Do you have integrity?!? Cover band related...

[Ian]

Hi All,

I'm starting a new cover band. Before I do this I always look into local competition and who is working the most to see if I can fill a void. I've set on doing 80's and 90's hip hop, rap, and R&B because there is a complete dearth of BANDS that do this, the popularity of the music in its "hey day," and the fact that the "young professionals" and party planners of today grew up on this stuff. I don't expect many people on this board to be down with the tunes, but believe me when I say they are fun, groovy, and vocally challenging, so I get to hone my skills too.

My questions are these: Who on this board would not play in a cover band? Who on this board will play anything for a paycheck? Who thinks a musician is compromising if they are not trying to bring new music into the world? Do you think I'm crazy? Am I sacrificing my integrity as an artist?

I get a lot of funny looks from friends and fellow players when I say what I'm putting together. Some of my band-mates in my original band outright cringe at the mention of my intentions and I get a whole lot of "I could NEVER do THAT!"

The only comments that outnumber the "WHA?!?" comments are the enthusiastic ones from my peers who are STOKED at the idea of four white guys in suits playing this music REALLY WELL. Without a single gig or demo we have offers to play parties and even a wedding.

I don't take myself too seriously and I love to play and make people dance. Is there anyone else on this board who thinks like me?

Oh yeah, and the money is nice too.

What are you thoughts?

[caddywumpus]

It all depends on a musician's outlook. Some people say, "I will never do (such and such) because that's (for sellouts/for losers/just dumb). To me, those people are close-minded. What got them wanting to play music in the first place? Didn't they, at SOME point in their musical development, learn to play some of the songs they loved? (maybe even play along with recordings of the songs?)

There's nothing wrong with playing covers as a band. There's nothing wrong with playing in a cover band. The only thing that would be wrong is misrepresenting a song you're covering as your own.

I hear musicians saying all the time, "Man, I never want to play in a cover band!", but they never have a good reason for it. I'm actually all FOR them feeling that way...it just means that us musicians who "lower ourselves" to playing covers will get more gigs!

[Pollyanna]

I've played in both originals and covers bands. For satisfaction and creative kicks nothing beats playing good originals IMO. Beating an original into shape so it sounds good is the best feeling. My current band plays old classics, but we prefer to play our own versions rather than do weak copies of classic performances, so we still enjoy a fair bit of creative fun.

I admire people who can play covers note for note. It's not something I can do but it's also not something I want to do. If the performances bring some happiness into the world, I see no integrity issue.

These days I'm happy to simply play drums with other musicians who can play. It sure beats being at the office or doing the grocery shopping! All I really care about is that the performance has some sort of vibe about it.

Good luck with it, Ian. If it works out, great. If not, then no doubt you'll learn from the experience and move on.

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

It all depends on a musician's outlook. Some people say, "I will never do (such and such) because that's (for sellouts/for losers/just dumb). To me, those people are close-minded. What got them wanting to play music in the first place? Didn't they, at SOME point in their musical development, learn to play some of the songs they loved? (maybe even play along with recordings of the songs?)

There's nothing wrong with playing covers as a band. There's nothing wrong with playing in a cover band. The only thing that would be wrong is misrepresenting a song you're covering as your own.

I hear musicians saying all the time, "Man, I never want to play in a cover band!", but they never have a good reason for it. I'm actually all FOR them feeling that way...it just means that us musicians who "lower ourselves" to playing covers will get more gigs!

+1

I've played in both....numerous times each. Unless your original band gets signed, then I know what gig: a) pays better. b) gets more regular work, thus pays more often. c) draws better crowds. d) has a greater choice of venues. e) gets more exposure.

Integrity nothing.......if you want to play drums, then play in whatever band will give you the opportunity to do so. Is there any point of 'keeping your artistic integrity' and only working once every couple of weeks? Where's the integrity of a musician who never plays???

Go for it man!!

[mcbike]

I think more musicians should play covers. Little steven van zandt from the e. street band wrote an article warning about the state of music and touched on this very subject.

“It’s become uncool to play other people’s songs, and that’s absurd,” Van Zandt says. “It has got to change. It’s the reason why everything’s so mediocre.”

http://http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=aGh1ypRotMME

I have been in alot of bands that wouldn't even play a cover in rehearsals! it was looked down on.

