Dealing with burnout

[modbass]

Hey TB,

How does everyone deal with gig burnout? My primary gig/income is from cover band/wedding work, and lately I've been getting really bored and tired on the gig. Its a lot of travel, and we usually play 3 sets a night; about 2.5 to 3 hours of music. Its steady work, the pay is okay, and it seems that a bunch of bands play the same music so sub work is easy. But its the same music every night...also I think some of the players I work with are also experiencing burnout and we could all use a push.

I have some jazz gigs coming up, and I'm hoping those turn into call backs so I can vary my gig repertoire. Until that happens though, any tips on staying focused and finding value in playing the same songs time and time again? How do you guys stay motivated when you're a little over it? How about motivating your bandmates without being a downer?

Thanks!

 

[eJake]

I hate to put it like this but sometimes work ain't always fun. You gotta decide whether you like the money enough to keep doing it. If you do want to continue I would suggest changing your perspective. Focus on technique, start putting in dance moves or singing backups. Challenge yourself hard and you never know what can come out of it. Continue to look at it as boring and you already got one foot out the door.

Just a couple of coppers (.02) as always.

 

[bikeplate]

Find or start another project thats completely different. Tribute, etc.

 

[Stumbo]

Hey TB,

How does everyone deal with gig burnout? My primary gig/income is from cover band/wedding work, and lately I've been getting really bored and tired on the gig. Its a lot of travel, and we usually play 3 sets a night; about 2.5 to 3 hours of music. Its steady work, the pay is okay, and it seems that a bunch of bands play the same music so sub work is easy. But its the same music every night...also I think some of the players I work with are also experiencing burnout and we could all use a push.

I have some jazz gigs coming up, and I'm hoping those turn into call backs so I can vary my gig repertoire. Until that happens though, any tips on staying focused and finding value in playing the same songs time and time again? How do you guys stay motivated when you're a little over it? How about motivating your bandmates without being a downer?

Thanks!

More water. Throughout the day. NOT soda, energy drinks, coffee, etc.

More, better sleep. Darker, Cooler room, sound machine, eye mask. Even a good nap will help.

Try Adding liquid Solgar B12 with B Complex to your supplement list.

About $10 for 2000mcg and 3 month supply. You can get 6 months out of it if you take half a dropper full. So it's actually much cheaper than most. I like liquid because the capsule/tablet binders bothered me.

More focus,energy, calm. You need to keep using it to keep the benefits. Best supplement I've got on my list.

Also, vitamin D3, at least 2k units a day.

Hope you feel better.

 

[PauFerro]

David Sanborn in an interview, said that when you start thinking about room service at the end of the set, during a song, it's time to retire the song.

I think that's why bands mix up their songs a few different ways just to keep it interesting.

 

[sean_on_bass]

There's band fatigue and there's gigging fatigue overall. The cure to both is that a pattern likely needs to be broken, whatever that may be. This could mean taking a break, or varying up your gigs and projects more. This could mean lightening up your gigging schedule to teach, or engage in other facets of the music business. I think the jazz direction is a good one...much less monotony potentially, depending on the caliber of the group.

 

[friskinator]

I had similar burnout with my wedding band a few years back. We were working every weekend (usually Fri-Sat), and most of those were travel dates. I got burnt on the endless hours in the van, crazy amounts of downtime at the venue, and playing the same show every night. In the end, I decided it wasn't worth it, and sleeping in my own bed every night was worth something.

When I left, I was already involved in another cover band that I worked with on my off weekends. I found a day job during the week and started playing more with band #2 on weekends, and was much happier in the end.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Two suggestions:

1. Talk with your bandmband about freshening up the set list. They may be as bored as you.
2. Start playing some others genres. Find a group of jazz players who just want to meet once a week and let loose.

 

[StatesideRambler]

I can't imagine a working musician would have a repertoire so scant that he could feel repetitious in fewer than a dozen gigs. If that's the case you and your bandmates need to look hard at your repertoire and setlists. I hate the word "proactive" but it's apropos here.

 

[BuffaloBill]

Go back to school and/or find a new career and life.

 

[dreamadream99]

Showed up with the intent of dispensing my invaluable wisdom, but you have already gotten excellent advice.

