Gigs starting to feel like a chore, time to take a break?

[Reedt2000]

So, I've been playing in working bands for nearly 20 years straight. I used to work (years ago) for a music shop buying, selling, and trading instruments and teaching a ton of lessons so I played guitar and bass constantly. It wasn't something sustainable in terms of getting benefits, increasing earnings, or planning for retirement so I went back to school and got a real job (a series of them actually). I've made it a point to get into bands so I still play regularly, keep my skills sharp, and stay connected to making music

The Band I currently play in gigs 3-5 times a month. Everyone can play, gigs tend to be decent in terms of attendance, crowd enjoyment, and pay. I like everyone, there's very little drama. But lately I find myself ambivalent about gigs.

Even though I still enjoy playing, the amount of time a gig consumes, the effort of setting up and tearing down, as well as the time gigs happen in (typically Fri or Sat night, often until 12, 1, or even 2), feels like it outweighs the fun bit. Having thoughts about taking a break. I don't need the money, though extra $ never hurts. Making gig money also allows me to justify buying more gear (honey, I'll make that back in the next couple gigs ).

Anybody else go through this? Was it only temporary? Did you stop and regret it?

 

[LBS-bass]

Yes, I go through this all the time. Sometimes the only reason I continue to deal with all the peripheral stuff is because I don't want to let my bandmates down, and that's particularly true in the main band I have been putting together. There are people in that band who've been trying their whole lives to get into the silly little clubs we play, and for them it's a huge accomplishment and thrill. I enjoy performing very much, but I get tired of having to constantly push back on bad ideas from people who don't share the same vision and "just want to get out and play."

An example: The other day someone offered to try to get us a NYE gig. I said, "sure, but just remember that you'll need at least triple pay for that kind of show." It was like I'd cut off someone's hand to suggest that we shouldn't just accept any old thing we could get for that night. "Well, what do you mean? What do we usually ask for?" I'm like "what's their going rate of pay for bands, and just triple that. Anyone working for a normal rate on NYE is being ripped off." Like, who doesn't already know that?

I get tired of constantly fighting to stake out my position on things and there have been many moments along the way when I've wanted to just throw in the towel. But we're pretty successful and I'd hate to just shut down a good thing for my own selfish reasons. So I continue.

But yes, there are many things that surround doing gigs that I find onerous. I prefer to accept gigs in venues with their own sound gear and FOH people, but others just want to play anywhere.

 

[Reedt2000]

Yes, I go through this all the time. Sometimes the only reason I continue to deal with all the peripheral stuff is because I don't want to let my bandmates down, and that's particularly true in the main band I have been putting together. There are people in that band who've been trying their whole lives to get into the silly little clubs we play, and for them it's a huge accomplishment and thrill. I enjoy performing very much, but I get tired of having to constantly push back on bad ideas from people who don't share the same vision and "just want to get out and play."

An example: The other day someone offered to try to get us a NYE gig. I said, "sure, but just remember that you'll need at least triple pay for that kind of show." It was like I'd cut off someone's hand to suggest that we shouldn't just accept any old thing we could get for that night. "Well, what do you mean? What do we usually ask for?" I'm like "what's their going rate of pay for bands, and just triple that. Anyone working for a normal rate on NYE is being ripped off." Like, who doesn't already know that?

I get tired of constantly fighting to stake out my position on things and there have been many moments along the way when I've wanted to just throw in the towel. But we're pretty successful and I'd hate to just shut down a good thing for my own selfish reasons. So I continue.

But yes, there are many things that surround doing gigs that I find onerous. I prefer to accept gigs in venues with their own sound gear and FOH people, but others just want to play anywhere.

I can totally relate to not wanting to let band mates down. Thankfully the band leader is business savvy and knows how bookings should work. He's been doing it long enough to have a network of venues that don't lowball us and he'd never take a job if they do. He does however rely on the money in a way I don't as full band gigs in addition to solo gigs, duo gigs, and private construction jobs are how he earns his living. The drummer too needs the money. I don't ever turn anything down unless I have a legit reason (which almost never happens, we maintain a shared calendar where unavailable days get put in well ahead of time). And I won't cause, at the moment at least, I'm committed and it's not fair to the other members. Even if I decide to step away, I'll assist in transition.

