17 years of music playing!
By VisonTech
@VisonTech (258)
United States
February 27, 2011 11:07am CST
I have played music for about 17 years and nothing has ever come from it, other than small gig's, so sometimes I wonder why I still play. I play drums so without an actual band, its hard to get into a zone that does't become a rut.
I used to live a rock'n roll life style, and no one was ever really manageable. At some point we all lived together and partied like it was the end of the world.
One night while playing our set for a big producer, our singer runs out o the house throwing up everywhere. These guy's took time to come and see what we where made of and people are passing out while their playing and throwing up???
Anyway, the label told us if we would have to tone our partying down at least while we where trying to get signed! They said we were out of hand! lol
Oh well, I can't force these guy's to focus while their strung out... and I'm not their daddy so I have watched opportunities fly by with music through my while life... I did play for a band that lasted about 1.5 years and thats as close to secure band as I have ever been.
Anyone else play for a long time?
2 responses
@FRANCISCOANDLEE (750)
• United States
2 Mar 11
I've been a musician over 40 years. And while it's cool to party and have women wanting to be with you...it's not taking music serious. I have seen musicians get stuck...and wither away...because they don't take it serious.
When I was younger, I did not see the ramifications of partying and not taking it serious. Now I'm a more seasoned and accomplished musician and see that if I had taken it more seriously long ago, I would be much further myself.
The best advice I can offer you, GET SERIOUS! I did, and kick myself for not doing it sooner.
Most REAL musicians, they really don't want to be around the party guys..and I can tell you first hand...the top of crop musicians don't want ANYTHING to do with party guys...party guys will always hook up with party guys, and never go anywhere.
If you haven't already, stop your partying...or keep it to a bare minimum. Start networking yourself with seasoned musicians..go check out popular bands..NOT the party bands either...get some names of quality local musicians where you live and start looking for them on Facebook...nearly ALL of them will have a Facebook and send them a friends request...then after they accept, go to their page and check out THEIR musician connections and friends and send them a friends request...start talking to them, ask questions...and be mature and professional in your approach. They will respond...real musicians LOVE music...I do...and they LOVE talking about it...I do..MUSIC is a PASSION....and you'll start to notice that the quality musicians hang out with quality musicians. And most of these guys WILL help you when you need it...I do.
You can start a conversation by checking out the drum set they use, and asking what it is they love about that particular set...they WILL talk. Then after you have talked for awhile, then let them know that you're looking to hook up with a good band and if they may know someone...chances are, they probably do, or at least point in a direction.
The next time you look in the mirror, ask yourself...
"Do I want to party? or do I want to jam?" Remember this, if you chose party, you will always be where you always been.
Good luck...brother-in-music!!!
@VisonTech (258)
• United States
2 Mar 11
You my friend "ARE" a good friend! Thank you for your sincere reply. I do stray away from party animals and I have found myself alone, except for other aspiring people, similar to myself. I have this discussion all time with a good friend of mine, another good drummer that never had the longevity band members either.
Its such a touchy subject because it takes a whole group to be as serious as you in order to make it work.. that is, they need to make it priority 1. other wise it just fizzles away. I played with a band called "In a state where machines can" for a year, everything was instrumental and that was the closest to serious band we ever came. Every other band was freakin one of a kind but everybody had this wild streak that just was flourishing at the time. I did know the ramifications after a couple serious nights and realized we needed change but it never happened.
What bands have you played for? I am truly interested. Or what influences your music? Do you have a myspace page? Cause you can tell when you run across another "MUSIC LOVER" the fire must get fueled .. lol
I have a kid now, but still love to JAM, I don't know if you into garageband stuff, (I like live better) but anyway, my time is spent at home like 24 hours a day and some of the only music I get to write anymore is electronic, it barely keeps my music flame alive but does to some extent.
I would not have resorted to that but, it was getting out of control because I was playing a set with a live kit and drum machine only playing synth noises to put a melody over top of the live drums. Then I got kicked out of my apartment for practicing. (Acoustic Drums VS neighbor's) I didn't win that battle.
But seriously, I'd love to hear your stuff! send me a link.
I have only covered two songs in my whole life a (Drive like Jehu - trk do you compute) and a (Helmet- trk unsung) and I am influenced by artists like (King Crimson) (Yes) (Jawbox) (Clockhammer)
You should check some of them out on youtube! Oh ya, and me and the friend I spoke of up top, are in the process of making a video for shts and giggles, to an electronic song I wrote called (City-Subconscious), has a plastic feeling, I will post the song on my myspace just in case you want to check it out.
I love to make connections, so please write back.
@VisonTech (258)
• United States
2 Mar 11
Sweet deal, man I checkout the reverbnation link and sounding smooth and also, ya man don't touch the equipment for sure!
I was wondering if this discussion would have any hits cause it was up for a while and it turns out to be the best discussion I've had since being on this dragon.
Rush is a good band!
@Jotomy (6322)
• India
28 Feb 11
Hi visontech, playing music will give self satisfaction you know, why are you thinking that art should get you more. No other thing is bigger than self satisfaction. I want to learn piano from my childhood but i can't. Actually it is a gift i feel.
Have a nice day. 
@VisonTech (258)
• United States
28 Feb 11
Because, self gratification is like masturbaiting and playing with a band is like being in a relationship that you love and loves you back with all the ups and downs that come with a relationship.
@VisonTech (258)
• United States
28 Feb 11
Playing, in a band requires coordination and collaboration with more than just your own thoughts. you get to see music from somebody else's point of view, and there are usually an abundant flow of idea's that fuels the music.
Plus, if you have GOOD band members than they won't wait to tell you your part is crap or not.