I also look at it this way, as a drummer alot of times we are in situations where we did not write the song, and in essence we are playing a 'cover" anyways. You can have alot of fun working with covers and I think it makes you a better musician. It is definatley looked down upon by alot of musicians. but do you look down on Abe Laboriel Jr. when he is playing a beatles tune with paul mccartney on the superbowl halftime show?

[Monica McCoy]

I play in an original band but we play a half dozen covers or so. People want to hear songs they know. That's a fact.

[rogue_drummer]

Hey, if it pays, I'll play!!! Sometimes I'll play for something other than money, like to do a favor for a friend who needs a drummer, or some other venue where I know the audience will love what I do. I've played for food: nice lunches or dinners, I've played as barter for something else, etc.

No, you are NOT selling out by playing covers. Far from it.

Think of it this way, experienced symphony orchestra players play "covers"; rarely something original. Every time I go to the symphony (haven't in the past years, but the ex loved it, so I went), they are always playing Mozart, Bach, etc. Those are the original term "cover" because every orchestra plays those tunes. And every orchestra player thinks of themselves as accomplished musicians and "professional".

Also if what you are playing is what people want to hear, all the better. There is nothing like and no better feeling in the world than playing a cover tune that people easily recognize and love, and they get up and dance to what YOU are playing. YOU are providing them a means to have a great time by playing what they like.

Who gives a rip if some snobbish musician won't play covers - all the better for you because YOU'LL get work and exposure, not them!

Besides there are a lot of artists out there who have taken someone else's cover and put their spin on it and made it a classic. They are known for it, not the person who originally recorded it.

Also it's a great feeling to take a cover, NOT play it note for note as recorded, and instead put your own feeling into it and your own style, and see what comes forth!

GO FOR IT! GOOD LUCK! AND HAVE FUN!

[larryace]

I think you're thinking too hard about it. I'd say have fun playing the music that inspires you and don't worry about what anybody thinks except yourself.

[dairyairman]

i love playing original music, but i love playing covers too! i just love playing, and i'll play pretty much anything.

[BoomBoom]

Who on this board would not play in a cover band? Who on this board will play anything for a paycheck? Who thinks a musician is compromising if they are not trying to bring new music into the world? Do you think I'm crazy? Am I sacrificing my integrity as an artist?

You are not sacrificing your integrity as an artist by playing in a cover band; you are sacrificing your integrity(and dignity) as an artist by playing 80's and 90's hip hop and rap. What is that, ghetto poetry recited to a drum machine? What do you need a band for?

[Pollyanna]

i love playing original music, but i love playing covers too! i just love playing, and i'll play pretty much anything.

Yep. That's my take on it too. It's all good IMO

[Ekim]

The average original band's songs aren't that original anyway. The same old song structures, same old chord progressions and un-inspired lyrics.

That said, if I was more confident in my playing, I'd play anything if folks would have me.

I don't see "integrity" entering into anything other than showing up on time and knowing my parts.

[Alex H]

You are not sacrificing your integrity as an artist by playing in a cover band; you are sacrificing your integrity(and dignity) as an artist by playing 80's and 90's hip hop and rap. What is that, ghetto poetry recited to a drum machine? What do you need a band for?
Not sure if you're being sarcastic, because that's entirely possible, but if you're not...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIo6UakaFVY
If you were being sarcastic (again, hard to decipher over the internet), at least that'll be fun for you to watch.

As for your idea Ian, I think that's really cool. I think hip-hop is one of the coolest things to try to translate to live instrumentation. As for the integrity issue, there are a lot of respected local musicians with their noses buried in Real Books, so I wouldn't worry about it. I was fortunate enough to see an amazing concert last Saturday with Terri Lynne Carrington absolutely destroying (in a good way) the Jazz Messenger's "Blues March." I don't think anyone was too worried about integrity.

[Eric]

Integrity?! A gig is a gig, and a gig that pays is better than one that doesn't. I'm friends with some great players and I can't think of any that would disagree with that.

I'm a jazz drummer who finances his "habit" by playing weddings and such. The only difference between a wedding band and a cover band is no rehearsals but lower quality music. Maybe it's different in other circles, but no-one questions my jazz cred because I like to get paid once in a while. I was actually fantasizing about starting an '80s new wave cover band myself earlier today. I would only play cool stuff that grooves hard, no kitsch. That right there might cost us some gigs initially, but eventually it could take off. Gary Numan, Level 42, Talking Heads, Devo, maybe slip in some King Crimson if no one minds. I know I'm veering outside the genre, but this is my band, not yours!

