"Band looking for female bass player" <- Creepy, or go for it?

CodaPDX · #1 02-20-2009, 03:32 PM

So as of late I've seen quite a few ads on Craigslist from bands looking specifically for female bass players. Seeing as I'm in the demographic, part of me is like "cool, less people to compete with for the spot." But then there's the part of me that's more than a little skeeved out by the whole thing. I mean, most of the ads don't mention why they're looking specifically for a woman. Given the boy's club atmosphere of the music scene, it doesn't take a lot of imagination to see a bunch of guys deciding they'd like a little T&A to liven up their stage presence. Which, I'm sorry, is not why I play. If I'm going to be asked to join a band, I want it to be because of my musicianship - not because my ass looks fabulous in jeans.

Anyway, I'm curious to see what folks here think, especially other women (I know you're out there). Worth checking out anyway, or steer clear?

tZer · #2 02-20-2009, 03:37 PM

I am not a woman - but of course it's worth investigating. At least make contact via email and start a dialogue. You'll be able to get some sort of read on the situation after that.

Now if they're ad said, "Looking for hot female bass player - talent optional" that's a whole other can of worms.

Stanley Design · #3 02-20-2009, 03:37 PM

Probably because they are all girl bands, which are ALWAYS looking for members. The genre of riotgrrl is pretty popular.

nortonrider · #4 02-20-2009, 03:38 PM

What's wrong with wanting to have something nice to look at up on stage?

Sex sells - Period!

Oh, and......no pic, no fabulous looking ass. Sorry but those are the rules.

CodaPDX · #5 02-20-2009, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nortonrider

What's wrong with wanting to have something nice to look at up on stage?

Sex sells - Period!

Oh, and......no pic, no fabulous looking ass. Sorry but those are the rules.

Excellent example - thank you.

Lefty Geek · #6 02-20-2009, 03:41 PM

Are you in NY? I see these ads all the time. Many times, it is not all girl bands, but all boy ones. They are looking for increase their demographic by having a female bass player.

K-Funk · #7 02-20-2009, 03:56 PM

Most of the time around here, I see ads like that only in the case of an all-girl band. It's also totally normal to specifically seek a female vocalist. But an all-male band specifically seeking a female instrumentalist seems dubious. There's really no reason for seeking a specific gender for an instrumentalist unless it's for aesthetic purposes, or otherwise, unfortunately. I'm currently in a band with both guys and gals, but we're a large circle of friends. Admittedly, we were looking specifically for a female vocalist, but that's just because it goes with the sound we want.

Calebmundy · #8 02-20-2009, 03:58 PM

I would be careful, but it does work out sometimes. Kim Deal said she joined the Pixies after the guys posted for a female bass player, because they were looking for action, but it turned out pretty legit.

paganjack · #9 02-20-2009, 03:59 PM

i've seen ads for both all girl bands and the occasional "we want a girl around" bands. try emailing them first, if it's a total sketch factory don't do it. a phone call can give you a really good idea too.

Elmo Oxygen · #10 02-20-2009, 04:02 PM

I live here too, and have seen the ads. I know that in at least one case, the band was our local all-girl AC/DC tribute band. They obviously have a gimmick and it seems like the others do too. As we all know (like it or not) image is a part of our work. Not to mention, if your ass does look fantastic in jeans, why not use it to your advantage and make us all drool over that AND you playing?

Bluesbreaker5 · #11 02-20-2009, 04:02 PM

You might want to answer the ad like this: I'm a bassist that happens to be female. Is that what you are looking for? Or are you looking for a female who happens to play some bass? At least this way you'll know what is most important to them.

Also, if they want an audition, don't go alone.

chrisisnotevil · #12 02-20-2009, 04:03 PM

i see a few ads like this too. unless it's a riot grrl or similar band, i can't get my head round why anyone with an ounce of credibility would want a bass player of specific gender, surely you want the best player for the band regardless of what's in their trousers? i think 99% of the people placing these ads are just looking to use you as a marketing tool and won't respect you as a musician, but i've been wrong before...

