Lubbock opportunities?

[billybrix]

I'm considering a chance to relocate to Lubbock from the NE with a new day gig. Warm/dry vs cold/rainy/snowy has me interested but... I'm doing pretty well musically here and I'd like to know if any musicians in the Lubbock area think another old fat fart bass player could find a gig. I'm 57, healthy (except I need to lose 30 lbs. ), look 40-something and have a full head of hair reaching down my back with only a little grey.

I've been playing bass for money (I won't necessarily say that means professionally ) since I was 15. I have some great gear and axes. I've played blues, both Chicago and Texas, r&b and funk, classic rock, prog rock and even country, straight up and modern. I dabble with jazz but my reading skills are not up to just sitting in with some cats and a "real book" for the first time.

I know Lubbock is a decent sized city with a big college population, so what are the odds I could get a steady gig? Anybody want to venture an opinion?

Thanks in advance!

[MJ5150]

Is this a post looking for a girlfirend or a gig??

As for the use of the word "warm"....it's warm in the winter. During the summer, you'll melt the soles of your feet if you walk barefoot out to the mailbox.

-Mike

[billybrix]

LOL! Thanks Mike!

Most of the folks I know my age don't look like they're ready for a night of hard rock-n-rollin'. I believe it's still an image-conscious bidness unless you have a reputation. I'd be nobody from nowhere in Lubbock so I'm just trying to say that, despite my age, I don't look like I'm ready to fall over just yet. Most days anyway...


I've heard about the heat and the dust storms and I'm sure my mental image doesn't do either justice, but hey that's part of the adventure of moving anywhere new, right?

[MJ5150]

Originally Posted by billybrix

I've heard about the heat and the dust storms and I'm sure my mental image doesn't do either justice, but hey that's part of the adventure of moving anywhere new, right?

You bet. I spent some time in Austin and San Antonio recently. I really liked it down there. The people are friendly. If you're into wide open places with room to run, I bet you'll like it down there once you get used to the heat.

Where you at in PA? I moved from Altoona.

-Mike

[kanonfodr]

I hope you like dirt.

But if you're looking for bands/gigs, try searching down a craigslist for that area. That should give you an idea.

Peace,
Greg

[BillytheBassist]

Originally Posted by billybrix

I'm considering a chance to relocate to Lubbock from the NE with a new day gig. Warm/dry vs cold/rainy/snowy has me interested but... I'm doing pretty well musically here and I'd like to know if any musicians in the Lubbock area think another old fat fart bass player could find a gig. I'm 57, healthy (except I need to lose 30 lbs. ), look 40-something and have a full head of hair reaching down my back with only a little grey.

I've been playing bass for money (I won't necessarily say that means professionally ) since I was 15. I have some great gear and axes. I've played blues, both Chicago and Texas, r&b and funk, classic rock, prog rock and even country, straight up and modern. I dabble with jazz but my reading skills are not up to just sitting in with some cats and a "real book" for the first time.

I know Lubbock is a decent sized city with a big college population, so what are the odds I could get a steady gig? Anybody want to venture an opinion?

Thanks in advance!

It's hot out here brotha.... think sahara 'sall im sayin. But Lubbok is a tight little spot.... Lotta small gigs to be had..... good luck!.... Bring some Sunscreen!

[Spector_Ray]

I could go on a rant here, but I'll spare you the headache.

Lubbock is a conservative town so they like anything that's safe. Heck, we just passed a vote to make the county wet! Holy cow!
If you play a lot of covers, you'll do fairly well here. Even though you have a big college audience, they don't seem to like much original music. Unless you're one of Don Caldwell's cronies(local music producer), you won't get paid much. It's still very much a "not what you know, but who you know" type of music scene here.

For example, the program director of the local "absolute rock" station here talks a big game about supporting the local music scene, but he doesn't practice what he preaches unless he has a vested interest in a band. My brother is in a really good band that can't get good gigs because of a member of another band that is actually receiving financial support from said program director. If you'd like to read some of their insight, Google "100 Proof Revolution" and read their blog.

With your blues and country background, you should be able to scare up some musicians for some gigs. My friend in an established country band, Texas 114 may be looking for a new bassist. I've helped them out on a couple of gigs, but country really isn't my thing.

