"Mercing" out

[BeamersApathy]

I've been out of a band for a little too long and I'm starting to give serious consideration to mercing myself out to a cover band just for the sake of playing live. I just moved from western texas to pennsylvania and haven't really found a niche here yet. I've done the cover thing before, but I didn't really enjoy it. I'm looking for a little input here on wether or not its best to play covers (even music I hate) or continue to sit in my house and play scales with a metronome. In order to divert attention away from the obviously insecure state of mind this reflects upon me; has anyone else ever had to deal with this situation? Play crap or don't play at all?

I'm getting closer and closer to joining some random crappy 80s tribute band (I'm more of a RATM guy) just so I can be around other musicians. I love bass, but I haven't quite gotten to the level of "soloist" just yet. So, uhh discuss...

[madthumbs]

I cant say ive been in the position, but hey man, id kill for a live gig over sitting in my room practicing scales anyday. Just go out and try it, you dont have to lock yourself in it forever, and hey you might even be able to convince em to jam some RATM or start writing originals, plus it will probably give you some more options, you could get some contacts and start going places you want to from there... good luck! :thumb:

[livefastdieyoung]

Well,..

first of all, i would never want to be in a band that plays music i don't like. So joining that crappy tribute band doesn't seem like a good idea.

But, if you join an other cover band, you would get some live experience, which is always good, even if it is by playing covers. And you can still keep on looking for a band with their own songs :thumb:

[EvilSid]

Hey man, where in PA? I'm in Eastern Montgomery County myself.
But yeah, I feel for ya. I went from garage band stardom playing metal covers to playing for an original blues/rock band and loving it. But we went nowhere, so I ended up playing dive bars with a modern rock cover band just to play. Then that fell apart and I did nothing for five years. Now I'm playing out again with a classic rock/blues/oldies cover trio and ya know what? It ain't half bad. Of course, it all depends on your "career" expectaions, but for fun factor it's good. And I know it sounds cliche, if not a bit tired, but playing styles you normally wouldn't can improve your playing. It can't hurt to open your mind to new things. I did, and I'll tell you what........playing for drunk hillbillies beats the snot out of playing for my dog. Besides, you'll never get "discovered" playing in your living room. Get out there, let others see what ya got. You never know when there may be a guitarist in the crowd thinking "Man, I could totally work with that dude."

Best of luck with whatever path you choose.
Peace!
Sid

[Thunder Fingers]

Holy crap! :mad::thumb:s :eek:

And to be honest, when ever i play music, i do not think of it as crap, i might hate the song otherwise, but its a completely different thing actually playing it, i would not had a problem with it.

my only problem i when people tell me exactly what to play..

[lateralus423]

I play in an all cover band pretty much and it does kinda stink that that is all we play. Id like to make some more songs but oh well, and the music we play isnt SO much my style i'd like it to be heavier but the guys are great and its fun so it works.

[gaslight]

There's nothing wrong with joining a cover band.

Facts:

1) They make money. Money, according to recent studies, is good to have.
2) You have to learn lots of songs, good for your ear and good for your playing.
3) You play live lots, good for building experience.
4) You make lots of contacts in other bands you'll play with.
5) It gets you out of the house, and music is great fun, even its covers.

:)

[Thonk]

There's nothing wrong with joining a cover band.

Facts:

1) They make money. Money, according to recent studies, is good to have.
2) You have to learn lots of songs, good for your ear and good for your playing.
3) You play live lots, good for building experience.
4) You make lots of contacts in other bands you'll play with.
5) It gets you out of the house, and music is great fun, even its covers.

:)
123

TS: where'd you move to? I'm down in southwest pa.

[bottlerocket]

Holy crap! :mad::thumb:s :eek:

LOL

I thought that, too.

It's good to see you, Troy. :D


1) They make money. Money, according to recent studies, is good to have.

Links to these "recent studies" please.

Anyway, threadstarter, I say you join a cover band and then try to coax the band into writing some originals.

The Beatles started out as a cover band (The Quarry Men) and look at them!

