Talkbass demographic check....

[PokeyPrasch]

Other;

I started in the late 90's (Highschool) as a singer for a crappy punk/hardcore band in the vein of the Dwarves.
Owned a bass (Fender MIM Jazz) but could barely play it and ended up trading it for some PA stuff.
Band imploded in 2002 after just a handfull of house shows / battle of bands.

Now in my early 30's with a enjoyable design career, I'm playing bass for my own enjoyment, to keep my mind fresh and maybe spark a musical interest in my young children.
The eventual goal to be a weekend warrior when life slows down and I actually have free time.

 

[since197three]

Other. Was a pro musician. My band did a lot of shows and touring bur never made a lot of money.
Now, I work a very secure career job and have money to buy the things I want. But I do miss touring.
Band get's together maybe once a year to play big shows.

 

[the harp unstrung]

At one time, in years gone by, my bride often said that if I came knocking on a Friday or a Saturday night my kids wouldn't open the door, cuz they wouldn't recognize me! Those daze are gone now...and good riddance! For many years through my 20s and 30s and early 40s that $150.00 I made each weekend made a real difference around our house. It was all bar bands and VFWs...that kind of thing. These days I play around camp fires and on back porches...and out in the rec room with Paul Simon, and The Grateful Dead, and Joni Mitchell, and The Beatles. It's been about 6 years since I was last in a band...and that feels just about fine with me.

 

[hrodbert696]

I went with "Working - supplement a little." I'm making about 40K a year teaching, and play something like 40ish $100 gigs a year now. So I'd guesstimate gigging is about a 10% bonus on my day job income. For the most part, it just pays for itself, buying gear out of gig money, but sometimes gig money does go to other expenditures - covering a medical bill or a birthday party or whatever.

 

[.BumeStik.]

I have played since I was about 8. I am 36 now.I come from a musical family. My Uncle was in touring bands and recording since the 60's. He was always the one I looked up to and tried to learn everything I could from. I have played in gigging bands, done some recording, helped a couple bands that needed a sit in, here and there. Now, I have 2 kids and a Wifey-Poo. The gigging slowed way down, and I can't say that I mind all that much. I play at home and do one man band projects for the most part. I am going to start recording another project here in the next couple months, if everything works out. Music is more my Therapy, than anything else. It helps me stay sane and gives me an outlet to let my mind wander wherever it wants. That's why I love it So Much.

 

[Timmah]

I only play about 10-12 gigs a year at this point, and only about 8 paid, but I'm looking forward to the opportunity to play more. I put down "aspiring to be a working musician."

 

[Gaolee]

I'm strictly a day job type who does it for fun. That's been true for a number of years now.

 

[Rayjay]

I played full time for 10 years. Then I got fed up with all the driving, being underpaid, the smoky bars, times with no work, or getting offered 3 jobs on the same night...I have a salaried day job now because that's better for me. So I call myself a "(day job) working musician"

 

[jjmuckluckjr]

See if this sounds familiar. Started in the mid-70's, played in a bunch of bands. Did every kind of music but disco and country. Never made a lot. I didn't become a rock star by 30. All due respect, but kids don't give a s@#+ what old men sing about. I looking back it was a matter of timing really, 10 years earlier or later I could have ridden the crest of change. But life happens and you have to turn in your dreams for reality. So it goes. No regrets, only wistful memories...

 

[Muddslide]

You don't have to be a "pro" to have bandmates or done studio recording or have done dozens/hundreds of gigs. At least, I've done all those things and I don't consider myself a "working musician", though at various points I guess you could say I did "supplement my living a little with music".

This fits me as well.

 

[ChefKen]

Played in High School bands in the 80s....Actually managed a touring rock band that grossed over 100K annually touring in 1991. I parlayed that into opening and running a 500 seat music hall in 1991-2. Long story and a lawsuit later i fell into the food business. Now I play for fun and hope to hook up with like minded musicians soon to have fun. I take lessons twice a month and am lucky enough to have a good career and to be out of kitchens! my kids are 11 and 14 now and my full time daddy days are behind me!! I finally have time and money to fuel a hobby!

 

[2saddleslab]

July 4th marks 29 years playing professionally. It's been mostly part time but had a 8 to 9 year stretch as a full time musician. When playing full time it quickly felt like a job. As supplemental income to my day job music is much more enjoyable.

 

[waveman]

do about 30-40 gigs a year for the last few years, so I went with "Working Musician - supplement my living a little from music". I still consider myself an amateur though.

 

[west al]

I was a semi professional bass player years ago, before becoming a professional head Roadie. After retiring from the road, started back to playing the bass again, as a hobby / part-time studio player. 47 Years total.

 

[Bryan R. Tyler]

Been playing for just under 20 years, but I'm still just a hobbyist. I've never put in a huge amount of practice time and it always came second to my painting.

 

[Ric5]

My music is definitely a drain on my income.

Ya ... I will never break even in music ... I spend thousands and make hundreds.

 

[Phalex]

I went with other. I used to supplement my income with music, but the douchebaggery and the grueling schedule made retirement seem like a good idea.

These days I play in church, and may hit a jam every now and again, but I really have no interest in working all week, and gigging every weekend. That is a young mans game. (Insert Roger Murtaugh quote here)

 

[lfmn16]

I think we need another category - former pro. I played full time in the 70's and have played part-time ever since.

 

[carl h.]

Playing full time is definitely a job, with all the drawbacks of a job, but no sick leave or other benefits. If your significant other has a regular job, prepare to despise working evenings and weekends.

I'm down to 60-70 gigs a year now, and don't really want to do much more - unless it is really fun. I've done enough work gigs.

 

[Scooberto]

Working musician and supplement a small amount of my income with money from music.

It's been that way for 4 years. After years of preaching to my band that did mostly originals about how to get paid and gain more recognition, I finally found a band that gets the concept. I liked doing originals, but it's just not something I could have kept doing having a wife, baby, and the job I did then. I work my guts out and did at least 50 hours a week, but the income from the band really helped give me some financial breathing room. I'm no professional by any means though, but if I had my choice, I wouldn't build sunfoofs and door handles for new cars. I would be a professional musician for sure.