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If only I knew then what I know now...

#61
I don't think I disagree with any of the above.

I'm an old geezer now and looking back see how much rehearsal time we wasted.
Like listening to guitarists tuning-up at full volume, not learning our parts etc.

Also if a song is not coming together in rehearsal, there is a reason.
I was once in a band that spent two whole rehearsal sessions trying to get The Boxtops 'The Letter' just as it sounds on the record. Eventually it did.
So what? It lasts for about two and a half minutes.
You'll never fill a set-list like that.

Learn to compromise.
Sticking rigidly to some supposed principle may win the argument, but destroy the band.

Girlfriends are great at gigs, not at rehearsals and never on tour!
They see the band as a threat to the everlasting love she feels for the dick with the harmonica. Trouble will ensue.

If you're not enjoying it anymore, stop doing it.
 
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#62
My girlfriend occasionally comes out to our practices, sometimes comes on tour with us. Luckily, she happens to be friends with the band members I play with so being on tour together isn't an issue (she's not jealous, I give her nothing to be jealous about anyway)

We practice at a local studio which the guy rents out to us at a very decent price, he's also a close friend of mine and my girlfriends so while we practice, she drinks tea with him, when we have our 15minute break, I make sure she's ok, we all chat, then back to practice, after practice, I go back in, my girlfriend and I go home.

I think the only way girlfriends can be at practice is if practice time isn't spent with them!

Can't see the problem with them being on tour if they're not the jealous/bitchy type who'll cause fallouts between the band.
 
#65
The only problem we've had so far is with relationships within the band, two guitar players (one female, one male for the record :p) had a pretty nasty break up, nearly caused the band to split. Fortunately, everythings back on track now but it seriously affected productivity within the band for almost 6months. Things finally got sorted when (and I don't suggest that this is the right way with dealing with the situation) I lost my temper when the two of them were having a bitching match and I told them in a not too pleasant way that either they sort their **** out outside the practice room or don't bother showing up to practice and expecting me to be there. Thankfully, since bassplayers who can sing are rather rare around my parts and out of respect for the amount of work I've put in to the band with them (One of the three original members left), they took what I said the way I meant it rather than the way I said it.
 
#71
ajb said:
Jesus. Is this a band or the army?
Click to expand...

it's a band, and a damn good way of running a band, if i do say so myself.

an analogy i'll use is... ever see a singer who chainsmokes? nope.
what likely started as a once in a while thing can easily become an all the time thing, and as been stated before, personal problems all too easily become band problems.

just like you won't hire the kick a$$ guitarist who also happens to be a serious a$$hat, would you?
take a few precautions to ensure that a massive problem won't arise.
 
#72
- Nobody cares what brand of gear you're using. If it feels good/sounds good, nothing wrong with cheap.

- Work on beginnings/endings and harmonies. These are the things that will separate your (cover) band from the rabble.

- Go to jam nights. Just like in business, you'll get more gig opportunities through word of mouth and connections than you will through ads in the paper.

- Someone in the band has to be the hardass about business - contracts, etc. If no one wants it or can do it, get a manager.
 
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#74
Band=a business=organization
Members=business partners=relationships

You have to figure out how to run your business so you'll have good/professional relationships with all the members.

You have to figure out your life so you'll be able to be a good/professional partner in the band.
 
#78
im young and in a band now but my problem is no one in my band would listen to anything because between the other three they have about one whole brain.

i tried telling them we should try and set up our eqs so we arent stepping on each other, they started to drool and go wauuuuuuh.


but in my short experience of being in a serious band here is what i have to say: transportation to shows consists of you and your band, dont make exceptions or go out of your way so girlfriends can tag along in your ride. my guitarist did this the other night it was almost off with his head. and on the same train with the girlfreinds thing, make a distinct line between them and the band. the band doesnt consist of the guys and their gals.
 
#80
transportation to shows consists of you and your band, dont make exceptions or go out of your way so girlfriends can tag along in your ride. my guitarist did this the other night it was almost off with his head. and on the same train with the girlfreinds thing, make a distinct line between them and the band. the band doesnt consist of the guys and their gals.
Click to expand...

If you really want to end it fast, just say if the girlfriend shares the ride, the ride shares the girlfriend. If ya know what I mean. :p
 

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