[Akira]

I'm pretty sure he's making up those studies. Money sucks.

From what I have heard, the problem with joining a cover band and trying to start writing originals is that if people start coming to see you for covers, they will often be less receptive to originals. I don't have experience with it personally, but that is what people in cover bands have told me.

Personally, I would join a cover band for the reasons gaslight gave, and then if I really wanted to do originals I would try to put together a new band with people who also wanted to do originals.

[Brandon_S]

If I were you,id find a teacher and just practice up to be the best I can be,And try recording some solo bass peices,tackle some songs that your having trouble with then find a band.

I dont know how long you've been playing but I took a break from playing in bands too,mostly becuase there is no good local bands and bands that want to play anything other then metal or punk.

[gaslight]

The Beatles started out as a cover band (The Quarry Men) and look at them!

And they were really crap musicians before their stint playing in Hamburg which is what honed their skills :).

And there are no real money studies of course, I was just thinking of some senator saying "according to recent polls, air is good" or something along those lines in Family Guy :p.

[Akira]

And they were really crap musicians before their stint playing in Hamburg which is what honed their skills :).

And there are no real money studies of course, I was just thinking of some senator saying "according to recent polls, air is good" or something along those lines in Family Guy :p.

I'm pretty sure he is aware you were joking about the studies.

[bottlerocket]

And they were really crap musicians before their stint playing in Hamburg which is what honed their skills :).

And there are no real money studies of course, I was just thinking of some senator saying "according to recent polls, air is good" or something along those lines in Family Guy :p.

Well, everyone's gotta start at the bottom and work their way up, man. :p

I was kidding about the links to the studies, btw, haha.

[gaslight]

I know, I just wanted to talk to someone :(. Haha.

And yeah, that's my point too :).

[bottlerocket]

I never thought a day would come when I had more posts than gaslight.

[gaslight]

Yeah, I've noticed there are some monumental post counts roaming around the site these days.

[bottlerocket]

So I have a "monumental" post count? I'm not sure if that's good or bad.

Amit has like 40k.

[gaslight]

I was thinking of him yeah :lol:.

*Feels bad for off-topic chatter.*

[BeamersApathy]

I've done the cover band thing before. I agree with most of the points mentioned here pertaining to it. I was in a cover band for about a year in texas. All the practice certainly improved my ear and my dexterity; I had something to do every weekend; and I had a little extra cash for the rest of the week.

My main problem was that I was 12 years younger than anyone else in the band (23 now). I haven't met many musicians in my age group with similar tastes in my new "neighborhood". I've been playing for about 10 years (with some interruptions caused by military service), and have pro gear; so being a live jukebox is an easy and boring prospect to me. There's also the issue of middle aged women hitting on me: I know that's a stupid problem to have, but it always happens with cover bands because that's the crowd that happens to be in the bar. I haven't been able to figure out if its better to play something I hate live or not play at all.

When with the tx cover band; writing originals just didn't work due to different tastes and the age gap. I have little reason to believe the results would vary in a similar situation in a different time zone. There's also the aspect of having already invested lots of time and money on lessons and gear. There's really not much of a payoff to that investment when giving my dog a private concert.

[deemo]

just do a couple of shows. would it hurt you? really? i'd kill to play live right now.

[Jimbobntnr]

I am doing it and I don't recommend it.

[sinister]

I'd say go for the cover band, you can always leave after all.

If you havnt met the right people for your own band yet, going out and playing music will hook you up and give you a chance to work on live skills.

It dosnt seem right for a cover band to do their own songs, people are paying to hear songs they actually know, methinks.

Yeaah playing live is cool

[EADG]

I am doing it and I don't recommend it.

123


It gets really boring.


Cover bands = pointless imo.

[EvilSid]

Well, it seems as though you're hellbent on NOT joining a cover, which I can totally respect. I suppose some things you could do are to find the local spots where bands play and hang around a bit or post ads (if allowed) trying to find other musicians, look through the local Tradin' Times or find a musician hook-up site on-line. I know I saw one the other day, but can't think of it right now.

