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Why do you want to play in public? #85343 09/14/10 06:51 AM Off-Topic
Joined: May 2003 Posts: 8,021 Rio Grande Valley, Texas silvertones OP Veteran
OP silvertones Veteran Joined: May 2003 Posts: 8,021 Rio Grande Valley, Texas	My wife asked this. Except for the money end of things she can't figure this out. Says we all are just a bunch of egomaniacs. Why do y'all want to play in public? John ESI Gigaport HD+ Lenovo Turion II /4 Gig Ram/ Win7x64 be 15.6" Monitor "The only Band is a Real Band" www.wintertexaninfo.com/BANDS/JohnnyD.php

Re: Why do you want to play in public? silvertones #85344 09/14/10 07:37 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 12,590 Pensacola, Florida jford Veteran
jford Veteran Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 12,590 Pensacola, Florida	If no one wanted to play in public (paid or otherwise), and I'm not just talking musicians here, our entertainment options would be severely limited. So, thank God for the egomaniacs. Me, I'd rather grab a lawn chair, a cooler, and go see a mediocre band play live than sit at home listening to a CD of the best band in the world. Lets hear it for the egomaniacs. And as far as I'm concerned, I enjoy sharing my skills and talents with others, no different than offering to help a neighbor work on a project (versus him asking first). It's really not egomania, and it's no different than offering to help someone on this board when they have a problem. I'm not trying to say, "look how good I am", I am merely saying that "I might have something to offer you". You are free to take it or leave it. When I play music in public, I hope you find enjoyment in it and get something out of it, but you are free to take it or leave it. Of course, there is just nothing more fun than playing music (regardless of your skill level), so why not share the joy? John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA BB2024/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com

Re: Why do you want to play in public? jford #85345 09/14/10 07:58 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,058 W Wyndham Expert
Wyndham Expert W Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,058	There's something in sharing with others, relive a shared experience or some connection with a wider group of people. Ever played a gig where only a few tuned into what you were doing? You kinda tune the rest out and connect with those that get it. It's hard when all you get are the stone looks from the "Frozen Chosen" but when you see some of the faces light up, then it makes all the difference in the world. Wyndham

Re: Why do you want to play in public? jford #85346 09/14/10 08:04 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 3,921 Kennesaw (Atlanta) GA Ryszard Veteran
Ryszard Veteran Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 3,921 Kennesaw (Atlanta) GA	For the energy. There are few things that make me feel more alive. And playing loud is, to me, the closest thing to an out-of-body experience without being in an altered mental state. Maybe that's selfish, but . . . . . . Done in the proper spirit, it's an act of altruism. Other people enjoy it, too. Besides, if you don't have an ego, you'll stop breathing. Richard "My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."

Re: Why do you want to play in public? silvertones #85347 09/14/10 08:06 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 1,696 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Ian Fraser Expert
Ian Fraser Expert Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 1,696 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada	I can't say I disagree with her, John. Sometimes we must be nuts. I'll admit it . . . when I discovered the attention that playing a guitar brought, I was sold. Then finding out I could come close to duplicating my favorite music for others, AND make money I was twice sold. And when I discovered it was a huge powerbase for meeting the ladies, I was three time sold. And so it goes. But there are nights where her observation is valid. I've enjoyed the challenge - me or them I have a song written after just such a night asking why do I want to play in public . . . it starts out As I look out tonight At the faces I see The blue smoke, the stinking beer The dim lights and me I wonder if no-one will listen Why are you here? I have another one a similar theme called Fools, Bums and Clowns. Ask a surgeon why he wants to crack chests for a living? Money or Ego? Maybe because he can. Ian Ian My "Original Tunes" Site My gene pool needs more chlorine.

