Any tips on finding a band to join?

Rixy · #1 02-02-2011, 12:33 PM

I've been playing bass guitar for about three years now. I feel I've developed a good playing style, experimenting with styles of funk, ska, reggae and hip hop with the use of fingerstyle, slapping, popping, chords and tapping. I've been told I'm pretty good at what I do, but there seems to be a problem.

I have no one to play with...

Now, I'm not a loner. I have friends, but they're actually more into martial arts and sports. I'm just kind of the "music guy" in the social circle. There are some other guys in there that play music but we're on completely different wavelengths when it comes to what we like.

I've also noticed that whenever there's a band around my age (I'm 18), they seem to just be punk, rock or metal. I have been offered to join a band, but it was just punk rock in the style of Paramore. I have no problem with musicians who want to experiment with that style but I wouldn't feel comfortable, and it would just hurt the music in long run anyway because I wouldn't be interested.

I've started playing my bass less and less lately. I've come up with a ton of basslines to jam to, but I feel that as a bassist I should really be supporting the music. I feel I should be locking in with a drummer. Playing bass on your own for so long gets kind of bare after a while. Instead I've been trying to get as much out of the bass as I can. The other week I was playing in the tuning of DCDA with a capo on the seventh fret.

Does anybody have any ideas on how I could find a band to join? I have checked adverts before, but all I can find are vacancies for rock bands, metal bands, punk bands etc. I'm more interested in experimenting with genres such as funk, ska punk and reggae. I also like folk music, which I wouldn't mind playing. There's a lot of Ska/Reggae bands circling around the UK. It would be pretty awesome to get in there myself, but like I said, I don't really have any musical friends that I regularly jam with. I don't really care if the band doesn't become popular or whatever, it's just about having fun to me.

Has anybody ever been in a similar position? Or any tips on how to get into a band?

mrjim123 · #2 02-02-2011, 12:39 PM

I don't know where you live, but you could try Bandmix. You'll find musicians wanted ads there. Craig's List - the same. Also post ads in music stores (GC, etc.) and go to as many blues jams as you can find. I would recommend the blues jams even if you have to drive some distance - playing live is what you really need.

Edit: I read further and see you live in the UK. Search the internet for "musicians wanted" - at least that would be the proper term in the US.

Tampabass · #3 02-02-2011, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrjim123

I don't know where you live, but you could try Bandmix. You'll find musicians wanted ads there. Craig's List - the same. Also post ads in music stores (GC, etc.) and go to as many blues jams as you can find. I would recommend the blues jams even if you have to drive some distance - playing live is what you really need.

Edit: I read further and see you live in the UK. Search the internet for "musicians wanted" - at least that would be the proper term in the US.

+1 - just get out there and play. It doesn't really matter if you love the music at hand, just start getting some experience playing with other people in rehearsals and in live situations.

Youngspanion · #4 02-02-2011, 12:48 PM

Try posting on Craigslist. Say what you are looking for and be patient. There are a lot of jerks out there that don't really know that they are jerks. Just don't go and get overly fustrated.

Try posting something in your neighborhood music store or in a local Samash or GC.

Go to Berkley College and meet other musicians who like different things.

BigOldHarry · #5 02-02-2011, 12:51 PM

Post on the Craigslist and target what you're looking for. State your age (or age range) as well -

I'd advise you not be too picky - you can learn a TON playing music you didn't think you liked.

Shinyflavors7 · #6 02-02-2011, 12:53 PM

The best advice I can give you (I'm in the same boat) is get out into the senses, talk to people, most of the people at those shows are musicians and they're looking to start a band. I'm A metal and hardcore guy, and I live in an area that is dominated by jazz, and folk. I play some jazz so it's not that bad, but I never really got to play what I liked until I started driving an hour and a half to shows. The week after I when to my first show I got an email from a guy I talked to at the show. So get out there, and give out your info. I'd recommend business cards if you can get them cheap.

mrjim123 · #7 02-02-2011, 01:25 PM

+1 to all of the above. Business cards definitely. Talk to as many people as you can.

Be prepared to be disappointed - musician wannabes (they're everywhere) are the biggest BS'ers in the world, but there are some real guys out there, so be persistent. Don't expect too much too soon. My first 2 bands were jokes - months of practice, lucky to get one gig, and then we broke up. You will pay your dues.

+1 also about not being too picky what kind of music you play. Good luck!

BigOldHarry · #8 02-02-2011, 01:33 PM

And remember - ALWAYS remember: Musicians are FLAKES. Don't expect too much and you won't be let down. Better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed.

chadhargis · #9 02-02-2011, 01:54 PM

Being young, you should be in good shape finding a band. I'm 39, and I've been looking for some guys to play with. Problem I'm faced with is family committments and a full time job pretty much negate any touring or late night gigs.