[whoatherechunk]

lots of college girls if that's your thing. haaaa i kid.

[Spector_Ray]

Originally Posted by whoatherechunk

lots of college girls if that's your thing. haaaa i kid.

All kidding aside, there are a lot of good looking college girls. We actually played covers at an 80's frat party that was insane! I'm 39 and I had girls hitting on me like crazy. Trust me, that never happens!

[()smoke()]

hi Billy

to clear up a misconception, Lubbock is geographically situated such that the city does in fact experience seasons, ha...meaning it gets cold in the winter, and it snows--not every year, not like the northeast, but it isn't by any means a tropical climate...just so you know people often forget or neglect the size of texas and assume the whole state is similar, but the high plains are much more of a desert environment, meaning it cools off at night, and the dry heat is different than the sauna of south texas (can be like walking into a giant convection oven when the wind is blowing)...and the wind will blow

spector ray is correct in that there can be a lot of conservative mindset there, but the rest of the story is that there is a thriving art community in the city consisting of talented artists from around the world (i have a good friend there who is of lebanese descent and her former husband illustrated a bukowski book, if that helps explain the duality of mindset one can find if you look)...many people enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, the big skies and the desolation to be had only a short drive out of town

as far as music goes, it's been a while since i've been around the scene there, but there are some fantastic professional musicians in the area, and some great opportunities if you're serious about music--i think the notion that playing covers will get you more gigs more quickly is probably correct, but i imagine you'll find you can play originals a few places as well

and if you do happen to make it down there or visit, my good friend Wally Sanders at the Guitar Garage is THE man for your instrument tech/repair (and he's not very politically conservative, to say the least)

all in all, you'll have to decide for yourself if you're the kind of person who enjoys living in a place like Lubbock...it's not going to be Austin, Dallas or Houston, but it can be nice

[Spector_Ray]

Originally Posted by ()smoke()

hi Billy

to clear up a misconception, Lubbock is geographically situated such that the city does in fact experience seasons, ha...meaning it gets cold in the winter, and it snows--not every year, not like the northeast, but it isn't by any means a tropical climate...just so you know people often forget or neglect the size of texas and assume the whole state is similar, but the high plains are much more of a desert environment, meaning it cools off at night, and the dry heat is different than the sauna of south texas (can be like walking into a giant convection oven when the wind is blowing)...and the wind will blow

spector ray is correct in that there can be a lot of conservative mindset there, but the rest of the story is that there is a thriving art community in the city consisting of talented artists from around the world (i have a good friend there who is of lebanese descent and her former husband illustrated a bukowski book, if that helps explain the duality of mindset one can find if you look)...many people enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, the big skies and the desolation to be had only a short drive out of town

as far as music goes, it's been a while since i've been around the scene there, but there are some fantastic professional musicians in the area, and some great opportunities if you're serious about music--i think the notion that playing covers will get you more gigs more quickly is probably correct, but i imagine you'll find you can play originals a few places as well

and if you do happen to make it down there or visit, my good friend Wally Sanders at the Guitar Garage is THE man for your instrument tech/repair (and he's not very politically conservative, to say the least)

all in all, you'll have to decide for yourself if you're the kind of person who enjoys living in a place like Lubbock...it's not going to be Austin, Dallas or Houston, but it can be nice

Wally is a great tech that's for sure.

I didn't want to seem completely negative about the music scene, but Lubbock does need to get off it's butt and see some of the great local talent. The people here seem to be a few lightyears behind in appreciating talent. After all, it took them over 20 years after his death to finally recognize Buddy Holly!

Check out D.G. Flewellyn and John Sprott. They are excellent musicians and D.G is a super nice guy!

As far as the weather, we do have seasons. The winters are rather mild with occasional snow and the summers can be brutal. We've recently experienced a hot, dry spell with temps at or over 100 degrees but we're entering a bit of a cool off with temps ranging from the upper 80's to mid 90's for a few days. Humidity has been on the rise for the past few years, but it's nowhere near the humidity of the Metroplex and areas further south.

[()smoke()]

Originally Posted by Spector_Ray

Wally is a great tech that's for sure.

