Am I too young?

J. Crawford · #1 01-28-2009, 03:13 PM

Guys, I dont know too many details but my bass instructor told mehe is friends with a band looking for a bassist. They are 21-22 and are already decently established. But Im 16... and have only jammed with fellow teens.

I can keep up with them, I have ful confidence in my playing. I can learn, cover, etc any song and am good and getting better at theory.

I just want to know if the risks of being 16 are worth the rewards of trying out and most likely playing with these guys. If so, Ill look into it. If not, Ill stray away.

dmusic148 · #2 01-28-2009, 03:16 PM

Not sure I understand what you are risking, just by being 16. I say go for it. It's always good to work with people more experienced than you-good way to learn stuff.

stflbn · #3 01-28-2009, 03:17 PM

Depends if they're playing bars and such and are paranoid about possible legal issues with bars.

excane · #4 01-28-2009, 03:17 PM

Go for it, just stay out of trouble with any illegal activities that might be going on (READ...no underage drinking)

When I was 22, I started playing with a group who were all 35-36. It worked out ok for a few years, but musically we just grew farther apart.

BigOldHarry · #5 01-28-2009, 03:17 PM

The biggest issue will be social. Men of 21 / 22 may well be engaged in things you are either not interested in or old enough that you should be doing (like partying/getting wasted). BUT, were you my student, I'd tell you to keep your wits about you and, if you think you won't be sucked into doing anything stupid, then give it a whirl. It is ALWAYS good to play with folks that are more experienced than you. That a player in his 20's would want to play with a 16 year old suggests that you are either damn good or they aren't very good (or something in between).

One suggestion about being in a band with these guys - wherever possible, sing. The one thing that makes for a decent singer is practice, and while you may suck at first, you will get better... And if there's one thing that will land you a gig as a bassist, it's the ability to sing harmonies or lead.

Band Dad · #6 01-28-2009, 03:28 PM

At sixteen, you may find yourself ushered in and out of bars and clubs with age limits. That is, they may let you in to play your set, then usher you out right after. No biggie perhaps. You'd get the feel of that scene. But your band mates may want to hang and pound a few. You'd be the odd man out. This has happened to my sons.

Otherwise, you sound like what a lot of bands would want: quick learner, confident, capable, etc. Hope things work out for you.

Little story: my son's band (16 year olds) have been playing awhile, and have played the odd bar, but they've twice been asked to participate in a show at what can only be described as an adult venue. We're talking a scene that was a little raunchy for their sensitive tastes. We older folk were more comfortable with it, but found it a bit too risque for the band. We won't be encouraging them to accept that gig again while still so young.

At any rate, you'd be stretching your wings. Kudos for earning your teacher's recommendation.

J. Crawford · #7 01-28-2009, 03:34 PM

Thanks for the quick and helpful responses guys!

But on the subject of drinking. Im a 4.0 student, who has particiapted in anti alcohol/drugs clubs from the 7th grade until now. If there is anything I trust more than my smarts, or my bass, would be my intolerance of anything illegal, and my strength of opposing peer pressure. So leaving a club because Im underage is NOT a problem.

As I said though, all I have right now is their age and a recommendation from my teacher. Thats it. I have no other details at the moment.

Oh, and the drive is about 45 minutes, but I have my license. When I asked my pops about this, he said if they were for real he would be down and willing to do anything related to transportation/chilling at rehearsal/gigs.

EDIT: And Im abstinent. As stated, I have full confidence and strength in my beliefs.

slinginsix · #8 01-28-2009, 03:43 PM

With all that the op has said about his maturity, I say "go for it". you will learn alot about performing and improve your ear by learning tunes. IMHO, having a good ear is essential. Good luck.

J. Crawford · #9 01-28-2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slinginsix

With all that the op has said about his maturity, I say "go for it". you will learn alot about performing and improve your ear by learning tunes. IMHO, having a good ear is essential. Good luck.

Thanks Six! Im going to look into it, try to get more details.

It just seems too good right now. Hopefully theyre for real.

dannster · #10 01-28-2009, 03:52 PM

*Wolfgang Van Halen*

Go.For.It. The worse that could happen is you learn something new.

J. Crawford · #11 01-28-2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannster

*Wolfgang Van Halen*

Go.For.It. The worse that could happen is you learn something new.

Touché.

Never thought about Wolfie. He is the opitimy of successful teens. Him and Stefan, seeing that he was 16 when he joined the newly formed DMB.

baalroo · #12 01-28-2009, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordasch

Thanks for the quick and helpful responses guys!

