I built a home studio and now I don’t want to go out and play anymore. The lure of recording and releasing on the web without having to leave the house is proving hard to resist. Anybody else in the same situation? The idea of hauling gear around pubs and clubs and dealing with all the usual hang ups of playing in a band now seen like a nightmare I don’t want to revisit. Honestly didn’t expect this. wondering if I should push myself to go out and play or just accept this ‘phase’ for what it is.
'Vot eva happened to the Transylvanian Tvist?'
Comments
I've also sold off my AC30 + pedalboard rig for a much lighter line 6 Helix, so as and when I do gig again it won't be as much of a ball ache.
But, I've not stopped doing gigs. In September I went over to Italy to play some shows with a guitarist/ songwriter who I produce, so I got a fix of loud guitar playing etc. And then in October, I started going to open mics and doing stuff acoustically, which has been really exciting/ nerve racking and great experience because I've typically been able to hide in a group before, it's very different when it's just me and a bar full of expectant people.
So I don't think I've lost the live playing bug. Am also looking for a drummer in the background with a view to playing my solo stuff with full band arrangements.
Bandcamp
Spotify, Apple et al
Some audiences expect live covers bands to amount to a human jukebox. From a venue owner's perspective, it is probably less hassle to rent a jukebox.
This can be a positive thing or a negative thing. Pandering to audience expectations does improvisational and experimental music few favours.
If, as is increasingly the case, people just drink at home, all forms of pub entertainment are doomed.
If, for whatever reason, people do not congregate in sufficient numbers, there is no scene. This applies equally to live music, theatre, churches and beauty pageants.
XR18
2 Mics
Guitar
G3xn Pedal Board
Keys
PA
When there's a 5 Piece with Keys, Amps, Cabs, Big Old Analogue Desks and you need a Long Wheel Base Van to get your gear there I can see why people choose to call it a day and move online, even if your not doing it for the money.
However, I suspect the live-playing itch may return before too long...