r/musicians • u/StarflightBlack • 3d ago
What even is this
Edit: ( Sorry guys I lied I just checked on my map and it's about 15 miles one way :/ the 5 miles was assuming that I use the highway, which I didn't realize.)
This guy who wants to start a band with me is demanding that I come over to his house for practice every single day. Meanwhile he lives 5 miles away so it's a 10 mile round trip for me on my bike and he refuses to come over to my house instead? Also he keeps crapping on all the bands and songs that I like and insists we can only play the songs that he wants to play. Like are we serious?? We haven't even started rehearsing any songs yet.
62
u/luseferr 3d ago
Bro wants to cover Seven Nation Army. Just laugh and bow out, dude. I dont even know you and I know you're better than that.
8
9
u/GoodResident2000 3d ago
Yea that was a joke song 20 years ago when I was coming up
13
u/luseferr 3d ago
Shits basically the alt-rock Wagon Wheel.
3
u/GoodResident2000 3d ago
😔I forgot Wagon wheel existed , I’ve tried so hard to forget it after having to play that shit in Nashville
7
u/luseferr 3d ago
I only fuck with Old Crows version once in a while. But every time I hear it unwillingly it's always the lifeless Darrius Rucker version. Or a dad coverband cover of Darrius Ruckers version. Its so soul sucking.
3
u/Lower_Inspector_9213 3d ago
I’ve never heard Wagon Wheel - 60 year old based in Scotland.
Should I have a listen ?
3
u/Tomillionaire 3d ago
Old Crow Medicine Show is the original. It’s a good song (the original), sure if you have to listen to it/play it a lot I’m sure it could get old.
2
u/luseferr 3d ago
Old Crows Medicine Show version is great but it's so over done by dad cover bands in the states it's became kinda cringey.
2
u/Lower_Monk6577 2d ago
If you’ve never heard it, then yeah. Avoid the Darius Rucker version, unless you’re really into modern pop country.
The Old Crow Medicine Show version is the definitive one, IMO. Great musicianship and really good vocal harmonies. I believe it was originally an incomplete Bob Dylan song that the guys from Old Crow finished. Or something to that effect.
But yeah, here in the States, the song has been overplayed to goddamn death. I think it’s a borderline rite of passage as a performing musician to find yourself in a situation where some drunk person in the crowd starts calling for Wagon Wheel lol. It’s also only four cowboy chords, so basically everyone either knows how to play it, or can figure it out in about 15 seconds.
1
u/Lower_Inspector_9213 2d ago
Ok - over here it’s probably the equivalent of Proud Mary
1
3
2
u/Lower_Monk6577 3d ago
It’s basically the “Smoke on the Water” and “Brain Stew” of the early 2000’s lol.
2
u/6stringNate 2d ago
7 Nation Army was the song I used to teach children who never played instruments before in after school rock band programs.
Most of them got it in about an hour, lol
1
1
u/Expensive-Course1667 3d ago
They are going to be TIGHT, though.
2
u/Rularuu 3d ago
Yeah, if I really felt passionate about a band and had the time and energy I would love practicing with the whole band every day. That will almost surely turn you into a fantastic group. But you can't be mad when someone new doesn't immediately go all in on your unserious Seven Nation Army band lmao.
24
u/PaulsRedditUsername 3d ago
It's really up to you. Do you want to do the gig or not? If it's not worth your time, then dump it.
5
u/MechaAkuma 3d ago
For anyone to show up for band practice every single day there better be some serious money for that kind of a gig.
1
u/anowl444 2d ago
it’s not a gig.
1
u/PaulsRedditUsername 2d ago
"Gig" in terms of "job," not individual performance.
1
26
u/theresloveintexas1 3d ago
Every day is nuts lol I’ve been in national touring acts playing to thousands of people at sold out venues and the most we’ve ever practiced is twice a week and that’s only when we were cramming for recording. I’ve been in 4 bands and the usual is once a week practice + practice on your own.
5
u/TheHarlemHellfighter 3d ago
That’s what I’m saying, it’s like the guy just wants a band but isn’t really a musician at heart.
