• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

What would the talkbass bible say about it ... ???

Th3 Fly

Th3 Fly

Jul 30, 2018
23
53
#1
Over the last year my band has become increasingly focused on shooting video, admin, networking, social media presence & just about everything not related to practice and playing. As a result I'm not playing as much bass as I'd like - specifically with other musicians. So, in a moment of weakness I answered the local ad I imagine you've seen 1000 times: established band needs bass player blah blah blah. Now to clarify I don't want to quit my main gig - merely stretch my legs so to speak and continue to improve.

Thinking on the talkbass bible I thought of what I would need from this new jam opportunity to make it work for me - Remembering you need 2 of 3 of these:

#1 - thou shalt stay for the music: Check! Mega talented group. 1 seasoned pro. Totally hot lead singer with a great voice. The drummer even kept up!
#2 - thou shalt stay for the pay: Nope! No gigs till next summer. Weekly rehearsals till then. This will cost me a bit before any returns possible.
#3 - thou shalt stay for the hang: Ok this is where it gets weird. Turns out the drummer was previously in a band with the LS of my current main gig. Apparently this ended poorly. The drummer is somewhat awkward about this.

So I really don't know how to score this. It kinda looks like a 1 out of 3 = no gig! However there was real chemistry musically (or so I think) here - that 1 jam sounded really really good.

C'mon talkbass - what say you? Score is low so focus on main gig?? Score is high so time to spread your wings???
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jimmy4string and Torrente Cro
#3
Th3 Fly said:
Over the last year my band has become increasingly focused on shooting video, admin, networking, social media presence & just about everything not related to practice and playing. As a result I'm not playing as much bass as I'd like - specifically with other musicians. So, in a moment of weakness I answered the local ad I imagine you've seen 1000 times: established band needs bass player blah blah blah. Now to clarify I don't want to quit my main gig - merely stretch my legs so to speak and continue to improve.

Thinking on the talkbass bible I thought of what I would need from this new jam opportunity to make it work for me - Remembering you need 2 of 3 of these:

#1 - thou shalt stay for the music: Check! Mega talented group. 1 seasoned pro. Totally hot lead singer with a great voice. The drummer even kept up!
#2 - thou shalt stay for the pay: Nope! No gigs till next summer. Weekly rehearsals till then. This will cost me a bit before any returns possible.
#3 - thou shalt stay for the hang: Ok this is where it gets weird. Turns out the drummer was previously in a band with the LS of my current main gig. Apparently this ended poorly. The drummer is somewhat awkward about this.

So I really don't know how to score this. It kinda looks like a 1 out of 3 = no gig! However there was real chemistry musically (or so I think) here - that 1 jam sounded really really good.

C'mon talkbass - what say you? Score is low so focus on main gig?? Score is high so time to spread your wings???
Click to expand...
No gigs for about 6 months? Weekly rehearsals? Seems like more of a social club than a band.

Why can't they gig during the winter/spring?
 
  • Like
Reactions: lfmn16
#4
charlie monroe said:
Tell the drummer that you don't care about whatever beef he had with your LS.

Does this Scratch your itch for playing, or is it gigging that you really crave?
Click to expand...

Nailed it on the first post!

Just tell the drummer his history and your history have nothing to do with this project. Then do a bro hug or a fist bump or.... something. (Just don't point and wink. That's weird.)
George-Costanza-Point-Wink-On-Seinfeld.gif


If this gets it done for you musically, and you can get around the drummer's "awkwardness", go for it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mr_Moo, McG and Jimmy4string
#7
I guess I'd want to know why no gigs until next summer and will the band survive until then. I would certainly enjoy playing with strong musicians, but sure don't get why that situation would take 6-8 months to get in front of people. Unless the issue is that it just takes that long to break into your market (ie every place is booked through May - in which case patience is required), this would be a concern of mine.

I would blow off the new drummer awkwardness with you being in a band with his ex LS - has no bearing on anything - unless you foresee a situations where the two groups are gigging together and even then, it shouldn't be anything that can't be sorted out.

It kind of comes down to what you want - gigs or playing music. IF you don't care about gigs, check it out. If want gigs, this could be a long road to disappointment.

Be square with your current band - "I'm not jumping ship, but you guys aren't keeping me busy, so I'm looking for a second project" kind of notice if you do decide to stray. If they have issues with that, then you need to make choices.

I think I'd be inclined to give it 30 days or so and see if the first date magic wears off, or if it gets better. You say you're looking to play more and this fills your tank.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mr_Moo and 12BitSlab
#8
Need publicity? Auction off your band on local PBS. Well, auction off a "free" performance.
Back in 1980s, my band did that. In addition to the recorded "advertisement" we got interviewed.

The winners of our auction were getting married so we played their reception. Best of all, they were wedding planners and referred us to their new clients.
KA-ching.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mr_Moo
#9
BassCliff said:
Hi,

Will word get back to your "main" gig? Will this cause problems? Regardless, weekly rehearsals for months is not for me. It seems gigs are definitely lacking and, if that many rehearsals are required, possibly skill sets or work ethics are lacking.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
Click to expand...
Just my opinion, but you shouldn't be out looking for additional opportunities without letting your main band know. You need to be upfront with both bands. How will you handle conflicts? What if your booked with one band and a "super" opportunity comes up for the other? If you don't work it all out up front, it's going to get messy.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mr_Moo
#10
Really helpful suggestions and thoughts - thanks a million talkbass tribe! My biggest takeaway so far is being upfront with myself and my bandmates. To that end I answered the common theme question listed above on the thread. What is it I'm looking for? What it is that I'm really looking for is gigs and that moment maybe where everything is perfect live - dont want to sound cheesy but experiencing something transcendent is the end. My main band isn't tracking with learning sets and booking gigs atm. I dont forsee this changing with writing and recording next on agenda. I'm just sick of being stuck on the shelf. Great players this group has but disorganized and unfocused seems to be operating hazards.
As for the second band. Great players and instant chemistry. I guess this has me wondering what could become of it. Like maybe the ultimate goal would be more easily achieved with suitable change of personalities and drive. This group seems hyper focused. Very attractive from a development perspective. I think the answer moving forward is obvious.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BassCliff
#11
The drummer's issues with the other LS has absolutely nothing to do with you.

Weekly rehearsals for 6 months before the first gig could work out really well. I did something similar a few years back and it turned into a super tight band of good friends that made great music and pretty good money once we started gigging. The band ended and most of us are still great friends and get together regularly. The "hang" wasn't really there at first but it definitely became the best and longest lasting part of it.

I recommend giving it a shot.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mr_Moo

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back