Solo Bass...how did you get started?

[stingray56funk]

I am looking at doing an EP worth of my solo bass material. Will consist of myself, full drum kit, and possibly some electric guitar on parts for chord progression. I've been playing this material for years by myself and putting it together a bit with one of my fantastic drummer friends.

How did you guys get started with solo bass projects? How did you market and distribute your recordings/CD's? CDbaby? Independent distribution?

How did you begin to book gigs? I'm looking at starting local and booking in town at some rock/funk bars and then moving more into the jazz scene. My stuff is mainly funk/rock ala Victor Wooten and Victor Bailey but with heavy influences from Jamiroquai and old school funk. I also love jazz/fusion and have heavy influences there. I do chording and use that as the basis of my songs. Most of what I do is instrumental but I plan on incorporating some Oteil Burbridge type mumblings in the background (not scat...just melody).

Any help from your prior experiences would be great!

[Dave Muscato]

Originally Posted by stingray56funk

... solo bass material. Will consist of myself, full drum kit, and possibly some electric guitar on parts for chord progression...

Solo...?

In all seriousness, I dig your description. I'd buy it.

[stingray56funk]

Originally Posted by Dave Muscato

Solo...?

In all seriousness, I dig your description. I'd buy it.

Yes...SOLO...with some help from my rhythm pirates!

I really got serious about playing bass after listening to Victor Wooten's "A Show of Hands". I value that record...but I find much more enjoyment locking in with the drummer and producing music from that avenue. I don't want it to be 4 layers of bass only and no help rhythmically.

So...solo it is

[Barkless Dog]

First off, don't bill yourself as a "Solo Bassists" which in my opinion is the kiss of death for any decent club.

Solo bass = boring for 90% of regular people. Not many people I know want to pay to see a bass player sit on stage noodling away.

I would take a page from Squarepusher or Lightning Bolt and think of yourself as a music artist, who happens to play bass-

[stingray56funk]

Originally Posted by Barkless Dog

First off, don't bill yourself as a "Solo Bassists" which in my opinion is the kiss of death for any decent club.

Solo bass = boring for 90% of regular people. Not many people I know want to pay to see a bass player sit on stage noodling away.

I would take a page from Squarepusher or Lightning Bolt and think of yourself as a music artist, who happens to play bass-

Thanks for the advice. That helps a lot.