Author Topic: Unexpected Benefit of Being in Multiple Projects (Read 272 times)

5a_quilt_top · « **on:** June 17, 2015, 11:57:41 AM »

As most of us know from personal experience, the business side of being a professional full-time or semi-professional part time musician can be fickle - especially where bookings are concerned.

To lessen the impact of this, over the last 10 years (+/-) I've found it beneficial to be a member of multiple projects - sometimes as many as four at the same time. This has worked out remarkably well overall and has afforded me far more opportunities to play out than I would have had just working with one project.

During all the time I've been doing this, I've encountered surprisingly few conflicts (double bookings, etc.) and had a lot of interesting experiences, but I've never done what I'm going to do a week from this Friday when one of my projects is going to open for another.

I'm really looking forward to this and I'm curious to know if any of you have had a similar experience (good or bad).

fmm · « **Reply #1 on:** June 17, 2015, 12:17:15 PM »

It's like the Folksmen opening for Spinal Tap.

lbpesq · « **Reply #2 on:** June 17, 2015, 11:47:34 PM »

LOL!!!

I had two bands that I was in play the same fundraiser a few years ago. I've also opened acoustically for a rock band I was in. It was a lot of fun.

Bill, tgo

Glynn · « **Reply #3 on:** June 18, 2015, 10:16:11 AM »

Oddly enough, tonight I am playing for two dance sides (Appalachian and Morris) outside a pub near Rugby UK.
I shall stand in the middle and turn round to face each side in turn. Not stadium stuff, I admit, but nice weather, good music and beer! Glynn

5a_quilt_top · « **Reply #4 on:** June 18, 2015, 12:32:14 PM »

Bill - thanks for reminding me!

Several years ago I played a solo acoustic opening set prior to playing the rest of the evening with a band.

That was actually an awesome night - free steak and salmon dinner, open bar AND $500 per man. And we got to play in a small auditorium with nice acoustics inside a museum.

MORE GIGS LIKE THAT - or more like Glynn's with nice weather, good music and beer - !

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #5 on:** June 18, 2015, 03:19:55 PM »

Somewhere I've got a cute internet meme with Yoda quoting - Always have gig you will, if bass player you are.

I'm at a very good place musically right now because I get to play with so many *totally* different groups. Adding to the satisfaction, last fall, I quit the best-paying, but highest-stress gig I've had since coming off the road. Since making that tough decision, I've been rewarded with a steady stream of opportunities with people whose company I enjoy, and whose musical gifts surpass mine, expanding my own ability immeasurably.

It's been an eye & mind-opening year. Life is too short, and music is too precious to waste by enduring offstage drama and onstage egomania.

David Houck · « **Reply #6 on:** June 19, 2015, 03:04:03 PM »

A few years back, Mike (dadabass2001) posted about a gig where he played in four different bands on the same show, two nights in a row. There were 17 bands in all. (This thread, Mike's post #1474 on 8-01-10)

peoplechipper · « **Reply #7 on:** June 23, 2015, 09:12:59 PM »

That would be very cool, unless I was singing (I'm usually DONE after a set), and you get paid twice-nice!

5a_quilt_top · « **Reply #8 on:** June 24, 2015, 11:22:18 AM »

I HOPE to get paid twice...we'll see 'bout that - !

It's actually a very nice place as far as clubs in my area go - big stage, house PA and lights and a sound person to run it all.

I'm looking forward to just schlepping my own gear and letting someone else worry about the lights & sound.