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Why do you like to play?

What’s MOST important to you - performing, making money, or playing music you lik

  • Being on Stage (the high from performing)

    Votes: 78 36.3%

  • Making Money (show me the money).

    Votes: 9 4.2%

  • Because you like writing/creating music.

    Votes: 97 45.1%

  • Because you like making music as a hobby

    Votes: 31 14.4%
  • Total voters
    215
#84
I like to play music because it is my passion. I like to write and create music. I've written music with my first side-project temptation's wings and my new band retro master. these bands do have a certain concept. even though the music of these bands have similar influences. I do have different ideas of song writing. and figuring that the songs I wrote at the time may not be suitable for the previous bands I play in, I've decided to start my own band. however, I write new songs for my brother's band when my brother and I use to play in a band. it's a shame that the band members in my brother's band(mostly the drummer) didn't take a chance on the songs that I came up with. but at least my brother appreciates the work that I've done. it's kind of a long story on why they didn't take a chance on the songs I've came up with, but other than that, I enjoy writing and creating music. here are my bands.

Temptation's wings
www.facebook.com/twchicago
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
www.soundclick.com/temptationswings

Retro master
www.facebook.com/retromastermusic
www.reverbnation.com/retromaster
www.soundclick.com/retromaster

Feel free to check them out. if you like what you hear from these bands, like us, become a fan, and tell your friends about my bands. and here's my brother's band in case anyone is wondering.

I.A.M.B
www.facebook.com/iambchicago
 
#85
Because I'm an American. It the american way , **** where you from a third world country.lolol I couldn't help making that boondocks reference lol. But truly I like writing music. I hate HATE doing covers and when i do them I improv over them cause why not
 
#88
Why do you like to play?

Because the doctor said my dingus will fall off if I don't........

All kidding aside, it's the only thing that has followed me throughout my life, love the toys,
I like the camaraderie, and even after 45 year in the biz, I'm still amazed we get paid for doing something that's so much fun.

Helps keep me sane
 
#89
Bassquest said:
I voted being on stage, the high. There isn't anything like it. It's not the ego thing but just knowing someone is enjoying what you are doing is satisfying.
Click to expand...

This.
It's what I do best, so I like to kind of show it off I guess.
It's great fun making good music with friends.

As far as 'making money' goes, this biz is a really poor investment.
I reckon I've spent well over $10,000 on gear, and the pay around here is pretty much the same as it was in the 1970s, so it's pretty dumb to think any of us around here are making a profit, except in experience.
 
#91
Because it gives this old guy something to do.....but all in a good way!

Music has always stirred something in me in a way that nothing else could. Even during very long periods of not being involved with playing live (once for 10 years and once for 12 years) I always played because I love it. Did a lot of writing/recording at home a few years ago when I was laid off for 14 months and it was very liberating. One day I'd love to get back into writing but for now there's a few other priorities that need tending to. But I do play at a local club on Thursday's, once every three weeks at church and it's all good!

I'll tell ya one thing.....I think playing an instrument helps to keep you mentally healthy. I'm now 60 years old and I REFUSE to fall into the trap of rotting on the couch in front of the TV every night like so many of my age do.
 
#92
FWIW: There was thread on FB posted by MF that asked what is the worse and best part about gigging, and it seems most said the worse part about gigging is the "load in/out/setup/breakdown, and transporting equipment" and the best part of gigging is "performing" - in other words, "the high".

Thanks to all who commented here so far and for voting. :)
 
#93
Mike M. said:
Because it gives this old guy something to do.....but all in a good way!

Music has always stirred something in me in a way that nothing else could. Even during very long periods of not being involved with playing live (once for 10 years and once for 12 years) I always played because I love it. Did a lot of writing/recording at home a few years ago when I was laid off for 14 months and it was very liberating. One day I'd love to get back into writing but for now there's a few other priorities that need tending to. But I do play at a local club on Thursday's, once every three weeks at church and it's all good!

I'll tell ya one thing.....I think playing an instrument helps to keep you mentally healthy. I'm now 60 years old and I REFUSE to fall into the trap of rotting on the couch in front of the TV every night like so many of my age do.
Click to expand...

I'm 60 and I'm still out there every weekend doing 9-1 bar/club gigs , fairs and festivals.

For me playin bass in a working rock band is the only thing in life where I feel I half way know what I'm doing.

Off Topic;

Had my first TBer come out to a show last night. very cool.

Blue
 
#98
Some nice thoughts here which also shed light on why certain occupations will never pay very well for most participants - there are simply too many folks willing to do it for free or for starvation wages...because it is its own reward.


BrewsterRooster said:
First time I ever sat with a band, I couldn't believe the rush I got out of just bottom-lining some simple rock stuff from that time (REO, Rush - many of us remember well). I knew I wanted to play bass just from listening intently to my favorite songs, but didn't completely know why until I jumped in and did it. I basically understood the role filled by the instrument, but once I felt that power in a real-time musical situation, I understood completely why I needed to be doing this. The sensation was like chowing incessantly on steak and potatoes but never getting full, or like having an endless supply of some really good drug with no negative side effects.

Time passed and I came to think the girls, the money, and the adulation were pretty cool. I loved being on stage and getting that audience feedback. Then I discovered there was satisfaction to be had in a good studio session, and then discovered the satisfaction of writing and hearing some of my own stuff come to life...the dimensions just kept building.

Then somewhere along the way, I grew up and realized for myself that all of these great attributes revolved around the fact that music is a universal language. It exists in a place that's a little higher than ourselves. It's translated and rendered through musicians, but it's everybody's gift. Once I got that in perspective and kicked the ego completely out of the equation, it ceased to ever be a "me" thing again. It's an open-invitation magic carpet ride, and these days I just like seeing how many people I can encourage to hop on. I challenge myself and my fellow musicians to do that with our playing, and when we're doing it right, everybody in earshot is on board. That communal aspect of music is priceless.

Yeah, yeah...kum-ba-yah or whatever...but dig it. Music is about the best thing humanity has going for it. I voted "create and make music" because it is it's own reward. Musicians are conduits, and along with musical aptitude comes a very tangible responsibility to develop and use it for everybody's benefit.
Click to expand...
 
#99
My main motivation is to get out and play gigs, I really enjoy being out there doing my thing, interacting with a crowd, and doing my part to ensure that everyone has a good time, including my bandmates.

Probably a close second is that I enjoy the challenge. I've done a lot of things at a competitive level in my life and I enjoy being able to do something that a lot of other people don't do. I've been around music (which I love, all kinds) and live performers my whole life, so it just kinda naturally evolved into me playing in a band, and wanting to be up on stage. Good or not, part of my reason for playing is to say that I can.

I also enjoy meeting new people. Musicians are some of the strangest, most complex, and most interesting people I know. I really enjoy being around these kinds of people. Knowing them, and making music, is a great way to connect with people and have something in your life that is tough to put a value on.
 

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