What should I expect from this situation?

I got picked up into a band about a month and a half ago with the band leader pretty much picking songs etc. We've played a cover and have some originals on the setlist but the originals are from his last band.

Now, I'm in a situation where I can choose to stay where I am for the winter to get involved in the gigs and stuff, or I can go for a "work-study" program that would prevent me from staying here and playing in the band. I really want to stay in this band and get the experience of doing gigs because this is my first band and I want to get a lot out of it being that I don't know when the next band opportunity will open up. Anyway, in this upcoming time slot where I have the choice to stay or go the bassist from the original band is coming back to the area. What sort of thoughts should be going through my head about this? If I leave, they are most certainly going to pick him back up and when I do come back in the spring I don't know if I'll still have a spot. Also, I'm concerned that if I DO stay, they'll pick him back up anyway and drop me. Is this a reasonable concern? Should I stay or should I go?

Also keep in mind this band is formed new, new drummer, new bass (me), and new band name. Should I consider it the old band with just the new band name and expect to give up the bass spot when this kid gets back? Thanks for anything you can give me.

 

i think you're right.

 

well i have to do the workstudy at some point anyway, part of a graduation requirement so rightnow it's either do it inthe winter or in the spring.

I think I'd almost rather do it in the winter because I'd like to be back at college in the spring when it's a lot nicer out.

 

Right, I'm not looking to make this a professional thing. Definitely in the Hobby crowd. But I would love to at least do a couple gigs in bars. I feel like that is the real band experience and I would be happy only doing a few of those to put another chapter in my book of life. And right now I feel like I'm real close to that and I won't feel so bad if they replace me because I'll have that behind me to say 'I did it' But I will definitely take all your advice and stick with my head in the books. I've been a lot more focused lately because of going to the gym when we haven't had band practice (it's been about 2 weeks now) and I realize I'm addicted to exercise Thanks

 

One cover and three originals. We are working on our fourth, but the other ones were pretty much just leftovers from their previous band. I wouldn't really say that I write any basslines because all I really do is make the sound fuller by playing the root. If I want to get real fancy I throw in a slide or a hammer on. I like the one cover because it actually allows me to play something more exciting

 

Well is 23 young? And I wouldn't want a career in music performance, I think engineering pays better but would definitely be a fun hobby!

 

Guys, just a little update. OUR FIRST SHOW IS THIS FRIDAY!!!! I'm so psyched it's unbelievable. Wow. Really I attribute all of my success so far to all of you hear on talkbass.com. It's really amazing all of the information and inspiriation I have gotten from this site.

I do have some troubles still though. I've decided to stay another semester at college for classes etc. not for the band specifically. Anyway, I hear the other bassist is coming back and that at a party tonight I was introduced as a "temporary bassist" this is pretty messed up in my opinion. I feel like I'm in a fight for a place in the band. I do have a few points in my favor though, let me know if they have firm grounding:

I have better stage presence (I actually move about and dance and get involved in the music rather than stand there like a bump on a log like the other bassist)

I meld better with the band in that I have similar creative personality and general vibe going on outide of music.

I hear that the other bassist is a little more solid in the root than I am, I feel this is said because I try to embellish sometimes to experiment if I could come up with a catchy bassline... should I just stick to the root and do solid basics to keep my place?

Please any comments are very welcome! Thank you all!

 

Update: Well last night we had our first gig (my first ever) we played amazing, I was a little nervous about forgetting all of the songs, but I had a few Guiness and it calmed me down. Everyone said how amazing we played and how "tight" we sounded. I felt like that was a big compliment to the rythym section. You agree? Everyone else in the band was really happy with the way we played too minus the few self criticisms, but I think that's what keeps you improving. A few very experienced bass players in the crowd said I played really well and had great stage presence and locked in. I can't wait for the next one! (if there is a next one, hopefully this earned me a permanent spot)