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Post by mothermayhemband on Jun 2, 2010 7:22:50 GMT -8
Did any one see the Craigslist Post:
"BASSIST HERE seeking classic rock cover band or musicians to form one (Sacramento/Roseville)"
He goes into a long list "MUSIC I DO NOT ENJOY AND THEREFORE WILL NOT PLAY:"
Someone help me understand this mentality...The people he lists are popular artists (Clapton, Bon Jovi, BTO, Bryan Adams). Your looking for a cover band...it's not about what you want it's about what the crowd wants... You sold out the second you decided you wanted to play someone elses songs!!!
It's like saying your a little bit pregnant!!! You either are a cover band that plays stuff people want to PAY to hear or you don't.
You think I like playing KC and the Sunshine Band and the Bee Gees!!!! You think Eminem and Flo Rida are a stretch to of my guitar playing ability...not hardly....but I just wrapped up three Country Club gigs (at $2500.00 a pop) this weekend and that's sure what they wanted to hear (and what they want to pay to re-hear).
If you want artistic satisfaction and a creative musical outlet, write your own songs emote the fellings you have and share them with the world. If your playing someone elses songs your nothing more then a record player (oops did I just date myself, I ment MP3 player)...
Let me just say I love this site becuz I just got this off my chest, it won't get flagged and I feel better ;D
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Post by mrfoster on Jun 2, 2010 20:20:05 GMT -8
Did any one see the Craigslist Post: "BASSIST HERE seeking classic rock cover band or musicians to form one (Sacramento/Roseville)"He goes into a long list "MUSIC I DO NOT ENJOY AND THEREFORE WILL NOT PLAY:" Someone help me understand this mentality...The people he lists are popular artists (Clapton, Bon Jovi, BTO, Bryan Adams). Your looking for a cover band...it's not about what you want it's about what the crowd wants... You sold out the second you decided you wanted to play someone elses songs!!! It's like saying your a little bit pregnant!!! You either are a cover band that plays stuff people want to PAY to hear or you don't. You think I like playing KC and the Sunshine Band and the Bee Gees!!!! You think Eminem and Flo Rida are a stretch to of my guitar playing ability...not hardly....but I just wrapped up three Country Club gigs (at $2500.00 a pop) this weekend and that's sure what they wanted to hear (and what they want to pay to re-hear). If you want artistic satisfaction and a creative musical outlet, write your own songs emote the fellings you have and share them with the world. If your playing someone elses songs your nothing more then a record player (oops did I just date myself, I ment MP3 player)... Let me just say I love this site becuz I just got this off my chest, it won't get flagged and I feel better ;D I saw that post and thought it a bit curious myself. On the bright side, he's not leaving any confusion about what he's into, so he's probably saving himself and others wasted time. I respect a man who knows what he wants and sticks to it. I've not seen your band yet, but I guess I'm probably not wanting to hear your KC and The Sunshine Band songs based on how you feel about them. I'd be much more interested in hearing you play what you love. I take exception to the ridiculous notion that one is nothing more than a record player if they're playing someone elses songs. I find it very interesting to hear how other artists approach covering known gems. Ray Charles anyone? I've often thought how cool it would have been to hear Freddie King do "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window" or perhaps the unimaginable delight fans would feel while listening to Muddy Waters go full circle and cover The Rolling Stones song "Under My Thumb". Certainly no one would consider these fantasy performances "selling out". "Blowing minds" would be a more appropriate term. If you are really wanting to make good money, and that's your priority, I assure you that siding salesmen make more money than any musician in town. I think with a little effort a musician can find a balance between playing covers that will entertain the public and give the artistic satisfaction and creative outlet that you refer to. Oftentimes, the famous songs that we grew to love were penned in a hurry to get some grocery money and wound up bringing unadulterated joy to the hearts of millions. Selling out? Maybe not. As I type, I'm thinking of Patsy Cline singing Willie Nelsons' timeless offering, "Crazy". Respectfully, Steve Foster |
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Post by mothermayhemband on Jun 3, 2010 5:52:11 GMT -8
Point well taken sir, but comparing Ray Charles and Patsey Cline doing "musical interpretations" of another artists work is not quite the same as a cover band playing local gigs (in my humble opinion) where people want to dance to the songs they know, the way they know them. (We’ve tried changing just the intro’s to Beat it, You May be Right and Walk this Way only to be stared at blankly….he he!) You are right, the poster makes it very clear in what he wants and I do respect that (I mostly wanted to post something on this board to keep it fresh ;-)). Even though I'm not a big KC fan, I am a fan of providing high quality entertainment to the people that come and see our show and I play KC and every other song to the best of my limited ability with all the passion and energy needed to translate to the crowd. You are an area icon and I appreciate your comments and take them to heart. I would love to have you stop by one of our many upcoming gigs and would enjoy meeting you and having you sit in. You can find us at: 6/4 Louie’s Lounge 6/5 Stars Vacaville 6/12 Purple place 6/19 Stars Vacaville 6/25 Strikes in Rocklin 6/30 the Fountains in Roseville 7/4 Arden Park 7/9-7/10 Woodbridge Crossing - Lodi Or checkout www.mothermayhemband.com for dates farther out (shameless promotional plug!!!) And again let me say thank you to the owner/ operators of this board....a friendly, intelligent dialogue between to respectful people with out using profanity and anger is leaps and bounds above Craigslist. As well as giving me an opportunity to meet (well at least virtually) Mr. Foster whom I respect as a local musician greatly!! |
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Post by Cris on Jun 3, 2010 10:22:33 GMT -8
Another reason for qualifying what you want to play: I just auditioned last night for a classic r&b/disco band last night. The audition went really badly. I found out something about myself...I am NOT an r&b singer, I'm a rock singer. So for me, Kool & the Gang, Commodores, Earth Wind & Fire and the like would have to be on my not to play list, although I love all those artists. Sometimes you're limited by your choices, other times by your skills.