Re: Why do you want to play in public? Ian Fraser #85348 09/14/10 08:25 AM Off-Topic
Joined: May 2003 Posts: 8,021 Rio Grande Valley, Texas silvertones OP Veteran
OP silvertones Veteran Joined: May 2003 Posts: 8,021 Rio Grande Valley, Texas	For me it's all of the above. BTW she said she was only kidding. Richard I remember opening for Conway Twitty at the Augusta,Me Civic Center.It was like an out of body experience. What made it go that way is his sound people took as much effort with our sound check as they did his. The sound, the lights everything. John ESI Gigaport HD+ Lenovo Turion II /4 Gig Ram/ Win7x64 be 15.6" Monitor "The only Band is a Real Band" www.wintertexaninfo.com/BANDS/JohnnyD.php

Re: Why do you want to play in public? silvertones #85349 09/14/10 09:21 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 8,073 Pawling New York R Rob Helms Veteran
Rob Helms Veteran R Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 8,073 Pawling New York	Funny i have asked myself that a few times. The other night when i played the anniversary party. I was playing along and really i thought no one was listening. They were socializing and such at tables all around the yard. About the forth or fifth song was Rick Nelson's "Travelin man" A Lady at the table closest in front stopped and turned around. Evidently that song was a favorite of hers and brought back a memory or something. She just looked at me and smiled, kinda like "cool i like that one". Then afterwards as I was packing up several people came up and said thanks that tey really loved the set. One handed me his card and said "we have a party coming up and would you be interested, usually we bring in a full band, but my wife and I loved the fullness of your sound and think it would be perfect". I think being appreciated for the hard work and effort that goes into performing for others, and the love we have of music, plus the need to be noticed all plays in. Lenovo Win 10 16 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2024, Realband, Reaper, Harrison Mixbus 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app, Komplete 49 key controller.

Re: Why do you want to play in public? Rob Helms #85350 09/14/10 01:55 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 6,187 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.A. Notes Norton Veteran
Notes Norton Veteran Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 6,187 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.A.	It's more fun to play for an audience - after all, music should be a dialog with the audience It's a natural high - a legal drug so to speak Did I mention it's fun? It pays the mortgage Did I say it's fun? Playing music to an audience is like telling a joke. If there is no one there to hear the joke it's incomplete - if there is no one there to hear the music it's incomplete Besides, it's fun! It creates an emotional bond with the audience - it's not really an ego thing because as I said, it's a dialog, a partnership, the audience feeds the musician who feeds the audience who feeds the musician - it's like sex without the physicality And it's fun It allows you to take a tax deduction on your instruments and the mileage to get to the gig Did I say it's fun? It's a great way to meet members of the opposite sex (don't tell your wife this) - and if I didn't play music for a living, I wouldn't have met the most important woman in the world to me, my wife. and doesn't she know it's a lot of fun? That's why they call it playing music I can't imagine my life as anything other than a professional musician. It's not what I do, it's what I am. Insights and incites by Notes ♫ Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music https://www.nortonmusic.com 100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove & Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks

Re: Why do you want to play in public? Notes Norton #85351 09/14/10 02:47 PM Off-Topic
Joined: May 2003 Posts: 8,021 Rio Grande Valley, Texas silvertones OP Veteran
OP silvertones Veteran Joined: May 2003 Posts: 8,021 Rio Grande Valley, Texas	Gee Notes now I'm really depressed. Having played music for 45 years and agreeing with all 13 points now finding myself living in a place with no venues at all. Until you posted I had almost convinced myself that playing out wasn't important. John ESI Gigaport HD+ Lenovo Turion II /4 Gig Ram/ Win7x64 be 15.6" Monitor "The only Band is a Real Band" www.wintertexaninfo.com/BANDS/JohnnyD.php

Re: Why do you want to play in public? silvertones #85352 09/14/10 03:21 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 6,187 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.A. Notes Norton Veteran
Notes Norton Veteran Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 6,187 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.A.	Sorry. Playing for an audience IS important. You might have thought you convinced yourself of that, but it wouldn't have lasted very long. I almost quite music once, and even got a day gig, trying to become a fine, upstanding citizen of my country. It didn't work, I have to play music. It's not a choice. You need to create the venue if there is not one there already. Find a restaurant and trade service for service if you have to. I play in a marina (for pay). Another band comes in and plays for tips only on Wednesday afternoons. Sometimes they walk away with a very full tip jar. I'd guess between $50 and $100 each for a 3 hour jam. Not bad for three retirees who have nothing to do on a Wednesday afternoon. So face it John, you have to play. You have to share your music with other people. It's selfish (and less fun) to keep it to yourself. Think of the joy you can give to others with your music. You know you don't really want to quit performing anyway. I don't think I need to stay on the proverbial soap box ;-) Take care, and good luck finding a venue. Notes Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music https://www.nortonmusic.com 100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove & Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks

