How Should You Be In Between Bands

[bluewine]

How Long Do you Want to be In Between Bands?

This thread is geared towards Guys in or in between bands.

For those that know my history,it's no secret that when my originals Pop Rock band broke up in August I was out of work for around 2 months before finding and joining a new band.

My initiative was to find a cover band with solid consistent bookings and a history of consistent booking. A band booked most Fridays & Saturdays.

I swore off originals bands and start ups because for the most part the start ups will usually break up before they see their 1st gig. Originals bands in my area, even when your good will see 1 gig per month if their lucky.

I joined a blues/ rock band with a 7 year history of solid bookings. Now, my point is I am not a blues Guy, but since my priority is to play out as often as possible I took the offer. My other option was to sit around and wait for the perfect match with a clasic rock cover band.

What do you think about guys that have strong preconceived notions about the type of band they will play with.

I think if you limit yourself to only play the music you like, you could be bandless for a year if not years.

I actually went out and started audition immediately after the band broke up. And sometimes it was with bands I had no interest in, I just wanted to stay within the swing of things and auditioning never hurts anyone. It's a learning experience.

The other guys in the band have strict guidelines for what type of band they will play with. They have not seen even a first audition. And these guys won't be starting their own bands.

His long would you wait to get back in the game and do you feel flexability is a must?

 

[pklima]

This is why I always play in 2-3 bands. If one breaks up, at least I still got a backup to keep me going.

I'm picky about some things because I can afford to be. I avoid originals (well, a few are OK if a band plays mostly covers and the originals have titles like "International Ass Investigator"), would rather play with people half my age than those my own age etc. But I'm not picky about what style a band plays. I can play stuff that I'd never ever want to listen to and be happy doing it, even jazz standards and Edith Piaf which I'll be doing Friday. Sure I'd rather be playing Katy Perry or Ivy Queen... but the singer has a great voice and can actually compete with me when it comes to stage presence, plus she's got some hot friends.

 

[JohnMCA72]

For me, it isn't/hasn't always been consistent. There was one time when I was pretty disgusted with the music business & was in no hurry to get back in. Other times, I didn't want to waste any time at all between bands. Right now, I'm looking for more projects because I'm having fun with what I do have, & want more of it.

I think flexibility is most definitely a must. It's one thing to "specialize" & want to be involved in something very narrowly-defined, & if that's the case one should expect periods of considerable down-time. Somebody who wants to keep busy should be prepared to do pretty much anything. Not to mention that, the more different types of music, styles, different musicians, etc. you get exposed to, the better you get. Everything that you learn from somebody, you get to keep & use somewhere else.

 

[bassbully]

Although I am not in-between I would wait as long as it takes to get the right band. I'm older and my time is not to waste on wanna-bee's,basement ,startups or the go nowhere but lets hang and jam type bands. Originals or covers that makes a diff too.If it's covers I would go country (older) or blues. I'm sick of pop/classic rock.

So for me it would have to be the right mix of music and people that would work with my lifestyle. That's not easy to find and would take time and maybe I might not find it or it would take forever which would be ok by me. I would work on my music instead.

 

[bluewine]

This is why I always play in 2-3 bands. If one breaks up, at least I still got a backup to keep me going.

Playing in 2 bands is definitely a plus. I wish I had the time and energy for that.

 

[bluewine]

Although I am not in-between I would wait as long as it takes to get the right band. I'm older and my time is not to waste on wanna-bee's,basement ,startups or the go nowhere but lets hang and jam type bands. Originals or covers that makes a diff too.If it's covers I would go country (older) or blues. I'm sick of pop/classic rock.

So for me it would have to be the right mix of music and people that would work with my lifestyle. That's not easy to find and would take time and maybe I might not find it or it would take forever which would be ok by me. I would work on my music instead.

Interesting that you mentioned the problems with start ups and the wannabees we all ocaisonally run up against.

There are terms in some of the ads that are a dead give away that it's not for me. That being:

"Come Jam With Us"

 

[Gaius46]

How Long Do you Want to be In Between Bands?

This thread is geared towards Guys in or in between bands.

