What's everyone's view on this?
I'm definitely a one band only kind of guy. For me personally, I feel that it is best to give all your time, effort and musical energy to just one project at time.
Obviously, there are many that are seemingly happy and able (somehow) to be in multiple bands at once.
I have been rehearsing with a band for the last 9 months. A couple of the members (husband and wife) had alluded to contributing to other projects (without ever confirming definitively). We had a bit of a lull after Christmas with no rehearsals (partly my fault plus some bass player problems) but whenever I contacted them to ask, they both confirmed they were still keen once we found a new bass player. Then literally a day after our most recent message exchange they're both all over FB promoting their (other) new bands' first 3 gigs.
This left me feeling a little disenchanted, and that I should back away from (or scrap) our project to let them establish and concentrate on their new band. Both are great musicians and cool peeps and we have several mutual friends (which is how we were introduced).
Those of you that are in multiple bands (and I don't mean just occasional depping) - do you actively contribute to promotion/marketing, getting gigs, arranging rehearsals/man management as well as the social and friendship side etc..in each band or do you just turn up and play? Maybe it's different for each band you play in? What about conflicts of interests/gigging schedules?
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I have no idea how you'd make a living from only one band in the UK tbh, I needed to gig at least three nights a week and most single semi pro bands can't or won't.
Now I have a part time day job I'm happy with one paying band and some creative but poorly paid side projects.
Since retiring from the day job, just before the pandemic, I’ve joined a second band. This is the first time that I’ve played in two bands (they are both covers bands). I’m currently gigging around 3 times per month and it’s a 2:1 ratio of new to old band. In the old band I’m the strongest musician, in the new one the standard is much higher and I need to work harder to keep up (I’ll always be the second best guitarist out of two).
In the old band we’re all retired, new band everyone else works (losers). I’m happily doing 90% of the off the field work for the new band. Dealing with the agent / venues, setting up and maintaining the website and social media, managing the finances etc plus all the technical work. In the old band I still do a little more than my share.
Booking wise both bands use the BandMule app to show our availability and gigs go to which ever band takes the booking first. The agent that I use books both bands and I leave it up to her which band she chooses for a particular gig. There have been very few occasions that I’ve had to turn a gig down for one band because I’m already booked with the other. I’ve certainly turned more bookings down because somebody else isn’t available due to other activities.
Quitting one has allowed me to enjoy the other, so...yeah, definitely the right thing for me.
However, in my now-only band, three of the others are in two bands each. When we finally start to ramp up the gigs, that's going to be...interesting. Of course, that assumes we are going to ramp up; as things currently stand, we've played three gigs in the last few months and I've been really ill for a week or two after each one. Not sure that's particularly sustainable...
Its actually temporarily 4, as I got a call to cover 14 gigs in next 6 weeks for a friends covers band whos guitarist hurt his back, but thatll end same weekend tribute festivals start for Shed Heaven.
Im always organised (know my stuff, and always first at gig/rehearsal), and literally left a very well paying band recently due to the lack of professionalism and time keeping (on stage and off) of the bassist.
Now I'm only gigging in 2 and writing and recording with a 3rd which is a lot easier to balance
It can be hard work learning and keeping on top of all the material whilst juggling rehearsals and gigs, but it can be done and I enjoy having such different styles of music to play.
All the bands know about each other and as far as gigs go, it’s first come first served. Works fine.
I find it quite frustrating if/when the only person who can't make a date (again!) is the guy in 2-3 bands as well as us. That has included having gigs blown out because they're now booked for a paid job somewhere else - and I understand the conflict, just don't like being affected by it. My leisure activity is just as important as their work activity.
So now I only play with other monogamous people (as far as I can tell, anyway!).
Dates are first come first served basis, any cockups diary wise it’s the cockee that sorts the dep generally.
I went to a gig last Thursday. The headline act were a Dorchester-based band called Cee Luna, playing originals. I could sense a "gang" mentality between them and see the fun they were having playing their music together - mistakes and all. That connection just isn't present at a gig much of the time. The musicians often seem to be doing a job (often flawlessly) but not really connecting with each other. I don't like that as much.
And if anyone from Cee Luna is on here - you were great and your raw live sound is better than your studio sound. :-)
I would say though, my greatest skill as a band member has been keeping the bands van MOT'ed and road worthy on a shoe string budget. Mechanical, welding and electronics, whatever is needed I will generally do it myself rather than let it come out of gig money.
I was over invested and monogamous and we were getting loads of gigs and a great rep.. but three of the other members had crappy hobby bands they kept going.. then the clashes started and then the far out booking of their band meaning loads of unavailability or ‘can’t confirm’ for NY etc.
You are either in it to make it work… or all in various bands and it ticks over as a low level free for all.
I just wouldn't have the energy or indeed inclination to do anymore on top of that!
That was pre kids though and before I stepped up the productions of the main band so doubt I'd have time for it now.