[yesdog]

I can't tell how many times I have gone to see a band that plays covers and then goes heres one we wrote and the crowd dissapears. one band I was in we would play covers at the paying gigs and throw in an original or two without mention. We would play all original material at approriate venues. I play in one 70s cover band and a 80s / 90s cover band and originals as well. Just have fun play gigs and Kick ass.

[DrumEatDrum]

I've done both.

I prefer original bands, but nothing wrong with a cover band.

[mrchattr]

I actually used to come at it from the side of "it's selling out, it's a waste of my talent, it's not real art," etc. Then, one day, I was offered some cover work. I was going to turn it down, when my bass player in my original band and I had this conversation:
Him: What do you love more than anything else in the world?
Me: Drumming
Him: Do you love working your day job?
Me: No, I hate it.
Him: Well, what's really "selling out?" Working a day job where you don't get to drum, or drumming as much as possible, making a living off it, and doing what you love, and getting better at it, too, 'cause it's still practice?

From that point on, my career in drumming began as a full time job. It's much more of a "sell out" to spend time away from the drums to pay the bills, than it is to sit behind the drums and earn your living that way (not calling everyone who doesn't play for a living a sell-out, but hopefully you all get my point!!!!!!!!!!!!)

[Skitch]

Hi All,

I'm starting a new cover band. Before I do this I always look into local competition and who is working the most to see if I can fill a void. I've set on doing 80's and 90's hip hop, rap, and R&B because there is a complete dearth of BANDS that do this, the popularity of the music in its "hey day," and the fact that the "young professionals" and party planners of today grew up on this stuff. I don't expect many people on this board to be down with the tunes, but believe me when I say they are fun, groovy, and vocally challenging, so I get to hone my skills too.

My questions are these: Who on this board would not play in a cover band? Who on this board will play anything for a paycheck? Who thinks a musician is compromising if they are not trying to bring new music into the world? Do you think I'm crazy? Am I sacrificing my integrity as an artist?

I get a lot of funny looks from friends and fellow players when I say what I'm putting together. Some of my band-mates in my original band outright cringe at the mention of my intentions and I get a whole lot of "I could NEVER do THAT!"

The only comments that outnumber the "WHA?!?" comments are the enthusiastic ones from my peers who are STOKED at the idea of four white guys in suits playing this music REALLY WELL. Without a single gig or demo we have offers to play parties and even a wedding.

I don't take myself too seriously and I love to play and make people dance. Is there anyone else on this board who thinks like me?

Oh yeah, and the money is nice too.

What are you thoughts?

I only play in cover bands. The only market for original music is Nashville or LA. Every original band I have ever worked with ends up imploding due to that lack of financial success because they just don't understand that without the radio airplay and the backing of a major label, they won't go anywhere. I am tired of waiting for the uneducated to figure out what I already have (sometimes painfully) learned.

Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
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[Ami]

I think what you are doing is great! Playing other people's songs is always an opportunity to learn... in fact, that is how most probably all professional musicians learn to play their instrument- by learning other peoples parts. One can always continue to play their own music whenever they want, and have an original project on the go, but there is probably no serious player who has never covered other peoples songs (even if only with the record at home) and learned from it. As far as playing a covers gig, It is a professional engagement - go for it and have fun!!
:-)

[Neil]

I play in a covers band that has an original music 'wing' so to speak. Same people 2 different band names.
One guess which one gets the most work. Originals are fun and let you get creative but covers allow me to play the drums and hone my/our craft. I get some stick for it, the department at my office is full of musicians (seems people who work IT moonlight as musicians as well) but I've always thought who is the bigger loser, the guy playing in a covers band or the guy to who is sat at home not doing anything :) If you enjoy it, do it.

[Thaard]

I´m playing in a prog/fusion band now and I´ve never been happier. We let each musician play as they want(with some limitations of course), but we don't play as often, so I´ve been asked if I could join a blues-band, and I need the experience(and maybe the money) so why not. The only thing I don't want, is to join a band where the musicians don't practice or take the music seriously(cover band or original), so thats what makes it for me. If the musicians are serious(or if the pay is good) go ahead!

[keep it simple]

I don't take myself too seriously and I love to play and make people dance. Is there anyone else on this board who thinks like me?

