General Music Chat

NOW this conversation is getting interesting..

And to quote Chippy, "I'll take a piss if I feel like taking a piss, eh?"

Fing bandmix Ghetto Especial To-Night! lol

I've been too lost in the religulous threads today -- how did I miss this one?!?!

I have left one opportunity to be signed -- the only offer I've had in a band, really. A band that I was in around 2002 or so. We funded our own small tour, drove around in a rented van, playing gigs that our rhythm guitar player had planned to coincide with the tour route and schedule. We got a little bit of recognition, and an offer was presented to us. Exciting, but the deal was a rip off. The rest of the band wanted to take it, not realizing that what they were signing bogus. I wish that I could remember all of the details; you guys would get a kick out of that piece!!

Anyway, I left the band because everyone else signed this bogus deal and ended up losing their pants (from what I've heard anyway).



As far as "making it" goes, I think that ANY level of professional success in music is making it. Jimmy made a good point -- most of us work and do music on the side. When you play music, are you getting paid? YOU MADE IT!! There are so many musicians out there playing every night, getting paid with "exposure." That is the biggest crock I've ever seen in the music industry. I want to get paid with "MONEY!!" I like doing sessions because it allows me the opportunity to play with some really great talent, add something to their music that they wouldn't have necessarily thought of, and have them pay me when I'm done. They end up loving what they hear (I haven't had a dissatisfied client yet), and I end up getting paid as a professional musician. I think that's pretty cool.

I have always thought of myself as a steppin stone artist to help other artists move on to bigger and better things. If they take me along for the ride, thats cool with me.

Where the f**k you been RGMIX, Everyones getting back to music here and I love your input about about mixes. I THINK You got some good ears. Good to hear from you!

NEVER. I may be absolutely nothing else in life, but I am loyal. My drummer has been with me through thick and thin. We're attached at the hip practically. I've had guitarists come into the band and want to split the band, usually taking me into another band. My drummer is not a heavy hitter. I won't even consider it. Now, the new guitarist has been with us a short time. And our harmonica player is brand new. It remains to be seen how loyal they will be, but I have high hopes that they are around for a good long time. I have been offered a number of different band positions over the years, some very tempting, some that I regret not taking, but my drummer is my best friend and that means more to me than anything else...so I stay put.

Arnel Pineda comes to mind. He once played in a "Journey" cover band. Well the "powers to be" saw Arnel singing on Youtube, with his band. This kid sounds just like Steven Perry and I guess Mr. Perry isn't interested in doing another Journey run. Well, Journey is back on the road with Arnel Pineda as Steven Perry's replacement. I just saw the band yesterday on the Early Show. They were showing previews all week and I thought the new member was Steve Perry. I kept thinking Wow, Steven Perry looks so young. This kids had his hair styled like Steven Perry's. Here is an example of the theme of this thread. If this kid was stupid enough to stay with the cover band, he doesn't deserve anymore that chump change.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnel_Pineda

Thats not a good example and "journey " is not the same.
That is a one in a million shot. To bad the kid will only and allways be remembered for being Steve Perry. I would rather be doing what most of the players are doing,,,, being themselves.

lol Bob, any chance of luring you back to NJ? lol

(didn't think so)

Huh?
You lose me as much I lose you. Did I say that? Doesn't sound like me, but then yah never know, now dontcha know.

NOW this conversation is getting interesting..
And to quote Chippy, "I'll take a piss if I feel like taking a piss, eh?"
Fing bandmix Ghetto Especial To-Night! lol

Thats not a good example and "journey " is not the same.
That is a one in a million shot. To bad the kid will only and allways be remembered for being Steve Perry. I would rather be doing what most of the players are doing,,,, being themselves.

