FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY OR LOVE OF THE CRAFT

[hendoo]

WHAT'S UP FELLAS( LADIES TOO) IT'S BEEN A MINUTE BUT I'M BACK DUE TO DEATH IN MY FAMILY, A BUSY JOB, 3 SERVICES A SUNDAY AT MY CHURCH, FAMILY ILLNESS, A MY WIFE BEING 3 MONTHS PREGNANT WITH OUR 4TH CHILD, IT'S BEEN BUSY,( NO NEED TO WORRY SABE I STILL SQUEEZE IN AN HOUR A DAY ON MY DW SMARTPRACTICE), I WAS TALKING TO A VETERAN DRUMMER FRIEND OF MINE HERE IN D.C. NEAL NELSON, AND A TOPIC POPPED UP, HERE IN D.C. AMONG DRUMMERS IN OUR ERA, AARON SPEARS IS THE MAN, NOT ONLY B/C OF HIS SKILLS, BUT B/C HE REACH WHAT MOST OF US DIDN'T DO, GETTING A GIG WITH USHER FOR ALMOST A YEAR AND & HALF & WITH USHER HAVING A YEAR LIKE HE'S NEVER HAD WAS GREAT, NOW WE HERE IN D.C HAVE HAD GREAT DRUMMERS BRANCH OUT LIKE OLD SCHOOL BLUES WEBB PLAYING FOR BEBE & CECE WINANS BACK IN THE DAY, JAY WILLIAMS WHO TOURED WITH JAGGED EDGE A WHILE BACK, BUGGY WHO PLAYED WITH GINUWINE & RAHEEM DEVAUGH, BUT NOTHING LIKE WHAT AARON DID,HE'S THE 1ST DRUMMER IN OUR ERA IN D.C. TO GET SUCH A MAJOR GIG, BUT WHAT NEAL & I WAS TALKING ABOUT IS, ALOT OF YOUNGER DRUMMERS, NOT ALL, FEEL LIKE IF THEY AREN'T TOURING ON MAJOR GIGS, THEN THEY CAN'T PLAY, DOES BIG GIGS MEAN THAT YOU'RE NOT A BETTER, OR WELL ROUNDED DRUMMER THAN THE NEXT MAN.

CAN IT MEAN YOU NEED TIME TO DEVELOPE THINGS LIKE BEING ON TIME, LISTENING TO YOU MUSICAL DIRECTOR, STUDYING YOUR MUSIC BEFORE REHEARSAL & NOT @ REHEARSA, OR IT'S JUST FLAT OUT NAOT YOUR TIME NOW. THE BOTTOM LINE IS ARE YOU DOING IT FOR THE LOVE OF THE CRAFT, OR JUST TO GET PAID, EVEN IF THAT MEANS YOU NEVER HAVE A MAJOR GIG & YOU'RE  PLAYING @ CHURCH THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. I CAN GO ON FOR DAYS, BUT I'LL END ON WHAT A DRUMMER TOLD ME & HE HAS DONE IT ALL,  GIGS COME & GO SO SAVE YOUR MONEY BUT THE LOVE & PASSION FOR THE CRAFT IS FOREVER.

[fretai03]

Well, Going off the title? Neither. I play because of my love for God.

But, I definitely agree with this:

... I'LL END ON WHAT A DRUMMER TOLD ME & HE HAS DONE IT ALL,  GIGS COME & GO SO SAVE YOUR MONEY BUT THE LOVE & PASSION FOR THE CRAFT IS FOREVER.

[drumzalicious]

man when i'm  at church its all about praising God and slaying demons with your instrument. when i do outside gigs i do all kinds of gigs just to expand my vocabulary. i believe that you can tell when someone is doing it for the money because it just doesnt feel right and thats not how we as musicians should be

[baldeagle]

EVEN IF THAT MEANS YOU NEVER HAVE A MAJOR GIG & YOU'RE  PLAYING @ CHURCH THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

Church is the biggest gig I've ever tried to get. If I never did another studio session, never played for another concert. . . I'd be cool 'cause I just love playing.