I didn't want to seem completely negative about the music scene, but Lubbock does need to get off it's butt and see some of the great local talent. The people here seem to be a few lightyears behind in appreciating talent. After all, it took them over 20 years after his death to finally recognize Buddy Holly!

Check out D.G. Flewellyn and John Sprott. They are excellent musicians and D.G is a super nice guy!

+1 DG is a gentleman all the way

Sprott is one of the scariest guitarists i've personally witnessed, and he's cool as can be as well--very friendly and good about helping out less-experienced players who want to learn...the bass player who plays with these 2 fellas is sick as well, and he had a drool-inducing collection of classic basses a few years back

[Spector_Ray]

Originally Posted by ()smoke()

+1 DG is a gentleman all the way

Sprott is one of the scariest guitarists i've personally witnessed, and he's cool as can be as well--very friendly and good about helping out less-experienced players who want to learn...the bass player who plays with these 2 fellas is sick as well, and he had a drool-inducing collection of classic basses a few years back

I believe you're talking about Sean Frankhouser who's a great bassist and a great guy. The first time I ever played a Tobias was his pre-Gibson Toby.

[bassguppy]

culture shock. Although not Texas, I moved from upstate NY to Las Cruces, NM and knew it was time to leave after 3 days. I stayed almost 4 years.

Looking at a map Lubbock seems like an "island" where you have the city but once out of town there is nothing for a looong way. isolated, no burbs.

Drove thru Amarillo on my way to NM. I think it was about 160 degrees. I got out of the car and it was a furnace.

[Spector_Ray]

Originally Posted by bassguppy

culture shock. Although not Texas, I moved from upstate NY to Las Cruces, NM and knew it was time to leave after 3 days. I stayed almost 4 years.

Looking at a map Lubbock seems like an "island" where you have the city but once out of town there is nothing for a looong way. isolated, no burbs.

Drove thru Amarillo on my way to NM. I think it was about 160 degrees. I got out of the car and it was a furnace.

Yeah, it's pretty sad that you can actually keep hot food fresh by leaving it out in the sun!

[()smoke()]

Originally Posted by Spector_Ray

I believe you're talking about Sean Frankhouser who's a great bassist and a great guy. The first time I ever played a Tobias was his pre-Gibson Toby.

yessir, Sean is a cool cat all around--overalls and all! (inside Lubbock humor )

[whoatherechunk]

that's a huge culture shock. when did you leave LC bassguppy?

Originally Posted by bassguppy

culture shock. Although not Texas, I moved from upstate NY to Las Cruces, NM and knew it was time to leave after 3 days. I stayed almost 4 years.

Looking at a map Lubbock seems like an "island" where you have the city but once out of town there is nothing for a looong way. isolated, no burbs.

Drove thru Amarillo on my way to NM. I think it was about 160 degrees. I got out of the car and it was a furnace.

[k5koy]

Originally Posted by ()smoke()

yessir, Sean is a cool cat all around--overalls and all! (inside Lubbock humor )

I got it! Fact is, Ive never seen him without the Overalls.
I took Bass lessons from him over at Brandon Guitar Studio for a few years when I was just getting started. And its true, This dude is a SICK player! Still doin the Sunday Night Open Jam at the Texas Cafe & Bar, or as the locals know it, "The Spoon"

Koy-West Texas

[joshmickelson]

if you ever see a 60 year old guy commuting around town on a uniciyle, that is my friend's dad. haha

[rockstarbassist]

I played in Lubbock for years. Drove up from Austin/CenTex for gigs and weekends, etc..

It's an ok college town. I like College Station, which would be great except for all the Aggies!

If you're into covers and you're good you'll do well. It has an ok originals scene. A buddy of mine was doing music FT there all over the country and just moved to Denver.

Hot girls (with STDs! ) and decent enough folk.

If you were moving to Texas to play FT, I still would say Austin or Houston is your best bet.

Plus like others have said, everyone drinks so much b/c it's so freaking FAR and isolated! Once you get on the highway after Sweetwater you STILL have like 100+ mi's til you get there! The weather is crazy too. It'll snow in April and then be 95 the next day! Low humidity tho.

Honestly I spent all the time I care to there already. Lost enough brain cells and crashed a truck so yeah. I did my time.

I'd rather be there than like, San Antonio or something but there's a good many other metro areas I'd look at first.