Ian, you got it just about right. Playing covers and working on original material are not mutually exclusive activities. You can do both whilst maintaining complete artistic integrity. You can merge the two as well. Sneaking a few originals into a cover set is cool so long as they're strong enough (good popularity guage actually) and not at a private function. Equally, taking your own reworked cover into the studio is also a cool thing to do (as long as you've brought something new to the song and you stay legal). If you, or your band mates, can't take the blend then do both original and cover material with two separate acts. Often the best way forward. Remember, those who exclude cover playing as a "sellout" are usually the ones with little experience and are mostly destined to obscurity. You can stick by your "original stuff only" principals, overplay your parts & end up playing to the smallest audience in the world, musicians!!!

[Pollyanna]

Either hardly anyone sweats over playing covers or most Drummerworlders are a pragmatic bunch. Probably both.

I agree Mr Chattr. If the pay's similar is it better to play drums or work in an office? Hmm, that's a reaaally tough one ...

[keep it simple]

It's much more of a "sell out" to spend time away from the drums to pay the bills, than it is to sit behind the drums and earn your living that way (not calling everyone who doesn't play for a living a sell-out, but hopefully you all get my point!!!!!!!!!!!!)

I've got your point and I've taken it in the spirit it was offered, but I'd like to counter with an alternative yet complementary view. I used to earn my living playing drums and ended up hating the business and the complete lack of control I had over what I played. Of course, I went where the pay check took me. That was many years ago. Now I have a day job that pays the bills and allows me to play whatever & whenever I want. If I want to work on some obscure original stuff with little prospect of commercial success then I'm free to do so. I don't believe in the "sellout" tag. It's all about what suits you and where you want to be.

[Spence]

Personally, I prefer to play original stuff but I'm not against playing covers. As long as you get something out of it - whether it's experience, enjoyment or just some needed money, then it's all good.

That said, the only time I've ever played the drums and not enjoyed was in a musical a few years back. I just wasn't into the music or the show and kind of felt like a robot; so I decided to be much more choosy about what I do. However, I did learn something from that musical and the female dancers were very nice indeed.

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

I play in a covers band that has an original music 'wing' so to speak. Same people 2 different band names.
One guess which one gets the most work. Originals are fun and let you get creative but covers allow me to play the drums and hone my/our craft. I get some stick for it, the department at my office is full of musicians (seems people who work IT moonlight as musicians as well) but I've always thought who is the bigger loser, the guy playing in a covers band or the guy to who is sat at home not doing anything :) If you enjoy it, do it.

Did the same thing with one of my old original bands. It's a great idea. The covers kept us active on the local circuit, which actually opened up a few opportunities for the original band that we may never have got had we not been hooked up with the right people.

[KnockOut86]

Hi All,

I'm starting a new cover band. Before I do this I always look into local competition and who is working the most to see if I can fill a void. I've set on doing 80's and 90's hip hop, rap, and R&B because there is a complete dearth of BANDS that do this, the popularity of the music in its "hey day," and the fact that the "young professionals" and party planners of today grew up on this stuff. I don't expect many people on this board to be down with the tunes, but believe me when I say they are fun, groovy, and vocally challenging, so I get to hone my skills too.

My questions are these: Who on this board would not play in a cover band? Who on this board will play anything for a paycheck? Who thinks a musician is compromising if they are not trying to bring new music into the world? Do you think I'm crazy? Am I sacrificing my integrity as an artist?

I get a lot of funny looks from friends and fellow players when I say what I'm putting together. Some of my band-mates in my original band outright cringe at the mention of my intentions and I get a whole lot of "I could NEVER do THAT!"

The only comments that outnumber the "WHA?!?" comments are the enthusiastic ones from my peers who are STOKED at the idea of four white guys in suits playing this music REALLY WELL. Without a single gig or demo we have offers to play parties and even a wedding.

I don't take myself too seriously and I love to play and make people dance. Is there anyone else on this board who thinks like me?

Oh yeah, and the money is nice too.

What are you thoughts?

This sounds like a really fun gig to me. Especially as a drummer you will get to play a lot of cool hip-hop beats which will draw attention to your playing. Most often drummers are in the background but in this genre of music we really get an opportunity to shine in the spotlight. Good luck!

