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Playing while high?

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(b)Assman

(b)Assman

Jun 22, 2008
609
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Champaign, IL
#1
Idk if this against the rules or whatever but I figure since there have been lengthy discussions about playing while influenced by the ol' alkyhal then this shouldn't be too far off. I'm aware this may be pushing the envelope.

What are you opinions on its effect on your musical abilities both live and solo?
 
#2
Uhhh... horrible... but your mileage may vary depending upon the complexity of the music and the amount/potency of substances imbibed (plus your level of tolerance.

I doubt that anyone ever got stoned and played or performed at their very best....
 
#6
I find it more difficult to "lock-in" or keep/have rhythm if I don't either: a) already have the material internalized or b) jam a while clean first so as to already be living in the pocket. Otherwise, for me, it enables me to "hear" the music better, it can be inspiring.
 
#9
Spent many a "rehearsal" smoked out in the past.
That band never left the basement.

honestly, It's a blast to play that way, cause I think I sound brilliant.
Riffing on the same chord for 30 minutes is totally fun in that condition.
But I would not want to watch a band on stage do it.
When everything sounds mind blowing, you have no idea when you actually sound like sh*t.

I stopped rehearsing that way when I joined a band that got gigs. Time to step up and deliver, I guess.

I never played a gig in that state.
I feel it's a matter of respect for the audience.

That said, YMMV. I know an entire percussion section that regularly smoked out before each gig, and they did fine.
 
#10
(b)Assman said:
Idk if this against the rules or whatever but I figure since there have been lengthy discussions about playing while influenced by the ol' alkyhal then this shouldn't be too far off. I'm aware this may be pushing the envelope.

What are you opinions in its effect on your musical abilities both live and solo?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I think these "PUI" (Playing Under the Influence) threads are kinda weird.

Everyone needs to know their limitations, and for the sake of the music, your audience, your health and longevity, make good choices. As entertainers, we are a vital thread in the social fabric. Be responsible to yourself and others.

Some musicians can drink and smoke and play, some can't and shouldn't. Some, in order to drink and smoke while performing and not be disoriented, need to rehearse while drinking and smoking as well. Doing it on such a regular basis has to take a toll somewhere along the line.
 
#12
electracoyote said:
Yeah, I think these "PUI" (Playing Under the Influence) threads are kinda weird.

Everyone needs to know their limitations, and for the sake of the music, your audience, your health and longevity, make good choices. As entertainers, we are a vital thread in the social fabric. Be responsible to yourself and others.

Some musicians can drink and smoke and play, some can't and shouldn't. Some, in order to drink and smoke while performing and not be disoriented, need to rehearse while drinking and smoking as well. Doing it on such a regular basis has to take a toll somewhere along the line.
Click to expand...


Well put. Thats also happens to be my theory on drinking and driving :hiding:
 
#13
I'm a big advocate of being 'one toke BEFORE the line'. For me, who loves da herb, this means ZERO intake before the show and only 1-3 beers the entire night, just to take the edge off and lubricate the joints and what not. After the show however................

The way I see it, music is a more incredible 'high' than any substance, and IMO you're more receptive to that magical hookup when you have a clear head. YMMV. Now, that being said, I and the rest of the band REFUSE to let our sax player (very straight-laced) go on stage WITHOUT having at least 2 White Russians. The difference is make or break.
 
#19
Here's an interesting and well written essay marijuana and music.
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Many musicians, including myself, feel that marijuana allows you to feel a strange connection to the music, paying attention to details of the groove that you normally wouldn't. In one study, it was noticed that musicians did not need to go back and smoke more to maintain this connection with the music, which indicates that marijuana only brings your mind to that state, but does not create it.

Many pioneering jazz musicians, including Louise Armstrong, used to smoke bud A LOT. So some think that weed had a big influence on the creation of Jazz. As the artist's short term memory began to weaken, they were forced to improvise much more.

In my opinion, marijuana is an absolute blessing when combined with music. You feel that strange right brain connection with not only the music but your band members as well. It just requires you be in the correct state of mind, not wanting to feel goofy or lazy. Many musicians use it as just another one of their tools. (John Mayer, Bob Dylan, Santana, Armstong, Miles Davis, the list truly goes on and on) I'm not saying that marijuana must be smoked in order to "feel the music." Not by any means. But when used correctly, you may find your bass and hands expressing feelings that you never knew you had.
 
#20
for me:

when jamming with friends: absolutely. its fun, relaxing and puts me in a fun, exploratory mood.
when playing on stage: absolutely NOT. the band i play with plays complex stuff that is fully composed w/NO JAMMING. I need discipline to play this stuff so I don't smoke or drink before we play.
 
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