Trouble in music paradise

@TheHorse (238317)

Walnut Creek, California

May 22, 2016 11:06am CST

I play in two bands regularly. One is a straight Country band, and the other is a Western Swing band. I consider the Western Swing band to be more interesting than the straight Country band. But there are problems: the leader of the Western Swing band won't pay us. She has set up an "account" and is putting all of the money we make into this account for a "demo tape" or "video" that's something of a pipe dream of hers. I think she thinks we're bigger than we are. We are a decent local band that plays small venues for maybe $200 per gig. I'm fine with that. My friend Michael, who is in the band, has said he'd be willing to record us in his garage studio. We don't need to pay some fancy studio $700 or more to record us when Mike could do it in his garage studio. And we don't need some silly video so she can show off the cool dresses she likes to wear. What should I do?

10 people like this

11 responses

@jaboUK (64346)

• United Kingdom

22 May 16

If all the band members feel the same as you do, just tell her straight out that you want to be paid. Otherwise you won't play - simple.

4 people like this

@TheHorse (238317)

• Walnut Creek, California

22 May 16

I thought of that. But the fact is I enjoy playing with this band. I'd even play for free. But it's matter of principle, just as it was at "the site that will not be named." I don't like financing someone else's ego trip.

3 people like this

@jaboUK (64346)

• United Kingdom

22 May 16

@TheHorse I see what you mean - you need to get together with all the band members and thrash it out with her, and come to a democratic decision that suits you all. I don't think the leader has the right to decide what happens to the cash - you all had a part in earning it.

2 people like this

@TheHorse (238317)

• Walnut Creek, California

22 May 16

@jaboUK I agree with you. I don't wnt to seem petty. The $200 or so I'm "owed" won't make a difference in my life. But it's a matter of principle.

1 person likes this

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Valerie J. Routhieaux

@just4him (323168)

• Green Bay, Wisconsin

23 May 16

It depends on whether you're doing it for fun or extra income. If extra income, then it's time to quit since she's not paying you. If it's for fun, then just let it be fun and don't worry about the money. Let her have her pipe dream.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238317)

• Walnut Creek, California

23 May 16

It's for fun. But, as with Bubblews, I resent others making money off of my efforts.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238317)

• Walnut Creek, California

23 May 16

@just4him I feel like quitting would be "cutting off my nose to spite my face," as my parents used to say. I still haven't figured out exactly what that means, but it sounds right.

1 person likes this

Valerie J. Routhieaux

@just4him (323168)

• Green Bay, Wisconsin

23 May 16

@TheHorse I would too. Which is one reason I would quit even though I loved what I was doing.

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@Marcyaz (35316)

• United States

22 May 16

I will ask you what do you want to do? If you like this band the best can anyone reason with her about what she wants to do or not.

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@Marcyaz (35316)

• United States

22 May 16

@TheHorse Geez she is hard headed isn't she?

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238317)

• Walnut Creek, California

22 May 16

I tried last night. But she said: Ah, the fiddle player (who doesn't make all of our gigs) said "keep it" and then she dismissed the subject.

@TheHorse (238317)

• Walnut Creek, California

22 May 16

@Marcyaz Yes. Once she has an idea, she has a hard time letting it go.

@Jessicalynnt (50523)

• Centralia, Missouri

23 May 16

why is the leader making all of the decisions, shouldn't the group vote and collectively choose these things?

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@Jessicalynnt (50523)

• Centralia, Missouri

25 May 16

@TheHorse yeah, how money is used needs to be a group vote, if that wins the vote then whatever

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238317)

• Walnut Creek, California

25 May 16

@Jessicalynnt I just hope others are willing to step up.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238317)

• Walnut Creek, California

24 May 16

I agree. She's sort of the dominant personality type, the visionary. The rest of us just like playing music. But this has got to stop.

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@missjessicadawn (3286)

• United States

24 May 16

If you're having trouble with your leader now, I don't see it getting any better. I would suggest getting the band together and talking it out. Everyone should get a chance to express their opinions and their ideas for the band and you should all work together to do what's best. A successful band will come from a group of people who get along and know how to work well together. :-)

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238317)

• Walnut Creek, California

24 May 16

We enjoy playing together. But we have different ideas about where we're going.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238317)

• Walnut Creek, California

24 May 16

@missjessicadawn Thanks. I'll try to keep everyone posted.

1 person likes this

@missjessicadawn (3286)

• United States

24 May 16

@TheHorse That may become a problem in the future. You all need to be on the same page. I hope things get sorted out! :-)

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@teamfreak16 (43602)

• Denver, Colorado

23 May 16

So this demo video is to try to get more gigs or is she shooting for getting signed somewhere? Despite hanging out with numerous bands and musicians over the years, I still really don't understand a lot about band politics, because I've never been part of the process.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238317)

• Walnut Creek, California

24 May 16

To be honest, I have no idea what she wants to do with it. We're getting plenty of gigs now as it is.

1 person likes this

@teamfreak16 (43602)

• Denver, Colorado

24 May 16

@TheHorse - It just occurred to me that she might be trying to showcase herself. It probably wouldn't be the first time someone did that.

@FourWalls (86713)

• United States

22 May 16

Band meeting time. Put the cards on the table and see who agrees.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238317)

• Walnut Creek, California

22 May 16

I think three of us agree (including the band leader's husband), the leader is on a trip, and the other member (the fiddler) wants to support a friends of her who records bands, but (my best guess would be) no better than Michael.

1 person likes this

@Juliaacv (56257)

• Canada

22 May 16

Why doesn't everyone in the swing band discuss this and come to a conclusion as to where the band wants to go with their talents. Hopefully you will find out what everyone else wants and what direction you will move towards.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238317)

• Walnut Creek, California

22 May 16

I've spoken with Michael and he agrees with me. No delusions of grandeur there, and he's been playing for a long time.

1 person likes this

@amadeo (111937)

• United States

22 May 16

yes,you do not need silly video.The garage is fine.Many artist has done this.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238317)

• Walnut Creek, California

22 May 16

We're just local musicians, and I'm fine with that. If we make a YouTube video, and people like it, fine. But we don't need to be shelling out hundreds or thousands of dollars on pipe dreams.

@Inlemay (17712)

• South Africa

22 May 16

when was there ever never trouble in the Music Paradise - on all fronts?

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238317)

• Walnut Creek, California

22 May 16

Ego is always an issue.

1 person likes this

@DeborahDiane (40847)

• Laguna Woods, California

23 May 16

How fun! I'm glad you are in a band. That is a fun way to earn a little extra money and enjoy what you are doing.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238317)

• Walnut Creek, California

23 May 16

Yeah, but...