Gary,
What's the name of your band?
MP
Geez Matricks now you've really got me thinking...
I,m 34. Is it a last chance thing....hmmm you got me on that one. Honestly there is an element of that I think. Not because I feel I'm gonna be past it...I don't think guys ever feel like that. I think it is more a how you look thing if you want to make it in a commercialy succesful band. I might get hung for that comment but I hope you know what I mean.
Do I think this bands music is in the commercial Zone...yeah I think it is. If someone can tell me how to post stuff I will post a tune for you all to listen to. We have a pretty well known producer signed to mix some of the stuff and a decent management company.
As for the wife and family. There is NO question of me abandoning or risking that. The question I have in my mind is whether my wife is going to feel insecure if it starts to take off and make sure I manage that situation. That should be ok 'cause we have a great relationship. She is understandably nervous that I will just run off on a European tour or something, not earn any cash and put us under financial pressure which, as someone pointed out earlier in this thread, ain't fun. I will have to be careful on that one.
As for death bed thoughts? We'll all have a bunch of "why didn't/did I's" to contend with, I just don't want this to be one of them. It could go either way.....or even a damned if I do, damned if I don't scenario.
The key in my mind is to try and let it happen as best I can, with one eye on the positive and another eye on the other things that make life shine.............family, health and friends.
Gary,
What's the name of your band?
MP
Groovemeister
I like your handle by the way....nice touch.
I'm gonna refrain from the band name publicly...because I don't want to subject the bands music to the HOD microscope whilst I'm grapling with what to do.
We have a couple of gigs in London at the end of this month which I will PM you about. I'd love to meet someone from HOD in person and your posts are always well considered.
Are you full time or juggling like me?
G
Gary- Awhile ago was an offer for a drummers seat in Phat Phunktion. (From what they told me), I got the gig, but I turned it down because there were too many uncertainties. It depends on what you're up against... How often will you get home, will your job take you back if it doesn't work, will you be "living" on the road, does the band have sponsorships... There are too many questions that I have for you to tell you what to do. But, I go on, those obvious things. "Making it" just doesn't happen anymore by just going on the road, to see what will happen. Does it? I don't think so. It's not worth it to me, to leave everything behind, if you can't come back to it, or if there aren't any guarantees. It's just too scary to do, nowadays.
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Sounds like there is more to the story...based on your information, committing full-time to a band you can't even name publically, would be a bad idea.I'm gonna refrain from the band name publicly...because I don't want to subject the bands music to the HOD microscope whilst I'm grapling with what to do.
Man, this is an awesome thread. Getting down to the REAL nitty-gritty...way too heady for much [I didn't say, "all"] of the "bub-gum or 16th DB notes & chunky gtr riff" crowd.
Some great introspection from all of you, which changed what I initially would have said, since it's been covered. This is a part of what makes this a great board to have around...I can't really add much more...but rather than re-list some already great specifics advice, I'll venture out onto the philosophical or perhaps spiritual...
...remember: also NOTHING in life is REALLY for certain. I say that NOT to further confuse the issue, but if you truly look at life, nothing is guaranteed for any specific length of time, really. I know there are many people who may like to think this is so, but it is in fact not. If things go well for someone for a 40 yr stretch - don't worry, the roller coaster will happen, whether large or small. & we're ALL in the same boat here. [Before anyone discounts what I just said, please continue reading.] So, in truth, the only "control" we have in life is the decisions we make. But the outcome itself is really NOT in our hands, OTHER THAN the choices we make in reaction [or "proaction"] to, AWA the management of, as there are palllenty of outside factors ready to hurl themselves our way at any given moment, which we have NO control over whatsoever. I know this sounds like I'm elininating the concept of personal responsibilty in the equation, but that is not what is being said at all, & couldn't be further from the truth. It's kind of a "dichotomy" of sorts, for lack of better wording.
So, everything's a risk. Everything. Sitting at home is a risk. Going OTR w a tourg band is a risk. If you sit & think about it too long & hard, you can psyche yourself out for fear of anything that could poss go awry. If you don't think about it ENOUGH, then you run another 'risk' of missing a key element in the point of decision.
No one in here can really help w the decision - but some of this great advice may steer you in the right direction. But then you already knew that. [img]cool.gif[/img]
BTW - don't think of your age like that. While it is true that the industry itself tends to do this, don't burden yourself w their BS trip. I HAVE seen guys w greying hair playing w some big name acts, albeit country & other non-mainstream rock styles. But at the age you mentioned, a little hair color & style, if that is a prob, can go a long way. Ever see someone in the big time who you thought was a lot younger & more attractive up close? Lights, camera focus, angles, & lenses, & make-up peeps often do wonders. Besides, it's usually the frontperson[s] that own[s] the primary burden of this responsibitly or assumption... [img]wink.gif[/img]
Besides, look at the Rolling Stones. Yes I know they were established in their early 20s, but still... [img]wink.gif[/img]
* Finally, remember this AW - nothing in life was ever gained by not taking risks. It's up to us to decide which risk is the "riskier" [staying where we are or sticking our neck out].
The Comfort Zone, AWA the "perceived" CZ, is indeed often difficult to hurdle.
No absolute solution, just more food for thought.
Our lives will play out regardless.
I guess aft reading this, you're back to "Square One." So, I guess, go back to the 4th parg up fr this one * [img]wink.gif[/img]
<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ March 16, 2005 06:02 PM: Message edited by: fuseU1 ]</font>
Fuse,
A great post man. Things will play themselves out for sure...
Gary, no problem, I respect your choice man. PM me, it'd be great to hook up with ya...
MP
Is the C.D out yet? What kind of support is the label giving you?
How much work do you have with this band?
What kind of fee does your band charge?
There are many factors.
I say go for it. You can always go back to another job.
The reality is that musicians that tour, and are fairly successful at it make 4 times as much as the average successful 9-5er, and they play music while traveling. If you're not banking at least $2500 per week plus a daily per diem for spending, then something's wrong.
Avi, either you're trying to real hard to be a prick, or you're mentally retarded.
The guy needs help with a serious decision, and you give him a hard time for not telling us the band name. Maybe he doesn't want to deal with all the bullshit comments. Ever think of that?
Anyhow Gary, i agree with Matricks and SDK, do what's best for you. Make sure you have your business together. And if you do go for it, best wishes, and get a ton of endorsements!
'He' alone reserves the right to withhold the name.
And I, for one, don't blame 'him.'
I think perhaps what the one poster was saying is that, if it's not a name that's fairly recognizable, then don't do it [?]
Discuss it w a trusted friend, & if that's not poss [img]wink.gif[/img] , then [as was already said] consult a reputable music attorney.
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