to band or not to band by Noah Spaceship on The Pipeline at IndieMusicPeople

to band or not to band
Not too long ago it was unheard of for me to not be in a band. I got so burnt out. 20 years of playing original music to small crowds in bars definitely has it's appeal, and the badges of honor we sported as legends in our own minds was all we needed to get to the next gig.

Too many geniuses in one room, however, can create a scenario of bitter resentment when compromise births shit ideas and downright time wasting bickering.

What comes of it? Honed chops, for one, but mostly an appreciation for creative freedom.

The only way I can see being a part of another band is if a group of musicians liked my music enough to back me, which is highly unlikely.

So cheers to not having to go to another goddamn band practice. ..is my vote

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Hop On Pop

6/2/2015 7:58:16 AM

You and I are in the exact same predicament/opportunity. I play solo, and record with whoever wants to do it my way.
Thing is, I do miss the camaraderie of a band—the "us against the world" feel of it all. I also miss making a big noise on stage.
But, those are sacrifices we make as we get older and begin to realize just how irrelevant we are, and always have been.
It's a bit of a downer, but at the same time makes me damn proud that I've even accomplished as much as I have.

Just keep making music, Noah. It feels good, no?

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SILVERWOODSTUDIO

6/2/2015 7:36:41 PM

That's all true, we have to step lightly around others ideas, taste and sometimes personalities, but when it gels it is a great feeling !

Going solo is hard too, especially when it's a house concert or café and everyone is quiet as a mouse---sometimes a bit of rum helps

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Noah Spaceship

6/2/2015 7:48:00 PM

yes, more music, less politics. No more gigging out either. Just me and my studio. The freedom is almost numbing. I have so much new material, I will be busy all summer.

Limitations are few, outside of the occasional writer's block.

And rum definitely helps smooth band feathers. A staple, really. :)

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Stoneman

6/3/2015 1:45:17 PM

I gigged with bands for about 40 years. Probably over 30 bands in 9 or so genres. I loved being bands because of the that "in sync" feel you get after you have played with someone for a while. It's like you become a well oiled machine ready to go out and make people listen, dance, clap or pray. My last band was a Gospel band that played latin styled gospel. Full band with horns, percussionists backing singers and a good mixing engineer. We always treated the engineer as if he was part of the band. I was with them for about 8 years as the lead vocalist and occasionally horns, keys, and rhythm guitar. Sort of War meets Santana and sings about God. It was also the most successful band I ever played in. We headlined and filled up some stadiums here in Cali. But the hard part for me was that the band expected me to do everything including the business parts as a manager, the songwriter, arranger, charter, leader, minister etc. Eventually I burned out and went away. The band folded after I left. Probably because nobody else wanted to do the work I had been doing.

Anyway, the good thing that I got out of being in bands is versatility. I learned to play everything from Jazz to Hard edged Rock & Roll. When I retired from my day jobs (Prison chaplain, Silicon Valley High Tech Manager) I built my little studio in my home and started working on my own music all by myself. I am fortunate to be a multiple instrumentalist and vocalist. So I do everything on my recordings. I would not join or start another band at this point because it is such a hassle dealing with people. Many musicians are such egotistical assholes and managing them is like working at a children's day care. I like doing my own thing but occasionally I collaborate with artists from other parts of the world. The digital revolution makes that such an easy thing to do. If you are young and willing to deal with the complexities of band life, go for it! If you're an old fart like me? Do your own thing and add a few extra years on your life by not stressing yourself out with crazy musicians.

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6/3/2015 1:57:38 PM

I was part of several bands but my experiences were generally bad. Guys who seemed reliable turned out not to be and my bands went through drummers like potato chips.

Now I have an internet band and our hopes are high. I'm guessing if we actually had to spend time in each other's presence there's no way that could last. :D

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Shoe City Sound

6/6/2015 4:03:27 PM

Oh, aren't mai tais made with rum (as if I didn't know) it's a drink I rely on

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