• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

New band making me think (long post)

#22
BillyRay said:
A gig is a gig, especially one with an established band with 30 years of popularity. But there's no reason such an act should gross 65 a head, even in today's market. I agree with you that the band has A LOT of overhead if that's all you guys can manage. I've never played private clubs, but the pay must be better than whatever small bars, clubs, bookstores and beatnick sandwicheries shell out for an all-original act starting out.

You have made clear in your post that you want out due to three reasons:
1) The band doesn't challenge you anymore
2) You dislike the manager, very much so and the roster might change due to old-age/frustration (ie. the band could implode at any moment)
3) You're getting payed less and you gig less

But you want verification from peers because:
1) Some of these guys are your friends
2) You don't want to hurt anyone's feelings or aspirations

I'd try to talk to the bandleader, NOT THE DRUMMER*, first, to see if there's anyway a new manager or booking agent can be found to get you guys up to speed. The leader seems like he has been in a rut for 15 years, so maybe talking to him about that might shake him a bit. If not, just quit.

The only reason I'd keep a gig wich made me unhappy would be for monetary reasons. 75$ a night is not enough, when you factor in transportation, gear costs, not enjoying yourself and the actual time you put playing in front of people to justify that.

*If he is the kind of guy who always threatens to quit and throw fits mid-gigs, he is the kind of guy who will open his mouth about wanting you to leave to get more leverage during discussion/shouting matches. You don't want that. There's a band leader, any concerns with the band should be brought to him first.
Click to expand...

Great advice..thank you.

On the manager. The bandleader and i have talked about him several times. He knows he is stuck in the 70's (no PC) and will not push us in more upbeat clubs. He as well as the bandleader are in a rut and its not going to change..in fact he defends the manager..they are close. A month ago the manager called me out of the blue while i was at work to tell me a gig was booked on a night i had plans with my wife. When i told him i could not take the gig he blew up and said "Great i went and took them a contract which they signed" I told him that was his fault for not calling me before hand and asking me if i was open that night. When i discussed this with the bandleader he defended the manager saying the manager cant win and is doing all he can do. I said a simple phone call before he took them a contract was all he had to do. I have booked many shows with bands in the past and never set a date unless i check with all bandmates. This guy has been in the biz at even the pro marketing/management level for 50 years?

On the money. My area sucks for all music .Almost all the gigs are great travel for this band most over and hour and a half drives one way and a weekly 2 hour roundtrip practice drive. Its tuff to get decent pay no matter who you are. I told myself when i started this money would never be the reason i play. I would rather get $25.00 and play at a nice place to 25 people who are watching and enjoying the music than make $100 playing to 100 people laughing ,talking, walking around ,shooting pool and not caring if you were on stage or not.

I needed some feedback and i thank you all. I know what i need to do...it just wont be fun.
 
#23
bassbully said:
Great advice..thank you.

On the manager. The bandleader and i have talked about him several times. He knows he is stuck in the 70's (no PC) and will not push us in more upbeat clubs. He as well as the bandleader are in a rut and its not going to change..in fact he defends the manager..they are close. A month ago the manager called me out of the blue while i was at work to tell me a gig was booked on a night i had plans with my wife. When i told him i could not take the gig he blew up and said "Great i went and took them a contract which they signed" I told him that was his fault for not calling me before hand and asking me if i was open that night. When i discussed this with the bandleader he defended the manager saying the manager cant win and is doing all he can do. I said a simple phone call before he took them a contract was all he had to do. I have booked many shows with bands in the past and never set a date unless i check with all bandmates. This guy has been in the biz at even the pro marketing/management level for 50 years?

On the money. My area suck for all music . Its tuff to get decent pay no matter who you are. I told myself when i started this money would never be the reason i play. I would rather get $25.00 and play at a nice place to 25 people who are watching and enjoying the music than make $100 playing to 100 people laughing ,talking, walking around ,shooting pool and not caring if you were on stage or not.

I needed some feedback and i thank you all. I know what i need to do...it just wont be fun.
Click to expand...

Sounds like you've got it pretty well figured out, but I'll throw in my 2 cents as well. I'm too chicken not to want to preserve my reputation if I can, so I'd recommend trying to work with them until they can get a replacement for you. I helped one band that I left because their schedule didn't work for me anymore find a replacement. I think I made some points for that, they still call me to sub once in awhile. Probably worth your while if you're willing to invest a little, and as long as they're moving toward replacing you. (Be wary of committing to play until they find a replacement, they may just never bother to find one).
 
#25
derrico1 said:
A month to get married? I'd do both bands for a while until it became clear that the new singer's wedding ring doesn't start chaining him to the house.
Click to expand...

Awww.. someone was paying attention :p I had a long talk with the new bands singer and he said there will or should be no problems. His wife to be is understanding of his music and is ok with him doing this as long as there is not long travel etc. I will admit it is a concern thou. Trust me i covered all the basses i think and talked to those involved on the new band on where we all stand etc. The reason i need to strike now is the country band not having much booked for the next 2 months. This way they will lay back until they find a replacement. I will also stress to the manager i will not take any more gigs past what we have booked now.I will finish what i can...i have time but dont want to be strung along. Another reson i want out is to allow my new band more dates to book this summer, fall and winter...now is the time while the country band is slow.The country band manager will book every weekend if givin the chance and thats more than i want to play anyhow... anymore.
 
#27
^^^^Yeah, soreness can be a pain :hiding:

Seriously, you have your mind made up. Now go over to the bandleader's place and quit. Play anything that is still in the books if he wants you to (at the same rate) and then split.

Don't try to justify yourself (too hard). This meeting should last no more than 10 minutes.

