My good buddies and I are planning on making music full time with our band, while we’re still young and have the time to do so. Due to our plans, we’ve all had to make sacrifices and basically spend more money for studio time, and trying to rack up as many gigs as possible to get our name out there. Our band plays original compositions that can be categorized under the nu-metal and alternative rock genre, so there’s somewhat of an image to uphold.
Following this trail of thought, money has been tight lately with the expenses of getting some much needed recording sessions at this local studio in town. Our bassist’s girlfriend recently set us up for a gig that pays really well, and we’re only required to play for at least an hour for an event. The only problem is that it’s for this foreign affair matchmaker company, and they want us to play acoustic covers, along with other popular songs that are just not our style. Should we go for it? I don’t want us to sell out, but we badly need the cash if we wanna make this work out.
Cable network VH1 had a show called "Unplugged" where artists played their hits on acoustic instruments. If Curt Corbin and Eric Clapton can do it, why not you? Successful artists adapt to their audience.
In the instance you cited, you will not be playing for your traditional audience that follows you around from gig to gig. Instead you will be playing for an audience that has no expectations about what you will play. Nothing to loose and a lot to gain. If nothing else you will gain the experience of playing for a non traditional audience.
Have you ever watched the original Blues Brother movie with Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi? Remember the scene where the band was playing at a country bar? One of the hottest rock groups of all time gave their all playing D-I-V-O-R-C-E and the Theme from Rawhide. They adapted to their audience.
You registered yesterday...it is your first post...in the wrong forum...completely unrelated to Band in a Box.
Why?
Try the “off topic forum” (last one under General Discussion). There is a lot more activity there than in this forum which is for discussion of recording techniques and gear.
Since it's already here......
Money greases the wheels of commerce.
With out money nothing will happen. So yeah take that gig BUT..... only if you can pull it off and feel good while playing it. Are you selling out or simply exploring a different side of the music? I used to really love rock and roll until I got offered a job as a lead guitarist in a band that played some rock but mostly country. I soon found out that country was really cool stuff and I was getting paid well to play it.
Your decision. But do it for the right reasons.
I have had a similar dilemma lately.
Although I prefer to play Bach cello fugues on classical guitar, one of the largest tech companies in the world that is based here has asked if I can dress up like Barbra Streisand in drag and sing show tunes so they can throw tomatoes at me, laugh and mock before they go back to coordinating real-time facetime pre-meeting go to meeting huddlechats in Slack.
Although it will be extremely humiliating and I hate people like that, I will get paid more money in one day than I have made in my whole life.
Should I do it???
Follow the money and post the video!
J&B
Start your apprenticeship, be honest with the crowd and you will do ok.
Cable network VH1 had a show called "Unplugged" where artists played their hits on acoustic instruments. If Curt Corbin and Eric Clapton can do it, why not you? Successful artists adapt to their audience.
In the instance you cited, you will not be playing for your traditional audience that follows you around from gig to gig. Instead you will be playing for an audience that has no expectations about what you will play. Nothing to loose and a lot to gain. If nothing else you will gain the experience of playing for a non traditional audience.
Have you ever watched the original Blues Brother movie with Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi? Remember the scene where the band was playing at a country bar? One of the hottest rock groups of all time gave their all playing D-I-V-O-R-C-E and the Theme from Rawhide. They adapted to their audience.
We could adapt to it but I'm afraid we night be able to pull it off. The last thing I want for the band is to get a bad reputation.
Since it's already here......
Money greases the wheels of commerce.
With out money nothing will happen. So yeah take that gig BUT..... only if you can pull it off and feel good while playing it. Are you selling out or simply exploring a different side of the music? I used to really love rock and roll until I got offered a job as a lead guitarist in a band that played some rock but mostly country. I soon found out that country was really cool stuff and I was getting paid well to play it.
Your decision. But do it for the right reasons.
I thought about that too. What if this could be our stepping stone to a bigger opportunity
Many, many years ago I sold out and played with and olde time dance band. I ate better than canned soup and baked beans. I felt awkward and as if I was being laughed at. But, what happened was I learnt a heap about playing with others, the sort of thing folks looked for, I got a much better sense of timing and how to recover from dead (flat or disaterous) nights. What did result was I gained respect not only from the old time guys but also other musos that I spent the best part of my life with.
Go for it enjoy it. Learn it well it may be the best thing that ever happened.
My thoughts
Tony
Since it's already here......
Money greases the wheels of commerce.
With out money nothing will happen. So yeah take that gig BUT..... only if you can pull it off and feel good while playing it. Are you selling out or simply exploring a different side of the music? I used to really love rock and roll until I got offered a job as a lead guitarist in a band that played some rock but mostly country. I soon found out that country was really cool stuff and I was getting paid well to play it.
Your decision. But do it for the right reasons.
This is an alternative wording on exactly what I was thinking. If it feels right, go for it. And as others stated, in the future make sure to post stuff like this in Off-Topic
You'll get more helpful replies that way too!