It is a perfect example. Would you leave your band if you had the "perfect offer". This is an example of the "perfect offer". This guy is doing nothing any different from what he did before Journey, music wise. He was actually asked to do exactly what he was already doing in the first place. But now, he has the opportunity to make some good money and all that goes with it. The experience alone is priceless since this guy is a big Steve Perry fan, in the first place. It doesn't matter if it is a brief stint or not. How many groups from the '70s are even around today? Journey is the lucky one IMHO. They were looking for him, not the other way around. The internet is becoming a powerful instrument in our business. This was not a demonstration of luck. It was an opportunity that Journey took advantage of and Mr. Pineda conceded.

Another band that comes to mind,Yes, got their lead singer the same way.

We're in the music business, a world where nothing is permanent and nothing is guaranteed. AND our dreams are many. Perhaps your desire is to be in a band and play for weddings on weekends. Then this is your fulfillment and you have established your personal fortune. Nevertheless, opportunity has many, many doors. Sometimes, you gotta take that leap of faith and step thru one.

NAH I'M Not in the music business. Those guys are just trading a known constant for a better Known constant. To begin with all they are doing is falling on the coat tails of "proven " musicians.
I think I would rather listen to coffe break than find out you joined a Jethro Tull tribute band.
The people I respect the most are the ones that are doing their own thing. I really hope someone like JW starts to post some of his music, great player ,,going through some big changes, but he may be thinking a new way.
Every situation is different, in the cases you talk about , these guys are not going to make any new music.
Chippy started his usual troublemaking by posting this thread about loyalty,or whatever. Loyalty starts in your own heart. If you have a problem with being true to yourself and your music,and your religion and your politics and your loved ones. you have to look up the word again...

I guess I missed the loyalty part.

If you are going to remain loyal then remain loyal to your friends and dont take any chances.

The guy that plays drums with me in Aint Yo Mama and I have been best friends since kindergarten. Most of the bands Ive ever played in at some point he got in them with me. Our singer started working together 20 years ago so I am loyal as far as that goes.

But if true monetary rewards that could make a difference in your life and allow you to further your art, Why would you not try it?

I would!

My schedule for this month is 8 gigs total, next month I have 6, but I am slowly making my way to a situation that will truelly add some money to my bottom line. Only 4 of these gig are with Aint Yo Mama, so I am doing what you talk about Chippy. I am getting paid for all these gigs enough money to keep me doing it. Ive worked a long time on my craft and feel it has value.

If you really want to be a paid musician work on it everyday. Make a plan and work your plan. Follow Thru and Good things will happen for you!

Personally, I don't look at being in a musical band to be like I joined the Mafia or something. I think we all know that a band isn't necessarilly forever...at least the experienced among us do.

Yes, it's good while it lasts. Yes, I am a loyal friend & co-worker. I've been in the same band for over 10 years, now, through 5 guitarists & 3-4 drummers. I performed my solo stuff, as well, during that time. For 2 of those years, I was in a bluegrass band on the side, & for over 3 years I also did the hippie jam stuff. If & when it comes time to move on, I'll do so with good feelings about what I've done for & with them, though.

Leaving a band for the sake of personal opportunity says nothing whatsoever about how I feel about them as ppl, or as musicians, for that matter. I'd never leave a band in the lurch at the 11th hour, but yeah, I'd move on if there was a great opportunity for myself.

If that makes me look disloyal in your eyes, all I can say is that I disagree.

Wrong. I like to know my present parameters. I measure my ability to everything. That's not just here folks sorry. I asked this question particularly because we've recently had a war/debate and I was interested on hearing replies after that.

Dogged is, dogged you be.

All points of compass are needed for a heading.

Chippy started his usual troublemaking .

Chippy what you just missed from this thread is that 2 really great musicians and 3 really good people , agreed to disagree , in a way that was of value.
You did a good thing. They weren't out to hang my nuts on a pole.
AND THEY ARE absolutely right! IF they were working for me and they f**k up big time ....
If I was in that position I guess I would expect the same.
JW and PHILBY are absolutely right, Loyalty don't mean sh*t.