Talent vs. Looks vs. Fun

[oddjob]

I was rereading one of my past threads and the question hit me. When it comes to the people you work with (musically), is it looks ar talent that pulls you in? Or is it just the fun factor?

I'm 33 and have been doing this since I was 15. I have been in bands where it has all been about image (which is suprising given my appearence ). We have had the prettyboy gutair players, singers (male and female) with the perfect face and body. Did I mention all of the hair!!!!!!!!!!!!!We looked great but the size of the egos was tremendous.

Then there have been my "talented" bands. I've played with 2 of Columbus's best guitar players (technically) and one of the best drummers. Then music was taken very seriously (and I mean VERY). They were great guys, but it was too... bleh!

But over the years, all of that has ment less and less.I look at my current band and we are all talented, not to the extreemes that I have played with in the past -but we can all carry a tune. But I have realized that we all have fun together. I doesn't matter that we are playing out or just sitting at a bar some place. The egos aren't there (and either are the looks ) Maybe I am just getting old, but it is nice to have fun with the mucis again and enjoy the poeple you're with.

So what is important to all of you?

 

[bovinehost]

I've sort of given up regular bands because I'm too old and cranky to deal with the BS. It's like a marriage, except you're married to three or four ugly guys, and you're not getting laid. Not that you'd want to.

So I do pick-up gigs, some sub work, jams and that's about it. I'm working up a duo gig with a friend of mine who has no ego, no issues, is a great songwriter and a talented guy all the way around. We'd LOVE to add a drummer and a lead guitarist, but if we don't, no biggie.

It's not really about talent, although you want to work with people at your level or above to keep it interesting. Also, trying to drag people UP to your level can be frustrating.

It's certainly not about looks, not for us. We're both relatively ugly guys but have hot wives so who cares if the chicks want us?

It is all about personality, shared interests and common musical backgrounds. I don't have to explain the chord structure to "Norwegian Wood" and if he breaks into some Lyle Lovett, I'm there. We know each other.

He could probably find a more talented partner, and who knows, maybe I could too, but we don't WANT to. We like it.

 

[xshawnxearthx]

depends on the music really.

my band is fun, and we are hot. so it all works out.

 

[basspastor]

What is important to me is, making a joyful noise unto the Lord.
Jamming the 50's and 60's stuff with my friends.
Yep, we are getting old; I am old.

 

[Jean-Frédéric]

I d say the fun .. 'cause if the fun ain't there no matter how good or bad you suck ,it's just sh*t to me .

Cause when I don't have fun I get cranky and if I can't get along with the guys how can I play in harmonie ?

I 'm not the talented guy cause if I was I wouldn't be playing 8 h a day to get better and I would probably have a band ... I'm not the Hot guy cause .. I have no GF haha !

if the fun is there ,... guess it's all that matter to me !..can't say I'm gettin' old .. I'm just 18

 

[uvapete]

the three A's

in medicine, there is a saying that there are three A's to becoming a success:

you need to be Available, Affable and Able-- in that order. Scary to think your surgeon might be an available nice guy who sucks at operating-- but it happens all the time!

I think the same thing goes for bands. Is there anything more awkward than trying to play music with someone who you don't connect with?

Or having to "break up" with them?

I just met a guy here who is a phenomenal guitarist but shares my dream of having a band where we can all sortof rotate on the instruments (I played drums first, and now play guitar and bass).

Above all he is open minded and psyched to play. That to me seems like the most important part.


______________________

none more black

 

[SGMan88]

I'd say fun too. Who wants to be in a band thats not any fun. Talent- not really a big factor as long as you are having a good time with some friends

 

[spectorbassguy]

What is important to me is, making a joyful noise unto the Lord.
Jamming the 50's and 60's stuff with my friends.
Yep, we are getting old; I am old.

Psalm 150, dude - right arm! That is the reason for my gift - Gotta use it for Him!

 

[LarryNJ]

Interesting thread:
I'm 52 & have been playing bass over 35 years. over which time I think I've developed some skills.
I grew up listening to Blues in Chicago, with a background in
Motown/R&B. R'nR (Beatles, 'Stones, Hendrix).
I also play jazz and fusion, with styles ranging from walking/sounding with the tone and timbre of an upright to slapping the **** out of the bass (My Sterling was KILLER for that)on contemporary styles.

