Asked to send "bios" and "photos"?

NickInMesa · #1 03-05-2010, 07:47 AM

I replied to an ad from a local cover band and was asked in a rude manner to provide bios and photos?

I asked him if I could send him a photo of a body part of my choice.

Why would the dude ask for a photo?

On top of that I googled him and I saw he had some luscious posts on pornographic oriented Web forums, so I wonder what type of photo he wanted.

Hey I have no issue talking about my experience, gear and type of music I like to play, but why a photo?

Unless you're starting a boy's band and are looking for younger fit kids who look like they were just released from duty, I'm as middle aged looking as can be, which includes a beer gut

Just a weird response.

As for "bios" (he also wants a resume), I said I was in 7 bands in 25 years on and off and that he probably heard of none of them.

I think that's about it. I should have said I am very motivated and love to play music. Can't hurt. But that I don't make coffee.

I wish I had Lee Sklar's resume, but hey, that's life, I'm just a week-end warrior.

jaymag_87 · #2 03-05-2010, 07:58 AM

If I were you, I'd walk away. But that's me.

Then again, I have very little interest in playing in bands, at this point.

lowfreq33 · #3 03-05-2010, 08:04 AM

When people are snooty like that I tell them I'm sending my resume, and they can decide if they think they can afford me.

pasta4lnch · #4 03-05-2010, 08:06 AM

it's a crap shoot w/ ads. if you've placed even one you've had to deal w/ the tons of craps replies so you start to get REALLY specific which comes across as arrogant. I've had to send bios, pics, video clips etc.

otoh there are lots of idiots in the world . . .

Phalex · #5 03-05-2010, 08:11 AM

Just make stuff up. Here's my bio: http://www.intheredonline.com/phalex.cfm

ataunton · #6 03-05-2010, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phalex

Just make stuff up. Here's my bio: http://www.intheredonline.com/phalex.cfm

That is awesome.

NickInMesa · #7 03-05-2010, 08:23 AM

I already apologized and told him I was probably not good enough but offered to send him a photo anyway, if he insisted.

He never replied.

I love how googled showed all his porno posts right on top, by the way.

Thanks, Phalex, I love your bio. I am glad you were not cold growing up.

Munjibunga · #8 03-07-2010, 12:24 AM

Nick, are you sure you're not female?

NickInMesa · #9 03-07-2010, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

Nick, are you sure you're not female?

Yes. How about you?

Skyblue977 · #10 03-07-2010, 12:44 AM

Really, you need your bio, pics and resume ready to go at the drop of a hat. Very similar to getting a job. Not rocket science.
If you find this particular guy creeps you out then run.
However you do need to have these things organized and ready to go.

NickInMesa · #11 03-07-2010, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyblue977

Really, you need your bio, pics and resume ready to go at the drop of a hat. Very similar to getting a job. Not rocket science.
If you find this particular guy creeps you out then run.
However you do need to have these things organized and ready to go.

Why do you want my photo?!?

Again, I understand bio, a few questions about the gear, style, etc...

But why a flipping photo?!?

Munjibunga · #12 03-07-2010, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

Yes. How about you?

Just checking.

kesslari · #13 03-07-2010, 01:33 AM

Photo and bio is a standard part of a band press kit. Not sure why that weirds you out so much.

pbass6811 · #14 03-07-2010, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phalex

Just make stuff up. Here's my bio: http://www.intheredonline.com/phalex.cfm

That is some of the best stuff ever!! Well played, sir!!

tycobb73 · #15 03-07-2010, 04:55 AM

I ask for a bio and pic everytime, especially if you're older. If you are willing to send a photo that means you aren't as conscious about your age or looks and are willing to overlook it. The only time age was an issue was when a 40 something thought he was too old to play with me, a 30 something and 3 20 somethings. Really caught me off gaurd. When I asked someone his age on the phone he shot back "Does it matter?" I said "not to me but apparently it does to you. The question was to see what type of response you'd give, not the number itself." He then told me his age, I think 50s, I couldn't have cared less. If he's not comfortable with his age or looks to you, how is he going to feel in front of an audience?

This shows more about you than him and from now on I'd delete everyting you sent me without thinking much of it.

corinpills · #16 03-07-2010, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

Why do you want my photo?!?

Again, I understand bio, a few questions about the gear, style, etc...

But why a flipping photo?!?

Did you know that success in the music business is not entirely based on talent? It might not even be something as sinister as wanting to be successful, maybe the guy just wants to see if you fit in with the rest of the band.

fdeck · #17 03-07-2010, 09:44 AM

In mainstream employment, asking for a picture, or for your age, is illegal. And it's a sore spot for people, not because they are self-conscious or thin-skinned, but because people are affected by age discrimination.

Because it's the entertainment industry, you can probably ask for things that you can't ask for in a regular job application. But because it's an inflammatory issue, you can't expect everybody to pat you on the head if you ask their age.

As for the photo, it is perfectly acceptable to have a publicity photo taken when you look your best, whatever age that happens to be, and use it for the rest of your career. Entertainers do that all the time.

What I figure is that there are more than enough bands, and if a band feels that they can differentiate themselves in some way other than by sheer musicianship, they are welcome to give it a try. If kids want to have a band that revolves around their age group, that's fine too.

If asked about my age, I would say something like: "I am over 40, but if you guys can play, then age doesn't matter."

tycobb73 · #18 03-07-2010, 10:01 AM

Its also illegal for employers to ask if you are handicapped but I mention it in any interview I go to. If they have a problem with age or handicap they still will once you join the band or hire you. Save yourself from potential frustration and tell people right away. You don't want to spend all that time practicing for an audition only to find out they had a problem with your age.

Munjibunga · #19 03-07-2010, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tycobb73

Its also illegal for employers to ask if you are handicapped but I mention it in any interview I go to. If they have a problem with age or handicap they still will once you join the band or hire you. Save yourself from potential frustration and tell people right away. You don't want to spend all that time practicing for an audition only to find out they had a problem with your age.

My band is a group of independent contractors - there is no employer. I wonder if the discrimination laws apply in that case.

NickInMesa · #20 03-07-2010, 11:01 AM

So if I send a photo of me playing bass, you get a photo of a dude playing bass.

Looking mean, looking the part, looking like I know what I am doing.

Alright. Now what if I sound like a 15 year-old who just bought his Squier at GC?

To me it does not make that much sense, especially in a small musical scene.

If I put another band together, I would not care what you look like, but what you sound like and this is found out through an *AUDITION*.

There is a local band called Digital Blues, who are fairly successful, lots of corporate and bar gigs. Turns out these people are of all ages, all looks, all walks of life.