blue

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1450741447' post='2935491'] I think 'Mission' is a bit grandiose. Maybe something like, 'Are you likely to stay together long enough to see a modicum of success?' may be more realistic. I think using business-speak and treating the whole thing as if it's a job interview (even though it may actually be a job) is probably counter-productive... most musicians I know regardless of genre, pro ability or whatever, tend to be a bit nuts in one way or another. I'd want to know how many gigs I'd be doing and how much I'd be paid, for sure. [/quote] You might be right about the business approach. I do this for a living. If I don't I'm done. Blue

[quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1450741628' post='2935496'] Generally what I'd like to know from potential bandmates is "how long do you practice for individually in-between rehearsals?" that gives me a good indication of how committed everyone else is, and how seriously they take the project. Another way to phrase this would be "how much time should I put in/do you expect of me between rehearsals?" [/quote] Another example of important questions. Blue

[quote name='alyctes' timestamp='1450741166' post='2935486'] How are decisions made? What are we trying to do? Who does the arrangements? Do I have to sing? [/quote] Good questions. Blue

[quote name='ahpook' timestamp='1450741227' post='2935488'] Are you any good for metal ? [/quote] I think you would know that before the 4 deal breaker questions. Blue

1.How many gigs did the band play in 2015? 2.How many dates will you play in 2016? 3.How long has the current line up been in place? 4.How will I be paid and when? Blue

Any context that will make your decision easier. I might ask for more detail on the bands mission statement and if they feel the mission is realistic? Blue

[quote name='seashell' timestamp='1444374341' post='2882589'] He said 'I loved that Song you did last night 'The Weight'. I'd never heard it before so I went home and googled it. Found out it was by The Band. Never heard of them before, so I found some more of their stuff. It's great, isn't it?' [/quote] I hope more young people discover more of the great bands and material from my generation. Blue

If you have done all the major homework on a working band you have received an offer from, what 4 questions would you ask to make sure your making the right decision? Blue

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1450616885' post='2934299'] Depends what you mean by "Festival". These days it seems 20 people & a crappy PA on a small patch of grass is classed as a festival. There are lots of these little local outdoor gigs where people don't get paid at all. [/quote] Milwaukee WI is known as "The City of festivals" Also home of Summerfest the world's largest music festival. Here festivals are a big deal and are run and promoted properly.They also hard to get booked into. Now there are some unpaid charity and benefit festivals and unfortunately these gigs are usually left to the origins bands Blue

[quote name='EliasMooseblaster' timestamp='1450614042' post='2934272'] If you're playing original material, as my band are, festivals seem to be a much more reliable punt than bar gigs and normal band nights in the UK. Without wanting to turn this into a long rant (and divert the thread even further!), it's almost as if festivals do a lot of tacit filtering, so the people who turn up are already those who'd be interested in checking out new artists, and they in turn assume that the organisers will have put some thought into the lineup and not just cobbled together four or five disparate bands based on the size of their Facebook following. [/quote] In the States festival & fairs are the better paying gigs as opposed to bars. And you usually only work for 1.5 hours. And they always provide sound and light. Blue

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1450530397' post='2933670'] Pub work here pays between £50 and £100 per man for your 2 hrs. I think it would be hard doing 3 of those a week...but not impossible, but there is no let up. That is £150-300 pw... so if you had a few lessons or another income that chipped in then you might do ok...depends what ok means to you... I doubt you'd get a mortgage on that, but you may be able to still make payments on an existing one. A friend of mine chucked everything in after his marriage broke down and decided to go full time. I know how busy he is and I also know he has a sideline but I wouldn't say he lives well.. But HE is happy, I think. How many times doe he makes £500 pw, ..?? well, he is self employed so he wont pay as much tax as a PAYE figure, but I think it is a long hard hussle to get that money week in-week out, 48 weeks a year... and he wont get paid for holidays. How fully legit/legal he is...probably akin to many Sparkies and builders..? But, most guys I know all struggle to a degree... except the guys who have blagged a world tour with a name outfit. After that, there is a raft of gigs where the guys will tour in fits and starts, but they'll still need a fun gig in a pub that can pay £80 each for top-ups.. but they can 'afford' to be a bit picky who and where they play. [/quote] The key is you have to love gigging with all it's ups and downs.And you have to hustle. Summers here in the Midwest can be decent with all the festival and fair work.Last Summer I always had about 6 bills in my wallet. We were playing 4 shows a week. Blue

[quote name='Naetharu' timestamp='1450467563' post='2933199'] I think it is perhaps the big hold back for a lot of folks. I'm not in a relationship now for the first time in about 15 years, and I actually have a bit of time to myself but even now I have enough commitments that I can't really just gig away as and when. I guess for me (and the others in my band) it is something along the lines of a 'boys night out' - its a chance to get together and do something interesting and creative distinct from domestic concerns. I doubt we'll ever made any real money doing it but that's certainly not something that worries us. [/quote] I think your scenario is quite common with and for a lot of guys and bands.It's still creative and fun but it's really about making money for us. I don't know when, but at some point this became a business for me. I don't make the kind of money I would at a 9-5 gig,however I'm a much happier person, playing in a band for a living. Blue

[quote name='interpol52' timestamp='1450390707' post='2932416'] I have gone through loads of Jaco phases in the last 20 years, each time I learn a bit more but I know I'm not gifted. He was, it's good enough for me just to pick up something new every time I listen. [/quote] Good point,the sad truth is these bass heroes invest a lot more into it than most of us.And I mean a whole lot more. And probably made sacrifices and took risks we were to afraid to take. And along with that the bass guitar comes to some people a lot easier than others. And then there are those born with a gift. Me, I've had to struggle and work hard for every note,every line,every riff and every lick. Blue

