I've lost interest in music.

[Funky Phantom]

Music isn’t mandatory. If you’re not in the mood, don’t hassle it. Sooner or later, you’ll
want to play/listen to music. Unless you’re under contract, and have to play, why force it.
That’s the great part of playing ‘for fun’, you only play when you feel like it.
Keep it fun, don’t make it tedium.

 

[MuttThud]

Within the past couple of months I have lost interest in music. I used to be in a band playing every other weekend and taking lessons. COVID stopped all that. I also used to jam along to songs on YouTube especially the ones where the bass was removed. I also used to listen to music while I work (at home).

Well my desire has really decreased. I hadn't picked up a bass in while and when I did the spark was gone. I played along to a few songs but wasn't really into it. I also have stopped listening to music altogether.

Has this ever happened to you?

OP, as you’ll see from many of these replies, this is pretty common. It happens. It can be hard to find a direction and a purpose in our music when it’s so difficult to get together with other musicians and play in front of an audience. If there is nothing to work towards, the motivation won’t be there. That’s natural.

If music is the ONLY thing that you love that just isn’t happening for you, it’s all cool, no need to worry. Just throw yourself into all the other stuff you enjoy instead... the music will always be there waiting for you. You will get it back one day, when you’re walking past your bass(es) and suddenly the urge to pick up and play comes back. It’s still inside you, it’s just hibernating for a while that’s all. Sometimes trying something new musically can be the spark, even as simple as trying out a new bass, amp, effects pedal or computer plugin (works for me) or even a new instrument that opens up new sounds or ideas. Yep... contrary to some of the TB naysayers (and, to be fair, my wife) this shows that GAS is in fact very good for you and should be encouraged

But... if music is just one of several activities that you love that have ALL gone cold on you, then that’s a different issue. These are crazy tough times with so much to worry about. It’s easy to lose a sense of pleasure in the things we used to enjoy when there is anxiety all around us. If that’s the case, that’s also normal (and for sure it’s also pretty common now, sadly). But it’s also a sign that you might want to talk to someone about how you feel. The ‘black dog’ can creep up on any of us slowly... it doesn’t always come bursting into the room. If you feel low about everything you do that used to make you feel good, best don’t ignore it.

 

[barclaybass]

Within the past couple of months I have lost interest in music. I used to be in a band playing every other weekend and taking lessons. COVID stopped all that. I also used to jam along to songs on YouTube especially the ones where the bass was removed. I also used to listen to music while I work (at home).

Well my desire has really decreased. I hadn't picked up a bass in while and when I did the spark was gone. I played along to a few songs but wasn't really into it. I also have stopped listening to music altogether.

Has this ever happened to you?

Maybe bass was just a phase for you.
How long have you been playing?
I haven't played out for a couple of years due to physical issues (fused spine, among other things) and it has absolutely KILLED me. I feel like I'm incomplete without it, it's the first time in 30 plus years that I haven't played steadily. I still write and record stuff though when I can.
But not even LISTENING to music?
My god, I cannot fathom that!!!!

 

[2manynotes]

Partisan dogwhistles can definitely affect one's artistic drive.

 

[Nebadon2000]

I'm kinda right there with you, but I'm not really bothered by it. I mostly just noodle absentmindedly on the couch. I very rarely listen to music any more too.

Ditto, I see it as a 'break' I was going at it pretty strong for a good while.

 

[Rojd]

I understand where you're coming from. I still have my interest in bass and music, so I'm glad for that, but I've had similar feelings as an endurance athlete. I only run a couple of races a year these days, and really look forward to those. But, like everything else, they were cancelled. So I have absolutely nothing to look forward to on that front. I definitely struggle with the motivation to go out for a long run without any races to look to, but keep at it until everything passes. You'll get through, too.

 

[Pdaddy1978]

Ever since I stopped regularly gigging, I've went through several periods of no interest in music. The first one lasted years.
Then, I'll pop into the used vinyl shop, pick up a handful of stuff and the next thing I know... I'm back into it.
Its probably a normal thing.
The radio sucks...."Classic" rock doesn't do it for me any more. "New" country almost sickens me. My tastes have become so esoteric.

