Why do you make music? Would you quit your day job?

Music_King · 10-07-2008, 02:52 AM

Everyone has a different reason why they make music.

What's yours?

Would you quit your day job if you realized you had to make that move NOW even if there is no record deal or a major offer in sight?

Would you be happy to simply make enough money to be able to do music full time?

Or do you want to be rich and famous?

Do you want a musician career for the rest of your life?

Or are you in for the girls/guys?

Jody LeCompte · 10-07-2008, 04:45 AM

I play music because music is a language for people who have had their tongues cut out.

I play music because music drives me more than food, sleep, and sex.

I play music because the melodies wake me up at night.

I play music because it was one of my earliest comforts.

I play music because I am a spreader of happiness.

I play music because I am a musician.

Habey Gonzo · 10-07-2008, 10:57 AM

I would choose none of your options. I play because I like playing, being together with other musicians and having fun together.

I guess that someone that goes in for the money or the girls won't do that for too long...

Music_King · 10-07-2008, 04:20 PM

Nice , but the question remains - would you quit your day job for your music?

Habey Gonzo · 10-07-2008, 06:29 PM

If I was sure that I could live a confortable life (comparable to the one I have right now), while doing something I really like, for sure. But in music you're never sure if you're going to be successful, and even if you are, for how long? So chances are that I'd keep my job (btw, starting a new job next week, the actual one was pissing me off) and play music with band/friends in the evenings or weekends.

Cirrus_Minor · 10-08-2008, 01:28 AM

I do it because I love it. It more or less is my day job. I'm opting to start teaching lessons rather then get a normal job. I won't lie, I'm broke right now, but eventually I'll have enough business to keep me going. Then in my spare time I'll work on playing with other people, trying to get gigs, making demos, etc...

RickenbackerBassPlayer · 10-08-2008, 01:48 AM

I put "I can't help it" but I also want to make good money with it too.

Habey Gonzo · 10-08-2008, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cirrus_Minor

I do it because I love it. It more or less is my day job. I'm opting to start teaching lessons rather then get a normal job. I won't lie, I'm broke right now, but eventually I'll have enough business to keep me going. Then in my spare time I'll work on playing with other people, trying to get gigs, making demos, etc...

Make a living out of teaching music, that could be awesome! Do you think you could find enough "stable" (I mean, that don't quit when they learn that slayer solos are hard to play) students to live a correct life?

I've thought about that, but it seemed difficult!

sgtwatts · 10-08-2008, 03:03 PM

I would never quit my job in order to do it. I love it sure, but they're are too many untalented people out there who find ways to cut themselves into the industry and make it big. Music is way too commercial for me to leave what I'm doing. I choose to be realistic with my lot in life.

I play music because I enjoy what it brings to me. Some people say they can live, breath, eat music all day long. While there is nothing wrong with that I tend to be a bit more well rounded in the things I do in life. I have so many other interest that being a bass player is just another slice of my life. Based on what you gave as options I would say people try to use it as an easy button in life. I love to sound of the groove the sound of the 70's. I love funk I love the style and the culture behind the music. Outside of that I wouldn't take it any further.

To be a musician is a blessed talent and while I strive to understand music I would say that I'm not a musician because it does not come natural to me and I cannot impart my own style or feeling to make music evolve. I seriously believe that I'm a Jack-Of-All-Trades type of person and bass is my key to the door of music.

Cirrus_Minor · 10-08-2008, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Habey Gonzo

Make a living out of teaching music, that could be awesome! Do you think you could find enough "stable" (I mean, that don't quit when they learn that slayer solos are hard to play) students to live a correct life?

I've thought about that, but it seemed difficult!

Well that's only my short term plan. I'm figure if I can get four 1 hour students a day, 5 days a week, that'd be as much money as I'd be making at a full time job (since I'd be making twice what I'd make at any job per hour). In comparison to other places though, I'm charging half the price, and offering the first lesson free, so I think I could make decent business. I do plan on getting into school, and start gigging and doing things like that. Eventually my plan is to be an independent artist, or to have a band, as well as being a session musician. Really as long as I'm doing something music related, I'll be happy.