[ChipJohns]

Enough has been said, but I still want to add my own 2 cents just because I am amazed

This blows my mind really. If you could obtain the resources to see what bands are playing in every single club (Rock, Classic Rock, Metal, Country, Jazz, or just about any Genre) across the US on a Friday night, I feel very certain that over 90% of those thousands of bands would be playing covers..!

I do not see where there is any integrity issue at all about playing covers...

[Pollyanna]

I used to think of covers bands as lame when I was young. It was originals all the way, with a few crowd pleasing covers just to keep the wasted punters rocking.

Now, after a long break from drumming, my current band is playing covers exclusively. Somewhere along the line that snobby anti-covers attitude left me.

Everyone in the band has some originals tucked away but most aren't suited to the style we're playing and our singer is a bit loathe to open that Pandora's Box. It's one thing to reject a suggestion for a cover but turning down someone's "baby" feels more personal.

[Ian]

You are not sacrificing your integrity as an artist by playing in a cover band; you are sacrificing your integrity(and dignity) as an artist by playing 80's and 90's hip hop and rap. What is that, ghetto poetry recited to a drum machine? What do you need a band for?

I've received this response from a few people.

I've done Soundgarden and Alice In Chains "Tribute" bands. I've done 80's hair metal cover bands. I've done top 40, punk/new-wave, classic rock, "party" rock... I've played just about everything that has been popular... except this.

I didn't listen to hip hop and rap when I was growing up (late 80's and 90's) for the same reasons you listed. I would go as far as saying it wasn't music. Well, enough years removed, I was in a club and there was a good (yes, it's possible to be good) DJ who was spinning this stuff and the girls were losing their s#it! The dance floor was packed all night to the tunes of Warren G, Tupac, Bobby Brown, even Next and Ginuine and a little Justin Timberlake. I danced and listened to the DEEP groove of this music and thought about how much fun it would be to play it.

I rarely take a gig that won't make me better in some way, this one stretches the vocal chops. I'm looking forward to doing Boyz II Men and Bone Thugs 'n Harmony WHILE playing drums... it's gonna be damn hard.

There's art in just about everything. There's a damn good reason great beat-makers get paid so much... because they are artists.

Thanks for the replies so far; please keep them coming.

A person on another forum called me a "Percustitute" and I think he's right!

[Boomka]

My questions are these: Who on this board would not play in a cover band? Who on this board will play anything for a paycheck? Who thinks a musician is compromising if they are not trying to bring new music into the world? Do you think I'm crazy? Am I sacrificing my integrity as an artist?

I get a lot of funny looks from friends and fellow players when I say what I'm putting together. Some of my band-mates in my original band outright cringe at the mention of my intentions and I get a whole lot of "I could NEVER do THAT!"

The only comments that outnumber the "WHA?!?" comments are the enthusiastic ones from my peers who are STOKED at the idea of four white guys in suits playing this music REALLY WELL. Without a single gig or demo we have offers to play parties and even a wedding.

There is no lack of integrity in making a living for yourself doing what you love. You should proudly play those tunes as well as you can, entertain some people and pay your bills. That's an honest profession.

If you have the desire to do original music, then you can do that, too. Many, many, many great composers and musicians have done yeoman's work to earn a paycheque.

To me, a "lack of integrity" is to have strongly held beliefs in one direction and to do the absolute opposite. But if you follow your own heart and ideas (and not those of someone else) and do things with utter conviction, no one should question your integrity.

[Boomka]

A person on another forum called me a "Percustitute" and I think he's right!

I refer to myself as a whore and a mercenary all the time. Two of my favorite things are to play music, and to earn a good living. Nothing wrong with doing both as long as your conscience is clear.

[dairyairman]

i'm thinking that if you want to sing lead vocals in this cover band and most of what you're playing is contemporary pop and hip hop, why even bother with a drum kit? all that music uses programmed drums anyway, so get rid of those drums and get a beat box.

[rogue_drummer]

I agree with the other posts on here. If you arrive at the gig on time and prepared as best you can be, and act professional, and play the best you can, you have INTEGRITY. That being said, I'll gladly pimp myself out. Usually for cash or a good meal, or a good time. Heck, I'll even pimp myself out for less if the mood strikes me and feel that I can learn something from it. Pimping can be fun and profitable. If it feels good, DO IT! Cheap, aren't I?