I'm hoping to find a coffee shop gig or a P&W gig. I'd play at my church, but we're blessed with prolific bass players (all musicians really).

I made up my mind that, band or no band, I was going to enjoy learning music, learning to play, and becoming more proficient. I know I'll never be a great musician, and I may never play for an audience, but I love music. I'm just taking it as it comes. I figure if it's meant to be, fate will work it's ways and I'll end up playing somewhere.

paganjack · #10 02-02-2011, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

And remember - ALWAYS remember: Musicians are FLAKES. Don't expect too much and you won't be let down. Better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed.

+1 To that!

Finding reliable, skilled bandmates is the toughest part of starting a band.

My advice would be to hit the shows of bands that you like. There is certainly a scene for your desired music, you just have to find it and then network. Talking to people is the forgotten side of being a musician. You have to sell yourself sometimes (I mean that in the BEST sense of the phrase

). Get out and talk to people! Search the internet!

zachoff · #11 02-02-2011, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tampabass

+1 - just get out there and play. It doesn't really matter if you love the music at hand, just start getting some experience playing with other people in rehearsals and in live situations.

If you don't love the music then why do it?

mrjim123 · #12 02-02-2011, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zachoff

If you don't love the music then why do it?

So you can eventually play the music that you DO like, with a head start in the experience department.

hrodbert696 · #13 02-02-2011, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zachoff

If you don't love the music then why do it?

Because you may love the experience of playing with other musicians even if they're not playing your personal favorite stuff. It doesn't have to be all about you all the time. I don't like half the stuff my bandmates put on the setlist but I like playing with them, and I like that they agree to play the stuff I put on the list that they probably hate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

And remember - ALWAYS remember: Musicians are FLAKES. Don't expect too much and you won't be let down. Better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed.

Yeah, my most recent CL experience; responded to an ad by a guy saying he wanted to put a band together. He didn't say what instrument he played, but since he asked for singers, guitars and bass, I ventured a guess that he was a drummer. Said so in my email, asking if he wanted to get together and play. He emails me back to say yes, he's a drummer. Does NOT respond to the invite to play together, nor does he say he doesn't. Just "Yes, I'm a drummer." So I email again -- do you want to get together and jam? No reply. I don't know why he bothered to inform me he was a drummer but not to answer the real question.

You just have to put up with that until eventually you find the right people.

bherman · #14 02-02-2011, 05:07 PM

+1 on Craigslist, not sure where you are located but in my area there are always ads for people looking for bassists (much more so than guitarists), and many are looking for young guys like you (I'm 55 so I always have to disclose that, as well as music that I'm into and not into).

Good luck!

thudfromafar · #15 02-02-2011, 05:20 PM

9/10 people I've been in contact with from craigslist have been flakes, noobs, crazies etc...

The other 1/10 I've met are like my best friends/bandmates.

The other good option would be open mics, or just join aa band and gig around and meet people, and/or go to other shows on your own. Make contacts in the local music realm and it will slowly open up.

thudfromafar · #16 02-02-2011, 05:25 PM

Everyone in this thread has a lot of good advice. And THIS is extremely true, always keep it in mind:

Quote:

Originally Posted by paganjack

+1 To that!

Finding reliable, skilled bandmates is the toughest part of starting a band.

It will take awhile, but once you find the right people, the rest is gravy. KEEP AT IT.

Cycho · #17 02-02-2011, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tampabass

+1 - just get out there and play. It doesn't really matter if you love the music at hand, just start getting some experience playing with other people in rehearsals and in live situations.

+1 There are playing skills and there are band skills. You can develop playing skills by yourself but you only get band skills by playing in a band.

Nagrom · #18 02-02-2011, 06:40 PM

Go to open mics.

zachoff · #19 02-03-2011, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrjim123

So you can eventually play the music that you DO like, with a head start in the experience department.

Understood

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrodbert696

Because you may love the experience of playing with other musicians even if they're not playing your personal favorite stuff. It doesn't have to be all about you all the time. I don't like half the stuff my bandmates put on the setlist but I like playing with them, and I like that they agree to play the stuff I put on the list that they probably hate.

Could be you do love the experience more than the music... Hadn't thought of that. I have to at least like the music though. I've been in bands where I didn't and quickly got burned out. To each his own, I guess.

LiamPodmore · #20 02-03-2011, 09:30 AM

Not tryna advertise, but try the "Bassists Wanted and Available" on basschat.co.uk, it wouldnt surprise me if you find something on there.

Liam