I'm a rockstar on hiatus - Ask Me (Almost) Anything

[SweetnSaltyPopcornPlease]

I'm a semi-successful musician in a rock band. It's my only occupation, has been for some years. I've been a lot of places, seen a lot of stuff and met a lot of people. Ask me anything. I can't answer everything for various reasons but let's see how it goes...

I reckon it’s someone from Blossoms. Their posts sound Northern and male (‘proper paupers’, using proper to mean ‘total’ is very Northern IMO), they’ve had modest success in the charts and have supported Kasabian.

Tell me I’m wrong O Bored Bassist or whoever you are!

@RedToothBrush

Yes, I have been wondering about that - the tours and the promotion required has all stopped yet they have to be
ready to gear up quickly once it gets going again or come up with alternatives. When Glastonbury comes back , it will be such an event. I did see tickets on sale for Nick Cave at the O2 for next year so they are getting plans in place. Not easy for them.

Have you ever recorded at Rockfield?

@WorryWartOne

I reckon it’s someone from Blossoms. Their posts sound Northern and male (‘proper paupers’, using proper to mean ‘total’ is very Northern IMO), they’ve had modest success in the charts and have supported Kasabian.

Tell me I’m wrong O Bored Bassist or whoever you are!

Haven’t they properly split up a while back though...so wouldn’t be “on a hiatus”.

I know a couple people in 'better off medium size bands' had some money put to one side for a 'rainy day' due to the nature of the industry. Even they are starting to run low on funds.

I also know a lot of writing has been going during lockdown (fuck all else to do) and that recording studios are starting to open up (for those who can still afford or can crowdfund) so I do think that next year will prove to be a bumper full on music filled party.

But we still have months to go before then, and its a question of just surviving (by any odd job necessary) to get to that point.

Over the years, I've known band members of groups who have been pretty well known - as in top 5 albums - take jobs in pubs or supermarkets in down time (even though they have shared song writing rights).

You have to be bloody dedicated to survive and make a life in the industry, and I'm in awe of those who manage it for over a decade.

I am a massive fan of Space. Have you ever played with them?

Where was your best gig ?

@RedToothBrush

Especially once you are past your 30s - that's when the irregularity of it must get to you.

I would go out of my way to support those musicians once we can. They should do a series of gigs to get the coffers full.

Haven't heard references to Rock Star since Liz Jones's fictional liaison (the one where Jim Kerr told her to cease and desist!)

OP, have you written much on lockdown?
Why are you not zoom-performing/self-publishing?
How do you see the future for musicians if you cannot get merch revenue/touring sales?
What do you think of Kasabian lead singer Tom Meighan leaving the band? Do you think he jumped or was pushed following the assault on his ex-fiancee?
Are you a member of Foster the People or BRMC and if not, are you bigger or smaller than them?!

OP - wanna hire a french horn player?! Also on hiatus.

What made you do an AMA on Mumsnet?

Has your band ever supported a group who's posters you had on your bedroom wall as a teen?

Did you get good grades in your A levels like your parents told you to?

Do you have a back up plan career-wise?

In non-covid times, how often do you rehearse?

Do you ever get bored playing so much of the same stuff all the time?

@JacobReesMogadishu

Blossoms are still together according to their Wiki page

@RedToothBrush I read an interview with Biffy Clyro where they were talking about how they had day jobs even when they were playing the main stage at Reading. It took a long time for them to get really big. Half of Space, as far as I know, are in day jobs (the two new members - Tommy and Franny, the original two, are full-time musicians because they're raking it in from Spiders and Tin Planet). Plus because of downloading and streaming, records don't make as much money so touring is where the money is now. And because of coronavirus, that's off the agenda right now. The big bands will be fine but the smaller ones will struggle, especially with gig venues at risk of being closed.

The big bands will be fine but the smaller ones will struggle, especially with gig venues at risk of being closed.

The sound engineers etc are really struggling too. Its not just those on stage.

If you are ginger wildheart, I will never forget hanging out with you at the Phoenix festival in 1996 1 best festival of my life and the wild hearts were oh so incredible !

@PhilSwagielka
@RedToothBrush

It's also about keeping their audience, I imagine. I know a lot of people are loyal to the bands but still, there are so many out there on the festival circuit, all vying for the same audience. Hard work.

@SweetnSaltyPopcornPlease

I'm a semi-successful musician in a rock band. It's my only occupation, has been for some years. I've been a lot of places, seen a lot of stuff and met a lot of people. Ask me anything. I can't answer everything for various reasons but let's see how it goes...

How did you get into the music industry? Did you study music at higher education and if so, where and what course and would you recommend it? Is it helpful for a musician to get an agent and how do they get a good one? Whats the best way you've found to network in this industry?

Lots of questions for you there :D

Tribute band :-) My OH is a professional musician...10% rock star 90% removal man and driver and gaffer tape sticker downer

[quote SweetnSaltyPopcornPlease]@EThreepwood being semi successful you likely wouldn't know who I am but could find out if I'm not careful. You would 100% have heard our music (we're a band) because our music has been played in Eastenders, on E4, Come Dine With Me (being shows that most people have seen) as well as countless tv shows, movies and computer games. And radio. [/quote]
Wow, it's almost up there with the excesses of Led Zeppelin and Motley Crue. Eastenders? score!

[quote serenada]@PhilSwagielka
@RedToothBrush

It's also about keeping their audience, I imagine. I know a lot of people are loyal to the bands but still, there are so many out there on the festival circuit, all vying for the same audience. Hard work.[/quote]
That as well, I'd imagine. Space tour like mad. They've got one coming up next spring, they always tour around March/April.

.....and do you think Carole Baskin killed her husband and fed him to the tigers?

I think I might have see you at Edgeley Park

Has he gone?
Blimey rock stars don't stay up as late as they used to!