Id not ego

[Nicko]

Bounced off this thread [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/276750-missing-my-mojo/"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/276750-missing-my-mojo/[/url], got me wondering why we actually do what we do.

I never wanted to be a bass player, but I find it very rewarding being in a band and making a contribution. Its something I never felt I could do as a guitarist but I like to think I'm a pretty good bass player. I'ts great when someone pays me a compliment, whether its a member of the band, or a punter saying that the band was awessome. I need to be part of something other people think is awesome. Some people would say this is ego. I think its a more basic need. I play because my Id demands it.

[Phil Adams]

I never wanted to be a bass player.....
I wanted to be a LUMBERJACK

[mingsta]

Not ego at all.

You want to be PART of something that people think is awesome. Now if you'd said you wanted everyone to think YOU were awesome, that's a different matter.

Gross generalisation here, but I'd imagine that most bass players in gigging bands are good team players, who take satisfaction in a good team performance rather than personal glory. I know I've done my job if the music grooved and everyone was dancing. The reality is that only other band members or a select few punters will appreciate a tight rhythm section, but that's fine by me.

I only went out and bought a bass because my mates wanted to start a band when we were 15 and that was the only slot available. But since then, my association with the instrument has heavily influenced how I listen to and appreciate music so its now hardwired in to me and I can't imagine playing any other instrument (though if I had the time, I'd love to learn a bit of drums and guitar to make me a more knowledgable bass player).

[Nicko]

[quote name='mingsta' timestamp='1452694468' post='2952501']
Not ego at all.

You want to be PART of something that people think is awesome. Now if you'd said you wanted everyone to think YOU were awesome, that's a different matter.

Gross generalisation here, but I'd imagine that most bass players in gigging bands are good team players, who take satisfaction in a good team performance rather than personal glory. I know I've done my job if the music grooved and everyone was dancing. The reality is that only other band members or a select few punters will appreciate a tight rhythm section, but that's fine by me.

I only went out and bought a bass because my mates wanted to start a band when we were 15 and that was the only slot available. But since then, my association with the instrument has heavily influenced how I listen to and appreciate music so its now hardwired in to me and I can't imagine playing any other instrument (though if I had the time, I'd love to learn a bit of drums and guitar to make me a more knowledgable bass player).
[/quote]

I agree, but I think you missed my point. I don't play bass cos I like it, I play bass because the side effects are a basic need.

[mingsta]

No, I got it. I was giving my own experience. I'd imagine that many of us fell in to bass playing, as opposed to Guitar or Vocals which is more of a calling. I've come to love the bass, but totally get that for some its just an enabler to be part of something, and it could just as easily be another instrument.

[ahpook]

[quote name='Nicko' timestamp='1452693241' post='2952489']
Some people would say this is ego. I think its a more basic need. I play because my Id demands it.
[/quote]

Aaaah, but your ego decides how much of your id comes out !

[Cameronj279]

I originally started because it looked fun.

I often have days where I just can't be arsed playing. The reasons I still play are because it's the only thing I'm half decent at and every so often I have a little streak where I absolutely love it and want to do nothing else. I've never had that feeling with anything else before.

[SteveK]

From the moment we learn joined up thinking we seek approval. We all seek it... some more than others. Perfectly normal.

[Subbeh]

I play bass because I love doing it but I think I gravitated toward it (subconsciously at least) because it allows me to make music without being in the spotlight. I am phobic about being in photos to an embarrassing degree (having wedding photos taken was beyond traumatic) and also hate playing live but they're a by product of doing the thing I love so I suppose I have to put up with that.

Just providing a solid foundation for the bands I play with gives me a buzz I've not been able to find anywhere else.

[mingsta]

[quote name='SteveK' timestamp='1452701241' post='2952594']
From the moment we learn joined up thinking we seek approval. We all seek it... some more than others. Perfectly normal.
[/quote]

Apart from those of us who are married. We spend most of our time trying to avoid the need for approval!!!

[rogerstodge]

I love playing bass but can't be arsed with bands even tho I'm in two of 'em, why do I do it then? I dunno??

[YouMa]

I find music very powerful,i always turn to her,im quite soft and lovey dovey but groovy and funky in personality when im happy i have been told.When i heard all the emotion in disco music i would compartmentalise certain phrases which just made the hairs on my arms stand up,they are very different but when i think about it the cure and bernard edwards were the people that made me fall for bass so much.I think girls like blokes who play music and are passionate and i like females alot too so that was a big factor ,plus im a huge showoff.

Edited January 13, 2016 by YouMa

[Bikenbass]

[quote name='Phil Adams' timestamp='1452693609' post='2952495']
I never wanted to be a bass player.....
I wanted to be a LUMBERJACK
[/quote]

I thought you were so rugged!!!