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Taking chances

outoftune

outoftune

Supporting Member
Nov 30, 2011
1,447
3,866
Pennsylvania
#1
I have a bit of a dilemma at the moment. I am currently in a bar cover band with a few friends and we are doing real well. Consistent gigs, good pay and lots of fun. We all get along well and play well as a group, but as far as going places, this is it. We are where we are.
I am also in another band that had recorded, plays a lot of originals at some very cool places. Great people with a great attitude that aspire to be more than a local bar band. We re also recording later this year. But, like any other band we are inhibited by jobs and kids etc. so we can only get so big or go so far
OK, I am getting to the point of this point. I tried out for a local country band that has been picked up by management and been to Nashville to record their first EP. So far they are just two guys that play acoustic, but the album was recorded with an in house band. They are putting a band together to hone a show and possibly get on an opening slot for a national act. Obviously their circle of travel is going to be large and it would be a chance to move up the ladder into a touring act. At least for a while.
I guess I am looking for some guidance on whether I should take a chance on the country band and quit what I have going and take a chance on the country band in the chance that it does become something bigger than a local bar band?
Ugh, my head hurt thinking about this.
Thanks.
 
#2
outoftune said:
I have a bit of a dilemma at the moment. I am currently in a bar cover band with a few friends and we are doing real well. Consistent gigs, good pay and lots of fun. We all get along well and play well as a group, but as far as going places, this is it. We are where we are.
I am also in another band that had recorded, plays a lot of originals at some very cool places. Great people with a great attitude that aspire to be more than a local bar band. We re also recording later this year. But, like any other band we are inhibited by jobs and kids etc. so we can only get so big or go so far
OK, I am getting to the point of this point. I tried out for a local country band that has been picked up by management and been to Nashville to record their first EP. So far they are just two guys that play acoustic, but the album was recorded with an in house band. They are putting a band together to hone a show and possibly get on an opening slot for a national act. Obviously their circle of travel is going to be large and it would be a chance to move up the ladder into a touring act. At least for a while.
I guess I am looking for some guidance on whether I should take a chance on the country band and quit what I have going and take a chance on the country band in the chance that it does become something bigger than a local bar band?
Ugh, my head hurt thinking about this.
Thanks.
Click to expand...

Lot's of unknown variables here. Do you have a family, a day job, do you really want to be on the road and do what it takes to support a national act? I'm guessing deep down you know the answer to this and are looking for some assurance from strangers. That being said,

If you are really hungry to give everything up for the dream, I say go for it. (As long as you Love country music)

If you are somewhat happy with a balanced life, good friends, a family, day job, decent band and overall happy with life, don't do it.

2 cents, best of luck bro.
 
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#3
Thanks man. I do not currently have a day job. Both my kids are adults and my wife backs me wholeheartedly. I have never experienced the road so I really am unsure of what it will bring.

I have been working toward something like his for a while and now with it actually a possibility I am unsure what to do. Lol. Be careful what you wish for eh?

Not so much looking for assurance from strangers, but more of a "I've been there" type of thing.
 
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#4
outoftune said:
Thanks man. I do not currently have a day job. Both my kids are adults and my wife backs me wholeheartedly. I have never experienced the road so I really am unsure of what it will bring.

I have been working toward something like his for a while and now with it actually a possibility I am unsure what to do. Lol. Be careful what you wish for eh?

Not so much looking for assurance from strangers, but more of a "I've been there" type of thing.
Click to expand...

You sound like you're mobile, with family support. If you really want it, go for it man. What's the worst that can happen if you do?

What's the worst that can happen if you don't? Now, what's the best outcome if you do or don't?

Only you can really answer this. Wishing you the best.
 
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#6
outoftune said:
Thanks man. I do not currently have a day job. Both my kids are adults and my wife backs me wholeheartedly. I have never experienced the road so I really am unsure of what it will bring.

I have been working toward something like his for a while and now with it actually a possibility I am unsure what to do. Lol. Be careful what you wish for eh?

Not so much looking for assurance from strangers, but more of a "I've been there" type of thing.
Click to expand...

Go man go. Why are you still here
 
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#11
It's a call only you can make, brother man.

There's that old saying about the worst regrets are often related to the things you didn't do.

If you're a hired gun, you can always step at the end of the tour if the road isn't your thing.
 
#12
charlie monroe said:
You know that you won't be in the band, right?
You are talking about being hired as a road musician. When the tour ends, so does your employment. No recording, no royalties, no guarantee of being called for the next tour. Zip, zilch, nada.
Click to expand...

We talked about that this afternoon. Basically it worked out really well. No commitment right now until something is bigger than a semi local gig. Until then We will work around my schedule and when the time comes I will make some decisions. Lots of variables that are unknown at this time and I don't want to lose the gigs I have if/when thing s are done.
 
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#13
Bird in the hand versus two in the bush and all that that.

One very important thing to consider, based on your OP. Sounds like you won't be a member of the country band, just a paid sideman. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but you need to find out exactly what their plans are for you. Do they intend to keep you in the band (a la Darryl Jones) or are you just a placeholder, until/unless they have the budget for a "better" back up band?

At least with the other band, you are a member. Just something to be weighed.
 
#14
Because the cover band is comprised of friends, communicate to them that you want this experience. While it has never happened with me, I know a couple of dudes who constantly take leaves of absence from their local gigs to do bigger and very different things. They still come home and rock the shows with their other bands and there appears to be no bad blood between any of them. Just don't wait until the last minute to bring it up.
 
#15
outoftune said:
I have a bit of a dilemma at the moment. I am currently in a bar cover band with a few friends and we are doing real well. Consistent gigs, good pay and lots of fun. We all get along well and play well as a group, but as far as going places, this is it. We are where we are.
I am also in another band that had recorded, plays a lot of originals at some very cool places. Great people with a great attitude that aspire to be more than a local bar band. We re also recording later this year. But, like any other band we are inhibited by jobs and kids etc. so we can only get so big or go so far
OK, I am getting to the point of this point. I tried out for a local country band that has been picked up by management and been to Nashville to record their first EP. So far they are just two guys that play acoustic, but the album was recorded with an in house band. They are putting a band together to hone a show and possibly get on an opening slot for a national act. Obviously their circle of travel is going to be large and it would be a chance to move up the ladder into a touring act. At least for a while.
I guess I am looking for some guidance on whether I should take a chance on the country band and quit what I have going and take a chance on the country band in the chance that it does become something bigger than a local bar band?
Ugh, my head hurt thinking about this.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Just a suggestion: Go to Youtube and watch "Turn the Page" and then keep your day job.
 
#16
charlie monroe said:
You know that you won't be in the band, right?
You are talking about being hired as a road musician. When the tour ends, so does your employment. No recording, no royalties, no guarantee of being called for the next tour. Zip, zilch, nada.
Click to expand...
An important point, and he'll have to make up his mind to be a man about that if things go the way they might.

But I guess he's an adult and his eyes are open.

Add up another "go for it" vote.

And all the best! Whatever happens, grab on to life! All of you, not just the poster.
 
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#17
I've joined the gypsies on the road before. The connections you can make while doing so may well further your career even more. Life is what you make of it and all that. If you like their music, if you have passion to play it, do it. If it scares you - probably do it. This is a classic tale of the "law of attraction".
 

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