The Best Part of Being in a Band is the Broke, Sloppy Beginning: Enjoy it

Categories: Ask Fan Landers

Start a Coldplay tribute band, perhaps. My old bass teacher plays in a blues band that plays in the hallway of United Center during Blackhawks games. My sons' babysitter is in a rad country band that does kids songs and they get hired to play a lot of street fairs and city festivals in the summer. There are ways to make (some) money off being in a regular-gigging local band, but, most of the time, it involves being a jobber and not doing your original music.

So, that said, I think you should move out of your parents house ASAP, get the best crappy job you can and practice at night and on the weekends like everyone else. And then you don't have to give a shit about what they think about you being in a band because you are supporting yourself. When your music is a hobby, it retains its value to you because you need it. Doing music full time is a serious scramble for cash that probably invariably involves saying yes to all manner of shit you do not want to do because you have to pay the rent.

The founding of a band is the best-worst time. Have you ever read any rock tell-all where the person doesn't regard that time as the pinnacle of their life? They are always so miserable when they get to the part with the private jet. So, yes, sure, fantasize all you want about your rock star future, but don't forget to be here in this anxious moment, enjoying this awful time with your band.
Best of luck,
Fan

Keep up with DC9 at Night on Twitter or Facebook.


My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest

From the Vault

 

Events

Dallas Event Tickets
©2013 Dallas Observer, LP, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Dallas / Fort Worth

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city