Stringbender · 10-09-2008, 10:28 PM

As I have said a few times before YOU ASSUME THAT I HAVE A CHOICE IN WHY I MAKE MUSIC. why does my heart beat, why is my breathing regulated the way it is.. the music is in, out, and around every ounce of my being. Remember, if matter is made up of essentially energy vibrating at different speeds- then everything is a part of music and music is a part of everything..
(ok..that sounds deep.. don't mind me- they sprayed a lot of roach spray in the office earlier and everybody is getting stoned on the fumes including me.. actually I gotta get outta here and get some fresh air- )
but to go back to what I was saying- I DO NOT HAVE A CHOICE IN THIS..
without my guitar I don't know where I would be.. I shudder to think.

Stringbender · 10-09-2008, 10:31 PM

If I made enough money to do music and nothing but music- that would be cool. But it wold be nice to make a bit more than my "gub'ment- job" salary doing it- but of course I would also need money for benefits and things like that and you better believe that I would be leery about jumping into anything and leaving behind the stability of the regular job.

undrawing · 10-15-2008, 06:37 AM

i make music because i cannot think about anything else. What excites me is the exploration and discovery of genuinely unique concepts for composition or performance, and to figure out how to execute them.

Battousai · 10-17-2008, 08:20 PM

There is no reason....is art, is a good language to show something, doesnt matter what is your message, it's a "Human Science", nothing makes sense in her natural course, anyway.

Belizer · 10-20-2008, 02:21 PM

I tried to quit twice. But than - back again

Trapaw · 10-22-2008, 08:51 PM

Because it's something I don't completely suck at. It makes me feel like I can do something worthwhile. When I'm playing guitar or programming/mixing/whatever, I can block out the world and let the music I'm creating consume me. That's something that nothing else has ever been able to give to me.
I'm currently working on making it my day job via college courses(and NOT at Fullsail!) and hard work.

dex · 12-09-2008, 02:32 AM

I'm right there with Cirrus.

alec.james · 12-10-2008, 03:21 AM

I'm not sure that I could or would sum it up as efficiently and accurately as this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jody LeCompte

I play music because music is a language for people who have had their tongues cut out.

I play music because music drives me more than food, sleep, and sex.

I play music because the melodies wake me up at night.

I play music because it was one of my earliest comforts.

I play music because I am a spreader of happiness.

I play music because I am a musician.

And not that this has much to do with music, but if I had a day job, I'd quit it.

dimaropky · 12-10-2008, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Music_King

Everyone has a different reason why they make music.

What's yours?

Would you quit your day job if you realized you had to make that move NOW even if there is no record deal or a major offer in sight?

Would you be happy to simply make enough money to be able to do music full time?

Or do you want to be rich and famous?

Do you want a musician career for the rest of your life?

Or are you in for the girls/guys?

I like to create...

Probably

Definatelly

I am fine with being rich

Yep

Nope

Stringbender · 12-10-2008, 11:25 PM

the music in my head keeps me awake at night- so I have to "appease the inner demons" by writing and/or playing the music out of my head..
does that make sense?

thedreammer · 01-14-2009, 07:20 AM

If i do not play.. get stressed out..

its nice to let the music flow out and sweep along the stress with it

RickenbackerBassPlayer · 01-18-2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedreammer

If i do not play.. get stressed out..

its nice to let the music flow out and sweep along the stress with it

That's kind of how I feel. When I feel like shooting someone, like I often do with school and all that, I can play my bass and just get my mind off it. Even if it means getting a little angry that i can't play a certain rift. At least I am getting the hard stress out.

Jody LeCompte · 01-19-2009, 03:48 PM

Just don't get all pumped and tear the neck off your bass in the middle of a quick lick.

RickenbackerBassPlayer · 01-21-2009, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jody LeCompte

Just don't get all pumped and tear the neck off your bass in the middle of a quick lick.

Been there, done that

Jody LeCompte · 01-21-2009, 05:49 AM

Yeah, me too...

Except...neck bending...

But same general idea.

View Poll Results: Why do you make music?
Money	0	0%
Fame	0	0%
Money and fame	0	0%
Girls/guys	0	0%
I can't help it!	17	100.00%
All of the above	0	0%
Voters: 17. You may not vote on this poll

10-07-2008, 02:52 AM	#1
Music_King Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 4 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 17	Everyone has a different reason why they make music. What's yours? Would you quit your day job if you realized you had to make that move NOW even if there is no record deal or a major offer in sight? Would you be happy to simply make enough money to be able to do music full time? Or do you want to be rich and famous? Do you want a musician career for the rest of your life? Or are you in for the girls/guys? __________________ Music Business Tips http://Ultimate-Music-Business-Online.com The Best Music Video Deal in the UK http://GuaranteedVideos.com Last edited by Music_King : 10-07-2008 at 04:21 PM.

