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This happens to me, perhaps too often. I've been in bands that I know were good, but for me I lose interest. No matter how hard I try sometimes the music gets stale. How do you get over this?

fisherman bob wrote:This happens to me, perhaps too often. I've been in bands that I know were good, but for me I lose interest. No matter how hard I try sometimes the music gets stale. How do you get over this?

I guess like anything else, the situation needs a mixing-up. I bet it would be fun for a blues band to belt out a Charlie Pride song...

There is also the tactic of simply writing new tunes...

Ok Bob

Here is your challenge.

Set up a mic in the middle of the stage right before your bands first break.

Walk out there with only you and the bass,"nothing else"

Perform a slow song and fill the dance floor.

I bet you can't do it.

but then again

If you do it based on this theory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-lN8vWm3m0&feature=player_embedded

you could pull it off

The concept is foreign to me.

? goof off on the mic ?

I had to play this little thing at a friend's gathering.

It started to get busy and everyone was almost done setting it up.

I ended up singing the first few lines of Danzig's "mother" and it basically stopped the room for 10 seconds. Then I laughed, I said, "just kidding".

Everyone just went back to what they were doing but the tension and staleness went went right out of the room.

The point is we all have things we do to change it up a little and keep it fresh.
Do what you do.

I usually don't get tired of playing and interacting with the musicians to whom I have committed to playing with. When it's good the band is tight and things are going well WHY change it. If it ain't broke don't fix it! I have played in some really good bands. Most of the time just when things get going good one or more of the members decide they need a change when things were going smoothly. My point is you don't NEED all that drama just go with the flow and enjoy what you have for as long as you can!

If I were you I would pull some chairs out front and do an acoustic set.[/b]

fisherman bob wrote:This happens to me, perhaps too often. I've been in bands that I know were good, but for me I lose interest. No matter how hard I try sometimes the music gets stale. How do you get over this?

It is human nature to remain comfortable until "something" changes the status quo.

You would probably be as unpredictable as the next David Bowie album if you were solo, but with a band there are others who keep the status quo intact.

Whenever I'm feeling ready for a change in the status quo, I try to introduce a little chaos into the process. Not sure how that applies to you but trust that you'll figure it out.

Try a different genre of music. I know you're a hardcore blues man, Bob, but why not experiment a little? You're a very good bass player and have a very strong voice, and personally, I'd like to hear what you can do in a different setting. Take a break from your roots-it will make you that much more appreciative of the blues when you return to it.
I never understood sticking to one style, anyway. I've played in bands that focused on one thing or another, and it gets boring to me VERY quickly. On my originals, I've made it a point to attempt different styles (not always succeeding, but...), and it keeps the music interesting. If I am not feeling a particular kind of song, have a variety to choose from. Sometimes I want to jam out on something progressive on the bass. I have material for that. Other times, it's just about strumming the acoustic. I have material for that as well. The point is that I have enough variety in what I do to keep it from ever getting stale.

C'mon Bob, I wanna hear you do a cover of "Mr. Roboto." I'm kidding, but then again, why not?

Most bands don't last long enough for things to get stale. But for those that do last, innovation and adaptability are key. Change is not only a part of life, it is the reason for life and everything we do.

jimmydanger wrote:Most bands don't last long enough for things to get stale. But for those that do last, innovation and adaptability are key. Change is not only a part of life, it is the reason for life and everything we do.

Having said that brother Jimmy? How long have you played with the "Farley's"?
And WHEN is the last time YOU played with other musicians ON THEIR terms NOT YOURS!
I love you bro! It seems to ME that you OFTEN play with folks the way YOU want to! Just Sayin?

I cant remember ever feeling stale playing music, if you feel that way then quit!

J-HALEY wrote:

jimmydanger wrote:Most bands don't last long enough for things to get stale. But for those that do last, innovation and adaptability are key. Change is not only a part of life, it is the reason for life and everything we do.

Having said that brother Jimmy? How long have you played with the "Farley's"?
And WHEN is the last time YOU played with other musicians ON THEIR terms NOT YOURS!
I love you bro! It seems to ME that you OFTEN play with folks the way YOU want to! Just Sayin?

Point taken Jeff, however there have been 4 drummers, 3 guitarists and 4 bassists in the Farleys over 15 years, so change has been a constant theme. Each time a new person comes into the band it changes what the band is, even if it's a subtle change. So you have to adapt to change, you cannot control it.