[DonBass]

hey if your in a cover band you can always say you didnt write the song if they dont like it right?

[One Groovin Clown]

hey if your in a cover band you can always say you didnt write the song if they dont like it right?

You still played it.

[Radiobass81]

I haven't read anything in the thread, and for all I know it could have been mentioned a million times, but:

Cover bands are the reason why the musical scene is horrible in most areas, and it's really hard to start a succesful band. Most places don't accept bands unless they are already pretty well-known or are cover bands. And really, screw the money. Being paid to playing music I didn't make is NOWHERE NEAR as satisfying as making music and connecting with people, with or without pay.

[DonBass]

You still played it.

yes yes but i was referring to the song itself not the way it was played. whatever. stupid joke

[One Groovin Clown]

yes yes but i was referring to the song itself not the way it was played. whatever. stupid joke

I got the joke, I was just being an asshole. :p

[DonBass]

i see i see

[livefastdieyoung]

I haven't read anything in the thread, and for all I know it could have been mentioned a million times, but:

Cover bands are the reason why the musical scene is horrible in most areas, and it's really hard to start a succesful band. Most places don't accept bands unless they are already pretty well-known or are cover bands. And really, screw the money. Being paid to playing music I didn't make is NOWHERE NEAR as satisfying as making music and connecting with people, with or without pay.

I agree, but

he could use the live experience and probably the money. And he can still quit the band if he wants to.

But you're right, it isn't as satisfying. But i still think the reasons above are also pretty good. :)

[gaslight]

Cover bands aren't at all the reason why live music scenes suffer, in Australia the reason why live music scenes suffer is because it is far cheaper for pubs and clubs to have pokie machines (I think you call them slot machines in the US) than invest in a live music license and equipment.

[livefastdieyoung]

I've seen some really good cover bands IMO.

The last one was a Metallica cover band, they played everything perfectly, it was pretty cool to see.

[Radiobass81]

LiveFast: The live experience isn't worth it, as it's nothing like connecting with your music.

Gaslight: That doesn't count, as the place doesn't support bands at all. Those who do, generally prefer cover bands, for stupid reasons. And that denies bands from moving on if they can't find shows.

[gaslight]

It does count because the number of available live venues decreases as pubs decide they'll do better business with gambling than bands, this forces more bands to fit into less venues, and means some of those venues have to make decisions about what will be a draw and what wont.

Even despite that, I've not seen a single venue in Sydney that refuses to hire originals bands. The places that do hire covers bands are mainly for functions and as entertainment in addition to food or whatever, which is perfect work for covers bands. I don't know what other cities are like but Sydney is said to be in a recession as far as the music scene goes, and even so there are plenty of venues that have original bands most nights of the week and without fail on weekends.

Even when venues do only want to hire cover bands, its the venue owner's fault, not the cover bands themselves. They're just trying to make a living by taking the work thats available.

I don't find covers gigs unfulfilling, as long as people enjoy it and have a great time then you've done your job as an entertainer and if there's something to feel bad about in that I don't see it.

When it comes to ruining the live music scene, its not cover bands that are the problem. I'd rather see a good covers band than a bad originals one (and there are plenty of those), though I'd rather see a good originals band than anything else, and when it gets right down to it I'd rather see any band than see a venue give up on live music completely and make itself a gambling house.

[Criss Frantic]

Just move down to Melbourne. There's plenty of gigs to go around here.

[Radiobass81]

So, people who are working their arses off writing songs don't get as much exposure because a cover band gets their gigs, and it's not the cover bands fault? Granted, half the time they don't know it, but my band HAS had problems with cover bands, but that's just another long story.

Only places we can gig at is the occasional pubs, and talent shows. Anything better, you already need to have an established reputation.

Criss: Far away from Puerto Rico :(.

[Criss Frantic]

Cover bands dont get "their" gigs. If a band doesn't get a gig, it doesn't belong to them. Simple. Cover bands have just as much right to play and enjoy music as anyone else. And they're working their arses off too, learning the songs, polishing the act. It shouldn't be a competition.

