How to read a craigslist ad

crow01 · #1 02-11-2009, 01:47 PM

There are only a few places where to look for musicians. Word of mouth, music school or craigslist. The first 2 never applied to me. Yet the 3rd has so many flaws, it is not so much regulated, and it always give us mixed signals.

I have been learning through the years and also thanks to TB and their members, how to read Craigslist postings and how (not) to reply to those that waste our time.

1. They don't post any samples.
IMO, it's common sense to have a myspace account and have samples there. Unless they are a new band. Although I never reply to a posting with no samples.

2. Something like "We are new band, we don't have samples and we just want to have fun"
Exactly what it says. I replied and played with this band 3 or 4 times. It was... playing 1 song, drinking beer, take 30 min break, play bs for 5 minutes, drink some more beer, and so on. For some reason the "Have Fun", is not always a good thing.

3. A band with no drummer
IMO, and experience, I replied to postings that didn't have a drummer (or had a hard time getting one). For some reason they never last too long.

4. If there is any mention of the word "tour", it means DIY touring, unpaid gigs. Which means you gotta quit your job and take on the road with all of your savings. Unless it specifies clearly, "paid gigs and transportation" but I doubt it. If I would not have so many responsibilities I will do it.

4. Mixed signals. Those posting that I really don't have a clue what they are trying to say:

- "Please look like a guy/girl in a band"

(??)

- "playing a mixture of rockish, blueish, punk and r&b"

(I guess this means they play all types of music)

- "hardcore actors are acceptable"

(?? no clue)

- And many more clueless postings out there. It is funny to read those, but when you actually reply and audition, it stops being funny.

I think that Craigslist should have a quick questionnaire or maybe have a guideline on how to write a posting. Or maybe TB and their community should make a Sticky of a "template" posting for others to follow. That way it will make life easier for those which only source is Craigslist.

phatbass · #2 02-12-2009, 12:27 AM

After a while you start to recognise the red flags. Obviously you're well on your way to Muso Ad Ninja status and soon people will be calling you cynical and jaded. Take this as a compliment, grasshopper.

As soon as I see the words "signed" (to who?), "major label interest", "work/gigs waiting" (what; at MacDonalds?), "tour", etc., I wouldn't even bother.

shamus63 · #3 02-12-2009, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phatbass

As soon as I see the words "signed" (to who?), "major label interest", "work/gigs waiting" (what; at MacDonalds?), "tour", etc., I wouldn't even bother.

"If interested, please contact Bret, Jemaine or Murray."

StyleOverShow · #4 02-12-2009, 12:54 AM

I think CL has its place. When I was a youngster in Los Angeles, we used networks of people, agents and some services, notably Musician's Contact Service (under the Marlboro Man sign on Sunset on the curve just west of Crescent Heights, ran by an English bloke, Sterling) to find players and bands. The internet has replaced those links and facilitated direct contact between players and bands. It is up to the band and or player to represent themselves now in words and samples, and as you've pointed out, most are piss poor at it.

I posted my usual "Groove Master Seeks Unambitious Band" post on CL the week of New Years and got three gig offers for the 31st. I pointed them to TB but they seemed reluctant, probably based on the same experiences that you've described to try another online solution.

It works for me- richard

Anesthesia · #5 02-12-2009, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shamus63

"If interested, please contact Bret, Jemaine or Murray."

lol to the max

MooseLumps · #6 02-12-2009, 01:20 AM

at least they have a dedicated following, if small

Pedulla? · #7 02-12-2009, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shamus63

"If interested, please contact Bret, Jemaine or Murray."

LMAO

Andrew Jones · #8 02-12-2009, 01:30 AM

Sorry to be blunt but I have no what you'd ever have against word of mouth.It's the scene and players knowing who the players are.IMHO the best way find people.

Aj

MNAirHead · #9 02-12-2009, 01:44 AM

I really don't care if they have a sample on line..

I do care if they can't articulate expectations.

The internet has automated medicocrity.

Projectile · #10 02-12-2009, 02:08 AM

I really hate the idea of using craigslist, but I just moved to a new city and I barely know anyone here, so it seems like the only option. I used to post ads on bulletin boards at music stores, but I've been told that this practice is outdated and everyone just uses craigslist now. Any other ideas?

phatbass · #11 02-12-2009, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Projectile

I really hate the idea of using craigslist, but I just moved to a new city and I barely know anyone here, so it seems like the only option. I used to post ads on bulletin boards at music stores, but I've been told that this practice is outdated and everyone just uses craigslist now. Any other ideas?

I'd still advise doing the bulletin boards thing anyway in addition to other stuff - certainly wouldn't hurt and contrary to popular belief not everyone is on the 'net.

Chinguschild · #12 02-12-2009, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phatbass

I'd still advise doing the bulletin boards thing anyway in addition to other stuff - certainly wouldn't hurt and contrary to popular belief not everyone is on the 'net.

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