 

[madbass6]

Hey TB,

How does everyone deal with gig burnout? My primary gig/income is from cover band/wedding work, and lately I've been getting really bored and tired on the gig. Its a lot of travel, and we usually play 3 sets a night; about 2.5 to 3 hours of music. Its steady work, the pay is okay, and it seems that a bunch of bands play the same music so sub work is easy. But its the same music every night...also I think some of the players I work with are also experiencing burnout and we could all use a push.

I have some jazz gigs coming up, and I'm hoping those turn into call backs so I can vary my gig repertoire. Until that happens though, any tips on staying focused and finding value in playing the same songs time and time again? How do you guys stay motivated when you're a little over it? How about motivating your bandmates without being a downer?

Thanks!

Take a well deserved break my friend! and when you guys return jam to your song list in different styles /tempos/beats etc. just for fun.

 

[modbass]

Thanks guys,

We've been adding some new songs lately, but it sounds like this is some gig fatigue and I need to branch out. The repertoire is by no means small. There are no breaks between songs and the singers call them on the spot. When I get home Im beat.

I do have other gigs that I find extremely satisfying, I just need to focus on getting more of them. This month is actually mostly a fun gig month, but I just got in from a tough weekend and was looking for tips. In the mean time it sounds like more rest before the gig and focus on learning new material.

 

[BurnOut]

People deal with me in all sorts of ways.
Many different things work, most importantly, don't tweak me off.
Just be a cool hang and we'll have a groovy time.
Peace N Chicken Grease

 

[Stumbo]

The repertoire is by no means small. There are no breaks between songs and the singers call them on the spot. When I get home Im beat.

I suggest talking to the band.

Do you get any breaks?

Is anyone else fatigued? Need a break? If not, what do they do that you don't? Just sayin'.

Maybe your brain is tired?

Try the B12.

 

[Groove Doctor]

Burnout is just an accumulation of fatigue from not nurturing yourself. Gigging drains your energy and you need to refill your tank after each gig. Here's what helps me.....

Physical fatigue
More exercise: weights, cardio, stretching.
More sleep: 7+hrs a night.
More water & teas. Less coffee & sodas.
More vegetables, fruit, nuts, protein.
Less sugars, refined carbs, additives.
Taking supplements, see health practitioners.

Mental & Emotional fatigue....
More relaxation and unwinding
Find a hobby that enlivens you
More time with family & friends
More reading, thinking, learning, discussing
Being more creative and spontaneous
Processing of your thoughts & feelings thru talking, writing a journal or book, song writing, etc.


Joining other bands is just a bandaid solution (I've tried that too & didn't help me long term). Taking better care of yourself should be your main focus right now.

 

[DirtDog]

There’s a ton of good (and some not so good) research on burnout. There’s some interesting reading from Psychology Today with advice on how to counteract burnout.

 

[Pug the Pig]

People deal with me in all sorts of ways.
Many different things work, most importantly, don't tweak me off.
Just be a cool hang and we'll have a groovy time.
Peace N Chicken Grease

Stop Press.....Check out the super relaxing "Billy Baloney Club"... Special TB offer, only $200 joining fee

 

[bassliner50]

If you are thinking about some time off then returning, there will be 10 players lined up to take your place.

 

[modbass]

If you are thinking about some time off then returning, there will be 10 players lined up to take your place.

Time off isn't really a solution, but i'm confident enough to say that I wouldn't worry about picking up another cover gig. Bassists are lacking in my area and the cover band guys all sub out to each other since we basically all run the same show, so in that regard the musician community here is wonderful.

Joining other bands is just a bandaid solution (I've tried that too & didn't help me long term). Taking better care of yourself should be your main focus right now.

Now this makes a lot of sense to me. More running around doesnt fix the problem, but more self care would. It should be warm enough in a couple of weeks that I'll be able to start going outside again! I've noticed Janek Gwizdala talk a lot about health and fitness and how it affects musicianship.

Do you get any breaks?

Is anyone else fatigued? Need a break? If not, what do they do that you don't? Just sayin'.

@Stumbo...no, often we will pull a 2.5 hour set without a break and we consistently work every week. I have talked to the band and we're adding more songs, but it's pretty clear everyone is feeling fatigued and trying to figure out how to overcome it. Our schedule is super light April and May, so we all have plenty of time to relax.

Maybe this is an end of winter/pre wedding season anxiety? I'm originally from California, so seasons on the east coast are still relatively new to me...along with this seasonal depression business thats around here.