Thunderbird Club

[MCF]

It’s tough, and I’m in a similar situation. I’m in two bands, and one of them (started 3 1/2 years ago) is a shining example of how it should work. We all like and respect each other, have generally the same taste in music and idea of the direction we want the songs to go. Everybody’s ideas are considered and usually develop into a song. At the moment, we have more material than there is time to develop. The only problem with this band is getting in regular weekly practices together. Mainly because people’s lives are getting in the way, specifically with family health issues. We all WANT to be there weekly but it’s not always possible. But everyone in this band does a lot of practice and writing on their own, so, as an example, we have a show on 7/12. We had practice last Wednesday and won’t have a chance to meet up until 7/10. But we know, if we play through the set twice and hammer out any weaknesses at that practice, we’ll do well at the show two days later. And BTW, we will be playing 4 new songs and a cover song all which we have not done live. This band is a good unit.

Then there’s my other band. We have been together for over 8 years and it’s almost always been a struggle. The guitar player, who basically writes all the music, is a pretty stubborn guy, who really kind of has to have it his way. He’s been in bands over his lifetime that had large draws and has played to big audiences, and I think he just can’t get over that, and understand that we’re old, and those days are mostly over. So, he’s never really been big on playing out. We could be a really good bar band playing many places around the Bay Area (like a lot of bands I’m aware of do), but many of these shows may not have a bunch of people there. While I get that can be a drag, I still feel it would be worth it because is FUN!. Furthermore, he doesn’t really seem to have a lot of respect for the drummer/vocalist, and even though I have known him since the early ’90’s, I have never felt he has much respect for me either. We all like rock, but definitely prefer different genres, so, since he writes mostly everything, I find myself constantly compromising/settling for playing music I don’t love. When I used to present ideas, he just couldn’t/wouldn’t do anything with them. Many of those ideas turned into great songs in the other band, so now I just save my ideas for that band. The drummer is and can be good, but he spends zero time practicing on his own or working to be that next level drummer that both me and the guitar player would like him to be. While I know playing drums and singing has to be hard, he does it, and does it well, but blames having to sing on why his drumming sometimes isn’t good. And the guitarist is always focused on him and his tempos, to the point where he’ll mention his tempos are off, but I actually don’t notice, and other times I notice and the guitar player doesn’t seem to???

Anyway the short of it is the guitarist wants practice two nights a week and since we almost never play out, I’m finding it to be a chore, and have basically had one foot out the door for a long time. I feel a strong sense of loyalty to these guys, but I’m truly not enjoying going there twice a week. Not to mention that between both bands, when we are all on schedule, it equates to three nights a week of going to practice (never weekends), and with work, which is physical and involves quite a bit of driving each day, that’s getting to be too much for my old body.

Problem is, my other band doesn’t get together often enough (if we religiously did once a week, that would be enough), and I can’t seem to find an opening for another band around here. I definitely want to be in more than one band, one that gets together once a week, and one that just wants to get out and play. Fun, familiar but not common cover songs would be ideal!

The thing that keeps me from quitting is that I have a strong feeling that I might regret it. So I try to find a way to make it fun, and chalk it all up to getting more experience. Also, we all share a really nice studio space, and at $300 a month, I’d hate to give it up.

 

[Stealth57]

a lot of color there, what channel and settings on the amp? Thx for doing this Dave!...

Bass channel and the amp was 12 o'clock across the board. I assume that is a flat EQ but I know that's not necessarily the case.

 

[TBird1958]

I used both of my '60s Epis with the new Ashdown at last night's rehearsal, it sounded fantastic with the SWR 6x10, seems pretty well dialed in with those basses, I'm quite pleased!

Blue Monday.

