Looking for new band, where do you look?

Rocks · #1 11-09-2010, 09:29 AM

I'm looking for a new band after my last one imploded after a bad gig (not bad playing, bad club owner and equipment got damaged)

I've been doing the CL thing for a couple weeks and so far have yet to get anything decent. The closest I've came was a band that sounded promising. The set list was right for me but when I got to the audition the one guitarist informed me the whole set list was being tossed and they wanted to go in a different direction. They now wanted to play Steely Dan and other very complicated music.

So other than CL and musicians jam nights, is there any other places you look to find bands? I'm going to check out a local jam night this week and I keep posting new posts on CL's musicians section. I'm happiest when playing with a band and really want to get back to playing paying gigs.

Thunderthumbs73 · #2 11-09-2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocks

So other than CL and musicians jam nights, is there any other places you look to find bands?

As time and life goes by, I look in the mirror. With increasing clarity and urgency, too...

Rocks · #3 11-09-2010, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunderthumbs73

As time and life goes by, I look in the mirror. With increasing clarity and urgency, too...

I agree, as I get older and my priorities change I know exactly what I am looking for in a band. I know what faults I can accept and what faults I can't. For example, I don't want to play with drunks or hard core drug users. The problem is it seems that so many bands around my age have already got the mindset that they must drink if they have an instrument near them.

boris · #4 11-09-2010, 09:44 AM

www.bandmix.com is a good place to find other musicians in your area. Within a week of me signing up I had a few emails from people wanting to jam.

Rocks · #5 11-09-2010, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boris

www.bandmix.com is a good place to find other musicians in your area. Within a week of me signing up I had a few emails from people wanting to jam.

I'm already on that site but have not gotten much out of it so far. Maybe if I update my profile it will help.

tharv · #6 11-09-2010, 09:50 AM

I've been having the same problem...... CL usually turns up next to nothing. Have you tried Backpage? Not a whole lot better, but there's a few on there.... cleveland.backpage.com

There was one I replied to from Lake Co. that actually looks decent. Posted on Nov. 8th. Not my bag tho. (can't seem to get the link function to work here?)

Where's the guys that want to play Steely Dan?

Rocks · #7 11-09-2010, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tharv

I've been having the same problem...... CL usually turns up next to nothing. Have you tried Backpage? Not a whole lot better, but there's a few on there.... cleveland.backpage.com

There was one I replied to from Lake Co. that actually looks decent. Posted on Nov. 8th. Not my bag tho. (can't seem to get the link function to work here?)

Where's the guys that want to play Steely Dan?

I PM'd you the contact info. If you can somehow point me to the lake county one you mentioned it would be great.

Rocks · #8 11-09-2010, 12:29 PM

OK, now I have ads on CL, backpage and I updated my old profile at bandmix. I'm also planning on checking out an open jam night they have very close to here on Thursday. I already have met a few of the people involved so it shouldn't be a problem getting on stage.

I'm thinking for my first time I'm just going to kick back and watch, take notes of the people I would like to play with next time. This way when they get off stage I can already approach them and comment on their playing and express interest in jamming with them some time. This way when I come back the following week I'll already have a basic plan of who I want to jam with and possibly even an idea for a few tunes we can do.

This would give me a bit of an advantage as I'd be playing with people that I've already heard and I know my playing would sit well in the mix. I'd also already have a good feel for the drummer and know if he can keep time. I'm also guessing that many of the same songs are played at these open jam nights since multiple people need to know it to play it. So it would be good to know which of the "standards" they tend to play most often, along with some fresh stuff they probably know but haven't thought of playing for a while.

**StrangerDanger** · #9 11-09-2010, 12:30 PM

In a van down by the river.

**peledog** · #10 11-09-2010, 02:47 PM

Bandmix is good, and also, there's a section here where bands post if they're looking for a bassist.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f154/

P. Aaron · #11 11-10-2010, 12:14 PM

I am in a similar situation and CL is a good resource but finding the right band can take time.

There's no doubt that one could find a gig...even a paying one quickly. Is that the only requirement?

I have had false starts w/CL. Bands recruiting you then not being able to herd their own cats. One band I auditioned with is a very nice situation for me. Logistically however, it is very far, 20+ miles for rehearsals. They have little or no onstage presence...I don't really want to be the only visual while another musician is handling the singing duties. They are nice guys, but after 7+ years in the last band, do I want to just jump right in to something I know I can ace quickly? Or does one want a challenge?

This other band sent me a set list, along/w you-tube updates of new songs they're adding to their set list. I haven't even auditioned with them yet! (that happens next Wednesday)Sounds much more challenging.
Plus, they have on-stage eye candy: Him & Her lead singers.
So far, they win on attitude.

Ah...it's a tough choice. Plus, it ain't cool to 2-time bands when they're all looking for stability.

tdub0199 · #12 11-10-2010, 12:18 PM

go to the local bars and clubs... thats always worked for me....

DEbassist · #13 11-10-2010, 12:25 PM

I live in St. Louis and if you've ever checked out the musician's section on CL for my town, you know it's an absolute joke. I eventually gave up and started hiring myself out to churches in the area to do praise and worship. Every time that I met a musician that was good, I would make sure to get their contact info. Whenever they would need a bassist, they would give me a call and I would get to play with more musician's who's contact info I would also get. Eventually I built up a huge contact list of really talented people around town that I love to play with and that love to use me on bass. Since I've started doing that I don't think I've had to go and audition for a band in almost a year and I'm playing out at least twice a week now. Its all about who you know and how good you are on your instrument. At least in my experience.

zachoff · #14 11-10-2010, 12:26 PM

Craigslist, but instead of posting a "bassist looking" sort of ad where you state that you're explicitly looking for a band, also include the idea that you'd like to form a band as well. You might just be jamming with a guitar player for awhile until you find drummer/vox/whatever, but at least you'll be playing.

DEbassist · #15 11-10-2010, 02:09 PM

I found this out on the web today. Thought it answered your question rather nicely.

http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2010/11...ekend-warrior/

Rocks · #16 11-11-2010, 09:53 AM

Well, so far I've gotten replies from band that are way too far to drive to practice. Also I'm getting replies that are no where near what I'm looking for. For example, I've gotten replies from what can only be described as "casino lounge acts" You know the type, everyone wearing the same band "uniform". They probably have some great paying gigs but seeing how the bands are mostly at least 7 piece (one was 13 piece) they have to be touring to get enough gigs. I can't tour and am only looking to play local places.