[Radiobass81]

Learning songs as opposed to making it...

[Thunder Fingers]

If they write good stuff they will get the gig anyway..

And there is also the possibility to mix covers and originals, thats what i prefer anyway. i tend to do my own things with songs, be that a cover or a original (unless i realy respect the original band, then ill stick to the original bassline, like Iron maiden and Rush.)

[Criss Frantic]

They have as much right to enjoy playing music at a live gig as any other musician.

[Thunder Fingers]

exactly, Cover songs can be great fun..

and not to mention all thoose covering bach pieces and so, in my experience, I would much rather prefer a cover band over the majority of todays original bands, most sound horrible IMO.

[Criss Frantic]

When it comes down to it, (IMO) if the crowd is entertained, who cares which songs you play? Covers or originals, if you are entertaining people, and enjoying it yourself, that's all that matters.

[gaslight]

Learning songs as opposed to making it...

Learning songs in no way diminishes the musicianship of a band, or the effort that goes into it.

Generally speaking, most professional musicians in cover bands are of a higher calibre than the average originals band anyway.

[Jimbobntnr]

I have no issue with being a coverband bassist. I have done the original thing for quite some time, and the cover thing. My point was to not get into a cover band that does songs that you don't like/enjoy playing. then it just becomes a job and it's almost embarrassing to get caught doing it.

[livefastdieyoung]

LiveFast: The live experience isn't worth it, as it's nothing like connecting with your music.


There's more to performing live than connecting with your music. :) Stagefright for instance. And if by playing covers, you can lessen your stagefright, than go for it i say :)

Every live experience is worth it. Even if you suck that night. So playing covers is also worth it.

[livefastdieyoung]

Cover bands dont get "their" gigs. If a band doesn't get a gig, it doesn't belong to them. Simple. Cover bands have just as much right to play and enjoy music as anyone else. And they're working their arses off too, learning the songs, polishing the act. It shouldn't be a competition.

I fully agree with this.

[livefastdieyoung]

When it comes down to it, (IMO) if the crowd is entertained, who cares which songs you play? Covers or originals, if you are entertaining people, and enjoying it yourself, that's all that matters.

True.

I'd rather be playing covers, that the crowd likes, than playing own songs and getting boo'd off stage :)

[Sablate McNuff]

TS, I'd say go for the cover band thing. Tell the guys up front that you want to have some input on songs they play, that way you can at least enjoy part of the set. Every musician in every band has AT LEAST one song that he/she doesn't care for. You just have to work past it.

Cover band = Exposure. It's as simple as that.

You can do what I've done: hand out a business card, flier, or contact information to the club owner in case any bands come along and need a bassist. There's a chance you might find one that you like and could possibly join that band.

It really all comes down to you, though. Once you can get past the mental block of "Oh God, not ANOTHER f**king cover!!!" and move into the "Hey, I'm making music and the crowd is enjoying it!" frame of mind, you'll just reap all of the benefits that the performances offer.

As for the middle-aged women problem, just wear a ring when you play live. :thumb:

[Jimbobntnr]

As for the middle-aged women problem, just wear a ring when you play live. :thumb:

Obviously you have never met a middle aged woman in a bar. Sometimes you have to wear another, dead middle aged woman to keep them away.

Seriously - the ring won't work.

[Sablate McNuff]

Obviously you have never met a middle aged woman in a bar. Sometimes you have to wear another, dead middle aged woman to keep them away.

Seriously - the ring won't work.


HAHAHA


Somebody rep this man, please!

Jonly, I wouldn't know personally, but it was worth a shot.

[AlmightyPancake]

I played in a cover band through last year--my freshman year at college. We had a few originals, but people came for the covers. We were incredibly popular--averaged a gig a week. We brought in money, I got to play in front of people, and I connected with my bandmates.

Now, a year later, that band is gone. But the rhythm guitarist and I found an amazing drummer, and now we write some experimental-indie-emo-techno-electronica stuff. Really fun stuff. And we get lots of shows. Why? Because we still have all the connections we made when we played with the other band. We're known to be reliable, bring in a crowd, and play good music.