 

[Aceman]

At some point, you gotta do what you want. eventually, almost every band is gonna have someone go too far in whatever other direction: Originals, covers, show, # of gigs, types of gigs, whatever.

Here is the thing: You can ALWAYS jump back in the water whenever you want! My plan:

When Tribute Metal band wears futon me, Maybe bass in a cover band. One instrument, DI, and the basics. (<= pun intended). After that Solo acoustic and recording. Maybe YouTubing.

When you are tired, sit out a spell. There is ALWAYS another band, and another gig somewhere.

 

[pepj]

I stopped because I knew I had to.
I've come back way stronger but not without losing quite a bit too.
Now, I don't run down that same path.
I don't do marginal (imv) gigs now.

But when you turn down gigs, they find someone else and I lost some very nice gigs.
I recovered my playing quite quickly as I was able to focus with renewed enthusiasm

 

[DirtDog]

Back in 2018, I pulled the plug on gigging. Left a happening band and they are really rolling now despite the pandemic. Health issues got in the Way for me. Was asked to potentially sub in with that band moving forward. No, just can’t do it.

I’m quite satisfied recording in my basement “studio”. I play a bunch of instruments and have a wide range of influences so I keep my musical itches scratched. Collaborate from time to time. Does it for me.

 

[Confunk]

Just cut down.
Play out maybe 1,2x a month; just enough to enjoy being out there. (Admit it, you love it!) Get a sub if your Project wants to keep their present schedule.

See? That was easy!

 

[Sam Evans]

I hear you. I was feeling that way pre-COVID, and the COVID break just helped me realize I wasn't missing it. I played a gig back in March, first in a couple of years, and wished I hadn't, would have preferred the extra free time instead. It's not really a big deal official band, just here and there pickup jazz quartet gigs, but I let the BL know that I'm not going to be interested in the foreseeable future, so he should start looking for another bassist. In the meantime, I'm digging doing my own thing at home, mainly piano (sometimes solo, sometimes with my spouse on drums / percussion) and that's scratching my music itch just fine without leaving the house.

 

[Reedt2000]

Just cut down.
Play out maybe 1,2x a month; just enough to enjoy being out there. (Admit it, you love it!) Get a sub if your Project wants to keep their present schedule.

See? That was easy!

Yeah, this is sorta what I'm thinking (cause yes, I do enjoy it). I probably wouldn't do a sub with this project. If I'm in, I'm in all the way. If not, I'd rather bow out gracefully and find something with less commitment. I do have some options in that regard, plus I'm a decent bassist, can play most anything, I'm dedicated, know how to run equipment, there's always something out there

 

[Confunk]

Yeah, this is sorta what I'm thinking (cause yes, I do enjoy it). I probably wouldn't do a sub with this project. If I'm in, I'm in all the way. If not, I'd rather bow out gracefully and find something with less commitment. I do have some options in that regard, plus I'm a decent bassist, can play most anything, I'm dedicated, know how to run equipment, there's always something out there

Yep, there always is! Go for it!

 

[Lenny JG]

Find gigs you like more. Whether that's a different band or a different venue or a different promoter.

 

[themickster]

So, I've been playing in working bands for nearly 20 years straight. I used to work (years ago) for a music shop buying, selling, and trading instruments and teaching a ton of lessons so I played guitar and bass constantly. It wasn't something sustainable in terms of getting benefits, increasing earnings, or planning for retirement so I went back to school and got a real job (a series of them actually). I've made it a point to get into bands so I still play regularly, keep my skills sharp, and stay connected to making music

The Band I currently play in gigs 3-5 times a month. Everyone can play, gigs tend to be decent in terms of attendance, crowd enjoyment, and pay. I like everyone, there's very little drama. But lately I find myself ambivalent about gigs.