Well, Going off the title? Neither. I play because of my love for God.

I wish we all had this frame of mind. I will never play anything but Gospel, 'cause I have no other reason for playing.

[drummin4JC]

its all true what you all saying even if i neva get a gig (which i hope i could one day in my life) i will still be happy with me playing at least 2 a month at church cause all about passion an love for the instrument. i beleive if you have a sincere heart unto the lord God will open doors and if you do it cus u love God, God will deffinitly open doors and Glorify him self. God bless!!!

[hendoo]

AMEN FELLAS, THANKS FOR THE FEEDBACK

[bigblackdrummer]

Things like"BEING ON TIME, LISTENING TO YOU MUSICAL DIRECTOR, STUDYING YOUR MUSIC BEFORE REHEARSAL & NOT @ REHEARSAL", are all things that you should be doing even if you are only playing in the Church band. God has a funny way of bringing people in your life so you always need to be sharp when that time comes, you dont want anyone who would have bad to say about your work ethic.

As for money. All I can say is that there's guys out on tour drumming making big money who suck, they just got lucky cause their band got signed. On the flip side; tour drummers usually sound better then most because all they do all day long is eat sleep and crap drums for months and years at a time. Like look at Rex H. I did not like his playing when he first started with Mary J but over time on tour Ive heard a real change in his playing and think hes great. Same with Aaron, yes he had chops but dude had no musicianship! That Gideon Band live was all over the place. I enjoyed it for a week then got sick of the mess. BUT now that he has put in the time with Usher and had to learn discipline (cause you know they worked on him) hes a great player who knows when to put it out and bring it in.

AND remember! Aaron didnt get the Usher gig because he was some big known drummer, he got it cause someone showed Gerald a video and Gerald showed it to Ushers MD. Like I said, God has a funny way of bringing people in your life!

[freddyfusion]

Things like"BEING ON TIME, LISTENING TO YOU MUSICAL DIRECTOR, STUDYING YOUR MUSIC BEFORE REHEARSAL & NOT @ REHEARSAL", are all things that you should be doing even if you are only playing in the Church band. God has a funny way of bringing people in your life so you always need to be sharp when that time comes, you dont want anyone who would have bad to say about your work ethic.

As for money. All I can say is that there's guys out on tour drumming making big money who suck, they just got lucky cause their band got signed. On the flip side; tour drummers usually sound better then most because all they do all day long is eat sleep and crap drums for months and years at a time. Like look at Rex H. I did not like his playing when he first started with Mary J but over time on tour Ive heard a real change in his playing and think hes great. Same with Aaron, yes he had chops but dude had no musicianship! That Gideon Band live was all over the place. I enjoyed it for a week then got sick of the mess. BUT now that he has put in the time with Usher and had to learn discipline (cause you know they worked on him) hes a great player who knows when to put it out and bring it in.

AND remember! Aaron didnt get the Usher gig because he was some big known drummer, he got it cause someone showed Gerald a video and Gerald showed it to Ushers MD. Like I said, God has a funny way of bringing people in your life!

yep
all the way around

[DeBassJr1]

yeah im out of d.C too and i know what hendoo is talkin abot...but foreal forea we need to stop makin church looklike its a decrease ...its our biggest gig...i play the bass ...i dont play the kit...but i know what it feels like to play the ig gigs and stuff...but its not worth it man...not sayin dont take the gig...but the devil has made it look like church is at the bottom...and playin for a top RnB artist is it...man we need to get out of that frame of mind...i play for mario now...and i always wanted this gig man...after being init for a while now i can tell that all us musicinas playin for this crap...were just being used man...the record label dosnt care about us...the artist dont care about us...not even the management...we are being used so we can play what they want to here...cant you tell i mean look at it like this...some of the artist these guys are playin for are going gold and platnum...and gettin paid like 500 a gig...man thats crap compared to how much the artist and the record label is gettin paid...amn foreal lets look at church as if its the best thing that ever happene because it is our best gig...its our ministry its where God first called us...go back to your first love like the prodigal son..we must do it because we cant get caught up in foolishness.Lets do it because we are worth it and more importantly God is worth it.... God bless yall.stay on top of you crafts and Keep God First above all...Worship him to live and live to worship him GoD Bless and i love yall like Brothers and Ssters.