 

[Count Bassie]

It’s tough, and I’m in a similar situation. I’m in two bands, and one of them (started 3 1/2 years ago) is a shining example of how it should work. We all like and respect each other, have generally the same taste in music and idea of the direction we want the songs to go. Everybody’s ideas are considered and usually develop into a song. At the moment, we have more material than there is time to develop. The only problem with this band is getting in regular weekly practices together. Mainly because people’s lives are getting in the way, specifically with family health issues. We all WANT to be there weekly but it’s not always possible. But everyone in this band does a lot of practice and writing on their own, so, as an example, we have a show on 7/12. We had practice last Wednesday and won’t have a chance to meet up until 7/10. But we know, if we play through the set twice and hammer out any weaknesses at that practice, we’ll do well at the show two days later. And BTW, we will be playing 4 new songs and a cover song all which we have not done live. This band is a good unit.

Then there’s my other band. We have been together for over 8 years and it’s almost always been a struggle. The guitar player, who basically writes all the music, is a pretty stubborn guy, who really kind of has to have it his way. He’s been in bands over his lifetime that had large draws and has played to big audiences, and I think he just can’t get over that, and understand that we’re old, and those days are mostly over. So, he’s never really been big on playing out. We could be a really good bar band playing many places around the Bay Area (like a lot of bands I’m aware of do), but many of these shows may not have a bunch of people there. While I get that can be a drag, I still feel it would be worth it because is FUN!. Furthermore, he doesn’t really seem to have a lot of respect for the drummer/vocalist, and even though I have known him since the early ’90’s, I have never felt he has much respect for me either. We all like rock, but definitely prefer different genres, so, since he writes mostly everything, I find myself constantly compromising/settling for playing music I don’t love. When I used to present ideas, he just couldn’t/wouldn’t do anything with them. Many of those ideas turned into great songs in the other band, so now I just save my ideas for that band. The drummer is and can be good, but he spends zero time practicing on his own or working to be that next level drummer that both me and the guitar player would like him to be. While I know playing drums and singing has to be hard, he does it, and does it well, but blames having to sing on why his drumming sometimes isn’t good. And the guitarist is always focused on him and his tempos, to the point where he’ll mention his tempos are off, but I actually don’t notice, and other times I notice and the guitar player doesn’t seem to???

Anyway the short of it is the guitarist wants practice two nights a week and since we almost never play out, I’m finding it to be a chore, and have basically had one foot out the door for a long time. I feel a strong sense of loyalty to these guys, but I’m truly not enjoying going there twice a week. Not to mention that between both bands, when we are all on schedule, it equates to three nights a week of going to practice (never weekends), and with work, which is physical and involves quite a bit of driving each day, that’s getting to be too much for my old body.

Problem is, my other band doesn’t get together often enough (if we religiously did once a week, that would be enough), and I can’t seem to find an opening for another band around here. I definitely want to be in more than one band, one that gets together once a week, and one that just wants to get out and play. Fun, familiar but not common cover songs would be ideal!

The thing that keeps me from quitting is that I have a strong feeling that I might regret it. So I try to find a way to make it fun, and chalk it all up to getting more experience. Also, we all share a really nice studio space, and at $300 a month, I’d hate to give it up.

Bands. Can't live with 'em, can't shoot 'em.
For my .02, I'd stay with the band that offers opportunity to present and realize material. I always say you can have everything, just not at the same time.
I'm out of patience to entertain frustration. And I've entertained a lot of that, I get where you're at.

 

[Stealth57]

Bands. Can't live with 'em, can't shoot 'em.

The latter may be optional in Tejas.

 

[Count Bassie]

It’s a good band from the videos I’ve listened to. But I see what you mean. Too bad everyone isn’t on the same page commitment wise. Good luck Roger.

Thanks Marshall.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

...

Anyway the short of it is the guitarist wants practice two nights a week and since we almost never play out, I’m finding it to be a chore, and have basically had one foot out the door for a long time. I feel a strong sense of loyalty to these guys, but I’m truly not enjoying going there twice a week. ...

