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Would you Continue?
- Thread starter baddarryl
- Start date
The punk band sounds like a fun project, where you can branch out into playing original songs. Most groups in that music genre play no more than an hour live set.
Sounds like there isn't much investment, and isn't much to loose. Do it until it isn't fun. I've been in a series of imploding bands and have spent the last few years mainly practicing alone to get getter. I fill my down time with learning to read, theory, etc. I'm doing Ariane Cap's Bass Theory course now...good stuff.
I think you know the answer. I picked up with an oldies band not far back after wanting out of playing country. Great guys, good players but the music didn’t speak to me.
The drummer had health issues and he too had to take breaks during simple practices. I just felt between the music and drummer it was not for me so I resigned after a few practices. There’s no need to continue on and hope for change sometimes.
The drummer had health issues and he too had to take breaks during simple practices. I just felt between the music and drummer it was not for me so I resigned after a few practices. There’s no need to continue on and hope for change sometimes.
I can see how this would be fun.
Here is my take;
I agree THIS permutation of this band is going nowhere. Damaged drummer is doomed, and revolving guitars. That said...
Go into this with the idea that this is a "project" and it is YOUR project.
- You are learning the tunes
- You are finding what you want/don't
- You are having fun while/when you do play
Meanwhile, keep upgrading. I hate doing that...but for a while it will beat quitting or starting over fresh.
Here is my take;
I agree THIS permutation of this band is going nowhere. Damaged drummer is doomed, and revolving guitars. That said...
Go into this with the idea that this is a "project" and it is YOUR project.
- You are learning the tunes
- You are finding what you want/don't
- You are having fun while/when you do play
Meanwhile, keep upgrading. I hate doing that...but for a while it will beat quitting or starting over fresh.
Your first paragraph puts into perspective what I deal with. We may likely be a generation removed from each other, but your position nailed it.
I tried other local opportunities but, lack of chemistry (1st) between all band members...and lack of playing for other than tips locally, failed to provide the alternative.
You stated that you would rather play for yourself than for crowds. I am of the same ilk.
When I first started, it was more socially oriented. I really liked the music that I could play for my peers. It was a way of belonging.
Now, there is little about modern, to-date American popular music that I find embraceable.
If you really love music and love to play you'll carry on and find your niche.
I came to the city I live in now from a small town where every weekend people would gather in someone's house and play music. they were almost all guitar player but one had an amp and if he was hosting I'd bring my bass down there and play. In fact I had no electricity in my cabin so I left my bass there too.
Eventually friends and I put together a top 40 band. This was the 70s so we actually made money playing bars and dances and events. Fast forward to the 1980s and I moved to the city. Had a heckuva time finding like-minded people. It was tough. Met some musicians and started attending parties but all the so-called musicians was stand aorund and talk about being musicians. Nobody dug out an instrument and played.
Eventually connect with folks and played in a rockabilly Blasters type band for a while, then met a singer-songwriter and played on and off with him for 25 years. Meanwhile I played with various other outfits from a white ska-type band, a jazzabilly singer gal, a couple western swing outfits and a honky tonk country band. Until Covid I was playing with some jazz chart guys and a old-time country jam group too.
You're 20? I'm 47 years older. Like I said, you'll find a niche. Don't get discouraged just because your current project is fizzling or dying.
I came to the city I live in now from a small town where every weekend people would gather in someone's house and play music. they were almost all guitar player but one had an amp and if he was hosting I'd bring my bass down there and play. In fact I had no electricity in my cabin so I left my bass there too.
Eventually friends and I put together a top 40 band. This was the 70s so we actually made money playing bars and dances and events. Fast forward to the 1980s and I moved to the city. Had a heckuva time finding like-minded people. It was tough. Met some musicians and started attending parties but all the so-called musicians was stand aorund and talk about being musicians. Nobody dug out an instrument and played.
