well, i usually have my own projects and then i drum for someone else's band.  i make sure the other band is going to be okay with me having other things to do.  i think it's a little unreasonable for them to make you compromise your happiness.  and you're only gigging two or three times a month...

Not necessarily.


Not entirely.

Easy huh.  Its totally within reason for a bandleader to want commitment from their band members.  Without commitment, the band would fall apart, and not go anywhere.  But it is possible to be commited to more than one project.  Your band leaders need to realise this.   Check out the jazz world.  How many players only play in one group?  Not many.  But in the rock world it seems much more common and often "required".  

For me, multiple projects are necessary.  Ive never found one band that can be all I want it to be.  And Im not sure Id want to, itd be pretty inconsistant  And I love having my own solo things as well.

Anything else Id say would be duplicating what drumwild said.  So Ill save the server space and shut up about that.

Unless you're touring full-time, if you earn your living as a drummer, it's likely that you'll work in multiple bands concurrently.

Drumwild's "first come, first served" concept is useful - I've used that approach with a fair degree of success. Some bandleaders don't dig it, but it sometimes makes them become more diligent about trying to book you as far in advance as possible, and that's a good thing.

Some triage is in order. For example, one of my gigs is with a national act, who pays far more than the other gigs. The other people I work with understand that the calls I get to do those shows will take precedence over their local gigs. But I usually have plenty of notice.

Unlike what one poster mentioned, I HAVE encountered some negative feelings from this - many bandleaders (and band members) get jealous or resentful. It's like they want you to tell them that they are the most special gig you have, and that you're not as into the other ones. So I've found a liberal dose of diplomacy is important. When I'm with Band A, I never make a fuss about how great it is to play with Band B. It just doesn't accomplish anything good.

But you will likely encounter some schedule conflicts. Another important thing to do if you play in multiple bands is FIND A GOOD SUB. Find somebody who can do these gigs reasonably well, who won't try to steal your gig (this is important), and whom your bandmembers like. It may not be the same sub for all of your gigs. So even better, find SEVERAL subs.

And be willing to return the favor. I've done a lot of subbing for other drummers, and they appreciate knowing that I'll play the gig well, will look and act appropriately, and won't try to snake their gig, even if their bandleaders offer it to me. Yes, that has happened, and more than once. I always politely decline. And, on the other side of the coin, I've had one drummer who didn't return that favor: he subbed for me, and then snaked my gig. To this day, I consider him an enemy.

Bandleaders do not think like sidemen. For most of them, their own band is all they've got. So they often expect you to view the gig in the same way, even if it's not enough to keep your calendar filled.

Don't rub it in their face that you work with other people, just be professional and diplomatic. It's a balancing act, but it can be done - almost all full-time pros do it!

This can be a touchy situation.  I have made it a point to be upfront with band #2 that I am in another band and that has my priority.  Those were the conditions upon me joining which they agreed to.

Almost everyone in my bands plays in 2 bands.  We try to plan ahead as much as possible.  We happen to be on decent terms with all the bands involved and try to stick to pre-approved dates for booking.  Realize that booking gigs can be a difficult thing.

If one band happens to book a special or important gig the other band will usually work around it.  The key is open communication between all the bookers.

If band leader a wants to put you on a retainer and pay you for every weekend even if the group is not playing great. If not, the first come first serve policy stays. If you don't have a sub, assist in finding one. It will only benifit you in the end.

P.S. - What city in Indiana did you live? I escaped South Bend four years ago....

I'm gonna find myself in the same boat very soon, I think.
I've just been asked to join another cover group that's currently being formed, it's strictly for the money, that's been agreed by all concerned.
 But the fact is it's eventually going to clash with the cover group I've been playing with on and off for the last 5 years. Thing is, these guys are happy to just plod along doing about 3-4 gigs a month. They're also unwilling to do any more rehearsing with a view to putting some new material into the set, which is something I have been pushing for quite a while now, and to be honest, that is my main reason for saying yes to this new project.
 So I think when the time comes I will have to make the new group my priority, and I'll do gigs with the other band as long as I'm not already booked.
 It may sound bitchy, but I don't think my current band deserve that kind of commitment at the moment.

Just a different perspective.

Great thread. I have experienced some of the aforementioned dilemmas before, but have forgotten them since I haven't gigged out in a year! If only we drummers could have our cake and eat it too right? But then again, maybe we can if we exercise diplomacy....