Just out of interest .....

[Aussie Mark]

It would be interesting to know how many members here actively play live and how many are looking to get into gigging situations, because I'm surprised that there doesn't seem to be a lot of interest whenever I post topics about paid gig vacancies. Hence this poll.

[Petebass]

I'm definitely a band whore - I get paid to play. I consider myself semi-pro.

[Vege-mity-mite]

I get paid - but we gig very intermittently - so I could almost be classed as a non-gigger.

I don't live in Sydney, but I think the problem of some of the paid gig vacancies is the level of proficiency required (who could replace you Mark? ) For weekend warrior types, I think it's just a step too far going from playing to an audience of ten with friends to playing an audience of a hundred with seasoned musos.

[Rude_Mechanical]

I'm also with you on the surprised side, Mark. No nibbles for fill-in gigs in Brisbane at all. On the flip-side, it seems every band up here subscribes to 'exclusivity' and won't share band members around - I guess people hate it when the bass player is getting more work than they are

c-

[maxgroover]

I'm definitely a band whore - I get paid to play. I consider myself semi-pro.

I'm possibly more of a whore than you. I don't play as many gigs as you, but I'm pretty sure I play in many more bands than you being a freelance jazz muso. I often don't know who the other band members are until I arrive at the gig and often I'm meeting them for the first time! This also means I have a lot of one night stands with musos (in terms of gigs that is)

I get paid to play on all my gigs too.

[Petebass]

I'm definitely a band whore - I get paid to play. I consider myself semi-pro.

I'm possibly more of a whore than you. I don't play as many gigs as you, but I'm pretty sure I play in many more bands than you being a freelance jazz muso. I often don't know who the other band members are until I arrive at the gig and often I'm meeting them for the first time! This also means I have a lot of one night stands with musos (in terms of gigs that is)

I get paid to play on all my gigs too.

hee hee, I did this sort of work exclusively for many years. I loved it, I found it very scary, yet strangely intoxicating In fact it's how I ended up in my current band. I filled in for a while then they made me an offer I couldn't refuse. So Mark I don't respond to your ads because I'm happy where I am for now.

[brooksi]

I'm still on l plates,
but i do it for my own enjoyment it helps my arthritis.Keeps my fingers moving .

[Aussie Mark]

I don't live in Sydney, but I think the problem of some of the paid gig vacancies is the level of proficiency required (who could replace you Mark? )

Seriously, EVERY person who came to the last Sydney GTG had better chops than me, which is why I hardly played at all there (due to embarrassment). I was more than happy to watch everybody else playing at the GTG because to be honest I'm not much of a jammer or improviser. I post a lot on the forum and have some strong opinions about things, but I will readily admit that I'm a pretty average player in terms of pure talent. But give me a song to learn, and I will do the job I'm being paid to do - I guess that being obsessive compulsive makes up for my lack of ability :-)

[Rhystard]

I did one gig as a cover band which was unpaid if you dont include free booze. Now playing originals and have two gigs lined up, gotta do them free to start off with or you wont get anything. I would possibly join a cover band on the side for cash but its perth so the scene isnt huge and i dont know anyone atm.

[jamiesdad]

played in my teens and early 20's - until uni and then work took priority. currently get back set up and working on reclaiming what chops i had (more of an aussie mark player than terry or soong). then i have to think about getting together and playing back with other people (though 50+hrs a week of work plus kiddie duties makes that a challenge - not an excuse)

[Petebass]

I don't live in Sydney, but I think the problem of some of the paid gig vacancies is the level of proficiency required (who could replace you Mark? )

Seriously, EVERY person who came to the last Sydney GTG had better chops than me, which is why I hardly played at all there (due to embarrassment). I was more than happy to watch everybody else playing at the GTG because to be honest I'm not much of a jammer or improviser. I post a lot on the forum and have some strong opinions about things, but I will readily admit that I'm a pretty average player in terms of pure talent. But give me a song to learn, and I will do the job I'm being paid to do - I guess that being obsessive compulsive makes up for my lack of ability :-)

The thing about "chops" Mark, and you know this, is that the guys that have them often struggle to know when not to use them. There's a time and a place, and most paid gigs require you to play solid grooves first and foremost. By all means if there's room for s a little bit of showing off, and it's in context, go for it. But if you intend to spend all night being fancy, paid band gigs are going to be hard to come by.

[maxgroover]

Seriously, EVERY person who came to the last Sydney GTG had better chops than me, which is why I hardly played at all there (due to embarrassment).

You may not be able to chop out (and probably choose not to) but I reckon your knowledge of bass guitars and amps would be second to none. And getting a good sound in a live setting would be as important, if not more important than what is played.

[LiF]

Your paid gig posts are fantastic opportunities. I would snap them up, but I don't live in Sider-ney.

[Kingray]

I whore more than many, because I play guitar and bass, in different bands. My guitar skills probably eclipse my bass playing, but I get paid to do both so figure I must be doing something right. I'll never be Jeff Beck or Vic Wooten, and quite seriously I don't want to be, as much as I admire players of that ilk. It may seem mundane, but I play songs that your average punter wants to hear, not music for other musicians. I won't blow anyone away with chops but will try to play parts and find tones which sit with the other instruments, and which suit the song.

[mkat]

I used to gig, both paid and unpaid (eg. RSLs, some big name and plenty of small pubs, lots of places have closed down since). Gigs in originals bands paid badly or not at all so I class that as unpaid. All cover gigs were paid. I've thought about playing live again over the years, but other factors are priority for me.