Why Some Musicians Don't Gig

[Brad Johnson]

I was in a similar situation this spring, subbing for this group that rehearsed and played on the complete other side of the Denver metro area - it was a 50 mile one way drive to rehearsals. The gigs were up there too, and these guys were making so little that they might have come out of pocket to pay my $100 fee once or twice. If I were relying on music for income, it would have been nonsensical.

In other news, though, I do think it is harder to grow musically without playing together with other musicians. Sort of a "the bullets are live" thing.

Absolutely. There's nothing like learning in a live situation where the only thing you truly control is yourself. Do it right and you can get a much better grasp of what it takes to work effectively in an ensemble. Or you could remain oblivious and just be another problem for others.

 

[bluewine]

Excuse me oh great working musician.

Forgive me for suggesting that someone of your magnitude would enjoy some musical collaboration.

I think you might have taken my message out of context.

I am an average bass player at best
Jamming an improv I'm not very good with that sort of thing.

 

[guy n. cognito]

I am paid to entertain and I love it
It's one of the reasons I do this.

At least you realize it's not for you. However if your spin on this is " Dance Monkey Dance" then you really don't understand the business.

Actually, I think the phrase "dance monkey dance" EXACTLY describes the cover band business. Put another way, play what they want you to play, with a smile on your face.

Russ, you're probably the last one here that should be lecturing anyone on the "business."

 

[Brad Johnson]

Gotta go with Blue on this one.

In a cover band, you are either playing what the bar audience wants to hear or you aren't playing long.

Even in an original project, if you are the only person moved by the music you make, you will generally be stuck rehearsing in the basement with the cat as your audience.

This is life.

And we're seeing real time examples of why some people don't gig.

I've never gotten the dancing monkey vibe from an audience. That's even on musical wallpaper type gigs... there's usually someone listening intently who appreciates what we're doing. And who envies a dancing monkey or wants to talk with them during a break or after a show. The monkey just goes back in it's cage.


In any event a gig typically isn't about you. That's hard for some folks to deal with.

 

[spade2you]

And we're seeing real time examples of why some people don't gig.

Exactly.

 

[nortonrider]

And we're seeing real time examples of why some people don't gig.

What was the title of this thread again?

 

[bluewine]

Actually, I think the phrase "dance monkey dance" EXACTLY describes the cover band business. Put another way, play what they want you to play, with a smile on your face.

Russ, you're probably the last one here that should be lecturing anyone on the "business."

I am not lecturing, I'm in the cover camp he's in the creative camp and not into the commercial side of the business.

 

[bluewine]

And we're seeing real time examples of why some people don't gig.

I've never gotten the dancing monkey vibe from an audience. That's even on musical wallpaper type gigs... there's usually someone listening intently who appreciates what we're doing. And who envies a dancing monkey or wants to talk with them during a break or after a show. The monkey just goes back in it's cage.


In any event a gig typically isn't about you. That's hard for some folks to deal with.

+1

 

[roden]

I want to Gig or atleast play infront of a audience just be able to measurment my proggress/skill level in the context of a live show...(stage fright etc)
Got atleast 1-3 Shows planned for next years (january-Feb.)
Excited about it havent actually played live since forever, but then only to mostly Yes-sayers...

 

[bluewine]

I want to Gig or atleast play infront of a audience just be able to measurment my proggress/skill level in the context of a live show...(stage fright etc)
Got atleast 1-3 Shows planned for next years (january-Feb.)
Excited about it havent actually played live since forever, but only to mostly Yes-sayers...

Go for it, you will do fine.

You seem like you want more out of you're playing abilitues than the feed back you'd get sitting in the bedroom playing

 

[BobaFret]

I respect your position, however I disagree.

Playing what the people want to hear isn't what just works for me. It's the protocol for all working cover bands.

And when I say covers I mean classic rock, not God Smack.

I didn't know the context was just straight cover bands. In that case I totally agree. I'm really only in it now for the musical aspects. Anyway you approach music is the right way IMO, just as long as you are approaching it. Music good.

I will admit I do get the itch to play out but my kids take care of that quickly.