 

[twinjet]

Lack of motivation can often be linked to lack of purpose. No gigs, no musical socializing = no purpose. I wouldn't be too hard on yourself.

Up to you if you want to find alternative purpose in your music making.

I experience this occasionally. Without a gig to practice for, I sometimes won't touch my basses for weeks.

 

[2cooltoolz]

Bandwagon Jumper!! I'm very goal oriented/motivated. In everything. No band, no gigs, no jams, no auditions. I force myself to pick up my bass a couple times a week, and sometimes the flame will flicker, but the getting lost in it just isn't happening.

 

[Timmy Liam]

Very similar experience here-thinking of selling off everything but 1 bass and a small practice amp......Im not interested in going to practice anymore. It seems pointless.

Having a kid on the spectrum with health and emotional issues contributes too as I think I need to spend my time attending my son.

Also my band mates don’t have enough time to practice, we’re not ready to play even a party, it’s hard to see any future there. So in this case it’s probably covid depression and wanting to make better use of my time.

Finding an established band needing a bass player is the only way I can see continuing in music although I’m very happy being a Bedroom musician.

 

[jerry]

I have friends that haven't really listened to music besides what's on their phone in years, put on a whole album of an artist that really lit your fire in the beginning with good headphones, it does wonders!

 

[Sandman64]

I think a lot of us are going through the same emotions right now. It's just been a year that's been a total right off as far as gigging and doing what we love. I've had my ups and downs over the past number of months and even lost my job due to Covid just last week. After 30+ with the same company, it was well, "production is down as are service calls and thus your services are no longer needed." So the next chapter has official started and it actually has been beneficial in that it's re-energized me. Sometimes change is a positive and missing music might just be the boast you need to make some changes that make you feel in control again and add some purpose to the daily grid.

 

[wheelsup247]

What positive thing is the OP replacing in his life, now that there is a void where music used to be? Art, Science, Academics, Good Books, Physical Exercise, etc.? It’s all good the OP stays positive.

 

[Claymore]

Yes. When you finally do delve back into music, it will be with renewed vigor and enthusiasm. Sometimes it pays off to give your perspective a reset.

 

[red_rhino]

I have often said that the most dangerous thing in the world is a bored child.

Bored musicians? A close second.

+1000000000!

"Hey, what happens when you touch these to wires togeth......?"

 

[bass81800]

Schedule a session with another musician and plan a play list. I have a socially-distanced get together with a musician friend in a little over a week, and I am working on learning the play list for the session.

 

[FrenchBassQC]

Nah, it's just a phase... It will pass, if not PM me and I'll help you with your gear... (if you know what I mean...)

 

[JimmyM]

I can't say I've lost interest in music but I've lost interest in gigging, at least for the moment. New job has a huge learning curve. But once I get it down, maybe I'll have more interest in playing again.

 

[Logic_11]

Within the past couple of months I have lost interest in music. I used to be in a band playing every other weekend and taking lessons. COVID stopped all that. I also used to jam along to songs on YouTube especially the ones where the bass was removed. I also used to listen to music while I work (at home).

Well my desire has really decreased. I hadn't picked up a bass in while and when I did the spark was gone. I played along to a few songs but wasn't really into it. I also have stopped listening to music altogether.

Has this ever happened to you?

Get a new piece of gear (bass, pedal, patch cable, amp, software, anything). That always motivates me to noodle around.
That and putting together / reorganizing my pedalboard.

 

[JC0313]

Happened to me about 17 years ago. I just lost all interest in playing or practicing. Sold everything except my first bass which was the cheapest one I could find when I was 14. When covid lockdowns happend I started going for long walks around the neighborhood with my family and kept passing a garage that had equipment set up and thought my son would like to learn music.

I pulled out that old bass for him but he didn't get into it. Found myself playing it every free moment I had between work and family. Now I cant believe I stopped playing for so long and regret selling my old equipment.

Your situation will probably pass however it could be days or even decades before it returns. Just find something that makes you happy in the mean time.