10-07-2008, 10:57 AM	#3
Habey Gonzo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Brussels (Belgium) Posts: 1,252 Thanks: 57 Thanked 92 Times in 82 Posts Rep Power: 84	I would choose none of your options. I play because I like playing, being together with other musicians and having fun together. I guess that someone that goes in for the money or the girls won't do that for too long... __________________ -=The C in rap is silent=- IceWind -=- Habey Gonzo's nest

10-07-2008, 04:20 PM	#4
Music_King Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 4 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 17	Nice , but the question remains - would you quit your day job for your music? __________________ Music Business Tips http://Ultimate-Music-Business-Online.com The Best Music Video Deal in the UK http://GuaranteedVideos.com

10-07-2008, 06:29 PM	#5
Habey Gonzo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Brussels (Belgium) Posts: 1,252 Thanks: 57 Thanked 92 Times in 82 Posts Rep Power: 84	If I was sure that I could live a confortable life (comparable to the one I have right now), while doing something I really like, for sure. But in music you're never sure if you're going to be successful, and even if you are, for how long? So chances are that I'd keep my job (btw, starting a new job next week, the actual one was pissing me off) and play music with band/friends in the evenings or weekends. __________________ -=The C in rap is silent=- IceWind -=- Habey Gonzo's nest

10-07-2008, 04:45 AM	#2
Jody LeCompte Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 519 Thanks: 3 Thanked 68 Times in 50 Posts Rep Power: 53	I play music because music is a language for people who have had their tongues cut out. I play music because music drives me more than food, sleep, and sex. I play music because the melodies wake me up at night. I play music because it was one of my earliest comforts. I play music because I am a spreader of happiness. I play music because I am a musician.

10-08-2008, 01:28 AM	#6
Cirrus_Minor Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 602 Thanks: 194 Thanked 92 Times in 77 Posts Rep Power: 90	I do it because I love it. It more or less is my day job. I'm opting to start teaching lessons rather then get a normal job. I won't lie, I'm broke right now, but eventually I'll have enough business to keep me going. Then in my spare time I'll work on playing with other people, trying to get gigs, making demos, etc...

10-08-2008, 01:48 AM	#7
RickenbackerBassPlayer Play the music, not the instrument Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Behind You Posts: 3,585 Thanks: 126 Thanked 165 Times in 155 Posts Rep Power: 125	I put "I can't help it" but I also want to make good money with it too. __________________ Make sure to read the Rules for posting. Check out the KMA Review team thread post if interested. If you have any problems please feel free to Send me a message.. "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." - Ludwig Van Beethoven

10-08-2008, 03:03 PM	#9
sgtwatts Bassist On A Quest Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Denver, Colorado (Born St. Louis, MO) Posts: 211 Thanks: 24 Thanked 23 Times in 21 Posts Rep Power: 30	I would never quit my job in order to do it. I love it sure, but they're are too many untalented people out there who find ways to cut themselves into the industry and make it big. Music is way too commercial for me to leave what I'm doing. I choose to be realistic with my lot in life. I play music because I enjoy what it brings to me. Some people say they can live, breath, eat music all day long. While there is nothing wrong with that I tend to be a bit more well rounded in the things I do in life. I have so many other interest that being a bass player is just another slice of my life. Based on what you gave as options I would say people try to use it as an easy button in life. I love to sound of the groove the sound of the 70's. I love funk I love the style and the culture behind the music. Outside of that I wouldn't take it any further. To be a musician is a blessed talent and while I strive to understand music I would say that I'm not a musician because it does not come natural to me and I cannot impart my own style or feeling to make music evolve. I seriously believe that I'm a Jack-Of-All-Trades type of person and bass is my key to the door of music. __________________ Fender Jag Bass Hot Rod Red MIM Fender Jazz Deluxe Bass Black fav Ibanez soundgear LTD Bass Cherry Blossom Pickguard Gerry Willis five string fretless

