.
Let's just simplify the question and say: would you dump a friend from the band in order to achieve career success?
If a guy came up to me with such a b/s proposal I'd say no, it's OBVIOUS he's not a serious "producer" @all, just a talker (and probably his son sucks). My .02. OTOH I know a band that changed their drummer in order to be produced by no less than Gustavo Santaolalla. They did, and remain closest friends with the former drummer (including the new one). Apparently they left it for him to decide. The guy just understood the oportunity was too big and it would have been selfish to deny the others the chance. A "civilized" case, rare, I know.
That's a different question, and depends on the particular circumstances. My answer is "maybe". If something about my friend (ability, personality, whatever) is keeping me from realizing my musical objectives then it's time to move on. I have a similar situation now, but I'll continue with my friend on a casual basis. He seems to understand that I'll avail myself of opportunities that arise.
Go with this my friend, it's the voice of wisdom.
The producer wants a band for his kid, sure as night follows day, if the kid develops (or he finds a 'better' band) over the two years, you're history. On top of that there are some really good nights to had in local bars with your friends.
I would say...take more time in creating a poll...I'm sure all your problems will be helped if you take the time to make a more intelligent poll...that has more than one option.
I'd be prepared to bet that the demands won't stop with just getting his son into the band. Next week it'll be something else and you end up completely under his control. Tell him his son can be your roadie!
