You are singing the song of SO MANY of us who take their music seriously and are surrounded by others who just aren’t dedicated. Sadly, there just isn’t anything you can do to change them if they are volunteers. If it’s a job, you can threaten replacement (if you have that authority). Most often, your only choices are to tolerate it while grumbling or move on.
Alright, I’m gonna say it…
This^
Some say I’am obsessed with my guitars. Or, my son will say, “what ya thinking about? I know, your guitars”. If I am not playing you can be sure I have a song spinning on the strings in my head. Guitar is my life. If I have a set list agenda you know that I come prepared to play and not, I haven’t had time or whatever excuse they can come up with.
Yes and no. I know some churches have hired guns that come in and play and many other churches won't let any "outsiders" play in the band unless they are committed church goers etc. They have zero interest in a band member playing in a bar the night before and the next morning playing in the worship band. I get that and respect that. Just know the church gig brings several other dynamics into the equation and in many cases, rightfully so.
You’re the exact guy all these nice people are complaining about.It's not just as simple as commitment level or whether or not someone "wants to take the band seriously." As people go through varying stages of their lives, many different things take priority. Work, kids, sports, church, etc. all come and go to varying degrees as we move through stages of life.
One good example is that when we hit the 30s, some of my friends who played music and ball were ready to quit playing ball, so suddenly they had time do take the band thing more seriously, and I just wasn't ready to quit playing ball so I could not be in the band. When another group of guys I play with all became empty nesters 10-12 years ago, they too had time to play music 3 nights a week. I was still playing ball.
Some guys have jobs that interfere, kids in school that play sports, etc., etc. It's not always "how seriously they take music" that makes someone a good band mate. It's how "available" they are. A single guy with an 8-5 job can practice/gig 4 nights a week and get away with it if he wants. I know I've told this before, but I was in a band and committed to 1 night per week practice, and 2, maybe 3 weekend gigs per month... assuming they'd all be local. Then they sprung it on me that they were playing a 3 day music festival that was over 1000 miles away... I would have needed months advance notice to plan for that.
My body is a temple.
Your body is a wonderland
It's Disneyland Haunted Mansion for germs.
I've been playing out for most of my life. The past 20 years full-time. I learned long ago that if someone in a band is holding you back you need to move on. It sounds like their just not into it the same way you are. It's time to spread your wings! If you start "trying out" different bands you'll meet others with similar passion. You also will get exposed to environments that you didn't know were there. You will be surprised how fast you progress when your jamming with people with a strong love for it and a good work ethic.
No, actually not because I never got in a band until I could commit to one night per week practice, and a few weekend gigs per month. And I would have done that for as long as it lasted, if they didn't spring the "3 days out of state gig, in 6 weeks" thing on me.You’re the exact guy all these nice people are complaining about.
I never joined any of those other bands, I'd just sit in with them occasionally or do a gig here and there.
Love your stubborn (won’t quit) attitude.
Ewwwwww