I'm also in another band. We're opening for Speechwriters LLC soon. Why? Because after demonstrating my abilities, I've become fairly high demand. Many people nowadays are looking for bassists who bring something to the music, so I get asked to record lines on a fairly regular basis. Pretty incredible.

You can write your own songs all you want. That probably makes you a better musician. It does not make you a better entertainer. Bars don't want people coming in who aren't entertaining. It's a lot easier to engage a crowd with songs they know. If you want to go somewhere originality is appreciated, try booking gigs with other bands. Find local original music clubs. I know in my area, there are several coffee shops, record stores, and college venues that want original bands.

What it basically comes down to is--you won't be paid to play live unless you're entertaining. In bars, entertaining is cover bands. In Battle of the Bands, entertaining is original and fresh.

[blizzard]

I have no issue with being a coverband bassist. I have done the original thing for quite some time, and the cover thing. My point was to not get into a cover band that does songs that you don't like/enjoy playing. then it just becomes a job and it's almost embarrassing to get caught doing it.

Meh, I do it. I don't like country much at all yet I enjoy playing in a predominantly country band. If it brings in some money I don't really mind what I play.

[EADG]

if you are entertaining people, and enjoying it yourself, that's all that matters.


What about creating and expressing yourself through your music?

Music is an art form, is it not?

[Radiobass81]

Meh, I still hold by my opinion.

I started playing bass to make music, not to solely play other people's songs. It's not worth it.

[Criss Frantic]

What about creating and expressing yourself through your music?

Music is an art form, is it not?

Yes, and all art is subjective. Some people may feel that simply playing the music (no matter who wrote it), making sound is expressing themselves, others may feel the need to express themselves through original composition and performance. In the end, it's all music, music is art, and art is expression of self. You can cover a song and still put your own expression into it.

I just said "express" way too much, but oh well.

It is a fair point you make.

[gaslight]

Just because you're in a cover band doesn't mean its the only thing you do.

You can play in a cover band to make a tidy, steady income and still be as creative as you want outside of it. Just because you're in a cover band doesn't mean its all you'll ever do, and in my opinion its more demanding than being in an originals band. Writing music is the easiest thing in the world for me, I find it more of a challenge to learn and remember the massive setlist you need for a decent covers band.

It's a good way to earn money and experience and I wouldn't scoff at either.

[Radiobass81]

Just because you're in a cover band doesn't mean its the only thing you do.

You can play in a cover band to make a tidy, steady income and still be as creative as you want outside of it. Just because you're in a cover band doesn't mean its all you'll ever do, and in my opinion its more demanding than being in an originals band. Writing music is the easiest thing in the world for me, I find it more of a challenge to learn and remember the massive setlist you need for a decent covers band.

It's a good way to earn money and experience and I wouldn't scoff at either.

1) Never said it was. I said, if it was, it's just a waste.

2) No one ever does, though. I only met one cover band that wanted to start moving on, but they got so used to getting paid for gigs, they didn't want to play any gigs that didn't pay, which, atleast here, is any starting gig for a band.

3) Easy or not, covers just aren't rewarding enough (unless it's something regarding technique).

[gaslight]

Plenty of people play in cover bands as well as their own original things.

The majority of my teachers at uni are freelance musicians in addition to teaching, they'll do covers gigs on call during the week, whether at a venue or a function or whatever, and they do that so that make enough money to get by and be able to support whatever originals projects their involved with.

If a cover band doesn't want to do originals, that's their prerogative, it isn't really a big deal.

At the end of the day if you want to make a living out of music it isn't a good idea to do it by refusing to do anything that isn't your own original stuff, sometimes you have to put getting paid above feeling like an artist.

[vheartagramv]

Doesn't it really all boil down to personal preference and opinion?

Yeah, I thought so.

[gaslight]

Not really.

The facts are that there's nothing wrong with being in a covers band or in an originals band.

People can put their opinions against one or the other but that doesn't change the facts, each are as valid as the other and both have a time and a place.

