No bottom-enders?

[a.j.]

I guess we could beat this subject to death with a stick eventually.

You're quite right - one of the best local function bands that I know have a basic two-piece line-up using midi, and can expand up to a 5 piece (still with the midi) - they are professional, talented (jass school graduates), and make a good living doing what they do. It's the other end of the scale that irritates me, because they're denying an income to musicians who deserve it.

There's no easy answer - all we can do is maintain a high standard of musicianship, and like you said, treat the midi-player like another member of the band - we do the same with files - invariably end up with a sound that is our own.

Glad I'm not the only one that feels this way.

So..... if I bring the computer to the gig (essentially another band member)..... can I get it's share of the money?

[bri]

I have to say, I do enjoy making my own midifiles. I don't think I do too bad a job in creating them. Here are three of them, with me singing along. At least I know the music, as well as the vox is my own work, so there is a lot of satisfaction in that and if people choose to download these files (on the midimart site) regarding them as good enuff to use, well I think that is nice. Hope you don't mind me posting these (again). I s'pose what I'm trying to say (and prove) is I think my standards sit quite high, at least with myself and, although I would rather work with a band, where's the work these days; so, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
Bladez, although I agree with you in the main about the dumbing down of the audience, I do feel that they, even though they may not realise when something sounds wrong, realise when it sounds right. They may not know what it is, but it's a case of, if someone takes pride in their music and takes the trouble to put on a show, be it solo or with a band, the audience somehow, (although they may not know what it is that's different), will think they've "been out to see a really good turn tonight."
Please note that this does not apply to my age group. When you reach a certain age (I'm not telling you mine, but you can research it), you are then allowed to call it a day.
Once again, I hope you don't mind me sticking these songs on here, but it's not all bad news about midifiles...otherwise what are any of us doing here. As for Glenn, to provide all this music out of the goodness of his heart is, I think, a great tribute to his generosity.

www.4shared.com/file/4148913/ab0c1dca/my_foolish_heart.html
www.4shared.com/file/4149082/baa4caff/if_i_loved_you.html
www.4shared.com/file/7813410/33db9c07/Funny_How_Time_Slips_Away.html

Boy, have we departed from the original post from a.j.
Take care all
Bri

[bladez]

Hi bri, please do not get me wrong, I'm not saying that midifiles are "evil" lol god knows I have made a stack out of them in the past 5 years !!! I suppose it's more a comment that technology per se, has made it eaiser for the average joe blow to enter a field where we have comitted a lifetime of practice and passion honing our craft.
This is not really a new problem, hell there were some dodgy bands around when I started, (I should know, I was in half of them !!!!) Luckily I had some bands I looked up to that mentored and guided me into getting my act together. I guess I think of it as my turn to give back a bit.
What I do all the time, when asked, is offer guidance and advice on all aspects of performance as well as midi setups. Sites like this are invaluable in their information and lifetime experiance offered by the members. There is a post I have read on here with great interest about how to approach performing in general, how to get work and keep it.
This is a hard business and some days seems like it's getting harder so it's nice to share experiances and know your not alone.