Isn't it amazing anyone plays in bands anymore?

[THX1123]

Playing an instrument in a band isn't easy. It isn't something you can just choose to do, and be gigging in a week (caveat: '77...that was probably a unique scenario). Even when a band is ready to gig they have to learn to do it well in front of people. Even when you are able you cannot control a live audience's reaction.

Unlike so many things they cannot sell the ability to be in a band to people. Same with dancing and theater. These things therefore arguably have low value.

Coming up I saw lots of "bad" bands. My bands were "bad" for a while. It was common, they were often just getting going. I suggest it is easy (even for casual listeners) to tell whether a live band is playing well (or not). Modern popular music is pitch and tempo perfect. Live music is rarely so, but it is an experience rather than an act of consumption.

So, if you can't sell or purchase a way do it NOW, and be immediately praised as being "good," (or as "good" as the other bands) and you cannot instantly be able to do it well in real time in front of people (as opposed to endless takes for your Youtube video or Tik Tok or Twitter-Face or reality show or whatever) - well I can see how that might be a deterrent to some folks.

 

[ClashCityTele]

I play in a band, we had 3 gigs last month.
All my friends are in bands.
Our bass player runs a bar that had live music last Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
Practically, everyone I know is involved in the music industry - bands, shops, venues, t-shirts, record companies.
Keep Music Live!

 

[bgmacaw]

Unless young people are very different these days, I assume they still want to go out on the weekend and listen to loud music, get a little drunk, cast meaningful glances, and try to get laid.

They have apps on their phones for all of that stuff.

 

[Mjark]

When you take that into account who's gonna care about what you do?

Normal people who want to experience reality. There's far more than perhaps you think.

 

[Ascension]

Why? I did the rockstar thing for years playing with several bands on the road. Now am doing the worship thing playing every Sunday at my Church then out with a number of different folks and having a blast. Can care less about anything now but making music with other players and doing what we feel is our calling. No worries about the $ no egos just brothers in the musical and spiritual journey. Playing live music out with others is like breathing it's just natural.
Post the pandemic am absolutely having a blast.
Over just the last few months
Couple clips of my home Church band playing a local city fest


Playing out with other folk.



https://youtu.be/jHWIvlmGKzA

 

[Matt G]

I will!
Because I make my music for me!
Don't get me wrong though... I'm thrilled to bits if somebody else likes it as well, but I'm the target audience!

Exactly this. EXACTLY. !!!YES!!!

I've said here, before, that I think one's music is a path through to the other side. It is not a talent show or popularity contest.

I'll play whatever I feel, however I feel it, as well as I can, as long as I can. Not against anyone else, but for me. With respect for . . . whatever it is.

If anyone else finds it of interest, they're welcome to follow along.

But my human audience of one will be quite sufficient.

 

[archtop_fjk]

You know, as I was enjoying listening to a Mozart orchestral piece on my phone, I was wondering where all the new classical players are coming from. Maybe they’re taking up violin in school and learning how to play the ancient wooden instrument live for a human audience…

Also…went to bar just last weekend to hear some 20 something kids play live rock and dance music. They were a very good, top notch band, complete with sax player, keys, singer, guitar, bass and drums. Do you know what they played? 60s, 70s, 80s rock and pop songs with a few more modern songs mixed in. Crowd of all ages loved it! Long live rock!!

 

[ClashCityTele]

Normal people who want to experience reality. There's far more than perhaps you think.

I wouldn't call our fans normal, and they often try to avoid reality.

 

[Guitarteach]

We’ve not run out of a happy audience.. the teens/kids love the classic old stuff as much as the new stuff too.

 

[OlRedNeckHippy]

Last Saturday night at our local Honky Tonk. 3 miles from my home. We play there once a month.
They come to dance to live music.

 

[David Barnett]

Thats true, but kind of beside the point. I mean, most people that ever get involved with playing music in bands will not become pros. At least 99% will end up in day jobs.

This people were young and they are doing it!

But for Jazz they can invest in an expensive University education in the subject before inevitably giving up.

 

[notmyusualuserid]

But for Jazz they can invest in an expensive University education in the subject before inevitably giving up.

The RCM and Julliard beg to differ.

It's a better waste of a university education than Meeja Studies anyway.

 

[Guran]

But for Jazz they can invest in an expensive University education in the subject before inevitably giving up.

Well, you know, here university is free. As in no fee, of course cost of living still applies.
You could call it a waste of time maybe... But is it, if you're having incredibly fun along the way? In my opinion, no.