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Post by beamer on Jun 3, 2010 13:01:26 GMT -8
I too read the CL post "Bassist here..." an thought it was a kinda of 'in your face'. But if I remember right the guy wasn't looking for paying gigs he just wanted to play. That said I agree with Mr. Foster that at least he won't waste your time. I don't know the guy but he does seem to have some attitude. On the point of being a record player, IMO most cover bands try to make the songs they play their own style.
Chris, you made a great point about choices & skills
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Post by Richard on Jun 3, 2010 21:05:49 GMT -8
This is from the perspective of a regular guy that plays music as often as possible, I dont gig for a living. I think if you play cover tunes, you play cover tunes, and thats that. Some of the cover tunes that I play, I hate deeply. But some of those tunes I hate, I play better than the songs I really love. I dont think anyone can tell if Im playing my least, or my most favorite song. I put out with everything I have on every tune, whether I like it or not. If someone in my band wants to play a certain song, I will play it no matter what. FOr me, the worst day playing is better than the best day working. Ive played thousands of blues shuffles, but every now and then, you get the one that gives you a tingle  Even though its basic 1-4-5 stuff. Sometimes the basic stuff you have played forever can be the most fun. AS far as this message board, you can all thank yourselves. Its all of us bitching and talking about local issues that is making this happen. That, and we got tired of having stuff flagged/deleted on Craigslist. [glow=red,2,300]Jlev, beamer, Cris, and wormdrive66[/glow] are the people that are operating this board, and they deserve your thanks. But as always, if you want to help, let us know. We are all in it together |
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Post by mrfoster on Jun 4, 2010 5:59:53 GMT -8
You are an area icon and I appreciate your comments and take them to heart. I would love to have you stop by one of our many upcoming gigs and would enjoy meeting you and having you sit in. And again let me say thank you to the owner/ operators of this board....a friendly, intelligent dialogue between to respectful people with out using profanity and anger is leaps and bounds above Craigslist. As well as giving me an opportunity to meet (well at least virtually) Mr. Foster whom I respect as a local musician greatly!! Thank you for the kind words, my friend. I agree, a friendly, intelligent dialogue between respectful people just makes life better all around. I can't tell you how refreshing it was for me to read your classy response to my reply. You are a gentleman, and I look forward to meeting you and hearing your band. Cheers! |
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Post by mrfoster on Jun 4, 2010 6:10:38 GMT -8
Some of the cover tunes that I play, I hate deeply. But some of those tunes I hate, I play better than the songs I really love. I dont think anyone can tell if Im playing my least, or my most favorite song. I put out with everything I have on every tune, whether I like it or not. If someone in my band wants to play a certain song, I will play it no matter what. FOr me, the worst day playing is better than the best day working. Ive played thousands of blues shuffles, but every now and then, you get the one that gives you a tingle For many years I was "just the guitar player" and I too played many songs I didn't really dig as much as others. For this reason I have had a policy in my band for years that if you don't like a song, we don't play it. I figure I've got plenty to spare, and that way I'll get more passion out of my bandmates. I like all the songs, I'm the one that picked them in the first place... If there are too many on the "no fly" list, it's simply a matter of finding new people to play with. Everyones a winner. |
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Post by nickyn99 on Jun 4, 2010 6:48:07 GMT -8
I play bass in Rogue and we have been lucky enough to keep busy but still play the music we grew up with and love playing. We play mostly covers of course with some originals thrown in. We don't play the Bee Gee's or KC but on occasion play "Funky Music" or "Mustang Sally" and usually it is because of a request and they tip us really well to play it by their choice. We might not always get the big paying gig but they do come and we do make good money at the clubs we play without being the standard cover band. Personally I get more joy out of playing "Dear Prudence" which is not a dance song at all and have people watching and cheering afterwards than having a packed dance floor and after the song is done walk off to the bar. Yes the guy might be limiting his auditions by stating what he does not want to play but like previously stated at least he is not going to waste anybody's time which is very cool of the guy. Do whatever works for you and makes you happy and hopefully everyone else that is watching you.
Cheers to all - Nick
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tug
Accomplished Member
Posts: 60
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Post by tug on Jun 10, 2010 22:36:33 GMT -8
lol, i remember 25 or so yrs ago saying to myself...one more mustang sally and im gonna tear my ears off!but wtf its 3.20 minutes of a set and somebody wants to play it or hear it or dance to it so why not givem' what they want.share the fun..........i can see bach's orchestra mumbling "f@#*, not this song again"
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Even though its basic 1-4-5 stuff. Sometimes the basic stuff you have played forever can be the most fun.