Failure after Failure

Maybe you should approach it differently. If a couple of members drop out, don't let the band dissolve. Bring in new members and keep the band going. Most bands go through a few lineup changes.

 

lineup changes are pretty natural

 

The farther you go the harder you fall... just enjoy it while you can.

 

Make the cuts you need to make, if that means you end up being a two-man acoustic band, then so be it. But don't be afraid of lineup changes, many bands that people generally admire go through quite a few people before they find that "chemistry" that they need to go a ways past bars in the local area.

 

I think the problem is that you're looking at bands as a chance to play shows instead of looking at them as a chance to jam out to some original, or maybe not so original music.

In your situation, just find other groups of musicians to jam with. Eventually you might find one that you really gel with and are on the same page as you in terms of putting together something to show to the public.

I definitely understand why it can be frustrating, especially when people just stop showing up or aren't motivated, but if you're just in it to play music, then whether it's in front of a packed house or in your buddy's basement just practicing, it'll all be worth it.

 

You should see what happens to bands when they get signed.

My personal theory is that people view record labels as surrogate parents - that if they get signed the record label will take care of them so they can play all the time.

But when the time comes, they realize they don't *really* want their live to change, one person backs out & everyone else loses their drive and gives in to own insecurity.

Could be that you're seeing a small-scale version of this.

 

Be picky about who you commit to. You can usually follow your gut and intuitively know a bad scene.

Get to know all the bands in the area - go out to see them and introduce yourself. Sit if they ask and you're comfortable. Knowing people helps A LOT.

 

If it was easy, everyone would do it.

Let me give you a little advice...maybe you're putting too much heart and soul into it. Everyone wants to play out. But if you spend too much time preparing to play out, people are going to lose interest. I have a feeling you might be suffering from "It's not good enough-itis." As the songwriter, do you think maybe you're being too picky about the music? Does anyone else write in your projects? How long do you rehearse with a band before it falls apart? Musicians are notoriously impatient and they don't want to spend 6 months rehearsing someone else's songs to play small gigs for little money. So maybe you might want to look at ways to expedite the process.

 

+1

The difference between a band that plays out and a "band" that doesn't play out isn't preparedness: it's lining up gigs and playing them. As long as you've got something (anything) to do for the duration of your set, you've got what you need.

The difference between bands that get to come back and those that don't does have a bit more to do with preparedness, but don't go overboard. Get your group, get some songs together, original or otherwise, spend a few weeks polishing them while you find somewhere to play, then go do it. It does not have to be a year-long process, and if it is, you're pretty much screwed. If you can put together a set list and the band can play through the whole thing at the end of rehearsal, you're good to go. Get out there before it gets old.

EDIT: If your vocalist situation is frequently shaky, how about doing the duties yourself?

 

Ya, you definitely are suffering from "It's not good enough-itis" as well as a little cabin fever. Oh well, you know what to do to alleviate the problem. Hope you can work it out for your next project.

 

It's a equivalent to winning the lottery to find a band which members..

...get along well together
...are more or less on the same level musically
...have more or less the same ambition level and goals
...like each other's playing
...like the same music and don't disagree too much about the song selection
...wants to play someone else's music (if you're an originals band and only one or two writes the music).
...finds time for rehearsals - It's frustrating to play in a band in which one or more of the band members are so fully booked it's virtually impossible to schedule a rehearsal time within the next three four weeks.

So, no wonder most bands don't last very long.

 

Since you're playing/writing originals, egos will always be involved.

 

+1
Get to know the working musicians in your area. Surround yourself with people the know the business end of the music scene. Stick with the people that know how to run a band, get gigs, etc...

Don't give up because one band flops. You never know what the next one might lead to. Also, try getting gigs as a substitute. That is how I broke into my local music scene.

 

It took me 30 years. Don.t let that scare you. Meet as many people as you can (networking) and have fun doing it. You can only play your part in it so don,t worry about the others in the group. Strive for what Deacon Blues Post said. I.m back in a group with 2 of the guys from my first band in 1979. (showing my age) We rehearse 1 or 2 nights a week,play gigs 2 or 3 times a month,make some money at it, and we,re having a great time doing it. And remember, every idea for a song doesn,t work out.