It doesn't sound like they have that for you, or at least not in the same way. Maybe it's a lack of respect, insecurity, ego, a combination. I get the dilemma you're feeling. have you tried discussing it as "too little payoff for the effoprt we're putting in"? Maybe present it to the guitar player as a comeback attempt? Although that has its own perils, I suppose.

Sorry, man. That stinks.

I recently had to turn down a chance to join a garage band. All covers, lots to learn when I don't currently have enough spare time, and no plans to play out any time soon. I'll look for something when I have a bit more time available, but I'd like it to include playing out once or twice a month.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

The latter may be optional in Tejas.

Sometimes. It's complicated. You can no longer legally hang someone for stealing your horse, though.

 

[dagrev]

I know this is right thinking. Thanks for the .02, yeah I'll have to move...

I hate it, but it's likely best in the long run. Sometimes there is no "good" option.

And I think you vastly overestimated the value of the advice!

This points out another value of this club--being able to share our music situations and get outside perspectives that might clarify or confirm (or even correct) what might be some cloudy circumstances. We can all learn a little something from each other's situations.

 

[MCF]

It doesn't sound like they have that for you, or at least not in the same way. Maybe it's a lack of respect, insecurity, ego, a combination. I get the dilemma you're feeling. have you tried discussing it as "too little payoff for the effoprt we're putting in"? Maybe present it to the guitar player as a comeback attempt? Although that has its own perils, I suppose.

Sorry, man. That stinks.

I recently had to turn down a chance to join a garage band. All covers, lots to learn when I don't currently have enough spare time, and no plans to play out any time soon. I'll look for something when I have a bit more time available, but I'd like it to include playing out once or twice a month.

Too bad they’re not near me.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

I hate it, but it's likely best in the long run. Sometimes there is no "good" option.

And I think you vastly overestimated the value of the advice!

This points out another value of this club--being able to share our music situations and get outside perspectives that might clarify or confirm (or even correct) what might be some cloudy circumstances. We can all learn a little something from each other's situations.

Yep. So much experience in so many areas gets shared. This is how communities should work.

 

[dagrev]

It’s tough, and I’m in a similar situation. I’m in two bands, and one of them (started 3 1/2 years ago) is a shining example of how it should work. We all like and respect each other, have generally the same taste in music and idea of the direction we want the songs to go. Everybody’s ideas are considered and usually develop into a song. At the moment, we have more material than there is time to develop. The only problem with this band is getting in regular weekly practices together. Mainly because people’s lives are getting in the way, specifically with family health issues. We all WANT to be there weekly but it’s not always possible. But everyone in this band does a lot of practice and writing on their own, so, as an example, we have a show on 7/12. We had practice last Wednesday and won’t have a chance to meet up until 7/10. But we know, if we play through the set twice and hammer out any weaknesses at that practice, we’ll do well at the show two days later. And BTW, we will be playing 4 new songs and a cover song all which we have not done live. This band is a good unit.

Then there’s my other band. We have been together for over 8 years and it’s almost always been a struggle. The guitar player, who basically writes all the music, is a pretty stubborn guy, who really kind of has to have it his way. He’s been in bands over his lifetime that had large draws and has played to big audiences, and I think he just can’t get over that, and understand that we’re old, and those days are mostly over. So, he’s never really been big on playing out. We could be a really good bar band playing many places around the Bay Area (like a lot of bands I’m aware of do), but many of these shows may not have a bunch of people there. While I get that can be a drag, I still feel it would be worth it because is FUN!. Furthermore, he doesn’t really seem to have a lot of respect for the drummer/vocalist, and even though I have known him since the early ’90’s, I have never felt he has much respect for me either. We all like rock, but definitely prefer different genres, so, since he writes mostly everything, I find myself constantly compromising/settling for playing music I don’t love. When I used to present ideas, he just couldn’t/wouldn’t do anything with them. Many of those ideas turned into great songs in the other band, so now I just save my ideas for that band. The drummer is and can be good, but he spends zero time practicing on his own or working to be that next level drummer that both me and the guitar player would like him to be. While I know playing drums and singing has to be hard, he does it, and does it well, but blames having to sing on why his drumming sometimes isn’t good. And the guitarist is always focused on him and his tempos, to the point where he’ll mention his tempos are off, but I actually don’t notice, and other times I notice and the guitar player doesn’t seem to???

