Musicians' Odd Experiences and Their Impact on Songwriting

Musicians often find themselves in odd and sometimes uncomfortable situations when performing gigs, experiences that can deeply impact their songwriting and artistic expression. In this article, we explore a common and peculiar gig story, followed by a detailed analysis of the unique experiences that led to a song inspired by such oddities.

Odd Gig Experiences in the Music Industry

Let's take a look at a musician's story who played in a popular CT Top40 band. One night, their band had a lengthy performance at a venue split into a club and a restaurant. The soloist shared his experience of performing a solo for a song, only for the band to leave during the performance, leaving the soloist to continue alone. The absence of the band for about half an hour was a strange and tiring marathon, highlighting the unpredictable nature of gigs in the music industry.

The reason behind the band's disappearance was a disagreement between the manager and the band members. The manager argued that the crowd in the restaurant did not appreciate the drum solos, leading the band to lose the argument and be banned from playing solos for the engagement. This incident turned into a feast to famine for the band, as fans of the band came out calling for a solo, only to be met with a stern look from the lead singer.

Despite the uncomfortable and challenging situation, the musician had to comply with the manager's wishes. This experience was a testament to the fact that in the music industry, artists have to follow the rules set by their bosses, although such rules may not always be conducive to the artistic expression and enjoyment of the band members.

Writing Music and Lyrics to Reflect Odd Experiences

The musician decided to express his feelings and experiences through songwriting. The lyrics of a song, "Scroungin," reflect the feeling of going for a gig just for the money and the subsequent disappointment when the expectations are not met.

In the lyrics, the musician begins by describing a gig where money was tight and the primary goal was to earn a quick buck. The story shifts to the musician's distress when the leader of the band informs the audience that they would play any requested song. The musician then expresses the frustration of being out of his league compared to other renowned artists like Elton John and Neil Diamond. The song goes on to describe the exhausting nature of such gigs, with only the end of each set when the band performs blues offering any relief.

The final verse describes the musician's reluctance to perform a song requested by an audience member and his ultimate decision to leave, only after a regretful song performance. The title of the song, "Scroungin," echoes the sardonic and slightly sarcastic tone of the entire piece, capturing the emotions and challenges faced by musicians in such gigs.

Personal Touch and Reflection

The song "Scroungin" is a testament to the struggles faced by musicians and their crucial role in the music industry. The songwriter, Scotty Writes Music, has given voice to the realities of gig life and the peculiar situations that can arise during performances.

The song reminds us that while the music industry is filled with creativity and passion, it can also be filled with challenging and unpredictable situations. The experiences of the musician and the writing of "Scroungin" serve as a reminder to appreciate the different roles and experiences within the music industry.