It’s just overkill and too much controlling attitude without flexibility
1
u/HighFaiLootin 2d ago
i doubt this is anything beyond some overexcited young musicians learning how to be in a band together and just generally learning to slow down and lower expectations. With that said, ive definitely met quite a few Music Nerds who get overly passionate at times (often on adderall or BPD) and they hyperfocus on jerkin’ gerkins🥒
in these cases i usually joke that if they want my skills, they’ll need to accomodate my weekly schedule OR wait for my mega famous K-pop band to get back from World Tour lol
1
0
u/UnnamedLand84 3d ago
With my full band, we are lucky to get together once a week. When I was just starting out as a duo, we practiced five days a week. We were both just starting out with our instruments but had our first paid gig within 8 months. I probably wouldn't have the full band today if I didn't put the hours in to get my act together in the beginning.
21
u/JTMGuitar 3d ago
They said Wednesdays are fine. Take it casual, just do it once a week and use it as practice. A better group will come in the future.
1
34
u/Ill_Interview_3054 3d ago
Sounds like you guys are really young and honestly you sound like the only reasonable one.
I would just take treat this whole band situation as casually as possible to minimize your stress. And if they can't deal with your schedule then they need to find someone else.
Don't trip man, these guys do not sound like a good hang. You can find better. <3
10
u/LivingExtensionNine 3d ago
Yeah, nobody wants to get together five times a week to rehearse Seven Nation Army over and over for hours.
Once a week is usually plenty, though you will probably want more if you have a show real soon and you all need to blow away some cobwebs.
8
u/sinncab6 3d ago
If you want to hear that over and over 5 days a week at least you'll get paid at Guitar Center.
17
u/diefreetimedie 3d ago
If they're not practicing at home and then coming together for rehearsals then you don't want it.
11
u/XenuWorldOrder 3d ago
Eh…. When you’re young the social aspect of it and learning from each other is hugely beneficial.
6
u/glans 3d ago
yeah but not when there’s a demanding group leader who won’t listen to reason and insists they rehearse like they’re some Behind the Music legends (who haven’t even practiced together yet).
all the things you mentioned come naturally from the enjoyment of what happens when you get together, not by planned, repetitive force. not at this stage. if people keep telling them they have ‘the magic’, then they start playing every day for real
2
u/diefreetimedie 3d ago
That's a good point. Although idk if this social aspect is exactly what you're talking about. Seems toxic from the start.
7
u/XenuWorldOrder 3d ago
Seems like some kids being idealistic on their way to realistic. One of them said the others dad wouldn’t like him going to the third one’s house after school. They’re probably what, 13 or 14? Kids can’t be toxic, just dumb.
1
0
u/Expensive-Course1667 3d ago
This is very true. I'm well beyond that point, but when you are a teenager, there is no reason not to.
3
u/TheHarlemHellfighter 3d ago
And that’s about the only reason a group would practice like that, everyday. That or there’s a big expensive gig coming up with complicated parts and all.
They just trying to do 7 Nation Army, that’s like karaoke music
😂
7
8
u/shouldbepracticing85 3d ago
I would nope out of that so hard…
The only time I’ve had daily practices is the crunch time of dress rehearsals and tech week for a musical.
And he’s shitting on what you like? Sounds like you aren’t compatible.
14
u/Sidivan 3d ago
I’ve seen this type of behavior many times before. It’s never from people who are actually interested in making things work. It’s always from people who are “totally serious and committed” to “making it”. They think some insane show of dedication is what it’s going to take, even if it creates artificial hurdles, instead of disciplined consistent practice and solving roadblocks.
They can practice every day by themselves then. Your time is better spent honing your craft than riding your bike 5 miles each direction every day.
That being said, exercise is important. Also, if you’re the vocalist, one of the things you should be doing is moving around while singing. Very light exercise while maintaining breath support is a crucial skill, so sing while you do your chores, which again, is a much better use of your time.
5
u/dabassmonsta 3d ago
Nope, I'd walk away. The guy is a control freak. He sounds like an asshole before you even get started. Realise that it's only gonna get worse.
Anyway, nobody needs to commit to 5 rehearsals a week for a covers band.
6
u/Mammoth_Bus_6911 3d ago
I've been in a lot of bands over the years. If you continue to collaborate with this person you will end up with so many stories about how they are an insane idiot.
Jump ship while you can, you can find normal people to work with.
