Networking

stevek · #1 10-21-2008, 12:56 PM

Hi, Janek. I recently moved to the DC metro area and I'm in the process of looking for a gig or, at the very least, players to jam with. I would like to find musicians that can improvise well. I've responded to several ads on craigslist and the city paper here but...nothing. Literally no responses. Frankly, I'm kind of offended. Is this a dead end? I know that in past threads you've recommended hitting the clubs and meeting people. I just don't where to go to do this. Also, I don't know any musicians here (I moved for my wife's job), so it's hard to know where to hang.
Can you offer any advice?

On another note, I'm enjoying 'Mystery to Me' (on Rhapsody) a lot. Very hip stuff.

Steve

Zombbg4 · #2 10-21-2008, 08:29 PM

Music shops. You can usually post ads looking for other musicians ect...

Also, a guy heard me playing on an AEB and invited me to play with him. Just go places where music and musicians are.

janekbass · #3 10-21-2008, 10:14 PM

It's not easy, that's for sure. I've done it in London, Boston, New York, and LA. It really just comes down to being visible. You have to hit all the clubs and jam sessions and just be patient. I wouldn't ever think about replying to ads on craigslist or music magazines these days. There are so many places you can make yourself known online that I would concentrate on your online marketing of yourself. Start adding people in your area to your myspace page, have a good sound for people to check out when they go to your page, and make sure you get back to people as soon as possible. Being available is a very attractive quality when you're trying break into a scene.

Easy,

Janek

stevek · #4 10-22-2008, 07:42 AM

Thanks for the reply, Janek. You're right, it seems having a online presence is the way to go these days. I've been overseas for several years so it's taking awhile to get back into the swing of things here in the States.

Best,
Steve

bassnutj · #5 10-22-2008, 01:22 PM

In response to the craigslist thing, check this out:
I live in a suburb where you don't exactly have the most cutting edge players around. So I see this ad from a drummer via craigslist looking to get musicians together. It specifically said jazz and funk. That's my bag. He included a link to some youtube videos, I listened and thought he was good. I respond, included my myspace in the message for him to check out, which sounds pretty good, without tooting my own horn. Never heard from him. I thought, maybe he didn't get the email. Responded again, again: nothing. Not even a cursory "Cool man, I'm busy right now but will keep you in mind" or whatever.
That is just out of line to me. I'm no Patitucci, but I'm no slouch either. I'm established in the area and can play. Not even giving a response to someone is a great way to get a bad reputation. Besdies, I can't imagine what he's expecting to get, especially in this area.
Drag.

stevek · #6 10-23-2008, 08:08 AM

I hear ya, man. It seems in this age of email people don't feel a responsibility to be polite. People are either really good about it or not at all. Not much in-between. Ten years ago, when you were limited to the phone, it seems that it was actually easier to meet and talk to other musicians. Maybe I'm just getting older and crankier

bassnutj · #7 10-23-2008, 09:00 AM

Update: Drummer finally got back to me and is into it.
A week later. Ok, but most people check their emails daily.....it's something I'd advise to anyone.

CamMcIntyre · #8 10-23-2008, 01:44 PM

Hey Steve, there's a book that I recommend reading. It's Jeffrey Gitomer's 'The Little Black Book of Networking". It gives a lot of great information on the subject. I've read it 3-4 times since I bought it in February, a really quick read at 200ish pages.

If you don't have cards, get some made. It's amazing the gigs that can come from chance encounters. It also helps to get people to your shows when they can go to a place that has all of your gigs listed.

Myspace Music Accounts are great. You can post songs of yourself playing, pictures, schedule, etc

. E.g. for myself, it's www.myspace.com/CamMcIntyreBass . I've got songs from the recordings I've played on. I double, so I've got 2 electric tunes and I think 4 double bass.

all the best.

stevek · #9 10-27-2008, 07:23 AM

Cool. I'll look for that book. I do have a Myspace page, which has been helpful. I'm working on getting a website going as well.

CamMcIntyre · #10 10-28-2008, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevek

Cool. I'll look for that book. I do have a Myspace page, which has been helpful. I'm working on getting a website going as well.

Nice man. I need to do a revamp on my site-either pay someone or using a different site building app.

Check out the thread in Misc. called 'Advice for Aspiring Stuio Players'. I posted/sorta took over that thread. You can read how big of a change I've gone under musically.

Activity breeds activity. The more shows you play, the more your name gets around, the more you will continue to work.

I did a gig Sunday, the guy liked it, and now I'm leading the house band for a Sunday evening gig. I've signed on for 3 nights initially, if he likes it-there's a possibility of this being a longer term gig. All that because I was subbing in with a teacher's group.

all the best.