Midlife crises.. Want to play for real

Deesack · #1 10-09-2009, 06:12 PM

I feel like I shoulda been a serious musician early on when my lifestyle was more fitting.. mainly in who I knew, the type of friends I had, etc.

Now I don't know any musical people.. all boring working adults ;P

Well turns out my boring older sister decided to take drum lessons, even got a nice set from GC and set it up at her house!

So boring sister is actually a little cool now. We been playing, just for "fun". But now, I'm startin to think I could really do this. I mean I guess all these years being a bedroom (guitar) player, something was missing. Then
she's like.. play this bass (had a cheap squire) and it was like magic.. whatever was missing in 10 years of bedroom guitar was found on bass with live drums.

So that's where I'm at now. Been buying new bass, practicing on it.. but feel I'm just going to be a bedroom bassist. Not cause I don't got the ability.. I just don't know anyone. My lifestyle is so plain and boring and colorless. I can't imagine randomly going to audition. I wish I had friends who played and I can play/learn at the same time. For now my sister is my only option, but it's getting stale and she's losing interest.

Where do I go from here??

dug dog · #2 10-09-2009, 06:16 PM

One option is to hit the open mike nights in your town and try to make some new friends.

nella · #3 10-09-2009, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dug dog

One option is to hit the open mike nights in your town and try to make some new friends.

+1

The musician's forum on your local craigslist is another possibility to find informal jam sessions.

I started my bass journey at 39 and by 40 I had already formed a cover band and also play about every Sunday morning at church.

You can do it too, you just have to get out the door.

ByF · #4 10-09-2009, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deesack

Now I don't know any musical people.. all boring working adults ;P

I ask everyone I meet at work if they play an instrument or sing, and I'm always surprised by how many amateur musicians there are working there. That's how I met the singer in my current band--she's an optical engineer with a master's degree from the University of Rochester. She also has an amazing voice. If I hadn't asked, I never have known.

Ed

LaklandBass · #5 10-09-2009, 10:47 PM

Thought you were talking about faith no more haha.

Stumbo · #6 10-10-2009, 12:15 AM

Check out the links in my sig. for some great TB info that may help you along the way.

Good luck.

Munjibunga · #7 10-10-2009, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deesack

I feel like I shoulda been a serious musician early on when my lifestyle was more fitting.. mainly in who I knew, the type of friends I had, etc.

Now I don't know any musical people.. all boring working adults ;P

Well turns out my boring older sister decided to take drum lessons, even got a nice set from GC and set it up at her house!

So boring sister is actually a little cool now. We been playing, just for "fun". But now, I'm startin to think I could really do this. I mean I guess all these years being a bedroom (guitar) player, something was missing. Then
she's like.. play this bass (had a cheap squire) and it was like magic.. whatever was missing in 10 years of bedroom guitar was found on bass with live drums.

So that's where I'm at now. Been buying new bass, practicing on it.. but feel I'm just going to be a bedroom bassist. Not cause I don't got the ability.. I just don't know anyone. My lifestyle is so plain and boring and colorless. I can't imagine randomly going to audition. I wish I had friends who played and I can play/learn at the same time. For now my sister is my only option, but it's getting stale and she's losing interest.

Where do I go from here??

The first thing you're going to need is a Fodera, to demonstrate your commitment and seriousness.

xgator4u · #8 10-10-2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

The first thing you're going to need is a Fodera, to demonstrate your commitment and seriousness.

^ Correct, you have to dress for success.

Pilgrim · #9 10-10-2009, 04:52 PM

Remember this rule of the world: "If you don't ask, you don't get." (Quoting myself)

In other words, get the word out. Get on Craigslist, ask at music stores about bands forming, list yourself in online forums, get the word out. You're advertising yourself to make a band connection. No promo, no results.

It's up to you. Do it or don't - the responsibility is yours.

**Ukiah Bass** · #10 10-14-2009, 04:51 PM

Some metro areas have short term bands that form to learn a short set, practice together for a couple months under direction of a leader/pro, do a short gig, and then disband. usually costs a few hundred bucks. In the San Francisco area they have Blue Bear School of Music and a few other similar offerings. These are a great way to play in a formal, organized setting with others who want to learn just like you. It will build your confidence up until you're read for a regular gig. Craig's List is a good place to ask about this in the musician's forum. Open mics are ok, too, but might be too intimidating until you get your confidence up. You have to get out and play. It's the only way to get over your hump.