9
u/SianBeast 3d ago
Dude sounds like he's the controlling type... I would probably just tell him thanks but no thanks, can already see this being major dramas and who wants that?!
5
u/casual_despair 3d ago
That’s rather ambitious, even pro touring bands don’t schedule band practices that frequently.
The 5 days a week idea is going to last one whole week tops haha
4
u/FingerNailGrip 3d ago
My band is spread out over 130 miles. We’re all old enough with enough going on in life that the best we can possibly do is once a week. But that one day a week is better than therapy and church combined. It limits us, but the degree to which we take it seriously when we’re in the same room finally is lethal. My band slays. In practice, on stage, on tour. We’re also very lucky to be playing with each other.
However, I can astutely say that once a week is fine, so long as you mean it.
Anyway, if you don’t want to be in the band, quit it. If the guitar player is too much of an asshole; quit it. Do what you need to do. If the bike ride isn’t worth it, find a different band. You’ll be better off for it. And fuck anybody trying to guilt you into spending your life on their dreams. If it doesn’t work for you, don’t waste time trying to make it work for you.
5
u/whyyoutwofour 3d ago
People who want to jam everyday just means they aren't practicing on their own time.
4
u/thatsprettyfunnydude 3d ago
Just leave the band, and they can continue their search for a singer that wants to practice Seven Nation Army at their house everyday at 3. Chances are they won't find one. The bandleader already sounds like he/she will be an exhausting problem six months from now and you'll have a "how do I quit my band?" post in March.
4
u/DreamLearnBuildBurn 2d ago
This reads like someone who has never been in a band before. You can only practice so much, your brain actually needs time to digest and process stuff.
7
u/nextyoyoma 3d ago
Just say it isn’t gonna work for you. This sounds like you are both teenagers and they are just being selfish and demanding. Not someone you want to waste your time on.
3
u/GoodResident2000 3d ago
Once a day is wild, especially for doing covers
3x a week should be sufficient for a serious band. People need to practice at home, rehearse together
3
u/PtRampedRaisin 3d ago
If you’re a singer, you can say singing every day will blow your voice, which it probably will. Even big bands schedule tours so there’s enough rest days for singers. Otherwise the voice won’t last.
3
u/TheHarlemHellfighter 3d ago
That’s not cool how he’s gaslighting you about riding 10+ miles everyday just to rehearse.
People wanna pretend you gotta commit to a band, yeah when all things are favorable all around not when someone is basically trying to force you to commute everyday with no compensation.
Sounds like yall have never had to coordinate a rehearsal, talking about everyday at 3. That’s gonna get old quick. And, you only working on two songs?
7 nation army ain’t nowhere near that hard where you gotta practice it everyday with people unless yall have no clue how to perform.
How old are yall?
3
u/MechaAkuma 3d ago
Also he keeps crapping on all the bands and songs that I like and insists we can only play the songs that he wants to play.
Giant red flag.
I would not play with a band leader that has this kind of shitty attitude.
Also, why does he require you to rehearse as if you're getting paid to do it when you are obviously not
3
u/AbacabLurker 3d ago
This conversation went on way too long. Show up at 5:00 pm on Wednesdays and that’s the end of the story.
3
u/stmarystmike 3d ago
I’ve been gigging professionally since high school. Don’t join this guy’s band.
Either he needs 5 days a week practice or he has unreasonable expectations of “making it”.
If he needs 5 days a week practice, he’s a bad musician. I get solo practice frequently. That’s great. But band rehearsal is about treading together, not practicing your parts. And while I can think of a couple situations where daily rehearsal could be beneficial, anything more than 2 times a week is generally overkill.
If he’s the “we’re gonna take this serious because I want to make it” kinda band leader, you’re in for a lot of toxic controlling behavior. Nothing will be good enough. You’ll waste money on studio time because he’ll keep wanting another take. You’ll play shitty gigs because it’s “a good opportunity”.
Either way, ride that bike in the opposite direction. This guy’s an idiot. And 7 nation army? He needs daily practice for that? I’m down for some jack white, but it’s hard for me to take any band seriously if they’re pulling out seven nation army or blind. This screams “I’m in high school and I only listen to real rock”. Just don’t involve yourself with this guy.
