Two years with cover songs

[Mediocrity Man]

After throwing in the towel for twelve years I got back into playing about three years ago. The last two year I've been playing in two cover bands. Everything from J. Geils to Led Zeppelin. It's been fun and I've had to really up my game. The problem is before all of this I was involved in an original project. It allowed me to create and craft my own parts. I do miss that terribly. I think I need that again.

Frustration is getting the best of me. The worst of it is that I hardly ever get to pick songs. There's always some lame excuse.

 

[PauFerro]

After throwing in the towel for twelve years I got back into playing about three years ago. The last two year I've been playing in two cover bands. Everything from J. Geils to Led Zeppelin. It's been fun and I've had to really up my game. The problem is before all of this I was involved in an original project. It allowed me to create and craft my own parts. I do miss that terribly. I think I need that again.

Frustration is getting the best of me. The worst of it is that I hardly ever get to pick songs. There's always some lame excuse.

I just completed a side man job on upright. I had no input into the songs at all, and had to play a lot of stuff I'd never have chosen. I looked at it as being a "professional" -- someone I would like to have hired if I was the person doing the hiring. I want someone who does whatever the job requires. So, with that mind set, I didn't mind learning the songs. If that mindset helps, use it so you can build a book of songs.

If song selection is important, then you might want to raise the issue with the decision makers. For example a statement like "I've suggested 15 songs in the last two years, and not one of them has made it into the repertoire -- I find that disturbing. Will there ever be room for a few of the songs I suggest in our repertoire???". See what they say.

Alternatively, you may not be considering the relative strengths and preferences of your band members. You need to find where your personal interests and their interests/talents overlap. Really think about it. If they have favorite artists, listen widely those artists music until you find a tune you like, and suggest that one, particularly if it fits their musical ability and vocal ranges. That might get you some representation in the repertoire.

Hope that helps.

 

[hrodbert696]

What I like most is what I'm doing right now - two running projects, one covers, one originals. If I'm only doing one or the other I get restless.

If I only have a cover band going, part of me wants to be writing (or, indeed, I have a bunch of songs written but never recorded nor performed other than in my basement), and it's frustrating not to be getting that done.

If I only have an originals project going, then I'm only playing songs that group has written, and I'm frustrated about all the other great songs out there that I'd like to play. Plus cover bands gig more and get paid easier.

So as long as time allows and the right musicians are available, for me it's a juggle of both.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

Are you making money with the cover bands? If so, is there a reason you can't also work on an original project?

PS: I used to do a fair amount of original material. I convinced my old cover band to cover one (1) of my songs. I don't think I can convince my present cover band to do that, but I do think I could probably recruit them to participate in a recording project of my originals. I'll have to pay them, etc. for their time, but it would be a lot easier than starting from scratch. I think.

 

[3orangewhips]

I think for a lot of us, a balance between the two is important. If I'm only playing covers I start trying to bend the band to my will and change all the arrangements (heavily). If I'm only playing originals I start to push for more covers.

Some people are just band-monogamous. I am a bit more into free love.

 

[QORC]

I'm not going to comment on whether its better to be in an original band, a cover band, or a hybrid. To each his own.

But if you're not happy with your situation, change it. Which means find a different band.