[dwsabianguy]

In response to 80s/90s hip-hop and rap, all I'm going to say is that at least it's better than what's one the radio these days. Or so it seems to me. I think it would be really awesome (and I'm just riffing here) to take those songs and put a The Roots/Galactic spin on things - that is, make all the music with acoustic drums and regular instruments. Keep the main scheme of things, but use a real drum kit, a real bass player, guitar player, keyboardist, etc. If you really wanted to take a page from The Roots, you'd go so far as to have a guy mouth the sounds of scratching records.

That being said, I'm willing to take any gig. If I had to dress up as Oscar the Grouch and play pop songs, I'd... well, maybe not quite that far, because chances are that I'd just get frustrated with the music. But my point is, a gig's a gig. Your name will get out there, which will get you even more gigs, and more money.

[Ian]

I think it would be really awesome (and I'm just riffing here) to take those songs and put a The Roots/Galactic spin on things - that is, make all the music with acoustic drums and regular instruments. Keep the main scheme of things, but use a real drum kit, a real bass player, guitar player, keyboardist, etc.

That's the idea so far. We're actually trying to do it without a keyboard player at first. The guitarist is really good at noises and is toying with using a guitar-synth.

We'll see how it goes!

[Ian]

i'm thinking that if you want to sing lead vocals in this cover band and most of what you're playing is contemporary pop and hip hop, why even bother with a drum kit? all that music uses programmed drums anyway, so get rid of those drums and get a beat box.

It's about the live feel and energy only a band can bring. DJs/drum machines are good, but they don't compare. Listen to the Roots, or Pendulum to hear what I'm talking about.

I'm not doing leads, just back ups, but those damn things are hard.

It's also about keeping a party going. So many of these songs are built on samples, so that equates to a constant groove and, in some cases, three or four different songs in a row. This music gives a fantastic opportunity for improv/stretching out and seriously WORKING a crowd. Bump up the speed of "Wild Thing" a notch or two and you've got "Jamie's Cryin'" go from "You Can't Touch This" into "Superfreak" it's all about vibe and groove.

I do see what you are saying, but the band is what makes this idea worth doing, in many respects.

[synergy]

Whats to stop you playing covers in your own way?

Adding your own personality to it?

You can still play the 'main' recognised parts - but throw in a different fill, crash pattern- who knows what else?

My British cover does this all the time- also we play songs a certain way on purpose to fit us or the instruments we have , so I have had to adjust certain songs etc- add in parts take away others to make it gel with what the rest of the band is doing-

Therefore we feel we have an originals cover band!!!

Everybody wins!!!

[Retrovertigo]

there is no "Artistic Integrity" in a cover band. that isnt to say they dont have to work really hard. or that they have it "easy". it's just that they arent really creating a work of art. and therefore lack "Artistic Integrity" but there is regular integrity in the fact that you want to play these tunes well and that you are actually going to regardless of how this thread turns out.

is it your even aim to create "ART"? or is your aim to start a solid, groovin' cover band? i dont think you should be concerned with artistic integrity. you should be worried about how you are actually going to play and sing Crossroads (bone, thuggs n harmony).

also, being in an original band that plays a few covers and being in a 'cover band' are two different things.

p.s. joe cocker is amazing and everything i've ever heard him do was a cover.

[donv]

Integrety? IMO that's up to the indiviudal.

Playing in a cover band is not about the band or musicians. It's about playing music that the customers like and are willing to spend money on hearing. The person hiring a cover band doesn't give a darn about the opinions of the band or it's musicians. All they care about is the crowd the band brings into the place and that they hopefully have a good time and spend money while having a good time.Too many musicians today act like everytime they play they're putting on a show for 70,000 people at an arena rather then the 125 people the fire marshall allows in the club.

There's a bumper sticker that says, "A bad day of fishing is better then a good day at work." The same is true for playing music. Maintain integrety for a percentage of the door cover, or give up the integrety, play covers and earn a living.

Playing covers is also some of the best practice you can get. To a musician as opposed to a drummer, there is a lot more to playing music then chops.

[dairyairman]

I do see what you are saying, but the band is what makes this idea worth doing, in many respects.

ok. i see what you're saying. a lot of hip hop artists tour with human drummers for that very reason. i was just thinking you'd be better off focusing on lead vocals and standing up front, but if you're not a lead vocalist then it doesn't matter so much.