Jehos · #13 02-20-2009, 04:13 PM

The two legit reasons I can think of:

1. It's an all-girl band.
2. There is already one female member in the band, they need a bassist, and they're trying to balance out the genders (she's tired of being the only female, or any of another 1000 reasons).

You can always ask why they're specifically looking for a female bassist and if it's one of those two, go for it.

My current band has a female singer and violin player, it's nice being in a band that is two men and two women. For some reason the drama seems a whole lot less.

sound of bass · #14 02-20-2009, 04:20 PM

Id say check it out cautiously, and if everything meshes, I dont see anything wrong with eye candy on stage, if you're a good bassist, your playing will speak for itself. Good or bad, right or wrong, sex and beauty sells, thats how it is. Theres no doubt in my mind that a band around here with a pretty lady with a nice ass in it would book more gigs, Im not agreeing with the way it is, but thats the way it is. I cant help but think of the Wilson sisters of Heart, they are beautiful women but you cant deny they're also ass kick musicians, but that beauty helped sell records. Just focus on playing your insrument since thats really the only thing you can control. Good luck.

nsmar4211 · #15 02-20-2009, 06:40 PM

Ask them why they specifically want a female bass player. My group is two girls two guys, and honestly I'd rather add another girl to the group than another guy (kinda balances better bwahaha). But seriously, it's either a gender balancing thing (as mentioned, girl tired of being only girl or its an all girl group) or it's a bunch of piggy guys. First scenario, go for it. Second scenario, run like crazy.

Oh, and they "don't go to audition alone" is a good idea. Even better, find out who they are and ask around and see if anyone's ever heard of them or done dealings with any of them.

On a side note, one of the biggest insults I ever had was when a male musician told another musician that it was nice having a girl in the band and it was an added bonus that I could play bass.... needless to say that got back to me pretty quick

. Also needless to say I don't work with that person anymore. I'm not in a band to be eye relief, I'm there to play.

Luckily the people who've supported me as I'm learning consider the female look to be the bonus and not the bass playing

.

Just be careful...... can't hurt to ask!

NineSpine · #16 02-20-2009, 06:52 PM

I think a simple "I was interested in your ad but curious why you were looking specifically for a female bassist" would suffice.

Icarus26 · #17 02-20-2009, 07:36 PM

maybe they just wanna do the Rocker thing. From all the movies i've seen, the female was the bassist in the band. School of Rock. The Rocker. If anyone can come up with some more ideas, go ahead and list them. But that's the first thing that comes to my mind except sex. I'm a teenager, you can't blame me.

EagleMoon · #18 02-20-2009, 08:16 PM

I'm in the demographic as well but I've not seen many ads for female bass players. Female singers, yes. Those are a dime a dozen. I'd say that you could probably tell by their answers when they write back to you, or a phone call or two whether you want anything to do with them. My concern would be that they're a bunch of randy 16 year olds or 70 year old dirty old men.

MadMan118 · #19 02-20-2009, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleMoon

. My concern would be that they're a bunch of randy 16 year olds or 70 year old dirty old men.

Hey! Don't make fun of my name!
Just kidding, I understand the context here.
This thread reminds me of All that Remains, nothing turns me on like chicks that play metal bass......

Phil Smith · #20 02-20-2009, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CodaPDX

So as of late I've seen quite a few ads on Craigslist from bands looking specifically for female bass players. Seeing as I'm in the demographic, part of me is like "cool, less people to compete with for the spot." But then there's the part of me that's more than a little skeeved out by the whole thing. I mean, most of the ads don't mention why they're looking specifically for a woman. Given the boy's club atmosphere of the music scene, it doesn't take a lot of imagination to see a bunch of guys deciding they'd like a little T&A to liven up their stage presence. Which, I'm sorry, is not why I play. If I'm going to be asked to join a band, I want it to be because of my musicianship - not because my ass looks fabulous in jeans.

Anyway, I'm curious to see what folks here think, especially other women (I know you're out there). Worth checking out anyway, or steer clear?

If you are not interested in playing with people then don't answer the ad.

If you are just answer the ad and leave your number or ask for theirs and have a conversation about what it is that they are doing and that will give you an idea of how serious they are, whether they're skeevy or it's something you would be genuinely interested in.