Semi-hypothetical question re: a 'gig'

[cornfarmer]

Say you've been ousted from a regular, well-paying gig after a couple of years of hard work and dedication (at least it was a great addition to the resume). Since then, you've been considering a couple of next steps: hanging it up for good, learning some other instrument (re: staring from scratch), or forging ahead in a shrinking market of less and less returns.

One wildcard I am on the fence about (and I don't usually climb up on them at all) - a gig offer for a very similar situation to the last one above, with some possible downsides. The repertoire is more or less the same, but it's new material that would require a not insignificant amount of woodshedding (including some technical reconfiguring). To be honest, the material is not very thrilling or inspiring. It's not bad per se, it just doesn't pump my 'nads that much. The always-fun-money-part is based on contingencies that I won't go into here, so let's just say I'd basically be donating my time in the role until there was money to be split between everybody. This is my main hangup - I'm not 'all about the money' but I'm also older and wiser and have to put a value on my time. Especially with this ho-hum situation. Also, vibing with the new people involved is an unknown (obviously), but that's rarely been a problem for me.

The only positive I can think of here is learning/re-learning some new/old tricks, keeping my chops/abilities fresh and up to date. Keeping busy. That's about it. I'm in a holding pattern waiting to hear from the BL, who is 'very busy' and so I am re-re-re-thinking if this is even worth my time. I could do this gig in the meantime and then jump ship when a better opportunity becomes available, or not take the job at all and keep looking elsewhere.

whatwouldjeebusdo

 

[Ggaa]

Ime bands suffer with very busy bandleaders.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I appreciate your candor and diplomacy but you kicked-up every red flag which would generate a resounding "no way" from me.

Riis

 

[JazznFunk]

If you're not getting paid, and the new repertoire/situation isn't inspiring, then it had better be a GREAT hang. That's 2 of the 3 typical boxes which aren't being checked. I'd avoid jumping into something else you already aren't inspired about, risking being unpaid AND apathetic once you're in.

 

[TheReceder]

Life is short. So is this post.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Unless the money is really good, I wouldn't do it unless playing that music (or with that drummer) excites you.

 

[Nuisance]

It really depends on what other options you have. If no other options, maybe go with it for a short bit and see what you think?

 

[bigboy_78]

Hypothetical:

Would you join a band that you're not really excited about and play for free?

No way. If I'm playing for free it better excite the poopie out of me.

 

[Pep]

I’d join and play until something else comes up. Like you said you’d keep your chops fresh and learn some new things so I really don’t see a downside to that.
You might end up (1) liking some of the band members and (2) you could possibly influence them to make a material shift.

I say go for it!

 

[sdjfoh]

If it means you might hang it up otherwise - I’d probably give it a whirl until you get more input that decides the situation for you…

 

[pb9717]

Find a KILLER singer. Form a band around that. A great singer is a draw. A great singer motivates the players to be better. Create YOUR OWN thing. Don't search for someone else to have built something that you may or may not like. Duo's, trios, look at alternate models. There's a huge array of different ways to approach happiness musically. A duo with a beat buddy is an easy sell to a club that wants something but doesnt have a huge budget. I know its daunting. But "how do you eat an elephant?...... one bite at a time" . Take some time to envision what would really make YOU happy musically. then go for JUST THAT. No diversions. No distractions. There's great joy to be had, but you gotta define what YOU think would be the most fun. Then make it yourself. Good Luck,, we're all counting on you.

 

[bigswifty1]

I'd basically be donating my time in the role until there was money to be split between everybody. This is my main hangup - I'm not 'all about the money' but I'm also older and wiser and have to put a value on my time. Especially with this ho-hum situation.

My comment refers to any time I play bass in a commercial situation (this includes nearly all public facing gigs, but excludes registered charity events). Personally I think playing for nothing leads to a perception that your time is worthless. I won't do it. There have been a few unusual situations where I'd accept some token "gesture" payment for appearances sake and so all parties can preserve some "face". But those situations are rare, and otherwise I'm getting paid or I'm staying home. Or jamming privately with friends

 

[pepj]

You have to fancy it... money is not enough, so if I'm a bit meh about the whole project, then no or little money thats the final straw.

 

[Five or Six]

Why would you "join" something you already dont like?

 

[socknroll1]

it just doesn't pump my 'nads that much

Well put, my friend, well put; an eloquent and elegant measure of whether you should do something. Godspeed.

