Ever feel like you've been playing the wrong kind of music ?

[guzman]

So the other day, I was sitting with my bandmates (2 of them are like my closest friends) who were trying to finish this song that the singer came up with, and all I could think of was "wow, I hate this song and I'm totally tired of playing that kind of crappy nice-guys-fake-rock stuff".

The funny thing is that we have some really amazing original songs, that I love, but when I get home after rehearsal/gig/writing session, I always feel like there's something missing. All I wanna do is crank up the amp and play my les paul as loud and mean as I can, but I doubt it'll really fit the band, if you know what I mean. And yet everytime I listen to some of our songs that we recorded, I think leaving would be a mistake.

Ever felt this way ? what did you do ?

[mattmccloskey]

So the other day, I was sitting with my bandmates (2 of them are like my closest friends) who were trying to finish this song that the singer came up with, and all I could think of was "wow, I hate this song and I'm totally tired of playing that kind of crappy nice-guys-fake-rock stuff".

The funny thing is that we have some really amazing original songs, that I love, but when I get home after rehearsal/gig/writing session, I always feel like there's something missing. All I wanna do is crank up the amp and play my les paul as loud and mean as I can, but I doubt it'll really fit the band, if you know what I mean. And yet everytime I listen to some of our songs that we recorded, I think leaving would be a mistake.

Ever felt this way ? what did you do ?

Quit.

[Bryan T]

Quit or get canned.

[fetishfrog]

In terms of getting me paid, I've been playing the wrong kind of music for years. :)

In all seriousness, I'd gracefully resign from that project...no need to push your friendships to the limits for a band, which is what will happen if you keep playing and hating it.

[stevel]

So the other day, I was sitting with my bandmates (2 of them are like my closest friends) who were trying to finish this song that the singer came up with, and all I could think of was "wow, I hate this song and I'm totally tired of playing that kind of crappy nice-guys-fake-rock stuff".

The funny thing is that we have some really amazing original songs, that I love, but when I get home after rehearsal/gig/writing session, I always feel like there's something missing. All I wanna do is crank up the amp and play my les paul as loud and mean as I can, but I doubt it'll really fit the band, if you know what I mean. And yet everytime I listen to some of our songs that we recorded, I think leaving would be a mistake.

Ever felt this way ? what did you do ?

Wait - don't quit.

Example - Nirvana Drummer, then Foo Fighters Lead Singer/Guitarist/Songwriter. You see, Dave Grohl saw a good thing - it probably wasn't exactly what he wanted to be doing, but it was a stepping stone to somewhere else.

Furthermore, there's no reason you can't have another project. I think a lot of guys (especially when they're younger) think they have to be totally committed to one band. You don't.

You can play a "day gig" to make ends meet, and satisfy your artistic side as you "moonlight".

Or heck - these are your good friends - you might discuss how you feel and they may agree, or consider what you think.

And personally, I think your lack of satisfaction might not be coming from your dislike of the music or the writing process, but I think it's coming from not getting out and playing these songs (maybe - you did put gig above), or not shopping these songs.

I know lots of bands who rehearse forever. They're all "we're all serious and we're going to practice 3 times a week - seriously committed individuals only need apply". Then they play nothing but one or two free gigs. Ever. So watch out for the "return on investment" part of writing originals.

HTH,
Steve

[JDouglee]

Short of being inappropriate to the music (ugh I hate that word), is there any way to
maybe come up with some unusual sounds that might make it edgier/modern/interesting
to you? Like if it's too 'nice' maybe think Radiohead or something..?

[Quantum Cat]

Wow! Gary Richrath is that you?

[OldSchool]

thats why only a small handfull of bands actually last.http://img.thegearpage.net/board/images/icons/icon12.gif

[pickaguitar]

So the other day, I was sitting with my bandmates (2 of them are like my closest friends) who were trying to finish this song that the singer came up with, and all I could think of was "wow, I hate this song and I'm totally tired of playing that kind of crappy nice-guys-fake-rock stuff".

The funny thing is that we have some really amazing original songs, that I love, but when I get home after rehearsal/gig/writing session, I always feel like there's something missing. All I wanna do is crank up the amp and play my les paul as loud and mean as I can, but I doubt it'll really fit the band, if you know what I mean. And yet everytime I listen to some of our songs that we recorded, I think leaving would be a mistake.

Ever felt this way ? what did you do ?
I bet Chicago, Boston, REO, etc have felt this way for a long time...











if not they should IMO ;)

[mbargav]

Ever felt this way ? what did you do ?

There's no rule you only have to be in one band. Even if it's not starting a full-on second band, there's no reason you shouldn't have other projects. Naturally it'll suck when you tell your buddies you have another band on the side, but hey, if you aren't musically satisfied, you have to branch out.

Frankly, you saying "I want the band to change because I'm not satisfied" will easily be misinterpreted as "friendship over."

[Plague Dog]

So the other day, I was sitting with my bandmates (2 of them are like my closest friends) who were trying to finish this song that the singer came up with, and all I could think of was "wow, I hate this song and I'm totally tired of playing that kind of crappy nice-guys-fake-rock stuff".

The funny thing is that we have some really amazing original songs, that I love, but when I get home after rehearsal/gig/writing session, I always feel like there's something missing. All I wanna do is crank up the amp and play my les paul as loud and mean as I can, but I doubt it'll really fit the band, if you know what I mean. And yet everytime I listen to some of our songs that we recorded, I think leaving would be a mistake.

Ever felt this way ? what did you do ?

Neil Shon always wanted to be in a hard rock/metal shredder guitar band but ended up in a crappy nice-guys-fake-rock stuff band.

[GtrWiz]

I mostly consider myself a rock player, but I make most of my money playing country. I don't even think I'm very good at it...

[buddaman71]

Why not do both?

I say, play the music the AUDIENCE wants to hear and is willing to PAY for as your income and play/record the music YOU want as a side project. If your lucky enough that the 2 can coincide, then consider yourself blessed!!

:)

[rmconner80]

Here's my take. When there are more than one person involved, and it's a creative endeavour... the thing takes on it's own life. It's is not always what you want it to be or planned it to be, but it still exists.

Recognize it for what it is and don't try to change it into something it is not. Otherwise you'll end up either stressed out or killing it off.

If you still need that cranked up amp join another band or just get it off your chest at home.

[JZG]

Do what you want to do...life's too short.

[kludge]

Multiple bands. I can't imagine a single band really fulfilling all my musical desires.

I'm in three right now... one where I get to do whacky, silly twisted folk music I love, one where I get to play tonally complex prog that I love, and one where I get to play drums. I can't imagine one band doing that all.