[yesdog]

I dont think Todd Sucherman lost any integrity when he joined Styx ( playing cover tunes)
Playing music that was already wrote. Playing covers or your own stuff still takes skill and practice. If you play in a cover band and have 4 or 500 people there to see you and have a good time. Thats a great feeling, if you play your own music and have 10 people show up thats a bummer, I have been on both sides. I perfer to play in front of a big croud and have fun. Anyway you put it. Its still art covers or originals.

[toddy]

I'm only 21 but I've been playing in cover bands (paid) since I was 18.
Atm I'm playing in an 'indie' cover band doing UK chart stuff from the past year, and while it isn't my favourite style of music, I still try my best to replicate the drum parts as well as possible. We played a local small pub during a 'festival' and had 300+ people in there, the atmosphere was brilliant.

I've found that playing in cover bands has helped my stage presence to no end and I've also taken up backing vocals (being somewhat decent).
The best thing is being able to earn money doing what I love to invest in what I love. Over the past year I've been developing a relatively 'soundproofed' home studio with treated live room, which also makes for a great practice space. This ofcourse makes my practice sessions even more productive and has allowed me to create more original creations.. it's really win-win.

Either way I don't really care what people think about me playing in cover bands. I'd rather do this than work in McDonalds, or scrape by on money from the jobcentre like some of my friends do currently.

Oh yeah.. the free drinks and the young tipsy women aren't a bad thing either.

[wy yung]

Hi All,

My questions are these: Who on this board would not play in a cover band? Who on this board will play anything for a paycheck? Who thinks a musician is compromising if they are not trying to bring new music into the world? Do you think I'm crazy? Am I sacrificing my integrity as an artist?


What are you thoughts?

My thoughts are simple. A gig is a gig. One needs to pay the rent. The point is that no matter what you play, do your best to make it sound good. Be on time, be prepared. Be professional.

Integrity as an artist??? Did Vic Firth sacrifice his integrity while playing in a classical covers orchestra? Because that's what a classical orchestra is. A cover band. The only way you will sacrifice your integrity is by not playing the music to the best of your abilities.

I well remember those naive kids in my past stating they would never play covers. They now have day jobs and work in offices. Me? I'm a professional musician.

[Tim Waterson]

Hi All,

I'm starting a new cover band. Before I do this I always look into local competition and who is working the most to see if I can fill a void. I've set on doing 80's and 90's hip hop, rap, and R&B because there is a complete dearth of BANDS that do this, the popularity of the music in its "hey day," and the fact that the "young professionals" and party planners of today grew up on this stuff. I don't expect many people on this board to be down with the tunes, but believe me when I say they are fun, groovy, and vocally challenging, so I get to hone my skills too.

My questions are these: Who on this board would not play in a cover band? Who on this board will play anything for a paycheck? Who thinks a musician is compromising if they are not trying to bring new music into the world? Do you think I'm crazy? Am I sacrificing my integrity as an artist?

I get a lot of funny looks from friends and fellow players when I say what I'm putting together. Some of my band-mates in my original band outright cringe at the mention of my intentions and I get a whole lot of "I could NEVER do THAT!"

The only comments that outnumber the "WHA?!?" comments are the enthusiastic ones from my peers who are STOKED at the idea of four white guys in suits playing this music REALLY WELL. Without a single gig or demo we have offers to play parties and even a wedding.

I don't take myself too seriously and I love to play and make people dance. Is there anyone else on this board who thinks like me?

Oh yeah, and the money is nice too.

What are you thoughts?

There is a fine line in keeping your integrity and slaving away at a 9-5 to pay your rent
or working as a versatile musician being able to play whatever the gig calls for and paying your rent through music
FYI the majority of drummers i know dont make a living playing ORIGINAL music.
for years i said no to gigs cause I wanted to play ORIGINAL music.
Lost a lot of potential $$$
when I started out i played whatever whenver just because I loved to play music and I knew i would grow as a musician by not staying in one style or group.
does playing in a generic original band have any more integrity than playing in a cover band?I know guys who have toured the world and they come back and they are broke.
Sure they kept their integrity by playing their OWN music but now they have to work at a day job to pay the rent.
BONUS for playing in a cover band you play a wide range of music helps you be a more dynamic and versatile drummer which you can apply to your next original project and you can also pay the bills so you can concentrate on the orginal bands step by step
Tim

[gnedocle]

Playing music that was already wrote
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