Re: Why do you want to play in public? Notes Norton #85353 09/14/10 09:38 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 8,074 Winston-Salem, NC Pat Marr Veteran
Pat Marr Veteran Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 8,074 Winston-Salem, NC	Quote: Think of the joy you can give to others with your music. When I was a young performer, I mistakenly believed the audience came to hear me. In time, I realized they came to relive the memories they attached to the songs. Apparently music is the closest thing to a time machine there will ever be. So, as noted above, playing music does have the effect of giving joy to others. I've noted that on my day job nobody ever applauds or gives a standing ovation when I do something right. Those responses are reserved for the things that particularly please people. And of all the ways you can spend your life, making people happy isn't such a bad way. If you have fun while doing it, all the better. If you get PAID to have fun doing it... man, I want that job! so... where will you be moving to, John...? ;-) https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ey71h8ep047758h/AAC12jNM0Hz9Q8zsh5iDeqNHa?dl=0

Re: Why do you want to play in public? Pat Marr #85354 09/15/10 03:56 AM Off-Topic
Joined: May 2003 Posts: 8,021 Rio Grande Valley, Texas silvertones OP Veteran
OP silvertones Veteran Joined: May 2003 Posts: 8,021 Rio Grande Valley, Texas	Gonna start looking this fall Pat. The issue of course is our terrible economy. I'm fortunate enough to not have to work BUT there's not much left over for other things. I'm not rich,moneteraly, by any means. I do own my house and that's the issue. In order to even give the house a chance to sell I'd have to take a $50K hit. I can't afford 2 houses nor a house and rent. So.....we look and wait and hope. Notes I have tried everything here. Everyplace I go I offer to play for just tips. I'm in the middle everyplace wants either loud rock or a solo acoustic act. I need to stop wining. John ESI Gigaport HD+ Lenovo Turion II /4 Gig Ram/ Win7x64 be 15.6" Monitor "The only Band is a Real Band" www.wintertexaninfo.com/BANDS/JohnnyD.php

Re: Why do you want to play in public? silvertones #85355 09/15/10 08:37 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 8,073 Pawling New York R Rob Helms Veteran
Rob Helms Veteran R Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 8,073 Pawling New York	One suggestion might be to scale down your act a bit and kinda of lean towards a solo accoustic act. You play bass mostly from what i gather simplify that songs down to just a recorded accoustic, bass live, and maybe a very soft simple drum track. Some songs just accoustic and bass, or piano and bass. With BiaB and Rb you do not have to worry about timing issues. From that i imagine you play a reasonable amount of accoustic, or could with a little work. Lenovo Win 10 16 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2024, Realband, Reaper, Harrison Mixbus 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app, Komplete 49 key controller.

Re: Why do you want to play in public? Rob Helms #85356 09/15/10 09:37 AM Off-Topic
Joined: May 2007 Posts: 1,616 R Rachael Expert
Rachael Expert R Joined: May 2007 Posts: 1,616	I just enjoy lugging around equipment!

Re: Why do you want to play in public? Rachael #85357 09/15/10 04:45 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,705 USA Danny C. Veteran
Danny C. Veteran Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,705 USA	Thanks for this great topic. Great answers and points made by all of you and with this said I truly believe everyone who plays live gigs are in somewhat of a brotherhood. Case in point, say you point out any of the reasons or points made above to a civilian/non-musician, they just won't get it. But when you say feed off of an audience, connect with all or just a portion of that audience, the music bringing back memories (either good or bad) to members of that audience, or as Notes says just fun to another gigging musician he/she gets it 100%! I think Billy Joel's "The Piano Man" is the tune that most gigging musicians can relate to simply because we have all been there, period. It just might be the Gigging Musician's Anthem, especially the ones who have played the small venues around the country. Again, good topic! Danny C. www.dannycampo.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/Danny-Campo/379776252109306?skip_nax_wizard=true The More You Drink The Better I Sound