 

[51PRI]

Say you've been ousted from a regular, well-paying gig after a couple of years of hard work and dedication (at least it was a great addition to the resume). Since then, you've been considering a couple of next steps: hanging it up for good, learning some other instrument (re: staring from scratch), or forging ahead in a shrinking market of less and less returns.

One wildcard I am on the fence about (and I don't usually climb up on them at all) - a gig offer for a very similar situation to the last one above, with some possible downsides. The repertoire is more or less the same, but it's new material that would require a not insignificant amount of woodshedding (including some technical reconfiguring). To be honest, the material is not very thrilling or inspiring. It's not bad per se, it just doesn't pump my 'nads that much. The always-fun-money-part is based on contingencies that I won't go into here, so let's just say I'd basically be donating my time in the role until there was money to be split between everybody. This is my main hangup - I'm not 'all about the money' but I'm also older and wiser and have to put a value on my time. Especially with this ho-hum situation. Also, vibing with the new people involved is an unknown (obviously), but that's rarely been a problem for me.

The only positive I can think of here is learning/re-learning some new/old tricks, keeping my chops/abilities fresh and up to date. Keeping busy. That's about it. I'm in a holding pattern waiting to hear from the BL, who is 'very busy' and so I am re-re-re-thinking if this is even worth my time. I could do this gig in the meantime and then jump ship when a better opportunity becomes available, or not take the job at all and keep looking elsewhere.

whatwouldjeebusdo

1. Why were you "ousted"from your previous "regular, well-paying gig?"
2. Why donate your time to a band you don't like? Playing fpr free is almost never good unless it is for a good benefit. IMO.
3. "I'd basically be donating my time until there was money to be split between everybody"....does this mean that SOME people will be getting paid immediately but others won't get paid until gigs paying more money happen? If so, that's a big NO IMO.
4. Learning new music is it's own reward. Is that enough reward for you?

 

[PrestoZoom]

The money situation sounds weird - I can't really comment on that without knowing more details but it seems like a red flag.

Personally, I hate being out of work and will play almost any kind of music as long as the other players are competent, reliable, and tolerable. I've joined a few projects playing music outside my normal tastes and have found it's good to build new skills/styles or keep up current chops.

Another factor is your local music scene. If there are a lot of other opportunities or an active band ecosystem, get out there and network to find something better. If networking is not your thing or you don't have a lot of bands in the area, joining a group like this can be a gateway to meeting other musicians and opening other opportunities.

 

[LowTorque]

There are two reasons I wouldn't join g that new project. If either I dislike the people or some get paid and some don't. Otherwise id see it as a learning experience.

It sounds like there is a good learning curve for the material and that alone is a valuable experience IMO that will increase my "value" in the market.

 

[Thunderthumbs73]

Say you've been ousted from a regular, well-paying gig after a couple of years of hard work and dedication (at least it was a great addition to the resume). Since then, you've been considering a couple of next steps: hanging it up for good, learning some other instrument (re: staring from scratch), or forging ahead in a shrinking market of less and less returns.

One wildcard I am on the fence about (and I don't usually climb up on them at all) - a gig offer for a very similar situation to the last one above, with some possible downsides. The repertoire is more or less the same, but it's new material that would require a not insignificant amount of woodshedding (including some technical reconfiguring). To be honest, the material is not very thrilling or inspiring. It's not bad per se, it just doesn't pump my 'nads that much. The always-fun-money-part is based on contingencies that I won't go into here, so let's just say I'd basically be donating my time in the role until there was money to be split between everybody. This is my main hangup - I'm not 'all about the money' but I'm also older and wiser and have to put a value on my time. Especially with this ho-hum situation. Also, vibing with the new people involved is an unknown (obviously), but that's rarely been a problem for me.

The only positive I can think of here is learning/re-learning some new/old tricks, keeping my chops/abilities fresh and up to date. Keeping busy. That's about it. I'm in a holding pattern waiting to hear from the BL, who is 'very busy' and so I am re-re-re-thinking if this is even worth my time. I could do this gig in the meantime and then jump ship when a better opportunity becomes available, or not take the job at all and keep looking elsewhere.

whatwouldjeebusdo

"To be honest, the material is not very thrilling or inspiring"... Let it go. Move on.

 

[Muttleybass]

Same boat, sort of.

I would be tempted to just take the gig, just to keep the chops up and keep playing. At least until a better opportunity comes along. But, as others have said, it better be a great 'hang'.