Trying to help a friends son. (Michigan).

Mike M. · #1 06-06-2011, 12:52 AM

I have a friend whos son is 23, plays guitar and writes his own music. He's really very good and has some very good and unusual ideas. I was quite impressed by what he's doing.

Problem is he cannot find any like-minded people to try and form a band with. He says the people he's found are either not very serious, not very good players or all they want to do is covers, something that he does not want to do. He really wants to do an original thing badly. I would too if I was him.

We live in the Oaklnd county area of Michigan. Know of any youngs bands or players (early 20's) looking for someone like him? Or do you know of the best source (online or other) where he would look?

Hey, I'm 58 and have been out of the scene for years. I know a lot has changed since and don't have a clue as to where he would begin looking.

Thanks for your help.

T-Bird · #2 06-06-2011, 01:41 AM

Hi.

This may sound rude or ignorant, but from personal experience I've found out that if a person is talented in any form of arts or sports, and can't find like-minded people to play with, the reason can be found more likely from that person than from others.

That said, it takes tremendous dedication to be in a band that's primary aim is success, and sole dedication to one goal is something that all folks regardless of the age seem to lack.

Since the advent of home recording, showing others the talent one may or may not posess in music has been very easy. Internet has made that even easier.

So my advice as an 40 year old who didn't have the dedication and therefore didn't make it, is to make the best demos one can and to find the band (or the label) with that. Just seeking the right ones from bezillion other "musicians" by just trial and error won't get him anywhere fast.

Regards
Sam

Luckie · #3 06-06-2011, 08:02 AM

Got any links to the guy?

Mike M. · #4 06-06-2011, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luckie

Got any links to the guy?

I don't know if he's got anything online or not. I'm sure he does, just don't know where.

P. Aaron · #5 06-06-2011, 04:16 PM

Forming & keeping an original act going...around here is very difficult. There are gigs to be had but, they don't pay much, if at all. If he can get it decently together & get his ideas reasonably well recorded he should then be marketing those ideas any & everywhere & not be too focused on winning over the local populace.

MrLenny1 · #6 06-06-2011, 06:07 PM

I had the same attitude years ago. Do just what I wanted. Stayed home a lot & never got it going. IMO, get out there and meet local players, not wannabes. The guys who work on a regular basis will probably be his best bet to connect with players who have a vision & goal.
LoL

Mike M. · #7 06-06-2011, 09:38 PM

Thanks for the input. I'm going to pass the advice on to him.

I've been friends with his mom and dad since 1980 and have know him since he was a baby. Maybe he'll listen to what "Uncle Mike" has to say. Personally, I don't think it would do him any harm if he found the "right" cover band to get into. Players of the same level as him who have the same vision and want to be creative, gel as a band, find a few gigs, get into the writing more....why not? Better than doing nothing.