[White_Summer]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with playing with new people regardless of the genre...i mean i play jazz prodominantly to make money, i play with new people every time i play and play songs way more over played than any pop culture tune

[vheartagramv]

Never said anything was less valid or wrong, just saying some people don't mind cover bands, some people like them, some people play in them, and some simply don't like them. That's personal preference to me, anyway.

I play in an originals band that also does covers. I'm by no means against either. Good music is good music. Period.

[EADG]

Yes, and all art is subjective. Some people may feel that simply playing the music (no matter who wrote it), making sound is expressing themselves, others may feel the need to express themselves through original composition and performance. In the end, it's all music, music is art, and art is expression of self. You can cover a song and still put your own expression into it.

I just said "express" way too much, but oh well.

It is a fair point you make.


When I said expressing yourself through your music I meant music that you specifically created.


You can enjoy playing a cover song, but are you really expressing yourself? After all, you didn't write it.

Sure you can put little changes into it, but if you change it up too much it won't even be the same song.

[gaslight]

Expressing yourself is all well and good, but there's a time and a place for it. Sometimes a paying audience just wants you to play songs they know and like already.

[AlmightyPancake]

The question is: do cover bands offer anything to a musician?

The answer is: yes. This is not opinion. Experience, money, and connections are all valuable things in the music world.

[vheartagramv]

Thank you for clearing that up nicely, for my sake if no one else's, heh.:thumb:

[Criss Frantic]

When I said expressing yourself through your music I meant music that you specifically created.


You can enjoy playing a cover song, but are you really expressing yourself? After all, you didn't write it.

Sure you can put little changes into it, but if you change it up too much it won't even be the same song.

What i meant was that some people may feel as if they are expressing themselves purely through the physical playing of the music, not through the actual musical content.

There are no rules for expression. You may not feel like you're expressing yourself unless you're playing your music, but someone else might. As I said, music, being a form of art, is completely subjective.

[EADG]

What i meant was that some people may feel as if they are expressing themselves purely through the physical playing of the music, not through the actual musical content.

There are no rules for expression. You may not feel like you're expressing yourself unless you're playing your music, but someone else might. As I said, music, being a form of art, is completely subjective.


They may feel like they are expressing themselves, but are they?


To me, playing someone else's song is expressing them, not yourself for the most part.


Sure you can add stuff in.. but there is only so much you can change until it detracts from the original song. And that would still be expressing yourself, because you made the changes.

[White_Summer]

i would agree with my fellow cannuck! but yeah, a perfect copy in my eyes would be completely void of personal expression, its like taking a picture of a painting, sure you can look at it, but its not the same as in person, poor analogy

[Criss Frantic]

They may feel like they are expressing themselves, but are they?


To me, playing someone else's song is expressing them, not yourself for the most part.


Sure you can add stuff in.. but there is only so much you can change until it detracts from the original song. And that would still be expressing yourself, because you made the changes.

If someone feels like they are expressing themselves, then they are. It doesn't matter if you, me or anybody else thinks that they aren't expressing themselves. This is what subjectiveness means.

And you can play a completely re-worked version of a song and still be covering it, without detracting from the original. Say it's a reggae version of an old rockabilly song. It's no better or worse, it's just different. Musician is expressing themselves originally through the style of the song, but it's still a cover version.

[EvilSid]

To me, playing someone else's song is expressing them, not yourself for the most part.

Sure you can add stuff in.. but there is only so much you can change until it detracts from the original song. And that would still be expressing yourself, because you made the changes.

I would like to disagree/agree. I'm currently playing in a cover band where more than a few of the songs were written before I knew how to walk, and seeing as how I don't read music, I was given free reign to improvise the lines within the context of the song. Now, some of them were easy enough to just nail the original, note for note, the first time out. But when hearing the song for the first time while playing along, you kind of just play by feel. And honestly, I've never heard a complaint that the bass was wrong. If anything, I've managed to bring new life to some tired songs.

So while it's true that I am playing someone else's song, I 'm not really playing some else's basslines. Therefore, I AM expressing myself. Sort of.

My .02.