Re: Why do you want to play in public? silvertones #85358 09/15/10 06:28 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 8,074 Winston-Salem, NC Pat Marr Veteran
Pat Marr Veteran Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 8,074 Winston-Salem, NC	Quote: Gonna start looking this fall Pat. The issue of course is our terrible economy. I'm fortunate enough to not have to work BUT there's not much left over for other things. I'm not rich,moneteraly, by any means. I do own my house and that's the issue. In order to even give the house a chance to sell I'd have to take a $50K hit. I've been reading a lot online lately about house swapping. It's a great way to keep both parties from losing equity. Search online to see how it works. You have an advantage in that your house is in a vacation-type setting. Somebody somewhere wants to be where you are, but they don't want to lose their equity either. Nuffa that. We now return to the regularly scheduled thread about gigging... ;-) https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ey71h8ep047758h/AAC12jNM0Hz9Q8zsh5iDeqNHa?dl=0

Re: Why do you want to play in public? Danny C. #85359 09/16/10 10:01 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 1,696 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Ian Fraser Expert
Ian Fraser Expert Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 1,696 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada	Quote: I think Billy Joel's "The Piano Man" is the tune that most gigging musicians can relate to simply because we have all been there, period. It just might be the Gigging Musician's Anthem, especially the ones who have played the small venues around the country. You're so right on this Danny. And I'm not even a piano player. Did it with Harmonica and 12-string, sometimes a bassist. Always started an evening with it and it always attracted the attention of the patrons. Talk about a slice of life. It got me into the evening from the get-go. Ian Ian My "Original Tunes" Site My gene pool needs more chlorine.

Re: Why do you want to play in public? Ian Fraser #85360 09/16/10 12:03 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 8,073 Pawling New York R Rob Helms Veteran
Rob Helms Veteran R Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 8,073 Pawling New York	My microphone always smelled like Pizza! Okay and beer! Lenovo Win 10 16 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2024, Realband, Reaper, Harrison Mixbus 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app, Komplete 49 key controller.

Re: Why do you want to play in public? silvertones #85361 09/16/10 04:28 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 4,251 WV, USA bobcflatpicker Veteran
bobcflatpicker Veteran Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 4,251 WV, USA	I’ve been thinking about this one for a couple of days, (unlike my usual response). First of all, little boys start playing guitar for one reason. They want the girls to pay some “special” attention to them. Guess what? It works! And after I got that “special” attention, I discovered that I really liked playing guitar! Then I started playing because I wanted to play. Playing with others became a “special” experience too, because it was something I hadn’t experienced before. Especially since I started playing with a group of exceptional musicians. Then came the period of playing in “flatpicking” contests where I was competing against former national champions. The first one, I was relaxed because I didn’t think I had a chance of winning, and I won. The second was the same and I won again. I placed second in the next two contests, partially because I thought I could win. Third next. It ceased to be “fun” because it became a competition for me and not about making music. Dueling guitars anyone? Notice my results went downhill when I started taking it seriously. That’s when I stopped playing publically. It screwed up my mindset about what playing music was. Hopefully, one day I can get back to just playing music. Don’t ever encourage anyone to play in contests. Going from having 3 judges critique every note and nuance to just making music and expressing yourself isn’t an easy transition. Music should be fun. For the listener and the musician! Oh well. Bob ................................ http://soundcloud.com/bobcflatpicke/music-in-the-mountains

Re: Why do you want to play in public? bobcflatpicker #85362 09/16/10 04:52 PM Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000 Posts: 21,768 Mi., USA rharv Veteran
rharv Veteran Joined: May 2000 Posts: 21,768 Mi., USA	Gonna play devils advocate here (hope bobcflatpicker is OK with that..) Competition does make one practice more and practicing ain't a bad thing. If it becomes 'I gotta be better than them' then it has lost the fun, but a little competition to increase the juices isn't always a bad thing. I remember challenge days for 1st chair.. somehow caused me to practice a bit more. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!

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