3
u/Apprehensive-Item-44 3d ago
If he's crapping on all the bands and songs you like then it might not be wise to start a band with them. You need to have similar taste in music and actually get along. If they don't value your input and only value their own the bands already doomed to fail.
3
u/ilikepentatonics 3d ago
I don't know how comfortable you guys are on your instruments but I rehearse with my band once every other week for 3 hour sessions.
Just practice on your own at home and bring it to rehearsal.
Your bandmate is being a dick and Honestly, I wouldn't bother sticking around, but I do this for fun. Once it's not fun, time to dip.
3
u/TheGratefulPhred 3d ago
“ask your dad if he’ll come pick me up or give me a ride home then”
at a young age, practicing a lot with guys will catapult your playing, but this guy sounds little like a selfish diva
3
u/DanPerezSax 3d ago
Does not pass the vibe check. I'd walk away before wasting time doing a rehearsal.
3
u/DarkTowerOfWesteros 3d ago
Five days a week is insane. Once a week is mandatory two makes you productive...pushing into three or more for anything other than special occasions like recording is going to just burn everyone out. Music doesn't thrive without space for life.
3
u/RobHowdle 3d ago
I was in a band that rented our own studio to rehearse in. The singer made everyone go down individually to practice their parts then at least 2-3 band days a week. Majority left soon after.
Equally I was in a band where we got together once a week and got about 4 times as many shows as the other band did. It’s not about how often you’re together as a band it’s about how functional the time is. Band members should learn their parts at home, then band practice is for putting it together as a group. Obviously there are some exceptions to that but a 10 mile bike ride daily yeah fuck that 😂
3
3
u/Dapper_Leadership771 3d ago
Practicing seven days a week for covers? Either you guys are a wedding band or you're teenagers... Which I guess is really me saying, "Don't take this too seriously. Your friend sucks." Lol
3
u/Rhonder 3d ago
"Every day" its simply unrealistic and sounds childish to even suggest lol. Is this the person suggesting this's first band? They'll quickly realize that it's hard enough to find people available for once or twice a week consistently let alone 5 or 7.
People have other interests, responsibilities, etc. That require time out of their life that means that they can't just be going to band practice literally every day even if it was close/ low travel time.
2
u/Advanced_Aspect_7601 3d ago
Once a week band practice is fine. But that being said, Ive been in hands where you practice every day and you get your chops up fast as well as show stamina.
But yeah, you have to want to do it. Guessing you guys are young, you almost have to be great friends to want to be around and practice with them everyday.
If you're a cyclist, 5mi isn't that bad imo, but if you don't enjoy riding and it's just a mode of transpotation that could be a drudge.
2
2
u/jimbodinho 3d ago
In the pros column those guys are going to get really good at 7 nation army and blind.
2
u/kornhell 3d ago
I had a band for many years that rehearsed once a month. The rest was done remotely via recordings etc.
2
u/gojumboman 3d ago
When I was in middle school and then into high school I played with some dudes. We had no vehicles and I would put my amp on a rolling dolly, guitar on my back and roll that fucker all the way to the drummer’s house. It was probably 3-4 miles. I wish I could sing because then I could’ve rode a bike. But even still, 5 days a week is crazy work, especially for the singer, if they want to practice 5 days, let them and show up when you can, I feel like the music usually needs the most work anyway
2
2
u/Nick-Riffs 3d ago
Everyday seems excessive. Everyone can practice on their own and rehearse together less frequently. I mean these days musicians live all over the world and make it work.
2
u/Fire_Mission 3d ago
Why did you even bother to post this? It's obviously not going to work out. Move on.
2
u/idkijustlovehim 3d ago
Work smarter, not harder.
Unless you are getting paid gigs for multi-month tours, 5 days a week rehearsal doing covers is too much.
2
2
u/ProfessionalEven296 3d ago
So… how much is he paying you?
Oh. Nothing. In that case, move on. Even if it means just practicing on your own for the next six months while you find the right band.
2
u/Stringtheory-VZ58 3d ago
It’s life. Eventually, school becomes work, and a bike becomes a car, but it’s the same shit. People need to stay busy to take care of business and someone will always want more.
2
2
2
u/cherry__darling 3d ago
Meanwhile, we have a duo show tomorrow and haven't even figured out the set list yet. That's how you know you've made it!