Does it say Crafted in Japan on the back of the neck? Blue

[quote name='odysseus' timestamp='1450306530' post='2931632'] I'm a member too. I haven't dedicated as much time as I could, but I will be doing from Feb onwards when I finish with the very busy band I'm currently in. He's got a great way of communicating, it's like having a mate over to give you some good pointers. Within the first couple of lessons I looked at, he cleared up some stuff that has been bugging me for years, like how chromatic approach notes work in walking basslines. I've had lessons locally in the past and nobody could tell me about that, and yet it's so simple when explained. SBL for me is a great resource. [/quote] The guy comes off as a very sincere and a smokin, knowledgeable bass guitarist.He's not the least bit pretentious. I get stuff out of his lessons even if I don't have a bass out and I'm just listening to him. Blue

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1450310100' post='2931678'] Absolutely love this. crisp staccato, percussive funky playing, possibly using just the tips of his fingers with chicken grease .. and his double stops. just amazing Jaco.[/quote] I remember when Heavy Weather was released. I almost gave up playing.After hearing Jaco, I was like; "What's the use" Blue

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1450274595' post='2931248'] There was a time when I really wanted this..... and then I realised it is VERY hard to get enough good gigs to pay for that... and it was then I decided to do something that paid me well and often and on time rather than convince myself I was 'making' it doing something I love. Two 'mates' (read guys I know) are currently on World tours and one of them will gross over a £1m but too many guys I know struggle to make £30k p.a...or even £20k and that is where the fun disappears, IMO, as I know they work pretty hard for that sort of money. 'Hard' means up and down the country for gigs... and this country would fit into most U.S states a few times over.. [/quote] It's hard and I struggle financially. However I did the 9-5 corporate thing For 28 years. Now it's time for my life on my terms doing something I love for a living for once in my life. I'd never go back to 9-5ing it. Blue

[quote name='Number6' timestamp='1449239377' post='2921872'] I can relate to this completely. Our band rehearse fairly regularly, we are mates (drummist is my brother) and we gig as frequently or infrequently as we want and normally just cover our costs. [/quote] That's great, but not for those of us that do this to pay the mortgage and utilities. Blue

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1450191682' post='2930414'] The trouble with covers is you have to play what the punters want to hear, or you end up with no work. How busy are you? You could stay in this band and join another playing songs you prefer... or join an originals band. Or form your own band... It's probably not a mid-life crisis unless you've already woken up naked in a skip. [/quote] Agreed 100%. Thing is,it seems like a lot of guys don't want a lot of work. I see more often then not." We only want to gig once or twice a month" Blue

[quote name='Nicko' timestamp='1450188111' post='2930372'] I'm becoming a little bit bored with the setlist. I like a lot of the songs on the our list to listen to and despise a few. Theres a few classic tracks too that are really not what I want to play but the punters seem to like them. [/quote] If your a real working band at the pub level it's always about what the punters get into. Were there to provide a service to them. I never bring songs that I like to my band. Only songs that fit the band and what I think will go over well with the punters. Blue

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1448880969' post='2918733'] Ignore the Elite and carry on with having fun and bringing pleasure to others; not a bad thing at all in current times, or any time, I'd say. There's still much to be wrung out of any and all 'standards', in whatever genre; they have become 'classics' in the same way as classical music. That's because they're popular, not because they're intellectually high faluting. Rock on, I say. [/quote] Agreed, nice post. Blue

[quote name='Geek99' timestamp='1448880484' post='2918728'] Give me a break - it's something he had written out already and I had just met the guy got the first time that night. I've been there about eight times now and it's the first blues I've heard I was feeling pretty good about this until now [/quote] You should feel good about, sounds like it was fun. I already took issue with this, " I don't like this and I don't like that" sentiment that is becoming prevalent on BC. Blue

[quote name='ubit' timestamp='1450170565' post='2930141'] I appear to have offended and I whole heartedly apologise, but as you say, it's for the enjoyment of everyone and I don't like listening to everyone doing blues classics over and over, which is why I avoid these things. If you guys like it, fair play, go and enjoy it Edit, I seem to have become a bit cynical in my old age after hearing songs like this done to death by countless bands. It just seems to be the staple of open mic nights. Again, I apologise. Everyone has differing tastes. [/quote] I'm am so glad I have sn appreciation for all genres after playing for close to 50 years. It's disappointing to see so many BC members with this "I don't like this and I don't Like that" perspective. I have played Johnny B Good hundreds of times and still would have fun with it st an open Mic. It's always different. I've been doing this long enough to where my attitude is "How can I make this fun" as opposed to "I don't like it" attitude. My band had 2 songs that were really a drag for me. I changed up my approach, position, my bass line and employed my MXR Bass Octave pedal. Now,those songs are my favorites to play. My point "I don't like it", what's it really worth? Blue

[quote name='ubit' timestamp='1448844683' post='2918602'] Johnny B Goode? This is why I avoid open mic nights. Sorry, but I just can't stand blues classics being re run over and over ! Bah humbug ! [/quote] I'm pretty sure Johnny B Good is more rock n roll than blues. You might dislike both. Blue

[quote name='timmo' timestamp='1449831011' post='2927238'] He was one of the most iconic figures in music at the time. Maybe not gifted bass wise, but most people knew who he was in the late 70's [/quote] Agreed Blue