10-09-2008, 10:28 PM	#11
Stringbender Guitar Junkie Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: they call it "Earth", the structure is called a "house". Posts: 1,490 Thanks: 259 Thanked 196 Times in 169 Posts Rep Power: 126	As I have said a few times before YOU ASSUME THAT I HAVE A CHOICE IN WHY I MAKE MUSIC. why does my heart beat, why is my breathing regulated the way it is.. the music is in, out, and around every ounce of my being. Remember, if matter is made up of essentially energy vibrating at different speeds- then everything is a part of music and music is a part of everything.. (ok..that sounds deep.. don't mind me- they sprayed a lot of roach spray in the office earlier and everybody is getting stoned on the fumes including me.. actually I gotta get outta here and get some fresh air- ) but to go back to what I was saying- I DO NOT HAVE A CHOICE IN THIS.. without my guitar I don't know where I would be.. I shudder to think. __________________ Only with the eyes closed can one begin to truly see.

10-09-2008, 10:31 PM	#12
Stringbender Guitar Junkie Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: they call it "Earth", the structure is called a "house". Posts: 1,490 Thanks: 259 Thanked 196 Times in 169 Posts Rep Power: 126	If I made enough money to do music and nothing but music- that would be cool. But it wold be nice to make a bit more than my "gub'ment- job" salary doing it- but of course I would also need money for benefits and things like that and you better believe that I would be leery about jumping into anything and leaving behind the stability of the regular job. __________________ Only with the eyes closed can one begin to truly see.

10-15-2008, 06:37 AM	#13
undrawing Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 17	i make music because i cannot think about anything else. What excites me is the exploration and discovery of genuinely unique concepts for composition or performance, and to figure out how to execute them.

10-17-2008, 08:20 PM	#14
Battousai Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Brazil Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Rep Power: 17	There is no reason....is art, is a good language to show something, doesnt matter what is your message, it's a "Human Science", nothing makes sense in her natural course, anyway.

10-20-2008, 02:21 PM	#15
Belizer Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia (Caucasus) Posts: 17 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Rep Power: 16	I tried to quit twice. But than - back again __________________ It does not matter where you go, but matters how you pass Belizer

10-22-2008, 08:51 PM	#16
Trapaw Metal Elitist: Anti-Pink Polo Shirts Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: In Hell (a.k.a. The South) Posts: 303 Thanks: 18 Thanked 23 Times in 20 Posts Rep Power: 32	Because it's something I don't completely suck at. It makes me feel like I can do something worthwhile. When I'm playing guitar or programming/mixing/whatever, I can block out the world and let the music I'm creating consume me. That's something that nothing else has ever been able to give to me. I'm currently working on making it my day job via college courses(and NOT at Fullsail!) and hard work. __________________ Bury The Living coming soon!

Sponsored Links
KMA Music Forum Advertisement

12-09-2008, 02:32 AM	#17
dex Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: 4349'19" N 8445'55" W Posts: 82 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Rep Power: 28	I'm right there with Cirrus.

12-10-2008, 11:25 PM	#20
Stringbender Guitar Junkie Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: they call it "Earth", the structure is called a "house". Posts: 1,490 Thanks: 259 Thanked 196 Times in 169 Posts Rep Power: 126	the music in my head keeps me awake at night- so I have to "appease the inner demons" by writing and/or playing the music out of my head.. does that make sense? __________________ Only with the eyes closed can one begin to truly see.

01-14-2009, 07:20 AM	#21
thedreammer Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: near amsterdam Posts: 12 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 14	If i do not play.. get stressed out.. its nice to let the music flow out and sweep along the stress with it __________________ _____________________________________________ LOOK AT DREAMMER: http://www.youtube.com/dedreammer

01-19-2009, 03:48 PM	#23
Jody LeCompte Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 519 Thanks: 3 Thanked 68 Times in 50 Posts Rep Power: 53	Just don't get all pumped and tear the neck off your bass in the middle of a quick lick.

01-21-2009, 05:49 AM	#25
Jody LeCompte Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 519 Thanks: 3 Thanked 68 Times in 50 Posts Rep Power: 53	Yeah, me too... Except...neck bending... But same general idea.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
What ideas do you have to Keep Music Alive?	MusicMan	Musician's Lounge	144	08-21-2009 04:46 PM
Music Theory for Beginners - Lesson 1: the basics	The Coker Variations	Lessons and Helpful Information	13	03-10-2009 12:23 PM
World Music Appreciation Thread	Jody LeCompte	The Soundtrack Of Our Lives	11	08-05-2008 10:10 AM
I want to make music. I don't play any instrumnents.	nascent	Musician's Lounge	8	03-06-2007 06:22 AM