Life as a working bassist

[bassist_lewis]

Just came across this article on notreble.com and thought I'd share it, very interesting to hear how it really works.

http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2013/08/28/life-as-a-working-bassist-where-does-the-money-come-from/

[lonestar]

That's great. A very thought provoking and interesting read thanks.
Mr. Bassist: may I call you Lewis ? !

Edited August 30, 2013 by lonestar

[bassist_lewis]

... you may

[skej21]

I like this. It's very honest.

When people talk to me and think its a great life they often get a shock when I explain its not. I've been to Russia, Germany, Holland, France, Spain, other European countries and the US playing and it pretty much looks the same. Hardly any time for sightseeing and most of what you see is in a dark venue, budget hotel room, service station or the airport...

Then there's the travelling during the night (so just street lights from a car window) or catching up on sleep when on the move. It's cramped, tiring, more routine than you expect and doesn't live up to the expectations you have when you say 'I'm flying to *insert exotic travel destination* for a gig'.

I wouldn't change it for the world but there's definitely a reason why they pay you at the end lol!

[risingson]

It really is a good article, truthful and probably accounting for a large percentage of bass players who do make their hobby their vocation.

[Dood]

It's a great article, but it's not an exhaustive list of what a musician can do to earn a living by any means. My own income streams are diverse yet all very much under the professional bassist banner. That said, it's good to give pointers to those who are maybe planning a career in music. One thing you'd be very foolish to do is to think that your life income will be from specialising in one area alone. 'Being a session musician' is just one example