The art of saying no

[dirk]

Hey guys, as a new bassist I'm having a slight problem. Bassists are in demand around here and I've played out a couple of times for Church Youth events. Since I've played out on these two one shot deal gigs I've had a lot of other offers. I'm new to being a gigging musician, and I don't know what the right questions to ask are. I know to ask what type of music, obviously, and other basic stuff. What I need to know is the art of saying no. What do you ask to determine whether the gig is going to be good for you and your career. I don't want to get a reputation for not sticking with a band. Let me hear some input on how you determine what gig you want.


Dirk

[JMX]

There really are no set rules for this IMO.
Just don't commit yourself too soon. Hang out with the guys and see if you like their personalities and their music. Try to decide for yourself if this is the band you want to be in. But there aren't any guarantees! A band can be perfect from the outside and still be the wrong one for you. Just try to be a mensch and a good musician - and people will respect you and will want you in their band. Just go for it. I think it's too early to worry that much about it. Hits and misses - it happens to the best of us, too.

[Boplicity]

I think I'd want to find out somehow how experienced the musicians are. That sounds odd, but, believe me, if they are rank amateurs and you are a lot better than they are, you might find yourself in an awkward position of playing with some folks who are wasting your time. However, in contrast, if they are a lot more experienced than you are, you may be in an awkward situation of being intimidated and feeling inadequate.

One way to determine how serious they are is to find out a little of their group's history. How long have they been together, how many gigs have they played, why did the LAST bassplayer leave, what is their long range plan...touring, casual gigs, a regular "houseband" gig or what?

Get the ones who invite you to tell them as much about their band as possible, listen carefully for cues that they know what they are doing or that they have only a vague notion of what they want to achieve. Run in the opposite direction, if they can't be specific about their objectives, especially in terms of music.

Jason Oldsted

[gweimer]

Well, the fact that you're uncomfortable is a good sign. All too often, bands have this "pie in the sky" communal attitude when looking for new members. You, on the other hand, are the new guy trying to do what's best for you, and trying to fit in. All of this takes a little time, so you shouldn't feel embarassed about asking a few things up front. You should go into a band situation by knowing what it is you want to accomplish, and let them know what you expect from them. And, absolutely, check their credentials to make sure they are what you want (they don't have to be masters, but they should fit what you want to do). Most of the answers they give you should help you decide - but remember that you have to decide what you want first. Are they looking for a clone of the guy that just left, or do they want to hear what you can do? Are they willing to accept creative input, or are you just there to play parts? Do they want to socialize, or is it strictly business?

[Blackbird]

Tommy Tedesco, the most recorded guitarist in history, used to look for three things in a gig(in no particular order):

1: Money

2: Fun

3: Good connetions for the future.

If a gig or a recordidng date didn't offer at least two of the above, he'd turn the gig down. I think it's a great way to decide if a gig's worth it or not.

Will C.

[Gard]

Will's quote of Tommy T's is right on. Good way to look at potential gigs.

And will, about your quote:

"Will C.

__________________
Omnirings are for newbies."

I only got one thing to say: PBBBBBBBTTTTTT!!!!
(as I hide my Omniring....)

[jcadmus]

Here's a clear telltale: steer clear of anyone who acts like they're doing YOU a favor by offering you the gig. Chances are, they're full of baloney about their band, how good they are, their prospects, etc. And even if they're not, it wouldn't be any fun playing with butthead like that anyhow.

[Gard]

Excellent points Ed.

[eli]

If we're talking about actually JOINING a band (as opposed to accepting one or two gigs), then I would say the easiest way to get all of the above-mentioned questions answered is to PLAY WITH THE GROUP in an audition situation. Go to their next rehearsal. See how they play. See how they treat you, musically and personally. Play at least an hour with them, and you'll know whether you and they are a good fit.

If you ever "join" a band without doing this, you'll have to "quit" if you find out it's not what you want to do. The way to avoid that, and that "quitter" reputation you don't want, is not to "join" until you know what you're getting into.

[NiKo]

You can learn the art of saying no only trying
and trying over again perhaps someone will tell
you a ****. But I'm sure is better to get a ****
than playing in a band that doesn't play the music you like to play. Anyway if they tell you a ****
and don't understand you like not the music
they are not a good choise at all whenever you'd
like the music.
This is only my opinion but is better to say no
than having not fun while playing.
Stay heavy!!! NiKo Raven