For those that know my history,it's no secret that when my originals Pop Rock band broke up in August I was out of work for around 2 months before finding and joining a new band.

My initiative was to find a cover band with solid consistent bookings and a history of consistent booking. A band booked most Fridays & Saturdays.

I swore off originals bands and start ups because for the most part the start ups will usually break up before they see their 1st gig. Originals bands in my area, even when your good will see 1 gig per month if their lucky.

I joined a blues/ rock band with a 7 year history of solid bookings. Now, my point is I am not a blues Guy, but since my priority is to play out as often as possible I took the offer. My other option was to sit around and wait for the perfect match with a clasic rock cover band.

What do you think about guys that have strong preconceived notions about the type of band they will play with.

I think if you limit yourself to only play the music you like, you could be bandless for a year if not years.

I actually went out and started audition immediately after the band broke up. And sometimes it was with bands I had no interest in, I just wanted to stay within the swing of things and auditioning never hurts anyone. It's a learning experience.

The other guys in the band have strict guidelines for what type of band they will play with. They have not seen even a first audition. And these guys won't be starting their own bands.

His long would you wait to get back in the game and do you feel flexability is a must?

To me the right band is more about the personalities, outlook and insuring we have shared goals than it is with the actual songs being played.

My current rock band plays a fair amount of reggae, which I had never played before and wasn't really particularly a fan of, as well as having a set list in general that I was unfamiliar with. But the guys and gal are good people, are all seriously good musicians - I'm the weakest link in truth and that's cool cause it means I've had to up my game - and we are on the same page regarding what we want out of the band so it works.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

That's why I do a lot of freelance work. Things come and go, but I work consistently and I don't have to play the same tired old stuff. I may do some of that, but not regularly. Last week, I played a jazz gig and a few nights later, opened up for Fishbone with an originals band. This week, I have 2 variety gigs. Next week, I'm doing totally different stuff with some very highly accomplished people.

And starting in January, I'm doing sessions for a jazz artist which will include several Grammy-winning artists on the project. I don't really have time or need for a lame cover band.

Or a cell-phone

 

[Mystic Michael]

What do you think about guys that have strong preconceived notions about the type of band they will play with.

What I think is that they're entitled to their own set of priorities - just as much as you're entitled to yours.

If you're looking for some validation here, you're not going to get it from me. I'm also from a small town in the Midwest, and believe me, I understand the lack of options. Been there, done that. If I never hear another rendition of Proud Mary or Mustang Sally again, it'll be too soon. That's why I moved to New York.

While not everyone is in a position to recreate themselves by moving to New York, Los Angeles or Nashville, the point is that at the end of the day, you've gotta do whatever is necessary to keep your muse happy, and to become the musician you were meant to be. Whether you don't happen to have that urge - or you just find it easier to compromise - it's your choice, and you have to live with it. Don't be going all toxic on other players who have a vision for creative success that you apparently don't.

MM

 

[bluewine]

That's why I do a lot of freelance work. Things come and go, but I work consistently and I don't have to play the same tired old stuff. I may do some of that, but not regularly. Last week, I played a jazz gig and a few nights later, opened up for Fishbone with an originals band. This week, I have 2 variety gigs. Next week, I'm doing totally different stuff with some very highly accomplished people.

And starting in January, I'm doing sessions for a jazz artist which will include several Grammy-winning artists on the project. I don't really have time or need for a lame cover band.

Or a cell-phone

Are all cover bands lame?

I guess if you don't own a cell phone and it has had no effect on your life, that's great.

I would be lost without my Droid

 

[MatticusMania]

How Long Do you Want to be In Between Bands?

This thread is geared towards Guys in or in between bands.

For those that know my history,it's no secret that when my originals Pop Rock band broke up in August I was out of work for around 2 months before finding and joining a new band.

My initiative was to find a cover band with solid consistent bookings and a history of consistent booking. A band booked most Fridays & Saturdays.

I swore off originals bands and start ups because for the most part the start ups will usually break up before they see their 1st gig. Originals bands in my area, even when your good will see 1 gig per month if their lucky.

