Quitting or taking a break from playing

[Russell L]

I,m in the same rut right now have not touched my bass in over a month. I have been very disappointed at myself. The motivation is hard when all your doing is playing by yourself.

I have never, ever felt that way. To me, playing an instrument is an opportunity to go off into another world, a different reality. And it doesn't matter if I'm alone. Nor does it have to be practice or an exercise. It can just be about the sound(s) I make, the harmonies and how they interact, etc. Heck, it's easier to just say, "a separate reality."

I play bass alone often. Sometimes I study, and then I often just find myself mesmerizing on something I just came up with. Very enjoyable.

 

[rtslinger]

I stop playing live for about 9 years, but never actually stop playing. I did studio gigs for other people and give lesson for a while. I waited till my kids where old enough and than I put together the band I am currently in back in 2003. I Love to play live it's part of who I have been for a ton of years.

 

[oZZma]

I feel like I'm really close to quit this time.
My bandmate treats me like I'm a bore, doesn't even answer my messages when he feels he has to "justify" stuff
He doesn't practice and he's regressing instead of improving. He doesn't listen our stuff at home and he doesn't work on composition at home
And cancels reharsals. A LOT.
The stuff I'm writing will probably never leave that damn basement, and even if so, no one would care to listen. I have no friends or "network" and the only person who ever asked or has ever been supportive with me is out of my life.
We will never gig. I know. Not even sure if I feel relieved with that, or sad.
At this point I'm so diseheartened and full of bitterness... I feel like everything is crumbling into dust. Trust, hope, ambition. Everything.

 

[BassChuck]

"A dream without a goal is just a wish".

Most people aren't 'Zen' enough to do just for the sake of doing. If you find yourself missing music, get a goal and go for it.

 

[Michael Jewels]

Ozzma, if this band mate of yours cancels rehearsals a lot, you're better off without him.

Everyone gets down about their playing or band status from time to time, just don't let it eat you alive.

You can't see new opportunities if the old ones are blocking your vision.

Take a break if you feel you need it, but never give up.

There's the spirit!

Mike

 

[oZZma]

You can't see new opportunities if the old ones are blocking your vision.

There will be not other opportunities, believe me... I've already scraped the bottom here.
If I quit, I'm done. Screwed.

 

[Michael Jewels]

If you hit bottom, you can only go up.

Let the earth take a a couple of whirls.

Mike

 

[oZZma]

If you hit bottom, you can only go up.

Let the earth take a a couple of whirls.

Mike

What I mean is.. there are no "other musicians out there" I can still get in touch with. I have searched so hard for 2 years and this town has such a poor offer that I think I have finished the options.