#1689604 - 09/11/06 08:57 PM
Need advice from those with experience
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RockO
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Registered: 08/16/06
Posts: 1
Loc: New Orelans, La
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Hi all, let me say that I am glad to have found a place where professionals hang. Hope all is well in your music world. I need some advice from those that have been at it longer than me.
In a nutshell, here's some background info on me and my life: I've played drums since I was 4 and I am now 22. I say I am a drummer by heart. I always wanted to play on stage with a band and perform. A few years ago, I got into producing/composing my own material with keyboards, etc.. I think I have some catchy songs but I'm still progressing.
Anyway, I have never been in a band other than me playing in my own world which is comprised of four walls. I don't know what's it really like to engage with other creatives. You still with me? Okay, good....thanks! The main questions are coming up.
I have been contacted by a guitarist that says he has someone who wants to sign him to a label but he needs people to record and play live with. Anyway, this could be my shot as a drummer I'm thinking.
So, I do my research about lables, contracts, etc and find out that's it not what it's cracked up to be in relation to financial stability or ownership of rights, etc. But you get fame, and live your "dream" I guess. I understand some people need labels to get started but........
I've also read alot about how alot of artists are looking into getting out of their contracts to go the DIY/Indie route. I've read alot about it and it's harder in some aspects, but better in others. I just do not know what to do. I am also very close to my family which is making it hard but I guess that's comes with the territory.
Should, I take the chance and jump into a world of contracts, touring and being around an enviroment I have been sheltered from? Or should I start slower and get my feet wet first to gain gigging experience, potentially, sacraficing the "label" opportunity on the table right now. Maybe another chance will come later?
Please, help me out a little. I really would appreciate some replies....anything to settle my mind some. Thanks so much,
rck
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#1689605 - 09/12/06 05:06 AM
Re: Need advice from those with experience
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fingertalkin
Gold Member
Registered: 11/14/05
Posts: 587
Loc: Dumfries VA
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If you have never played with anyone other than yourself, I wouldn't worry about the label thing just yet. You could be the most talented drummer in the world working with the other best musicians in the world and it might not click. You figure if you go out on tour with them, you better like them, because living in a van with someone you don't like isn't going to be easy.
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#1689606 - 09/14/06 06:31 PM
Re: Need advice from those with experience
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Jeff Klopmeyer
10k Club
Registered: 10/13/00
Posts: 16818
Loc: Redondo Beach,CA,UNITED STATES
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Welcome to the forum RockO.
The first thing I can tell you is that you need to slow down and stop overthinking this. Before you even start to worry about things like labels, you need to put in some time practicing being a band member.
Being a band member is differrent from being a musician. It has its own set of challenges. Performing in real time with other people is a talent of its own, and you need to put in some time just getting the feel of playing with other people before you worry about anything else.
The next step is trying to play in front of other people, but we'll cross that bridge later. For now, why don't you just arrange to meet and jam some tunes with this other guy, and see how that goes?
Good luck!
- Jeff
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#1689607 - 09/18/06 09:19 AM
Re: Need advice from those with experience
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jay da cop
Gold Member
Registered: 01/01/01
Posts: 541
Loc: Waldoboro, Maine
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Agree with Jeff 1000%. It's like AA, one step at a time. Don't get too bogged down in the "big" stuff (contracts, etc) til you know the little stuff (the really important stuff like being able to actually play WITH people) works. The recording gig may be an easy way to start. It's a way to check the chemistry before you commit to a band, you get to work on a few tunes, you get to be secluded for a while in case it doesn't work, and you get to work your way into a more public setting. Its a bunch of small steps. AND, if the other guy wrote the songs, you don't have to worry about the ownership thing anyway. It's gonna be his headache to deal with. Maybe you could lay a few tracks in your own studio, see how things go.
Take things slowly, and relax. We all play to have fun. If it's not fun it's just a job. Make it an adventure. (No, I wasn't in the Navy)
Jay
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#1689608 - 09/18/06 11:07 AM
Re: Need advice from those with experience
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Jeff Klopmeyer
10k Club
Registered: 10/13/00
Posts: 16818
Loc: Redondo Beach,CA,UNITED STATES
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Originally posted by jay da cop:
Take things slowly, and relax. We all play to have fun. If it's not fun it's just a job. Make it an adventure. (No, I wasn't in the Navy)
Great advice.
So much of this stuff, like many things in life, seems very clear from the perspective of those that have been doing it for a long time, and can retrospectively tell you stuff based on experience.
When I first played in a band, I was 12 years old, and it was the coolest thing ever. Even doing the simplest of songs, live, with other musicians, was a joy. You have to appreciate that feeling, because other expectations come up down the road. Do we have the right equipment to play at a party or a club? Are we going to write new music, or just be a cover band? Who's going to do backing vocals on that particular tune?
But that initial sensation of, "Oh wow, we're really doing this!" is great and can't be replicated. Just get together with other musicians and have fun.
New guitar: $450
New amp: $600
New PA System: $1000
Jamming a 2-chord rocker with a drummer and bassist for the first time in your life: priceless!
- Jeff
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#1689609 - 09/18/06 08:52 PM
Re: Need advice from those with experience
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dementedchord
Senior Member
Registered: 04/22/06
Posts: 447
Loc: st louis
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is the deal for this guy (a solo frontman) or a group that doesn't exist??? if it's his gig why would you sign your just a side man right??
_________________________
"style is determined not by what you can play but what you cant...." dave brubeck
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#1689610 - 09/22/06 05:45 AM
Re: Need advice from those with experience
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martianrebel
Senior Member
Registered: 04/14/03
Posts: 386
Loc: Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
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Welcome to the forums.
I agree with these guys. DementedChord makes a really good point. Is the guitarist looking for a hired gun, or to collaborate? If he's looking to collaborate, is he expecting/willing to hear and perform the material that you have created?
If he's looking for a hired gun, don't even worry about the idea of signing and rights to the music, because you would have no rights to the music anyway.
Get out and play with other people and experience the group dynamic. It has its ups and downs like any other relationship.
Good Luck
-(m)-
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