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By Sam Qam
Co-Author: Jack M Mack
Sometimes things go bad and you need to get out...
Being in a band is generally a very positive experience. You get to be creative,
challenge your musical skills, play on a stage and hang out with friends but
there are many scenarios that can lead you to want to quit a band. You might
not have enough time any more through work or other life commitments, you might
have creative differences in the band and want to go off and do something different,
you may have fallen out with other members of the band or you may even have
an injury that means you can't play anymore.
Whatever the reason for leaving, actually quitting a band can be quite hard.
Partly because you really don't want to, or because you leaving makes things
harder for the band as they will need to replace you and train up someone new.
Here is some advice on how to go about quitting:
Be Honest
The first thing you need to do is to show maximum
respect for your band-mates. Don't just send them a text saying 'I quit'. Pick
an opportune moment when you are all together and tell them straight up why
you are leaving. They will appreciate this and even if they are not happy about
it, as long as you are honest, you have nothing to worry about. This stands
true even if you don't like how someone plays or just because you don't like
someone. If you are honest and you are all together you may find that everyone
shares your view and in which case you may be able to stay in the band. Whatever
the reason, just be honest.
Timing
If you have a choice, try to make sure you leave the
band when it is good for everyone. If you quit on the night before you are
due to play a big gig or go on tour, you will not be a popular person. Wait
until there is a month or so until your next gig so that they have time to
get a replacement. Luckily for party bands and cover bands this can be easier
as their songs tend to be more likely to be well known already.
Replace
One thing you can do that would make the whole thing
easier is if you can find a replacement well in advance and train them up yourself
with the band. That way when you are ready to leave they can just slot in perfectly
and seamlessly. An understudy if you will.
Sam Qam is in a Goth metal band. In the past he has played in various party
bands and cover bands but after he found a love for the darker side of life,
he quit and started his band Black Spleen.
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