I joined a blues/ rock band with a 7 year history of solid bookings. Now, my point is I am not a blues Guy, but since my priority is to play out as often as possible I took the offer. My other option was to sit around and wait for the perfect match with a clasic rock cover band.

What do you think about guys that have strong preconceived notions about the type of band they will play with.

I think if you limit yourself to only play the music you like, you could be bandless for a year if not years.

I actually went out and started audition immediately after the band broke up. And sometimes it was with bands I had no interest in, I just wanted to stay within the swing of things and auditioning never hurts anyone. It's a learning experience.

The other guys in the band have strict guidelines for what type of band they will play with. They have not seen even a first audition. And these guys won't be starting their own bands.

His long would you wait to get back in the game and do you feel flexability is a must?

Myself, I dont like not having a band to play with. I'll even join a startup or original band if I feel like we can get on stage soon enough, say no more than 2 months tops. Im open minded enough to take on a project different from what Id normally do. For instance, the last 10 years Ive primarily done original music I find interesting, however, if my current original band were to fold Id probably look for a paying coverband gig.

The last time I had a big band breakup I spent the next few months looking for something that interested me. I joined a band I wouldnt have otherwise joined and made some friends. After about a month of rehearsals I managed to start up something much more interesting to me. The band I joined started to wane when the guitarist was kicked out, and I used that opportunity to make my exit as well. When my new startup broke up 2 years later, I was already in a second band.

How long would I wait? Not at all, Id start getting back on the horse immmediately.

Is flexibility a must? Not necessarily, but I fidn the more flexible I am, the faster i will find a band to play with.

 

[bluewine]

Don't be going all toxic on other players who have a vision for creative success that you apparently don't.

I'm 58, I will never be rich or famous from music.

However, I achieve creative success every weekend I am playing in a bar in front of a live audience.

 

[DBCrocky]

I have played in a band that just like to do Rush covers, an original prog-rock band, a Grateful Dead cover band, and a hip hop band that was me on guitar, a drummer, and an MC who used an AKAI MP and rapped. I found that each band challenged me because it forced me to develop new skills and styles and expanded my horizons as a musician and music lover.

 

[agreatheight]

I am in between bands right now, for close to a 9 months at this point. I am throughly enjoying the break, taking the time to record and work on my CV. I will start looking for something in the new year, but I am going to take my time and likely pick up 2 projects.

 

[BassAlchemy]

I don't really have time or need for a lame cover band.

I agree with this minus the lame tag. I just dont find it stimulating just to be good at replicating the creativity of others in a live setting. I can dish out covers for fun with pals on a jam. But doing it for a gig I would not have fun. I respect and know a lot really good musicians who enjoy playing in cover bands but its just not my cup of tea.

 

[bluewine]

I agree with this minus the lame tag. I just dont find it stimulating just to be good at replicating the creativity of others in a live setting. I can dish out covers for fun with pals on a jam. But doing it for a gig I would not have fun. I respect and know a lot really good musicians who enjoy playing in cover bands but its just not my cup of tea.

There are cover bands and there are cover bands.

There are very few clasic rock cover bands that have the resources to accurately replicate those recordings. Those that can, I am in awe of.

I think you have to be just as creative and talented to pull off class A covers as you would creating and playing originals.

But that's just me.

 

[Gaius46]

I agree with this minus the lame tag. I just dont find it stimulating just to be good at replicating the creativity of others in a live setting. I can dish out covers for fun with pals on a jam. But doing it for a gig I would not have fun. I respect and know a lot really good musicians who enjoy playing in cover bands but its just not my cup of tea.

I understand what you're saying but please don't imply that performing other people's music is not creative. There are thousands of jazz musicians who play other people's songs who would argue that point with you. And there are thousands more classical musicians who play scores as written who would similarly argue the point.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

Are all cover bands lame?

I agree with this minus the lame tag. I just dont find it stimulating just to be good at replicating the creativity of others in a live setting. I can dish out covers for fun with pals on a jam. But doing it for a gig I would not have fun. I respect and know a lot really good musicians who enjoy playing in cover bands but its just not my cup of tea.