[erickicks]

I keep church my no 1 priority.. My no. 1 gig. Everything else comes second.. Because landing a tour is a goal of mine, I do hope that it's in GOD's will that I do tour at least once for maybe three months. But if not I am happy with what and where GOD has placed me. HIS WORD is making me a better person a greater man, husband, father and Priest of my home. To me it's all about acheiving your level not someone else's. there is plenty of work to go around for everyone. But to me it is all about who you know. Aarron was blessed to have Gerald but I truley beleive it wasn't but a matter of time before he got picked up anyway...the way he was blazing, it was almost destiny.

Jay Williams and I are on the same musical staff at Reid Temple AME Church. in Glendale MD. He's got the "Will Downing" gig. He was with Marcus Johnson. But I beleive he should have been out there a long time ago. But he never forgot his roots, Church. I believe if you are dedicated to your craft, great things will come, along with money. Eric Valentine is a prima example. DC Boy, now musical director for Johnathan Butler...toured with Patty and a true professional, but still plays in church....
 

[JFunky]

...well for me it's been the love of "music"; period.  I enjoy listening to everyones instrument and am inspired by what they are doing.  I transfer that into my playing.  I love to compliment what another musician is doing when their music is honest and they know what they are playing and doing.  I have the love of the craft so that's not a problem for me.  I enjoy ministering at church and also at other churches.  I've been around music all of my life and know what it takes to be better and get gigs.  I feel that too many drummers today have to focus on the overall music and what it calls for and not just sit at home and blaze all day.  A lot of cats get on stage and sound like they're practicing. 

....If you love what you do and "KNOW" that being a musician is part of your overall calling then; 1. People wouldn't tell you to practice.  2.  You would be studying for whatever songs are being rehearsed.  3.  You would be on time.  4.  You would "listen" to the Pro's and mentors that are giving you advice.  5.  You would spend a good part of the day "listening to music" and not listening to guys "chop up songs" all day.  6.  Your attitude would be positive and people would love to have you in their band.  7.  If you have a suggestion, people would listen to you because they hear and see your fruits and how you walk and how you carry yourself.

...when you start acting and thinking like a musician and being responsible with your craft or in my case, crafts, and respect the music that you are playing, you'll notice that your phone will start ringing and guys will want you to play with them.  Trust me!

[drummin4JC]

...well for me it's been the love of "music"; period.  I enjoy listening to everyones instrument and am inspired by what they are doing.  I transfer that into my playing.  I love to compliment what another musician is doing when their music is honest and they know what they are playing and doing.  I have the love of the craft so that's not a problem for me.  I enjoy ministering at church and also at other churches.  I've been around music all of my life and know what it takes to be better and get gigs.  I feel that too many drummers today have to focus on the overall music and what it calls for and not just sit at home and blaze all day.  A lot of cats get on stage and sound like they're practicing. 

....If you love what you do and "KNOW" that being a musician is part of your overall calling then; 1. People wouldn't tell you to practice.  2.  You would be studying for whatever songs are being rehearsed.  3.  You would be on time.  4.  You would "listen" to the Pro's and mentors that are giving you advice.  5.  You would spend a good part of the day "listening to music" and not listening to guys "chop up songs" all day.  6.  Your attitude would be positive and people would love to have you in their band.  7.  If you have a suggestion, people would listen to you because they hear and see your fruits and how you walk and how you carry yourself.

...when you start acting and thinking like a musician and being responsible with your craft or in my case, crafts, and respect the music that you are playing, you'll notice that your phone will start ringing and guys will want you to play with them.  Trust me!