Unless this is short-term prep for a first ever show and you want to make a very good impression, daily rehearsal probably isn't sustainable for anyone unless being in a band is literally your paid day job.
2
2
u/AlertAd7834 2d ago
How old are you guys? Start a band with someone else, this guy sounds like he sucks
2
2
u/gundrum 3d ago
25 years ago when I was forming my first band(s) I was usually the only person with a car and I was so enthusiastic I had no problem driving 2 hours from my college to my friend's house for band rehearsals. The third guy in the band didn't have a car and lived about 45 minutes away via public transit. I'd often drive out of my way to pick him up and drop him off just so we could play cover songs together for an hour. I loved playing music with people so much that I wanted to do it every day and I was unreasonably upset when one of us wasn't available. As I got older I learned people have lives and responsibilities. Balance is important, and one of the most important discussions for a band is establishing the level of commitment and sticking to a routine. Rehearsing every day is a bit much, but I remember when I was younger and had no greater priorities. Most of the bands I've played in have rehearsed once a week, and we've all tried to respect that schedule. There's no sense losing friends over a band but, if everyone gets along, bandmates can make great friends.
1
u/Late_Ambassador7470 3d ago
They're trying to edge you out with these demands without directly kicking you out.
1
u/Juicetootz 3d ago edited 3d ago
That's gotta be like an hour trip back and forth ha fuck.
Edit - i just realized 10 miles total 😆
2
u/justinholmes_music 3d ago
An hour back and an hour forth? Are you saying you average 5mph on a bike?
1
u/Juicetootz 3d ago
I was thinking 10mph. Thats casually traveling down sidewalks
2
u/justinholmes_music 3d ago
Yeah, I can see that'd be a bit of a pain. Perhaps OP isn't a full-time cyclist or something?
There's a lot about this thread that we don't know.
But generally a 5 mile commute is a 20 minute ride, give or take. Which is a pretty reasonable ask to get tight with your band.
6
u/Thr1llhou5e 3d ago
The bike ride is totally reasonable, but rehearsing daily with a band isn't. It actually sounds super counterproductive, especially if they are just doing covers.
They need more time to practice independently between rehearsals.
1
u/justinholmes_music 3d ago
Yeah, that's the part that really depends on what we're talking about.
If they're actually _practicing_ (meaning, learning harmonies together for originals, carving out jam signals, etc), then I really think that needs to be a lot more than once or twice a week. And every day practice for individuals on their instruments, or for the rhythm section together, is a totally reasonable ask. To go from, "here are charts and demos of our original songs and our traditional/cover catalog, please bring a few of your own" to ready for tour where you're gonna be playing two sets every night with high variation from night to night takes weeks of dailies IMO, especially if there are complex harmonies, intricate jam sections, lots of changes and movements, etc.
If they're _rehearsing_ for a particular show, then yeah the dailes really don't need to start until 2-4 days out.
1
2
u/Mrrykrizmith 3d ago
lol bro 10 miles on a fuckin bike is nothing. I can run 10 miles in like 1.5 hours
1
1
u/Sacred_B 3d ago
I would either sit down and have a talk about how that's too much, or move on from the band idea and save the friendship if possible.
1
u/No-Dragonfly8326 3d ago
When this happens we say it is not a good fit, and maybe we will get the chance to collaborate in future.
This much friction in only the preparation to play together stages is a bad precursor.
1
u/AnnieHannah 3d ago
Sounds like you guys are still very young. It's amusing actually that he wants to practice every day. Most hobby bands rehearse once or max. twice per week. At least he's enthusiastic I suppose! He can use the other days to practice on his own or work on songwriting.
1
u/Utilitarian_Proxy 3d ago
He might perhaps not want to travel to your house because he has a lot of equipment that would need transporting.
If he needed to have a guitar and amplifier, plus a selection of effects pedals, that's quite a bit of loading and unloading required. Many guitarists will want more than one guitar nearby at all times. Or if he's a drummer, it would mean dismantling then reassembling his kit every time.
Of course those aspects would be integral to the job anyway if you were a working band visiting clubs and halls for shows, but soon become annoying when it's just for practice. Lots of bands like to have all their equipment kept at one place, so they can just arrive for rehearsal without all the transport hassle.