Even though I still enjoy playing, the amount of time a gig consumes, the effort of setting up and tearing down, as well as the time gigs happen in (typically Fri or Sat night, often until 12, 1, or even 2), feels like it outweighs the fun bit. Having thoughts about taking a break. I don't need the money, though extra $ never hurts. Making gig money also allows me to justify buying more gear (honey, I'll make that back in the next couple gigs ).

Anybody else go through this? Was it only temporary? Did you stop and regret it?

Don’t let it become burnout

 

[Ekulati]

Go acoustic, or stripped down as much as possible. Breweries, coffeehouses, art galleries, farmers markets. The full band thing is only necessary if you're still dead set that you need to RAWK. I do many different styles, different instruments. It's nourishing.

 

[Jrussblues]

I’m done with bars. I don’t mind festivals and what not but bars can pound sand. Better hours/pay etc.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I actually just turned down an offer to play in a band that gigs regularly (24-30 gigs year). Not my kind of music (modern country), not great pay, not great musicians. At 57, if it isn't the right gig, I'd rather stay home weekends.

 

[JPaulGeddy]

The time sink is awful, I have that feeling all the time. Just this weekend, I was on the gig clock from 2pm to 11pm on Friday, and 1pm to 11pm yesterday. Good gigs, good pay, good music, but it's still a drag. And sometimes, especially as I get older, there is that... 'is it worth it?'. So far, yes, but always a thought.

 

[fishdude101101]

Yes, I go through this all the time. Sometimes the only reason I continue to deal with all the peripheral stuff is because I don't want to let my bandmates down, and that's particularly true in the main band I have been putting together. There are people in that band who've been trying their whole lives to get into the silly little clubs we play, and for them it's a huge accomplishment and thrill. I enjoy performing very much, but I get tired of having to constantly push back on bad ideas from people who don't share the same vision and "just want to get out and play."

An example: The other day someone offered to try to get us a NYE gig. I said, "sure, but just remember that you'll need at least triple pay for that kind of show." It was like I'd cut off someone's hand to suggest that we shouldn't just accept any old thing we could get for that night. "Well, what do you mean? What do we usually ask for?" I'm like "what's their going rate of pay for bands, and just triple that. Anyone working for a normal rate on NYE is being ripped off." Like, who doesn't already know that?

I get tired of constantly fighting to stake out my position on things and there have been many moments along the way when I've wanted to just throw in the towel. But we're pretty successful and I'd hate to just shut down a good thing for my own selfish reasons. So I continue.

But yes, there are many things that surround doing gigs that I find onerous. I prefer to accept gigs in venues with their own sound gear and FOH people, but others just want to play anywhere.

I'm with you the provided sound and FOH. 3 of 4 of use agree. Recently singer wants to book a gig 1.5 hours away and have to take our own sound. Not doing it.

 

[burgerdj]

I hear ya. Talk with your band - they might be feeling the same way and would like to get off or slow down the treadmill! Hopefully you can find a solution that provides a better gig/life balance.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

I seem to recall posting on this subject just a few days ago. My response is still the same: Between travel time, load-in, load-out, and just plain hanging around waiting for something to happen, it is a huge time sink, for sure. But the emotional payoff of playing music that people enjoy and dance to is still strong. And, as someone who hasn't had a daily job to go to in the last 5 years or so, the whole business gives structure to my life: My band is like my family. I don't know what I'd be doing if I wasn't playing. (And I have to laugh a little as my BL, who said she wanted to take it easier in 2023, is already filling up the calendar...)

 

[boombloom]

I have always been about the groove. It can happen in a living room as easily as it can happen in front of a thousand people. It's the music. I've never really cared about gigs that much. In fact, I think they are often a pain in the ass. Some are more painful than others. As I play with better musicians I find that sooner or later there are gigs. I figure it's just what happens when I play with good people. The problem that arises is that I get less opportunity to play with good musicians if I don't want to prep for and play gigs. Playing out is the price I pay for playing with good people.