But on the subject of drinking. Im a 4.0 student, who has particiapted in anti alcohol/drugs clubs from the 7th grade until now. If there is anything I trust more than my smarts, or my bass, would be my intolerance of anything illegal, and my strength of opposing peer pressure. So leaving a club because Im underage is NOT a problem.

As I said though, all I have right now is their age and a recommendation from my teacher. Thats it. I have no other details at the moment.

Oh, and the drive is about 45 minutes, but I have my license. When I asked my pops about this, he said if they were for real he would be down and willing to do anything related to transportation/chilling at rehearsal/gigs.

EDIT: And Im abstinent. As stated, I have full confidence and strength in my beliefs.

Well, then the only worry is whether you will be ready to handle what may be a VERY different world than what you may expect. Abstinence and anti-drug/alcohol are both really cool and resposible things for a teen to be into (seriously), but as you get older the lines tend to blur a bit... especially in the world of a rock n' roll band of guys in their early 20s. I'm not trying to discourage you, I think you should definitely go for it, just be ready for a bit of a "system shock" and DON'T preach to these guys. Remember, they are older than you and have a different set of rules of obligations than you do.

Keep your head about you and be willing to be a bit uncomfortable at times for the sake of the music and you should be just fine.

**Stumbo** · #13 01-29-2009, 07:03 PM

It the band is already established, I would inquire as to where they are playing and when.
If they're playing weeknights, you're 4.0 will go out the window. I mean how much time can actually you devote to the band? And how much time does the band require.

Since you are a minor, you cannot sign contracts. I would check the local laws about minor performing in over 21 bars/clubs.

Unless your dad can go with you to all the rehearsals/gigs, I would suggest reconsidering. The guys may be great guys, but until you know what's up with the band situation, you need your dad to cover your back.

Also remember that you are auditioning them as well. Not just the music, but the whole social thing. You'll be spending a lot of time with these guys.

Good luck.

You may want to check out the following TB threads:
If only I knew then what I know now... If I only knew then...(covers most topics of being in a band)
How to run Guitarist Auditions? Auditioning a new member
Getting Suckered Auditioning: red flag stories
Would you treat this as a red flag? Auditioning story
Quitting the band without losing friends Quitting
Got fired from my band last night. Getting fired
Any tips for a first band? First band
Is your band a democracy? or the opposite? Running a band: democracy or dictatorship?

Dave Bassincus · #14 01-31-2009, 08:05 PM

I always regret things I didn't do more than things I have done that haven't worked out.

Jake of Bass · #15 01-31-2009, 08:26 PM

Just go for it. If the shoe fits, so to speak. You'll gain a lot of valuable experience and become more connected into the music community. This means you're likely to meet other bands, venue owners, sound guys etc. All of it is valuable and you might get some connections or friendships that can benefit down the track.

At worst, it doesn't work out and you leave. You haven't lost anything by giving it a go, you've gained experience.

Pedulla? · #16 01-31-2009, 08:27 PM

Go for it!

DudeistMonk · #17 01-31-2009, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Well, then the only worry is whether you will be ready to handle what may be a VERY different world than what you may expect. Abstinence and anti-drug/alcohol are both really cool and resposible things for a teen to be into (seriously), but as you get older the lines tend to blur a bit... especially in the world of a rock n' roll band of guys in their early 20s. I'm not trying to discourage you, I think you should definitely go for it, just be ready for a bit of a "system shock" and DON'T preach to these guys. Remember, they are older than you and have a different set of rules of obligations than you do.

Keep your head about you and be willing to be a bit uncomfortable at times for the sake of the music and you should be just fine.

Big +1

If your cool about the whole thing you can learn a whole lot about music and a whole lot about life, and have a whole lot of fun.

seanm · #18 01-31-2009, 10:51 PM

Have the other members thought it through? If they are doing the bar scene, it could be awkward having a 16 year old around. And what happens if they want a "wind down" beer at 2:00am? Do you wait outside?

But I would at least try it. You'll quickly know if it is going to work out.

Mads · #19 02-01-2009, 07:03 AM

Go for it.
If it doesn't work out you will probably learn something from the experience anyway.

undeadbass · #20 02-01-2009, 06:45 PM

I've been on both sides of the coin:
15/16 playing in wedding/corporate bands (the social worker at my high school was the band leader, so that's how I got that gig).
When I had just turned 21, I joined a band of guys pushing 40, who had previously been in huge touring bands (whose name I'm not mentioning because of the polarizing aspect of said band).
Now I'm almost 25, and my guitarist is 19 (killer guitarist, awesome backing vocals, and amazing writer - and he's like a little brother to me and my singer).

Bottom line - if the music's cool, and you can hang with these guys as well, don't let age be a factor!