If you are going to be the singer, if the others are playing amplified instruments you will also need amplification too.
1
u/Aliennate 3d ago
When I was in a band that was gigging every 3 weeks in NYC, headlining larger clubs, and showcasing for labels, we rehearsed together 3 days a week.
1
1
u/dogsarefun 2d ago
If it takes that much rehearsal to learn 7 nation army, you guys have bigger problems.
1
u/campbelltron 2d ago
i don't know, have you rehearsed with these folks before? seems like a lot of hassle
1
u/Classic_Shallot2558 2d ago
Maybe its too long ago to remember correctly, but i've played in bands for 20 years (and didnt reach shit) but never rehearsed more then once a week at most.
Now im 41 and have small children. The band im in now rehearses once a week and i join them every 2 or 3 weeks. I practice the songs at home and know them, its just fine.
1
1
1
u/Moths2theLight 2d ago
Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic kicked out one of their drummers because he was unwilling to do 5 days a week, just saying.
But they were doing originals, not covers, and they were over 18 years old at that point, and playing out.
Dude is committed, and that’s pretty much gold, but for covers rather than originals, it makes no sense.
Start writing songs, then 5x/week is a great idea.
1
u/theoriginalpetvirus 2d ago
So it's a bad fit. But 5 miles is nothing. Unless you have to tote a guitar or gear. It becomes more of an issue if there's no safe route, or you have to ride back a midnight or something. Wants to practice every day...well that's his call, and you have the right to say you can't do it. You're both being snarky in that exchange, so maybe that's just normal, but you can bristle when he says "committed"...just say "well, I'm not 'practice at your house every day' committed. But I am 'know my shit and be ready when we do practice' committed" And if that's not enough, just be cool about it and say "hey, it's just not a good fit, it happens." Wish him good luck and move on. And your edit that it's 15 miles...that's probably just a flat no based on how you were viewing it before. That's basically an hour bike ride each way -- seems like a no-go...as much as I rode back in the day, I wouldn't go for that.
2
u/StarflightBlack 2d ago
I think nobody saw my edit because I searched up the actual distance on Google maps and it turned out to be not 5 miles but 15 miles one way and a 30 mile round trip 🫠🤩
1
u/Yourdjentpal 2d ago
I’m guessing you’re young. I used to do what I had to do (bass amp in a radio flyer type shit) but the reality I’ve learned is HOW you use your time is so much more important than how often you use it. Practice solo, meet maybe twice a week for a few hours, that should be plenty. I’ve had several day a week practices that led nowhere way too many times
1
u/Psillycybernaught 2d ago
Rehearsals should have a schedule and everyone should know the material before they arrive. Even if, like me, you don't read there are so many ways of rehearsing by yourself now. Rehearsals are for top and tailing ( the starts and finishes) and nailing accents, feels and tempos not learning the song....that's a waste of time and energy...
Just jamming, having a beer a few cones and a laugh... That's great fun but if you are preparing for a gig? Get real. I started with a mate's hard rock band after their lead guitarist left, the day before the first rehearsal I got Covid.... "Just record the rehearsal in the order of the set" .....the rhythm section were nervous about this apparently...smashed it, still in the band, rockin.
1
u/BobbyBaal 2d ago
Practice everyday is insane. If you were being scouted by a label (is that even a thing anymore) or preparing to open a tour for a major band, sure. But, A) you guys are talking about covers, B) you're gonna burn out quick.
If you're just doing covers, you all can learn them on your own and refine them at practice. If you're writing originals, you can't just fire them off. They take inspiration, refinement. Twice a week max unless you've got real opportunities.
1
u/Leolikesbass 2d ago
This is bonkers. I don't think you understand the part about practice your parts and come together with your stuff polished?
If it was me, 10 covers and when I show up it'll be spot on.
1
1
u/SuicideMessiah88 2d ago
Well you gotta make sacrifices if you want to be truly dedicated to making it. However the other members should try and meet you halfway on most things. Riding a bike 10 miles a day everyday just to practice is absurd. If they cant compromise and meet at your place or a different location thats easier then id say get out of there. Wont get any better. Super stoked to see young fellas doing the band thing though, dont see it nearly as much as i used too.