Eventually connect with folks and played in a rockabilly Blasters type band for a while, then met a singer-songwriter and played on and off with him for 25 years. Meanwhile I played with various other outfits from a white ska-type band, a jazzabilly singer gal, a couple western swing outfits and a honky tonk country band. Until Covid I was playing with some jazz chart guys and a old-time country jam group too.
You're 20? I'm 47 years older. Like I said, you'll find a niche. Don't get discouraged just because your current project is fizzling or dying.
how many non-headlining punk band play even close to an hour? 20 minutes, get yer crap off the stage (floor) so the next band can setup
If it's frustrating, quit. I value my time more than anything and always ask myself, "Is there something else I could do with this time?" Doesn't even have to be music related. I might just wanna play Assassin's Creed more.
Everyone values their time differently. For me, if I had a chance to play punk covers once and awhile, I'd do it, even without the prospect of gigs. I have other bands for that that I know will play out once things open up, country and the like (all that gets play where I am).
Also, I'm a punk and I definitely know who Steve Harris is and emulate his style often, in all genres. But it sounds like these guys barely left the first wave of punk.
Do whatcha gotta. Punk is the one genre I'd play regardless of gigs, but I still wouldn't put so much time in it that it took away from other endeavors.
[QUOTE="MichelD, post: 25073870,
You're 20?.[/QUOTE]
Not sure where that came from. I am 53. That's why I want to play what's fun!!
You're 20?.[/QUOTE]
Not sure where that came from. I am 53. That's why I want to play what's fun!!
This DK song may not require a ton of skill for some, but it is a lot of fun to play on bass. Isn't that what it's all about?
This Damned song requires a little more skill
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Not sure where that came from. I am 53. That's why I want to play what's fun!![/QUOTE]
Sorry, I must read that in someone else's post. Oops.
Hahaha - I hear you. We have that challenge occasionally when the younger kiddies (< 40) get in the band. Still clutching those dreams of stardom, endless energy, etc.
Me? I like to camp, hunt, and go on vacations too! I have worked har, earned it, and have the vacation time and money!!!!
but of course this quote is from a movie set in the early 60s, when the business was very different. and of course the person getting the advice - drummer Guy Patterson - within a couple of days is no longer in the band and ends up, according to the epilogue, teaching jazz composition at a music conservatory. So even he pretty much realizes even back then that there was no real future in music in bands
but Del is correct in general. bands DO come and go. Just keep playing....but Del says nothing about making money...just watching your money so that you "land on your feet"
I think "The Fabulous Baker Boys" is even more realistic about what it's like to play music for a living. Neither of the Baker brothers has "ever had a day job in our lives." They've been living the dream (making a living on music), only its becoming less and less satisfying despite the fact that by adding Suzy Diamond, they've had more successful than ever. Jack Baker is pretty much a loser, living on the margins, and after he splits with his brother, goes back to playing jazz at a tiny, smoke-filled club...likely even more broke. Frank Baker realizes there is more money in teaching "Camp Town Races" to the kids in his neighborhood (eg, basic piano instruction) than playing night after night in clubs. so in the end, they both end up out of the circuit. we never really find out what happens to "Suzy Diamond" but she hints that she's doing commercials now and is probably no longer a "call girl" and no longer wants Jack (she calls him a coward essentially for playing with his brother in a cheesy, pop piano duo). she realizes he's a complete loser, going nowhere. Oh the revelations we have when the sweat dries..
and btw, I think Michelle Pfeiffer in this movie, in this era, would be ideal of the perfect woman, physically...wow...what a body, what a look. *fans himself*
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Thank you. I have a kid and a mortgage and an MS. But I get it. I have up the rockstar thing when I was 17. Would it be cool? Sure. Do I think it's gonna happen? No. Happy to play or, get paid, buy more gear, repeat. After my son was born last year I even have up on ever recording my originals. Just better musical endeavors.
But when I find fun, I do it.
I wasn't saying it as a put-down, I actually really like DK. I'm just stating it is a bit easier to find people to jam on Holiday in Cambodia than it is to find people to jam on Tarkus.
