What do you advise this band-less bassist to do?

NickInMesa · #1 03-06-2010, 09:32 PM

I am between bands, looking for a new band.

I am totally addicted to gigging, it's awful.

I am auditioning, looking, but at the same time, I realize that all I did the last 9 months was learn songs...

Besides the songs I have to audition on, I have no song to learn, really, because it's useless, now, some of these songs I may never play again (play sad music here).

What do you advise me to do in the meantime?

Exercise?

waleross · #2 03-06-2010, 09:53 PM

Take piano and guitar lessons................................

M0ses · #3 03-06-2010, 09:54 PM

Learn to sing.

MalcolmAmos · #4 03-06-2010, 10:48 PM

Bassists are always in demand. Put the word out - word of mouth - that you are looking for a band to hook up with.

The more people you talk with the better your chances of receiving a phone call.

Good luck.

Jim Campbell · #5 03-06-2010, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

I am between bands, looking for a new band.

I am totally addicted to gigging, it's awful.

I am auditioning, looking, but at the same time, I realize that all I did the last 9 months was learn songs...

Besides the songs I have to audition on, I have no song to learn, really, because it's useless, now, some of these songs I may never play again (play sad music here).

What do you advise me to do in the meantime?

Exercise?

i don't think there is any big secret....open mike nights,cl,music store networking....even a temp gig in a genre you don't particularly care for gets you up on a stage where you
may meet someone who needs you....in the mean time learn music,not songs

dalconthenovice · #6 03-07-2010, 01:20 PM

what i do when i'm between bands is i try to find a new one, but in the mean time what i do is i take my decent battery powered amp and a busk, playing a lot of stuff off of SLAP IT! and The Art of solo bass: a chordal approach including my own jams
buskings great fun and you get a bit of dough off of it

Orangeclawhamme · #7 03-07-2010, 05:22 PM

I've never been in a band. I've been trying to get to an open mic per week to build my confidence and skills. I never intedned to sing when I got the bass, but now I'm having fun with it. There has been one family who likes my version of "Boris the Spider" better than the original.

LiF · #8 03-09-2010, 07:23 PM

Networking.

Go out and see bands and get talking to them between sets. Even other bassists, you may get a dep gig from it. Go up to the drummer and say "Great drumming, really tight, I'm a bassist, by the way." It will be a good conversation opener, most non-pros/semi-pros will be floored as those compliments are rare and they may know someone looking for a bass player.

MNAirHead · #9 03-09-2010, 07:31 PM

-get a written plan
-create a killer PR kit (pix, bio, audio etc)
-network like mad
-focus on the true music biz skills (sales, singing, gear repair)

-never hurts to always have a honed plan to start a band... set lists, mp3s, people, band names, PR kit etc... your contacts may need to form something --- winner is always the most charasmatic and prepared person..

MNAirHead · #10 03-09-2010, 07:32 PM

Even when in a successful band it helps to continually network and audition... most folks forget the sales cycle and stop doing this.

Axel15810 · #11 03-10-2010, 12:32 AM

create an account on Bandmix.com. Social networking for musicians looking for bands.

Chris K · #12 03-10-2010, 01:06 AM

Create a temporary music project of your own. Find some people to join you. Afterwards, keep the good guys together for a next round. In the end you'll run your own great band.

NickInMesa · #13 03-10-2010, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

-get a written plan
-create a killer PR kit (pix, bio, audio etc)
-network like mad
-focus on the true music biz skills (sales, singing, gear repair)

-never hurts to always have a honed plan to start a band... set lists, mp3s, people, band names, PR kit etc... your contacts may need to form something --- winner is always the most charasmatic and prepared person..

Yes, been doing that for a while, now.

As for photo, bio, video:

http://www.bandmix.com/eadg_in_az/

It's been saving me a bunch of time, as it's in my new ads as well as in replies if someone answers an old ad without it.

I tricked the bandmix filter by adding spaces in my email address. Works like a charm.

Bandmix should switch to a $0 fee system a la Facebook and charge ads. I know, bandwidth is cheap but it's all in the business plan.