Can you be to picky when looking for a band?

[MichelD]

No

 

[glocke1]

I am currently looking for my post kids band. Had one audition that went well, but turned it down since it was classic rock. I have another on the books, but will probably back out since it is metal. I know what I would like to do, radio friendly alternative music from the 80's and 90's, but I can not find an opening. Should I just take a gig, or wait it out. Neither of the bands I mentioned are actually gigging now.

I am speaking based on my own experiences here, but to me it really depends on what you are after/what your goals are, what stage you feel like your playing is at, etc...etc...

If you haven't been in a band for a minute, or you are overall lacking in experience when it comes to ensemble playing, it doesn't hurt to pick a project that may not exactly be what you want from a musical standpoint, but fits other criteria (other band members are sane, do their homework, etc).

FWIW I've learned to temper my expectations when it comes to musical projects and not be too picky. I've realized that at this point I'll never have the band I want, which is a lineup of players committed to making good music as an ensemble and meet on a regular basis to rehearse and work on weak points (beginnings, endings, etc), but instead make do with what I have, which are basically pickup bands consisting of musicians who put an emphasis on gigging and performing as opposed to a group committed to making good music as an ensemble.

Not that those pickup bands sound bad, but anyone with a discerning ear can hear that they aren't what they could be.

 

[bassbrad]

I have to be picky with my time and energy just as bands seem to be so picky these days. It is getting harder and harder for us all to find worthy musical collaborators as age, health and family are taking their toll not to mention drugs, politics and COVID add their obstacles.

 

[wazzel]

I am speaking based on my own experiences here, but to me it really depends on what you are after/what your goals are, what stage you feel like your playing is at, etc...etc...

If you haven't been in a band for a minute, or you are overall lacking in experience when it comes to ensemble playing, it doesn't hurt to pick a project that may not exactly be what you want from a musical standpoint, but fits other criteria (other band members are sane, do their homework, etc).

FWIW I've learned to temper my expectations when it comes to musical projects and not be too picky. I've realized that at this point I'll never have the band I want, which is a lineup of players committed to making good music as an ensemble and meet on a regular basis to rehearse and work on weak points (beginnings, endings, etc), but instead make do with what I have, which are basically pickup bands consisting of musicians who put an emphasis on gigging and performing as opposed to a group committed to making good music as an ensemble.

Not that those pickup bands sound bad, but anyone with a discerning ear can hear that they aren't what they could be.

I gigged regularly from 1988 to 2001. Covered a lot of ground in those years. Folkish alternative originals, power punk originals, R&B cover, jazz trio, classic rock bar band. Been playing in a church contemporary group since 2006. I come from a musical family, we been jamming since 1984 on a semi regular basis. My great uncle was my first bass "instructor", he is 81 and still plays. I do not have any issues with experience or playing in an ensemble.

I may need to be flexible on my wants just to get back out and network.

 

[BarfanyShart]

You can never be too picky with bands. You end up spending a lot time with your bands, hinging a lot of your other life commitments on the bands' activities, turning down other opportunities because of the band, and this is usually all in service of no great material reward. So be in a band with people you like, making music that you want to make, and being compensated in an amount and manner that you believe is fair and realistic.

 

[bassliner50]

In a word, yes. Why would I do otherwise?

 

[lfmn16]

How badly you want to play in a band and how many options you have determine how picky you can be. I'd rather be in no band than a bad band. Bad bands make you a worse player. I'm not so strict about genre.

 

[MichelD]

No

Sorry. I misunderstood the question.

YES, be picky. Very picky. There are good people who are good players out there. Find them. There are others who might be good players but um......well, as far as personality goes, you know, and vice versa, there are some really nice people out there who play too, but are they up to your level or do they share your interests?