Bluewine

Agreed, our lead singer is also the band leader. We're so lucky. She has a genuine gift of gab and the audience loves her. Ever watch a band comprised of 4 " old guys" with absolutely no personality or ability to speak or work up a crowd? Daryl

Agreed 100% La Bam. Daryl

There are not many bass players that do what I do either. However, I could be replaced by someone else that does what they do all the same. Here's another thing. We played 65 gigs this year. I didn't miss one of them. A lot of weekend warriors don't want to commit to 65 gigs. Here's another thought if Freddy Mercury can be replaced I can be replaced. Realistically Freddy Mercury was never replaced. Adam can do the job but there's only one Freddy Mercury. Daryl

I don't book gigs . However, I can wind leads and set up mic stands. Does that count? Lol Daryl

I think any band originals or covers established or new with a proper business plan can avoid playing $h!t holes. You have to be willing to say no. Daryl

I think it also depends on the area the band would be playing.If there's a robust active originals scene with places to play it can be great. In my neck of the woulds there's no money to be made by originals bands because there's no place to play. I've tried it. Daryl

Maple Road is playing a 4:00-7:00 early New Years Eve gig at The Precinct in Germantown. It's our 2nd year playing this gig. New Years Eve gigs seem to be good regardless of the circumstances. Last year was great. Daryl

How easily could you be replaced? I think our male guitarist would be very difficult to replace. He sings , he's soulful, very advanced player and reliable with a great attitude. Our band leader once told me she wouldn't know what to do if he left. Me, I use to think they would have a hard time replacing my 70s sense of timing and groove. Now I'm not sure any of that matters. I think I could be replaced, not easily but replaced. I'm not sure the " soul" element I bring to the band would be missed. And outside of a few backing vocals I don't sing. Merry Christmas guys. No gigs unless til New Years Eve. Daryl

Does that mean you'd stay away from established bands with a heavy gigging schedule where monetary payoff is a big part of their business model ? Daryl

"I'm a solid enough player (some of you will have seen me live, I suspect), I'm not John Myung or Geddy Lee by any stretch, but I'm confident in what I do. All I want is a band that plays original material and something with a bit of speed, creativity and passion, in a punky/alternative vein such as (notable mentions) 3 Colours Red, Alkaline Trio, Sugar, Baby Chaos, Summercamp. Not much to ask is it? " I don't think you're asking for enough. What about compatibility with the guys you'd be playing with. Are you looking for a band that gigs a lot or only a few times a year? Location, I'm assuming you want a band to be local to your area? Good luck, let us know if you find the right band for you. Daryl

Acoustic gig at The Harley Motor, 5:30-8:30. We're basically background music , however this is always a good gig. I'd say attendance was respectable. We had a few good moments. Daryl

Dave, I guess it's just apart of the " local / regoinal" band business. We certainly have a financial threshold for gigs we'll turn down. But a few turkeys always manage to slip through. Daryl

These little devices are all over the place when we play with our sound. I don't actually know what they do. But, I know how to wind cable and haul cabs. Lol Daryl

These little devices are all over the place when we play with our sound. I don't actually know what they do. But, I know how to wind cable and haul cabs. Lol Daryl

Nice, I'm a chorus guy. You get a nice sustain and a fuller sound for the band. I never use phase. Daryl

It's easy to manage an hour show, easy to manage 2 hours too. Agreed 3 & 4 hour sets can be tough. The standard in my area use to be 4 hours for bar/ pub gigs. Now we're mainly booking 2 & 3 hour gigs. Daryl

Great gig tonight. You have to love 2 hour gigs. We had a good set list and the gig went really fast. We took one ten minute break. More or less background music but it was fun. Our stage monitors were great tonight. Not many great pics but it'll give you an idea of what the room looked like. Daryl

I'm pretty sure we have one of those "no atmosphere" gigs coming up in the not to distant future. Daryl

For a local blues/rock band, yes it is serious money for me. That kind of money normally only goes to the top agency cover bands. I'm assuming that scenario is the same everywhere. Daryl

Great Pic Great Story Great Bass section Daryl

Thanks Dave, I'm going to enjoy these premium gigs we have this month. They're also giving us exposure in Milwaukee WI. We spend a lot of the year gigging out in the sticks. I know a lot you guys know what that's like Things is, Dave as I look at our January bookings, we have a few bookings where I said to myself, " Why are we going back there, I thought we were done with that place". Daryl

I did asked about attire since this is pretty fancy. They said casual, no hobo clothes. Lol Daryl

Big corporate Christmas Party gig tomorrow night. We're not a Christmas Party band. However who can turn down 2k for a 6:00-8:00. I'm not trying to brag but I don't think I've ever played a 2 hour gig for that kind of money.And it'll be a long time before I see another one. Lol Daryl

Maple Road has been together and gigging since 2007. I've been with them since 2009. I'm the 2nd bass guitarist. For whatever reason, we don't rehearse. I wish we did. I understand this doesn't happen in the " real world" . However, it would be nice to walk away from one rehearsal with something. A new song done, nailed and ready to perform at your next gig. This requires that all band members know this new song before the rehearsal. Does that make any sense? Daryl

I like it. 👍 Daryl