PS: If the new band is what you have linked in your sig, that seems very workable. Not too hot about the guy's voice, but the songs show good musicianship and are pleasant to the ear. I'd pay to see you guys.
 
#28
Yea i am going to do it but theres a catch I drive right after work to the bandleaders home about a half hour drive this wednesday for practice. From there I throw my bass in his truck and we drive another 35 minuites to the steel players house then practice repeat to home. I have to tell him on the drive so no quick story and bolt sort of thing. If i am going to continue playing with them till they get a replacement they have to face me anyhow.

Yes, the band you hear is the "new" band Lo-Watt Radio. We are americana,roots rock. We no longer have the female backup singer but all the other parts are still there.We now have a fantasic fiddle,mando,violin,slide and banjo jack of all strings player who makes the music really shine on board. The singer is good IMO and those recording were so-so but thanks for the kind words.You can see that beats an old country cover band making this something i have to do.
 
#29
Update: Broke the news to the bandleader on the second leg of our one hour drive to practice. He took it well was bummed said he has done this to many times and was pretty sure he was going to throw in the towell. That depressed me knowing i could be the reason for him quitting playing after 30 years. I told him to press on and by the end of the night the drummer had him thinking about it.The band took it pretty well but said they want to continue and gig as offen as they can...every weekend if possible.

I am relived and will stay on until early June and finish out gigs till then even thou they are few. I ran a CL add for them and will do all i can.The band is old and the leader said he wants to scale back and take it easy and enjoy retirement and his grand kids etc. This might work out for him...who knows?
 
#30
Go with the new band. You may make more money now, but if you are unhappy then the money is pointless. Also, the excitement of helping make this new band, who you seem to like, hit it's real potential is awesome.
 
#31
Mr. Mig said:
Go with the new band. You may make more money now, but if you are unhappy then the money is pointless. Also, the excitement of helping make this new band, who you seem to like, hit it's real potential is awesome.
Click to expand...

So true. Ex. I called on a pretty well known bistro that has some of our areas best artists play. My band has wanted to get in there and i was aimed to do it. When i was speaking to the owner i told him about a gig we did the week before at another well known place alot like his but quite a ways away.
He said "I dont even have to hear you" , "If you played there than you must sound good"... Nice :)
 
#32
It sounds like you made a good choice.

The first band sounded more like a job, and you handled leaving like you would with a job, proper notice, totally amicable. And left with a clean reference if you ever want to break back into the "animal club" market.

Your new band is really good, on top of it. And it was something you created, which will always have that little extra reward you don't get from a covers (or mostly covers) band.

Good luck from another Ohioan. Akron has a lot of cool places to play from what I've told, keep on going with it! It will only get better with time if this was your first output.

Play Cleveland sometime, the Beachland Ballroom/Tavern may have some shows you mesh with well... and they take great care of the artists who play there. And they seem to have a pretty steady draw of regular patrons.
 
#34
tonypohlman said:
It sounds like you made a good choice.

The first band sounded more like a job, and you handled leaving like you would with a job, proper notice, totally amicable. And left with a clean reference if you ever want to break back into the "animal club" market.

Your new band is really good, on top of it. And it was something you created, which will always have that little extra reward you don't get from a covers (or mostly covers) band.

Good luck from another Ohioan. Akron has a lot of cool places to play from what I've told, keep on going with it! It will only get better with time if this was your first output.

Play Cleveland sometime, the Beachland Ballroom/Tavern may have some shows you mesh with well... and they take great care of the artists who play there. And they seem to have a pretty steady draw of regular patrons.
Click to expand...

Thanks Man! PM sent.
 
#35
Well for all those who say be a pro and finish out the gigs to a certain time Yadda Yadda :spit: Did it this weekend got the cold shoulder and look offs all night. I played great thou so they can stick it. I was told they might have the old Bassist who quit on them years ago come back and do the reast of the gigs. That would get me out after this coming weekends gig :rolleyes:
 
#37
ChrisB2 said:
There ya go!

You did nothing wrong. If they can't be adults about it, at their age, that's their problem.

Have fun with your new project!
Click to expand...

Thanks, It was worse really and i seen their true colors or one of theres for sure. My wife lost her Grandfather unexpectly the morning of the gig. I told all three members and not one said a word :rolleyes: Later the steel player knowing i was leaving and we dont even need practice was put out that i would not be practicing this week due to the funeral :scowl: He (steel player) is retired bored and has nothing else to do.
 
#38
bassbully said:
Thanks, It was worse really and i seen their true colors or one of theres for sure. My wife lost her Grandfather unexpectly the morning of the gig. I told all three members and not one said a word :rolleyes: Later the steel player knowing i was leaving and we dont even need practice was put out that i would not be practicing this week due to the funeral :scowl: He (steel player) is retired bored and has nothing else to do.
Click to expand...

People like that(the steel player) make me sick :scowl:
 
#39
bassbully-
Personally, I'd do both for a while. Sounds like your work is down with the current band, so you need to fill up your schedule. (I'm in 3 bands)
The band has been doing this for 30 years and they'll find a new bassplayer after you've given your notice. As good as you?...who knows. But they will find someone.
 
#40
ThunderLizard said:
bassbully-
Personally, I'd do both for a while. Sounds like your work is down with the current band, so you need to fill up your schedule. (I'm in 3 bands)
The band has been doing this for 30 years and they'll find a new bassplayer after you've given your notice. As good as you?...who knows. But they will find someone.
Click to expand...

I cant go on but i see your point. I need time away to work on bookings and promotion for the new band. So far its going good on that end. Also after the attiudes i got this past weekend I'm better to walk. I am easy going but this is testing me. I dont need to play and will resume practice with the new band thru May and then recording and gigs start in June. Besides looks like some guy who quit once is coming in to take the June gigs ..Thank You!
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back