con struct
Platinum Member
No wonder things sound like they do coming out of that region....(sterile and non-descript - all the same)
It's annoyingly obvious that you don't know what's going on on that "region."
No wonder things sound like they do coming out of that region....(sterile and non-descript - all the same)
I think this is the key phrase right here (things have changed slightly in the music biz since then I'm told)....
ugh! That's truly sad!
No wonder things sound like they do coming out of that region....(sterile and non-descript - all the same)
Sad that chopfest winners aren't in-demand? Do I really need to explain that?!
Matter of opinion - artists/labels produce records to sell, not to show off players' chops. There are outlets for such players... just not in Nashville (at least in terms of why people think it's smart to go to Nashville.)
Someone who wants to get ahead in the business has to do what the artists and producers want. Period. It's not a mystery, it's not a secret. If a player just can't bring themselves to play that way, they're welcome to do things their own way. 99.99% of them will tell you there's not much money in that.
Now, not every musician is required to make money playing, many are happy playing only what they want, and aren't looking for success. Some even rationalize that success is not what they want, because it's supposedly a sign of selling-out. Nobody needs to sell out if it would absolutely kill their soul to do so. But, those players shouldn't then wonder why they can't make a living, when they refuse to play what pays.
Very, VERY few musicians can completely call their own shots and be successful. Even fewer drummers can do that, as they typically don't have a melodic agenda (read: songs) that would attract an audience.
It's tough, it's business, and it's a tough business. Play by the rules, or don't, but don't expect the outcome to be suddenly different than it's been since recorded music began to dominate entertainment starting maybe 70 years ago. Don't forget, even Big Band and Jazz were mainstream and 'pop' in their day.
Bermuda
going to where the work is to find work is something that has not changed since the beginning of time and is not going to change anytime soon
things change in the business all the time .... that has nothing to do with traveling to where there is more opportunity than in someones small town
All true but a couple of things which certainly have changed since you persued your dream in the 90's:
1. Downloadable music/ filesharing
2. Price of petrol (OK I'll say "gas")
Just two factors (among many others) which have diminished the revenue streams for all musicians which were not so much of a problem during that period.
The naviety of the title says it all. This poor bloke actually thinks he'll be making money from touring- how many stories have we read on this forum where even big name drummers on large scale tours are barely breaking even?
learn a blue collar trade and get good at it. u will be needed whenever you are available. and appreciated. money is great if you are working for yourself.
Sad that chopfest winners aren't in-demand? Do I really need to explain that?!
I don't see the ability to play 'chops' as an indication that a musician cannot play 'music'.
Its what you know and who you know.
I used to think this was true also.....but my years of experience and making a living playing music has taught me otherwise
you can know every name player out there and still have a phone that doesn't ring
the true statement is ..... it's who knows YOU
I know plenty of great players with separate careers, and they enjoy playing weeknights & weekends as much as anyone else. It's a nice distraction from the 9-to-5, there's none of the pressure about having to make a living from music, they can afford the instruments they want, and they often get to pursue the type of playing they love because they don't have to conform or succeed.
Hmm, sounds like a pretty good deal!
learn a blue collar trade and get good at it. u will be needed whenever you are available. and appreciated. money is great if you are working for yourself.
I don't see the ability to play 'chops' as an indication that a musician cannot play 'music'.
I used to think this was true also.....but my years of experience and making a living playing music has taught me otherwise
you can know every name player out there and still have a phone that doesn't ring
the true statement is ..... it's who knows YOU
Absolutely, good point!Juggling music, family and work takes energy, organisation skills and cooperation between employer, spouse and band/s.
I found juggling stimulating for a while but I didn't have enough of the above qualities and it wore me down, especially when my work hours ramped up. Something had to give, and it was music. Sometimes it's the family that breaks down.