Anyway the short of it is the guitarist wants practice two nights a week and since we almost never play out, I’m finding it to be a chore, and have basically had one foot out the door for a long time. I feel a strong sense of loyalty to these guys, but I’m truly not enjoying going there twice a week. Not to mention that between both bands, when we are all on schedule, it equates to three nights a week of going to practice (never weekends), and with work, which is physical and involves quite a bit of driving each day, that’s getting to be too much for my old body.

Problem is, my other band doesn’t get together often enough (if we religiously did once a week, that would be enough), and I can’t seem to find an opening for another band around here. I definitely want to be in more than one band, one that gets together once a week, and one that just wants to get out and play. Fun, familiar but not common cover songs would be ideal!

The thing that keeps me from quitting is that I have a strong feeling that I might regret it. So I try to find a way to make it fun, and chalk it all up to getting more experience. Also, we all share a really nice studio space, and at $300 a month, I’d hate to give it up.

Wow, kind of tale of two cities with those bands. I'm not sure if I would like learning and practicing songs--only to never or hardly ever play them live. A lot of work for nothing, if one wants to play live. If someone just wants to hand out and play songs they like, that can be fun as a hobby (and I get that), but if you want to put it to live use, that would definitely be frustrating.

 

[dagrev]

How long as the "Gift" option been next to the "Like" option? I nearly clicked it a couples times yesterday and did once this morning. Nice feature, but maybe not next to such a frequently clicked option.

 

[dagrev]

Yep. So much experience in so many areas gets shared. This is how communities should work.

And the occasional, "Get off my lawn!

 

[Miles_ONeal]

I hate it, but it's likely best in the long run. Sometimes there is no "good" option.

And I think you vastly overestimated the value of the advice!

This points out another value of this club--being able to share our music situations and get outside perspectives that might clarify or confirm (or even correct) what might be some cloudy circumstances. We can all learn a little something from each other's situations.

Yep. So much experience in so many areas gets shared. This is how communities should work.

Wow, kind of tale of two cities with those bands. I'm not sure if I would like learning and practicing songs--only to never or hardly ever play them live. A lot of work for nothing, if one wants to play live. If someone just wants to hand out and play songs they like, that can be fun as a hobby (and I get that), but if you want to put it to live use, that would definitely be frustrating.

We were overdue for a ToTC metaphor!

 

[Miles_ONeal]

How long as the "Gift" option been next to the "Like" option? I nearly clicked it a couples times yesterday and did once this morning. Nice feature, but maybe not next to such a frequently clicked option.

Just since this weekend, I think. I feel the same.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Just since this weekend, I think. I feel the same.

I filed a bug report. Feel free to pile on.

 

[Stealth57]

How long as the "Gift" option been next to the "Like" option? I nearly clicked it a couples times yesterday and did once this morning. Nice feature, but maybe not next to such a frequently clicked option.

I had the same question...maybe I'll click it and see if it sends you a brewski. Nope, just trying to sell memberships.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

I filed a bug report. Feel free to pile on.

Ha. Mine got merged in with several others.

 

[bylar13]

Bands. Can't live with 'em, can't shoot 'em.
For my .02, I'd stay with the band that offers opportunity to present and realize material. I always say you can have everything, just not at the same time.
I'm out of patience to entertain frustration. And I've entertained a lot of that, I get where you're at.

Like you and @Ringhammer I am in two original projects. I am fortunate that the people I am playing with are pretty much on the same page in both.

The challenge for me is that both take time and the gig’s are fewer and harder to come by.

Problem as I see it is regardless of my feelings, at 58, I am aging out. Don’t know if there is a solution…..