Waiving The White Flag Of Surrender

[bluewine]

It's no secret to those who have followed my posts,I have only had marginal success with the last 2 bands I have played in.

My reason for playing, my number one reason is my love of performing live. With the 2 Originals Bands, while we did ok, neither band had bookings that were aceptable. It's just the way it is with Originals bands.

In lieu of what I have learned over the past few years about our market here, if I expect to play out 3-4 times a month I will have to get with an established working cover band.

While it might not be my choice, I would rather play with a cover band that works every weekend than an Originals band that might be doing music that I actually dig.

 

[cableguy]

I feel ya brother. I have found that playing covers can be fun. But I also like to record originals at my own pace of music I really enjoy. Trouble is finding people who like to do both.

 

[seanm]

Welcome to the club Originals are doing a *lot* better lately here in Ottawa. That means playing once every month or two for one set when you are starting out. While only the top end cover bands are gigging every week, we can still get two gigs a month with at least 4 sets per gig.

 

[oldrocker]

Hey Blue - how about 2 bands. One coverband for the gigging opportunities and another for the music.

If you can swing it I've also found an additional benefit of 2 bands is that it's easier to dismiss any of the band drama BS for any one of the bands.

 

[bluewine]

Welcome to the club Originals are doing a *lot* better lately here in Ottawa. That means playing once every month or two for one set when you are starting out. While only the top end cover bands are gigging every week, we can still get two gigs a month with at least 4 sets per gig.

2 gigs a month is probably where Original's Bands top out in Milwaukee. 2 gigs a month is respectable for an Originals Band.

 

[bluewine]

Hey Blue - how about 2 bands. One coverband for the gigging opportunities and another for the music.

If you can swing it I've also found an additional benefit of 2 bands is that it's easier to dismiss any of the band drama BS for any one of the bands.

It's a good idea, but not for me. Partially due to age and also I have a full time career that requires travel and to much of my time to work in 2 bands.

I know 1 or 2 guys that handle the 2 band(originals/cover) thing very well

 

[guy n. cognito]

 

[Stumbo]

My reason for playing, my number one reason is my love of performing live.

So it's out!

You like the attention.

I always had great experiences playing live with cover bands. No shame/problem with that.

Do what makes you happy.

Good luck.

 

[Nagrom]

Is there some reason your original band can't take cover gigs a couple times a month?

 

[AlmightyPancake]

The problem is that original bands take a ****load more work. To an extreme degree.

Without a huge fanbase, most venues won't look twice at you. Then you have to have facebook, shirts, buttons, stickers, EPs, spend money on gear to play all around as much as possible, fight hard for spots at venues you wouldn't really even want to play, work on publicity, etc.

As a cover band, send a list of the songs you play to most venues and they'll happily throw you in the mix. It's simply less of a risk! There are more people willing to go out somewhere and hear music they know than there are people willing to pay money for music they don't know. Sad but true.

 

[sandmangeck]

Too many original bands undercutting you to play for free Blue? So sad...

 

[CalboDaGo]

The trick is, sneak in your originals. In my band (Christophers Project), we like to throw an original in once per set... maybe twice. Loosen up your audience with some nice cover tunes, then POW! right in the kisser.

 

[tycobb73]

I think you'e the type of person that will never be happy in the situation you're in. Its ok. My mother in law is the same way.

 

[Kaa]

Easy solution, play cover songs you like. That'll be $50.00.

 

[bluewine]

I think you'e the type of person that will never be happy in the situation you're in. Its ok. My mother in law is the same way.

True , I have never been completely happy with the last 2 bands,but there were somethings about them I liked.

 

[guy n. cognito]

Easy solution, play cover songs you like. That'll be $50.00.

You would have to read Blue's rants in other threads about covers to understand how earth-shaking this revelation really is......

 

[bluewine]

I have been working on some options. I have my 1st audition tomorrow night.

It's a working cover band that has been in existence for the past 20 years. I know the band leader from years ago and he has seen me play, we actually did a benefit with his band a few years ago.

I don't know where I will stand with the other 10 guys that are auditioning. I am going to bring my own rig and play 4 songs.

 

[bluewine]

You would have to read Blue's rants in other threads about covers to understand how earth-shaking this revelation really is......

And I will be the first to tell you, I don't have all the answers when it comes to my direction or anyone else's. I know I have made some harsh comments on cover bands in the past.

 

[Rockin Mike]

Every song is somebody's original. The only difference between Green Day's originals and my originals is my ego.

I like playing good music no matter who wrote it.

But then, I'm not trying to become a star, just a working musician.

 

[the yeti]

i thought your band was getting $1k+ a night? playing to packed rooms? is my memory off? is this really because you're still mad at the band leader?