Playing in a Band: A Lifelong Musical Journey

I've played in numerous bands over the years, from rock’n’roll to hardcore punk to black metal, and currently, I play in a black metal band. My journey has taken me through countless formations, each with its unique sound and purpose.

Throughout my career as a musician, I've played in several bands, filled in for other musicians, and even began writing and recording at home after numerous disbandings due to drug addiction. Unfortunately, my own struggles with addiction followed, but I'm now 8 years sober, have a family, a great job, a mortgage, and many gray hairs.

Multiple Roles in the Music Industry

While I appreciate the extra income and camaraderie that band life offers, my primary motivation for playing in multiple bands is a shared passion for music and a desire to express it.

Band Motivations

Fun and Collaboration: When the music is clicking and everyone is having fun, it's a fantastic experience. Collaborating with like-minded individuals fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared joy. Financial Stability: The extra income from performing gigs is crucial to my financial well-being. A Cursory of Honor: I play in bands as a way to honor my friend, mentor, teacher, and father figure, Irvin Payne, who has been an influential figure in my musical journey. Strong Bonds: The bandmates I play with are some of my closest friends, and being part of their lives and theirs mine is tremendously rewarding. Surveying the Melody: I love the songs we create and sharing them with others is incredibly fulfilling.

Seamless Transitions: From Band to Solo Work

After spending considerable time in various bands, I embarked on a solo journey home. My buddy with a studio often reminds me of the potential for creativity and success in recording my own original songs. Our collaborative efforts culminated in an album finishing by Christmas. This highlights the importance of nurturing your passion and persisting in the face of challenges.

Current Musical Commitments

I am involved in three separate music groups, each with a unique theme:

1. Catholic Church Mass

I lead a guitar mass once a month at my Catholic Church, using two guitars and one cantor to support the worship of the parishioners with contemporary sacred music or traditional hymns reworked into a guitar setting. Often, a meditation piece supports the scripture of the day, performed as a solo piece, while all others are led together in common song.

2. Healing Service

I play bass with younger guitarists in a healing service, providing current Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) to create a faith-based healing experience, followed by a laying of hands ceremony. This service aims to bring healing and spiritual comfort to those in need.

3. Praise and Worship Group

I provide bass for a praise and worship group that plays CCM and traditional music for various praise-oriented gatherings. This group includes three guitars, four vocalists, and an accordion player, making for a dynamic and diverse sound.

Beyond leading the people in worship, I aim to proclaim my own praise, giving thanks for gifts received and nurturing the talents of younger bandmates. My journey spans over 40 years, and I continue to joyfully engage in this music with both a personal and communal purpose.

Conclusion

For me, playing in a band has been a multifaceted journey filled with joy, camaraderie, and a deep sense of purpose. Whether in a commercial band or a church setting, the music remains a transformative force in my life, and I shall continue to hold onto the passion that drives me.

My story is not unique; many musicians share similar experiences. However, the resilience and passion displayed in this journey reflect the true essence of musical expression and community building.