theblogjammers
Experienced
Though there can be hassles in playing with others, I get the most musical joy from that interaction/connection with other musicians and the spontaneous musical communication that happens.
I joined KOMPOZ for free about 18 months ago - an online collaboration site. Just signed up for $50 earlier in the summer so I could upload and download full WAV files. If you have an Axe II, you can be a star. Haha. Well, your recordings will sound better than most other people's gear. However, there are some really great musicians of all instruments/vocals on there and from time to time the projects turn out very nicely. Anyone that doesn't have the time or doesn't want to put the effort into a band situation can feed their need to interact with others, with the side benefit of bailing when your schedule gets too busy - the projects keep rolling on, as other players sign on.
I've always played simply for my own pleasure. The only band I've ever been in was a student band where we did three songs for an outdoor show at a music store my first year of playing. That was back in like 1988 or so. Sure I'd love to play with other people, work on tracks or whatever, but I've just never been around anyone who was serious about doing it. For me it's always been about the enjoyment of playing, no matter what I'm doing.
I know what you mean it's pretty hard to find people you can click with, have the same schedule, musical tastes and talent be reliable committed as you would like to be... wait a minute is that even possible :?. maybe once or twice for me :lol.
toss a few bears back
Wow - you're either really strong or very cruel to fluffy toys...
I'm in a band, and we rehearse regularly but we might as well be a non-gigging band given how many times we get to play somewhere. I'd say both cases have their merits: it's pretty cool to play for a crowd that digs what you're doing, but I love simply getting together with my friends to write and play music among ourselves during rehearsals. No band drama, just having fun.
Just playing for myself is something I get bored of, I need something to work on/towards, but I doubt that will happen anytime soon again because of all the strides in home recording (drum programming, AxeFX). I suppose I'm pretty happy music-wise.
I have absolutely no desire to spontaneously musically connect with others. I much prefer to stay alone and play alone. I have always been a loner and I am content this way.
Edit: As far as what I am doing: currently I am working on polishing Judas Priest's Victim of Changes, Iron Maiden's Phantom of The Opera (guitar and bass), and playing the entire For Those About to Rock CD front to back.