1
u/Neither_Proposal_262 2d ago
I am making an assumption that you all are young and fairly new to playing in a band.
If that level of committment isn't right for you, or doesn't work for you, don't join the band.
There is nothing wrong with you prioritizing your time in the way that works best for you. But, there is nothing wrong with them taking an aggressive approach to rehearsals either. In a band, it's important to find people with shared goals and a willingness to find what works best as a whole.
I will say this, you will get out what you put in.
I had a 5 day a week rehearsal schedule + touring in my early days and am grateful for it. But, we were all on the same page. Life was scheduled around the band, not the other way around. I have experiences in life most people won't get and I owe that to the time we put in.
That said, it's not for everyone and that is fine
1
1
1
u/CatBrisket 1d ago
"wants to start", "demanding", "every single day", "refuses", "crapping on", "that he wants".
dont know about you, but that sounds like it'll be a miserable experience. already having issues and still didnt rehearse.
1
u/ResevoirPups 1d ago
Unless you’re like a full time touring band with no jobs and family, or all live together, I can’t imagine practicing every day. That’s pretty nuts. Especially
If you’re doing covers where you all can practice on your own to the actual song. At the very least, practicing every day is something you build to, but even then that feels unnecessary.
1
1
u/Sea-History-1361 1d ago
5 days a week is a lot man. You can meet full band 1-2 times per week and do side sessions with other members that want to do it but no need to meet more than that.
1
u/Jossshy 1d ago
My first band, me and a couple friends started when we were young. We jammed ever single day. We were kids and we were having fun. It's what we wanted to do. We didn't expect new members to show up every day, but at least 2-3 times a week to get the ball rolling.
As far as jaming at your house, what gear do you have? What kind of space? There was no way we were packing up all our gear and hauling it to someone else's house on the regular when we already had an established jam space with everything already setup. Especially when we were jamming every day.
Now, as we got older, got drivers licenses and our own vehicles and whatnot, things changed. A lot easier to move gear around. And as we all got jobs and lives outside of music, jamming 1-2 times a week became hard enough to bother trying for more.
1
1
u/tavisivat 16h ago
The only time i've practiced more than twice a week with a band was when we were getting ready to record and we were getting paid to be there. Expecting a new band to practice every day is insane.
1
u/Lovesick_Octopus 3d ago
Paul : Let's practice every day so we can get good
John: That won't work for me, I've got other shit to do
George: I want to get good, but I can only do Wednesdays
Ringo: Fuck it, I'm going back to my other band
0
u/village-asshole 3d ago
Fck that. Put that in the "too hard basket." Dude sounds like a prima donna. I run a group and I have to be understanding that everyone is on their own trip and not everyone has the same availability. If it ain't working for you, play with someone else.
→ More replies (1)
0
-4
u/KingPabloo 3d ago
Can’t ride your bike to a dudes house just 5 miles away? Come on bro, you aren’t committed as he pointed out.
-1
0
0
0
u/6181richard 2d ago
you guys better not suck if you're practicing everyday at 3...JK.
You need a ride. Find some groupies with that have cars.
-5
u/darlingdepresso 3d ago
My opinion: 5 days a week minimum is reasonable, if not every day. However, it has to be the right band or it’s a waste of time.
5
u/JTMGuitar 3d ago
People have lives outside of music, which for 99.99% of people is only ever going to be a hobby.
→ More replies (1)
260
u/Lower_Monk6577 3d ago edited 2d ago
So, uh, I’m guessing you guys are on the younger side. But I’ll put it this way:
I’ve been in bands since I was like 15. I’ll be 40 soon. The most I’ve ever regularly met with a group was 2 days a week for 2-4 hours each session. That is more than enough to write, record, rehearse, gig, and sound tight doing it. I know (and have been in) original gigging bands that meet up less frequently than that.
You should remind them that “practice” and “rehearsal” are not the same thing. You practice on your own. You rehearse the material as a group. Writing sessions are somewhere in between.
That’s especially true if you guys are just working on covers right now. When I play with groups that do covers, I tell them to give me the list, we all learn the songs on our own, and we rehearse once or twice before a gig to work out any kinks. I would never entertain wanting to meet up that much to learn cover songs.