I freelance, and have found that some projects I've "applied" for consider me too old. I understand the reasoning, as they are trying to do an image as well as the music, which becomes secondary, No hard feelings.

I could EASILY play the bass role in Avril Lavigne or Lit's music,
(not that I would want to 'cept for the $$$). Probably wouldn't get either gig....Recently did an audition where I NAILED the tunes for a Brittany wanna-be who has an overseas tour coming up....Her producer thought my playing was the shizznitz, but they took pix and a video, and I don't think I fit the bill appearance-wise. Good thing my wife thinks I'm cute.

This isn't a bitter statement....Just a thought. I hear some players in their teens that are awesome, and I see and hear some (younger)bassists in bands that....uh, really suck....no skills.

The longer you play, the better you can get. Wonder if Chuck Rainey would get the Brittany gig? Or Duck Dunn? Or Hutch? A lot of the studio wizards like Sklar, Stubenhaus, etc. are older guys too....takes time to get really good....


OK, I'm done....gotta take my medicine and a nap....

 

[spectorbassguy]

It's certainly not about looks, not for us. We're both relatively ugly guys..............

Sounds like someone needs a hug. Hey Bov, don't ya know that Ray Stevens was right when he sang:
"Everything I Beautiful....in its own way....."

Don't make me go Stewart Smalley on ya Bov! We think you're yummy just how you are!

 

[spectorbassguy]

Sounds like someone needs a hug. Hey Bov, don't ya know that Ray Stevens was right when he sang:
"Everything I Beautiful....in its own way....."

Don't make me go Stewart Smalley on ya Bov! We think you're yummy just how you are!

Did I just say "YUMMY"? Yikes!

 

[uvapete]

LarryNJ

Larry NJ-

perhaps we can start a new reality hit tv show called:

Old Bassist Extreme Fashion Makover

seriously. What we would do is get you all made over so that you have some crazy trademark like a mohawk, or a reverse mohawk, or a really bad wig or somthing. Perhaps you wear 1960's basketball uniforms (high socks, short shorts and a big aftro) -- to make your look more marketable for the young people. Then we can follow your trials and tribulations as you try to make it big as a bassist for 15 year old pop stars.

Perhaps a love affair will ensue between you and the brittney wannabe? Or just sexual tension-- that she wants you but you are happily married, and your wife comes and kicks brittneys ass and it is a big deal becuase she is about to go on Leno but has a black eye....

Have you ever seen Shania Twain's drummer? He wears ski goggles. Its the stupidest freakin' thing I've ever seen-- but the guy has a steady job.

I think this has potential....

 

[LarryNJ]

Uhmmmmm....No. I don't think so...

(My wife likes Johny Mathis btw. Since I love her, I took her to see him.... HIS bass player is young dude playing excellent Fender bass, and his guitarist is an older dude....incredible player.... there ya have it......)

Personally. I'd prefer seeing Wayne Shorter, or Buster Williams...
Anyway.....

For the record, I dug the Brittany wanna-be. Her tunes were actually good- some hip-hop with an edge; one tune had a rapper who was real hard-core. Point is, I burned on the bass parts, but maybe they wanted a 20 year old with a more "contemporary" look. I understand.

Brittany herself uses or used someone who endorsed Brubaker basses, forget his name, but man, he can PLAY. Probably in his 30's.

My point was- it's about the music-I don't care if someone wears ski goggles, or a suit, or whatever, no points for style, just what they do on the bass.

I have friends who are great actors, but they don't get certain parts 'cause they don't have the desired look....That's show biz.

 

[uvapete]

LarryNJ-

I was messing around-

but if you ever are interested I've got some old ski goggles you could borrow.

pete

 

[Mobay45]

LarryNJ-

I was messing around-

but if you ever are interested I've got some old ski goggles you could borrow.

pete

I turned 49 yesterday. Send them to me.

 

[LarryNJ]

I think I'll stick with my reading glasses.....

 

[crazybass888]

I think at the end of the day, it all boils down to fun. My band is somewhat image based, but we think getting all done up is fun and it just adds to the experience... on the other hand, I've played with some super-talented people that I didn't get along with that well, and while the music was good the experience sucked... so yeah, fun is the winner...