DATS REAL!

[hendoo]

THANKS FOR THE FEEDBACK AGAIN GUYS, YOU ALL HAD GREAT INPUT, LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SabianKnight]

Great thread guys.

JFunky your sermon is off the chain and dead on. Your day is coming.

Hendoo, good to have you back bruh! Keep bringing the brain food.

[rjthakid]

Interesting Post.

For a while my interest in the Drums began to fade.

Now however I'm more dedicated and determined than ever before.

The drums opened up my eyes to the wonders of music.  I'm presently learning how to play the Organ, and I'd like to revisit the Trumpet (which I played years ago).  I'd also like to learn lead guitar.

Man, when you play another instrument, and the drummer throws you off, it really shows you how important it is to be on point. 

We are the backbone of the music.  If the drummer is off, EVERYBODY is going to be off.

If you have a band with a Drummer, Organist, Keyboardist, Bass Guitar, Lead Guitar, and brass, and ANYONE but the Drummer is off, it can be covered up and played over.  The person can try to "hide" the fact they're off.

But the drummer?  There is no escape.  If you're off, EVERYBODY is going to be off, because everyone actually plays off of the drummer.  If you're playing a 4/4, (base drum on the 1 and 3, snare on the 2 and 4) everybody is listening for that "Pop" on the 2 and 4 to play off of.  If that is off, no one feels comfortable.  It may seem simple, but even if you're off by a little bit everyone will feel uncomfortable.

Even if the music is off and it's not our fault we STILL get blamed for it (I know yall have been there!)

Man, you had better put in serious time before you accept any gigs. 

Oh, and have thick skin.  If your feelings get hurt easily, don't gig.  This kid I know was about 13 when he started playing for this gospel group.  They were practicing at our church, and the base guitarist told the kid he was off.

Homeboy started to cry.      

Man, as nice as he was, they were THROUGH with him after that.

[erickicks]

RJ you're right ...on a particular sunday We all established that a song was gonna start after the 4 count...after I counted 4 and began to play ...no one started with me, leaving me out there by myself, making me look badd but everyone in the band knew they were wrong but made me to look like I was the badd guy.....I hate that. THen the entire 5000 people at my church are looking at me....

[bigdoodah]

yeah im out of d.C too and i know what hendoo is talkin abot...but foreal forea we need to stop makin church looklike its a decrease ...its our biggest gig...i play the bass ...i dont play the kit...but i know what it feels like to play the ig gigs and stuff...but its not worth it man...not sayin dont take the gig...but the devil has made it look like church is at the bottom...and playin for a top RnB artist is it...man we need to get out of that frame of mind...i play for mario now...and i always wanted this gig man...after being init for a while now i can tell that all us musicinas playin for this crap...were just being used man...the record label dosnt care about us...the artist dont care about us...not even the management...we are being used so we can play what they want to here...cant you tell i mean look at it like this...some of the artist these guys are playin for are going gold and platnum...and gettin paid like 500 a gig...man thats crap compared to how much the artist and the record label is gettin paid...amn foreal lets look at church as if its the best thing that ever happene because it is our best gig...its our ministry its where God first called us...go back to your first love like the prodigal son..we must do it because we cant get caught up in foolishness.Lets do it because we are worth it and more importantly God is worth it.... God bless yall.stay on top of you crafts and Keep God First above all...Worship him to live and live to worship him GoD Bless and i love yall like Brothers and Ssters.

aspiring young musicians looking for the big-time gigs should frame this on their bedroom wall, especially the bold part

[soul_pocket]

At first I started playing thinking about getting big gigs and getting payed well for doing something I love......but overtime God has put a strong feeling in my heart to play for him only......Now I really don't care what gigs I get or even if I get payed as long as my playing ministers and changes someone's life I feel that I have done my job...dosent mean I dont practice or try to get good because I do love the art of drumming.....I just thank God for the gift he has given me.....