Maintaining multiple original bands

[BKBassDude]

Looking for some advice here.

I have been in the process of forming a band with my good friend/roomate/coworker for a few months now. We had a good lineup, cut a 5 song demo and were prepared to start gigging when the drummer and guitarist when AWOL. This was in May, and since then we have picked up a new guitarist but have had a revolving door of drummers. We just had our second rehearsal with drummer #4 this week.

During this whole time, I was scanning CL for bands looking for bass players, nothing serious but I was willing to respond to a project that really spoke to me. Well that happened. Today I returned from a meet up/light practice with a CL band. It went great. The guys have a very businesslike approach to the process and seem primed for a good shot at local success, if not more.

I do believe in the first band as well. Both bands have commercial sounds yet good songwriting and a lot of room for me to showcase my musicianship. Ideally, I would like to be in both. I know there are people in several bands, but I'm confused as to how to manage it.

In band #1, I am a secondary songwriter/backing vocalist and have had quite abit of creative input from the beginning.

Band #2 has members who have played together for 3 years, they have a 12 song set and are basically looking for me to just be the bass player.

I can fit rehearsals for both with very little problems. I'm concerned that when booking shows and (hopefully) tours start to happen, that conflicts will arise.

Any people in similar situations have any advice?

 

[BKBassDude]

Bump cause I know someone has to have an opinion

 

[mikerophone]

if everyone involved knows the situation and is cool with it, there's no problem. over half the musicians i play with are in other bands, and we have had no issues.

 

[TBrett]

Each band has to be aware that you're involved in another project. If you're able to make rehearsals for both, that's great. Gigs are booked on a first come, first served basis. Make sure you keep your calendar up to date and make sure you promptly communicate your schedule each band. If Band A books you for a gig, you have to let Band B know right away so they don't try and book you the same night. If you're diligent about it, and if each band is able to keep all of their band members' schedules up to date, you will avoid problems.

Our bassist is in another original band and that's how he handles it. He's managed such a schedule with multiple bands over the years. Right now, both bands are taking time out for writing so we can easily schedule our rehearsals around each other. When each band starts gigging, it will be up to our shared bassist to keep us all apprised of his availability.