Are all cover bands "lame"? No, I don't think so. But to me, the term "cover band" very much implies a band who's purpose is to "play it like the record"; and usually, most of them fail. I'll admit there are some really great and interesting songs and bass lines out there that are very challenging to play. But I'm much more interested in someone's personal take on a cover than seeing that they can play it note-for-note.

*THE* exception, of course, being the Fab Faux.

I've played tons of covers, and I'm sure I'll play many more (tomorrow, Friday, next week...). I'm just not interested in joining a band who's sole purpose and vision for life is to regurgitate other people's versions of things. However, I have NO PROBLEM with any band taking covers and making them their own. If they can't find something that really works, but is different from the original, then move along to another song.

So, as it relates to the topic of this thread, I would think long and hard before jumping into a band who's goal and purpose was just re-making someone else's version of a song. I'd be much more inclined to jump into a project where the band was actively arranging well-known covers to put their own stamp and spin on them in a way that could become identifiable as *that* band's song. I'd jump faster still into a band who's purpose for using cover material was to get a foot in the door to producing their own all-original content.

That last category is where I spend most of my time: artists who do their own arrangements of covers mixed with their own original material. It's a very different thing, IMO.

I guess if you don't own a cell phone and it has had no effect on your life, that's great.

I would be lost without my Droid

You'd do fine without a Droid. You'd just have to learn to use your imagination. It's not hard, but does take a little practice.

 

[bluewine]

Are all cover bands "lame"? No, I don't think so. But to me, the term "cover band" very much implies a band who's purpose is to "play it like the record"; and usually, most of them fail. I'll admit there are some really great and interesting songs and bass lines out there that are very challenging to play. But I'm much more interested in someone's personal take on a cover than seeing that they can play it note-for-note.

I don't think were are very far off from being on the same page.

However, as a Guy that just wants to be out there gigging every weekend. I find myself being less concerned with what I like and what I like playing or find creative and more with what people want to hear.

For the type of places I play, peoples needs are very basic almost to the point of lunacy.

Give them a bottle of Bud and Mustang Sally and their good for the night.

 

[craig.p]

What do you think about guys that have strong preconceived notions about the type of band they will play with.

Nothing inherently wrong with that. The more-selective you are, though, the fewer your options, and the longer between them when it's all averaged out.

I think if you limit yourself to only play the music you like, you could be bandless for a year if not years.

No argument there. It's been 13 months for me, solely by my own choice. I've turned down over a dozen solid offers in that time.

The other guys in the band have strict guidelines for what type of band they will play with. They have not seen even a first audition. And these guys won't be starting their own bands.

No argument there, either, and I'm 100% sympathetic to their point of view.

[How] long would you wait to get back in the game and do you feel flexability is a must?

I'll wait however long it takes. No, flexibility is not a must, as long as one realizes there's a price to pay for lack of it.

I've been in so many bands that were "kinda sorta what I was looking for" that I've come to know that being in bands like that just wears me out after a while. It could be that 15% of the set list is junk. It could be one or more members' perfomance is subpar -- musically or behaviorally. All I know is that you get those constant gnawing sensations in the back of your mind: "This ain't what I want... This ain't what I want..." Those are the seeds of misery sprouting.

Over my decades of playing, I've run into lots of other players who brag that they're in two or three or even four bands concurrently. As if that's some indicator of how good they are musically, or warrants genuflection on my part or something. Man, who the heck wants to be in lots of bands. I want to be in a band that plays what I love so well that my heart melts every practice and I spend the whole drive back home thanking God for being part of it. I just won't settle for anything less. Spent too many decades doing just that, letting it take me down short roads to nowhere. How's that saying go... You keep doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result, and that automatically qualifies you to park in the handicapped zone. (Well, something like that.)

So, yeah, it's the type of band, it's who the people are, it's how good they are, it's how bad they want to be even better musicians, it's how they prioritize band versus self, it's moral character, it's how well they communicate for scheduling purposes, it's how well they give and take criticism, it's whether they're actually mature (or at least sane), it's the set list . . .