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Multiple project ventilation/ advice

Bodeanly

Bodeanly

Mar 20, 2015
5,255
18,001
Chicago
fandthelcc.bandcamp.com
#1
Hello TB.

Last night, we auditioned a new drummer for one of my bands. He got the gig, congrats to him, etc. Afterward, the BL was giving him the rundown, telling him that he needs to quit his current band in order to fully commit to ours. His other band's practice days/ genre does not clash with ours.

I entered this band back in March, revealing that I was playing with another project and no similar instructions were given to me. I'm the kind of person that avoids confrontation at all costs, but should I gently remind him that I'm in another band? I'm a teacher, so I kinda like that my summer has been full of playing with two bands and was even considering a third.

A) What would you do in my situation?
B) How many bands are you in and does it always work?
 
#2
As long as your bands do not clash, it shouldn't be a problem. It is true that, if any of the bands can't book a show because you're always busy they can tell you something like you should commit more. But it's your time, so when you're not with the band you can do whatever you want, even playing with other guys.
 
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#3
Bodeanly said:
A) What would you do in my situation?
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Nothing ... but I'd keep my eyes open for a new drummer because the new guy won't be around very long unless you keep him busy.
B) How many bands are you in and does it always work?
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Three bands, two duos, and a solo act ... all very different. Yes ... some weekends are busy (my record is five gigs in three days!). It takes strict dedication to putting everything on my calendar and keeping it in order.
 
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#5
javi_bassist said:
As long as your bands do not clash, it shouldn't be a problem. It is true that, if any of the bands can't book a show because you're always busy they can tell you something like you should commit more. But it's your time, so when you're not with the band you can do whatever you want, even playing with other guys.
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This is exactly what I was thinking! Thanks!
RustyAxe said:
I'd keep my eyes open for a new drummer because the new guy won't be around very long unless you keep him busy.
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My thoughts exactly. I even spoke up and said, "Why would he have to quit his other gig if there is no conflict?" BL replied with something about "just punching a clock."
RustyAxe said:
my record is five gigs in three days!
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You win.
s0c9 said:
A) I'd do absolutely nothing...
B) only one... with 6-8 gigs monthly with them (and a full time job) I can't handle more. Thankfully, I don't need the gig income to pay bills.
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Absolutely nothing? Like, just shut up and play? And 6-8 gigs is a steady load, especially with a full time job. Kudos!

Thanks for replying, guys! Been stressing over it...
 
#6
I'm kinda in 5 at the moment (plus sound gigs), rehearse the five weekdays with the one on Friday sometimes pushed to Saturday if I've got a gig on Friday. One's on hiatus for a couple few weeks (BL had surgery), another's mostly a Thursday afternoon jam (and I'm just on Cajon) at the farmer's market 1/2 mile away so leaves Thursday evenings free, and only one gigging regularly (once a month?). I do miss the Sunday evening jam we used to have :( but I think I get plenty of playin' in LOL.
 
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#7
Depends on your relationship to the BL and the leadership style and all, but all things being equal I would go the "gentle reminder" route. "Hey, what was up with telling him to quit his other band? You haven't made me quit my other band. Doesn't seem like it's a problem..." If the BL is reasonable, he'll say you're right and ease up on the drummer. If he isn't, you'll know you're in a band with an unreasonable BL and that can shape your own decisions about what bands to commit to.
 
#8
RoadRanger said:
I'm kinda in 5 at the moment (plus sound gigs), rehearse the five weekdays with the one on Friday sometimes pushed to Saturday if I've got a gig on Friday. One's on hiatus for a couple few weeks (BL had surgery), another's mostly a Thursday afternoon jam (and I'm just on Cajon) at the farmer's market 1/2 mile away so leaves Thursday evenings free, and only one gigging regularly (once a month?). I do miss the Sunday evening jam we used to have :( but I think I get plenty of playin' in LOL.
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Yeah, man... I have the summer off and still don't have time for five projects. Sounds kind of overwhelming.

hrodbert696 said:
Depends on your relationship to the BL and the leadership style and all, but all things being equal I would go the "gentle reminder" route. "Hey, what was up with telling him to quit his other band? You haven't made me quit my other band. Doesn't seem like it's a problem..." If the BL is reasonable, he'll say you're right and ease up on the drummer. If he isn't, you'll know you're in a band with an unreasonable BL and that can shape your own decisions about what bands to commit to.
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Yeah, I just sent him a text that "gently reminded" him of my other project while also explaining that we don't know the drummer's other band. What if he's old school bros with them and he's suddenly being told to leave it all behind for a group he has just joined? Doesn't make sense to me. I was nice about it.

You guys have been totally cool with your replies. I expected to get flamed for something, so I hesitated beginning a thread. :)
 
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#10
Bodeanly said:
You win.
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Where's my prize? I have a friend in Bethlehem PA who does three gigs a day! He'll scoot from PA to NJ and back again. He does children's stuff and is well established. At night he plays coffee houses, on weekends he does various festivals in the region. It's been his only income for more than 30 years. I'm just a retiree filling up my spare time and making a little $ on the side ... as one restaurant owner described us, disparagingly, "they're just a bunch of old guys who don't when to quit". Fortunately our followers feel differently.
 
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#11
Just my opinion, but the BL may just be making a power play to see if the guy will fall for it. Since you're in another band, and presumably the BL knows it and you're not looking to quit your other band, he/she is probably not going to try that play on you. But, the guy is new and he may be trying to see how the guy is going to react. Personally, I think it's dumb to play petty games like that, and I could be wrong about the BL's motive. IME, when there's decisions and parameters that make no logical, practical, or aesthetic sense, there's a good chance it's driven by ego.
 
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#13
If the drummer was very good, I'd ask him about his other project and checking them out and befriending some of the members.

Not for the purpose of weaseling your way in as networking for future situations. Bands come and go and good drummers are hard to find.

As far as the current BL is concerned, i'd keep quiet Unless my opinion was asked.
 
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#14
From the BL's perspective, when everyone in a band has side projects it can really magnify availability issues, adding stress to his life. Sometimes they just say "no more!" But before the drummer quits his other project, fire up the ole Google Calendar and see what's up, everything might just fall into place.
 
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#15
So... I reminded the BL that I am involved in another project and I also stated that we could lose the drummer if we were to force him to ditch his other band. He replied and said that although a drummer in multiple bands concerns him, he did not mean to sound like there was any ultimatum being given. I used tact and humor and presumably came off well rehearsed, but, in any case, I'm not going to bring it up again until there is a scheduling conflict. Thank you all for your advice and support!
 
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#16
our drummer played two gigs saturday the 13th -- he came straight from his afternoon gig, rolled in at 8:30 for a 10 o clock start. There was zero indication that he was tired at all, he played fine.

I play in two gigging bands, and two less formal groups that only perform maybe twice a year. I was sorely tempted when a saw a popular tribute group was looking for a keyboard player -- I'm no virtuoso but I think I can handle Bon Jovi . . . they travel quite a bit and it really wouldn't be fair to my other bands (or my wife and kids . . . )

but I'd make so much more money:crying:
 
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