A raging rant about clueless "musicians" - Page 5

Stratcat77 · #61 11-13-2019, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Doug

This is why I don't play in bands anymore.

This is it.

leew3 · #62 11-13-2019, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

Keys to professionalism, 101. (This list goes to ELEVEN)

1. Show up on time. Actually, early is on time, on time is late, and late is "you're never getting called again."
2. Know the music you are supposed to play, and the style that it is to be played in.
3. Rehearsing is for working out kinks, not learning songs. Learn the songs before rehearsal.
4. Have equipment that works and backups if needed.
5. Bring your own extension cord and power strip. If anything you use takes batteries, have extras.
6. Play to serve the music. When it's your turn to lead, LEAD. When it's your turn to accompany, make the other players sound better.
7. Check attitude at door. Nobody cares if you had a bad day.
8. Don't drink before or during a job. A gig is a job.
9. Be a good bandmate. Help the drummer load in/out. Let all stringed instruments tune with the same tuner.
10. Be flexible. If the singer has a sore throat and needs you to play a song a step lower, don't whine about it. Be prepared.
11. If you say you're a professional, act like one.

You'd be dang amazed how hard it is to find people who live by these rules, but once you play with people who do, you'll never go back.

Nailed it. Thanks Jeff, I think we're finally done here!

Slothead56 · #63 11-13-2019, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleJesse

Nowadays I'm not so picky about what I play. I've even played the trifecta: Brown-Eyed Girl, Mustang Sally, and Sweet Home Alabama (together with Werewolves of London, but still). I still refuse to play Wagon Wheel.

I’ve decided to make the ultimate sacrifice and play Take Me Home Country Roads next week. It’s an older crowd, but still.....

rmp · #64 11-14-2019, 05:51 AM

I like most of this thread..

I've been to many-a-rodeo's.. At this point, heading for 63, and having been at this since I was in high school, I wont even consider working with other people who I do not know and trust their work ethics.

mr. beaumont post is THE set of rules that would make life a lot easier if everyone followed them.

This is why so many of us just head in the direction of a solo performer. It made my life a lot less complicated...

lkingston · #65 11-14-2019, 08:05 AM

I've enjoyed this thread. The disconnect between artist songlists and what audiences want to hear is just a natural consequence of not gigging.

I remember years ago, my girlfriend at the time and I put together a duo. We put together a songlists of driving rock and dance music that we liked, and we're immediately booked in a series of rooms where our setlist was completely inappropriate. She was very talented, but she was a rocker who for the most part hated mellow music. Our solution was to do a bunch of jazz standards which both we and our audiences liked.

When you are booked in a place, you have to play music that the audience enjoys or you'll lose the job. No matter how much you try to anticipate what that might be, what does and doesn't go over will have some surpriees. Right now there are very few gigs in most areas, and as a result, bands are stuck in dreaming mode, with no idea of what an actual audience wants.

rmp · #66 11-14-2019, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkingston

When you are booked in a place, you have to play music that the audience enjoys or you'll lose the job. No matter how much you try to anticipate what that might be, what does and doesn't go over will have some surpriees. Right now there are very few gigs in most areas, and as a result, bands are stuck in dreaming mode, with no idea of what an actual audience wants.

THIS...

The fact is we're getting paid to entertain the people at the place that hired you. If we show up loaded up with songs WE love to play, chances are no one's going to get what you're playing.

People know what they like, and... they like what they know.

If they want to hear CCR songs, then maybe try PLAY a few Creedence tunes?

KevWind · #67 11-14-2019, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmp

THIS...

The fact is we're getting paid to entertain the people at the place that hired you. If we show up loaded up with songs WE love to play, chances are no one's going to get what you're playing.

People know what they like, and... they like what they know.

If they want to hear CCR songs, then maybe try PLAY a few Creedence tunes?

Good point , because if you don't play what people like to hear, you may indeed end up seeing a Bad Moon Rising

rmp · #68 11-14-2019, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevWind

Good point , because if you don't play what people like to hear, you may indeed end up seeing a Bad Moon Rising

yep and you'll be up Green River with no paddle....

(We could go on here ya know..)

KevWind · #69 11-14-2019, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmp

yep and you'll be up Green River with no paddle....

(We could go on here ya know..)

Yesser-y ,,,, much like seeing it Rain on a Sunny Day
oh boy corn pone is blooming

Ok back to our regularly scheduled program

mr. beaumont · #70 11-14-2019, 09:09 AM

Hey, if you got gigs with audiences, count yourself as fortunate, son.

RedJoker · #71 11-14-2019, 09:50 AM

This is an interesting discussion but something just jumped out at me. There is a lot of discussion about performers that need to understand that they need to play what the audience wants to hear and not their originals. I'm not sure that's always true. For a bar gig, maybe, but I've NEVER bought a ticket or even gone to a venue specifically to hear someone play covers. Have you?

reeve21 · #72 11-14-2019, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedJoker

For a bar gig, maybe, but I've NEVER bought a ticket or even gone to a venue specifically to hear someone play covers. Have you?

Yes, I have. I enjoy several local guys who play covers and some of the touring tribute bands. The level of musicianship is very high in both cases. Folks like us who play are a lot more open to unfamiliar music than the average person, who just wants to go out for a fun night and maybe sing along on a few tunes.

rmp · #73 11-14-2019, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

Hey, if you got gigs with audiences, count yourself as fortunate, son.

all good... until someday never comes..

KevWind · #74 11-14-2019, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

Hey, if you got gigs with audiences, count yourself as fortunate, son.

But even if your name is Mary, you can still be proud.

RedJoker · #75 11-14-2019, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reeve21

Yes, I have. I enjoy several local guys who play covers and some of the touring tribute bands. The level of musicianship is very high in both cases. Folks like us who play are a lot more open to unfamiliar music than the average person, who just wants to go out for a fun night and maybe sing along on a few tunes.

I'm glad you pointed out that the musicianship can be very high because, though I didn't say it, I completely agree with you and didn't mean to imply otherwise. Thanks!