Need advice, putting together a band

[powderfinger]

Ive been playing in bands on and off since the mid 90s. In my early, early bands, I was "just the bass player". Never sang, wrote, picked covers... just showed up and was told what to do. Eventually, I became a pretty good bassist, but always ended up playing 2nd fiddle to the opinions of the band leaders (I had a knack for getting into bands with bandleaders who thought they were God... literally). My last band, I wrote/sang, but still wasnt playing what "I" really wanted to play.

So I havent played in a band in 3 years. Id like to start one, but for the first time, I want to be the bandleader. I have a huge back-log of original material that has never seen the light of day (ok, think George Harrison, latter Beatles albums.. still only getting 2 songs per albums). I am experienced in composing, song-writing, singing, peforming, and being the music director on my own songs. At different times< ive done web desgin for this band, booking for that band. Basically, Ive got the knowledge to do this thing and do it right.

But the issue is finding musicians. I made an attempt at one point to get old band-mates (including the old bandleaders) to help ME with MY project. No such luck. Seems once I was done being THEIR bassist, they had no use for MY project or vision.

Seems most guys my age are married and have pretty much quit playing out in bands. Most of the guys I came up with in the 90s are either in their mid 30s, and many entering their late 40s/early 50s by now. I know I dont want to play with guys who are 25 years old, but I am at a lost.

Any ideas? SHould I just stick to home recording, which I do now, and play most all the instruments?

[zachoff]

Find people in the same boat as you and don't settle for those that aren't. I'm in the kids & a day job boat and when I was forming my band I made it perfectly clear that there would be no aspirations for world tours & recording an album and maybe driving to Omaha or Kansas City on a weekend would be the pinnacle of our success.

Also, makes sense to not settle for someone that "just wants to be in a band" and find people that are into the writing same music that you generally write.

[powderfinger]

True on not settling... just need to look harder for like-minded guys/girls who are into the same stuff I am. I prefer old school blues (Albert King, John Lee Hooker), Stones influence, heavily into Clapton/Cream/Winwood as well. I also dont have to be the emperor and god of this band... anyone wishing to sing/write is preferred.

[mboogiemanusa]

You should be able to find like minded musicians in your local Craigslist musician section. Yes - you'll have to weed out a few flakes and no shows but will also make some new contacts that you would not meet any other way. Just be prepare to take a little bad with the possible good. My band met a great second guitar player we have been gigging with for a couple years now. Also met a guitar player that worked out for about 2 months before his personal demons starting impacting the group. Because this guy was a Craiglist find and not a personal friend of any one - it was easy to give him the boot with no hard feelings.

[puddin tame]

i'm 19 and i've played (and subsequently hung out with) with guys in their 40s and 50s no problem. good music doesn't have a whole lot to do with age

[NickInMesa]

Originally Posted by mboogiemanusa

You should be able to find like minded musicians in your local Craigslist musician section.

Well, sorry, but good luck with that. Backpage would be a better bet. But even.

I've been there, done that, it's not easy at all, as you're always going to be "only" the bass player for a lot of folks.

Experienced, seasoned, musicians would be easier to work with, as they've been around the block and can appreciate someone with a good idea and the drive to bring it to fruition.

Which is why classified ads are actually NOT a good idea. Yes, you can weed out, but it will take you FOREVER. Unless you have an established project, few musicians will audition for a startup.

You have better chances at finding partners by word of mouth and by going to open mics. Just walk it and say that you are a bassist sans band and are ready to jam with whoever. Network.

Another way is to put everything on your side. If you have your own rehearsal pad, with decent amenities (musicians love mini-bars and clean bathrooms), your own PA, on top of that marketing skills and talk a good game, you may be able to find people ready to play it.

But be ready to be a jackass, if you are planning this as a business venture. Understand by that hiring and firing.

Finally, you may consider switching to guitar? A friend of mine was a touring bassist, he eventually switched to guitar to start his own project. He is also the front singer. He basically doubled his salary with his solo acoustic and 3-piece band sessions.

[tangentmusic]

Continue to enjoy writing and recording your music. By all means, play all the instruments yourself, while keeping an eye out for musicians that may be into your stuff. When you do,you will have some finished songs to show them what your vision is.
The main thing is to continue extracting personal satisfaction and musical fulfillment for yourself in any way possible, if by recording on your own or finding a collaborator or two.
I'm at the age now where this is exactly how I do it, and I'm really digging the writing & recording process like never before.