 

[drpepper]

I am a working musician/ live performance. I don't jam

 

[bluewine]

I didn't know the context was just straight cover bands. In that case I totally agree. I'm really only in it now for the musical aspects. Anyway you approach music is the right way IMO, just as long as you are approaching it. Music good.

I will admit I do get the itch to play out but my kids take care of that quickly.

Your kids will be adults like mine someday and you will still have years to play out if you want.

 

[bluewine]

Absolutely. There's nothing like learning in a live situation where the only thing you truly control is yourself. Do it right and you can get a much better grasp of what it takes to work effectively in an ensemble. Or you could remain oblivious and just be another problem for others.

Exactly make a few huge mistakes, you start sweating you feel so awkward. All you can think after all
is said and done:

"I'm never going to let that happen again "

It only happens live, not in the bedroom.

 

[DougD]

For over ten years, I didn't gig, because people who drink in clubs tend to be idiots; club owners tend to be evil as hell; you can't just play whatever you want; the music industry attracts flakes and mean people; I could go on and on, and yet I gig.

Maybe we should post a thread about what is wrong with those of us who DO gig!

+100000

 

[bluewine]

And we're seeing real time examples of why some people don't gig.

I've never gotten the dancing monkey vibe from an audience. That's even on musical wallpaper type gigs... there's usually someone listening intently who appreciates what we're doing. And who envies a dancing monkey or wants to talk with them during a break or after a show. The monkey just goes back in it's cage.


In any event a gig typically isn't about you. That's hard for some folks to deal with.

Agreed. I don't think the monkey dance comment was sincere, it just doesn't make any sense.

 

[Baron Von Vik]

I have come to the realization that even though I enjoy making music, I am not an entertainer.
Being up on stage to me is like being on exhibit. "Dance Monkey, Dance".
I don't really care if I ever do it again.

Too bad. I like it, probably because I am a monkey at heart... and I like hearing drunk women go "Woooo!"
I also like to play music that makes people happy, cause it makes me happy seeing it. And I like laying down a groove with a band of guys that feel it. So there it is.

Also, I'd like to state for the record that I am a bluewine fan. Go Blue!

 

[bluewine]

Too bad. I like it, probably because I am a monkey at heart... and I like hearing drunk women go "Woooo!"
I also like to play music that makes people happy, cause it makes me happy seeing it. And I like laying down a groove with a band of guys that feel it. So there it is.

Also, I'd like to state for the record that I am a bluewine fan. Go Blue!

Thanks

How can any musician not enjoy seeing a crowd get off on your performance?

 

[nortonrider]

Agreed. I don't think the monkey dance comment was sincere, it just doesn't make any sense.

I'm Totally sincere.

The times that I have been up on stage (granted not as many times as a lot of you) I felt as if I was on display, like I was being critiqued.
No one has ever actually said to me: Dance monkey!, that's just my perception I guess. Kinda like: "so..... your up there to entertain me - do it!"

Now, like I said earlier, I am not an entertainer. I don't like attention, I don't want to be in the spotlight.
I must not need the affirmation from others to be happy. Getting my ego stroked isn't what floats my boat.

That said,,,, it doesn't mean that I don't like making music. I totally enjoy playing. I consider myself a musician, not any better than you and certainly not worse.

The question was asked: "why not?" I told you why I don't.

 

[guy n. cognito]

I'm Totally sincere.

The times that I have been up on stage (granted not as many times as a lot of you) I felt as if I was on display, like I was being critiqued.
No one has ever actually said to me: Dance monkey!, that's just my perception I guess. Kinda like: "so..... your up there to entertain me - do it!"

Now, like I said earlier, I am not an entertainer. I don't like attention, I don't want to be in the spotlight.
I must not need the affirmation from others to be happy. Getting my ego stroked isn't what floats my boat.

That said,,,, it doesn't mean that I don't like making music. I totally enjoy playing. I consider myself a musician, not any better than you and certainly not worse.

The question was asked: "why not?" I told you why I don't.

Don't worry about Blue. He is excessively opinionated, and very "black and white." He's a bit infamous around here......