Being on the scene

puddin tame · #1 06-26-2012, 01:25 AM

OK, so this is a concept that i'm just starting to get into. I've never really been "on the scene". Which scene? The scene of quality musicians to work with. I was talking about some issues I was having a talk with this bass player i'm getting some lessons off about actually getting bands to work, and he mentioned that he's been around so long so he's "on the scene", therefore it is easier to find quality players. The dude's main band is a 10 piece full of seriously quality players and I have enough trouble putting together a 3 piece.

I guess everyone's scene is different, but I wonder if the characteristics transfer. For reference, i'm 20 years old, been playing bass more than half my life but only been trying it at bands for the last 2 years. I would say that while i've started to get a very slim awareness of the original rock scene, it just feels so vast as someone coming out of nothing. I'm also not the best networker around, working on that though.

For the first time i've started my own band, so really all the booking pressure and that is on me and i'm trying to get my head around all this stuff.

So to those that are "on the scene", which scene would you say it was, how much does it really help you, and how did the transition from "not being on the scene" to "being on the scene" transpire?

Did your playing catch you a reputation and "the scene" came after you? Or did you have to chase up contacts yourself? A natural evolution?

NoiseNinja · #2 06-26-2012, 01:48 AM

The world is a stage, get over it or make a scene!

mellowinman · #3 06-26-2012, 05:48 AM

The scene kind of sucks.

KwinS · #4 06-26-2012, 05:58 AM

You are probably more aware of "The scene" than you think. Your local rock scene probably has a group of several bands and club owners/booking managers that know each other, and there's a good chance they have all worked together in other bands or been booked together before. People come and go over the years, but there always seems to be a core set of people (including the diehard fans!) that perpetuate the scene where you live.

Russell L · #5 06-26-2012, 06:02 AM

It helps to get out and about to hear other bands. The best scene is a jam where you can meet lots of musicians.

Me, I was nobody when I came to town. Oh, I had been somebody where I came from, but knew no one in the new town. Of course, being a music student in college helped (hey, it's a scene, too). That got me started. That was also 42 years ago. My playing quickly made me a name, so folks got to know me. I got called. So, yes, the scene can come to you, but only after you go to it first. No one is going to call if they don't know you exist. Since those days I have played regularly, except for a few years when I kinda dropped out. But, as soon as I got back into it it's the same. I still get called. I was just thinking about how I wanted another classic rock band, and lo and behold if a friend didn't call for just that reason, to start one.

Point is, ya gotta get out there and be recognized. And don't be shy. Even be brave. I've walked right up to many top-name recording artists just to give them a CD and chat. The first thing I learned in the Nashville Songwriters Association is that you have to hang out. Go be where the big guys are and rub elbows. You never know what can happen.

One thing's for sure, if you do nothing, nothing will happen.

pklima · #6 06-26-2012, 06:17 AM

Just be out there. Audition for lots of bands, play in a few bands at a time, gig regularly.

MrLenny1 · #7 06-26-2012, 06:23 AM

1. Get a business card, go to jams & play, hang out at clubs that have bands you like.
2. Get to know them.
3. Be patient.
4. Learn their tunes.
Repeat 1-4 above.

Floyd Eye · #8 06-26-2012, 06:40 AM

All these people talking about the local "Music scene" make me laugh. If you are in a working band, you are part of the scene. Stupid, egotistical, semantical BS. If you're a good player, local people know who you are, trust me.

KwinS · #9 06-26-2012, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

All these people talking about the local "Music scene" make me laugh. If you are in a working band, you are part of the scene. Stupid, egotistical, semantical BS. If you're a good player, local people know who you are, trust me.

That's why I used quotation marks when I used that term. So what?

For the record, I think you are right...if you're active, you're part of "it".
He's looking for suggestions on what "it" is.

Tractorr · #10 06-26-2012, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

All these people talking about the local "Music scene" make me laugh. If you are in a working band, you are part of the scene. Stupid, egotistical, semantical BS. If you're a good player, local people know who you are, trust me.

Unfortunately perception is reality and if the people in charge (promoters, club owners, etc) see you as part of the scene it makes your life much easier.

That being said it varies from place to place. Smaller markets tend to have more exclusive scenes because there are less opportunities. Larger markets tend to have more separate scenes some of which are more or less exclusive.

In the end play the best/most you can and try not to be a jerk. Things will usually work themselves out.

KwinS · #11 06-26-2012, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tractorr

Unfortunately perception is reality and if the people in charge (promoters, club owners, etc) see you as part of the scene it makes your life much easier.

That being said it varies from place to place. Smaller markets tend to have more exclusive scenes because there are less opportunities. Larger markets tend to have more separate scenes some of which are more or less exclusive.

In the end play the best/most you can and try not to be a jerk. Things will usually work themselves out.

This. Just like anything else, it's about what you know AND who you know.

KCLRbass · #12 06-26-2012, 08:34 AM

It sounds like you're specifically looking to make connections that will help your band and your career.

Access to great musicians and other people who can help you relies heavily on going out of your way to meet people. Until you're one of the lucky few who becomes a household name (even just in your area), you'll have to work to form relationships and build a reputation.

Part of this is achieved by playing as much and as well as possible, part by being a 'nice guy' and being willing to help people out, and part by always working at something (getting gigs, meeting people, band publicity, writing music, etc. etc. etc.).

It'll happen faster than you think.

Russell L · #13 06-26-2012, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

All these people talking about the local "Music scene" make me laugh. If you are in a working band, you are part of the scene. Stupid, egotistical, semantical BS. If you're a good player, local people know who you are, trust me.

Laugh all you want, but don't throw out derogatory adjectives at those of us who have experience. It makes me want to return a remark in kind to describe that kind of attitude, but I won't. But, just because you are in a band doesn't mean you don't need to get out and meet folks. Besides, if your band plays out of town a lot you are not getting in any time locally on the scene. Plus, even if locals know you are a good player it can be easy for them to forget you if they don't run into you once in awhile at least.

I've been a pro and semi-pro player for over 40 years. Not bragging, but pardon me, what I have to say is not BS, mister.

agreatheight · #14 06-26-2012, 08:43 AM

Do:
Play shows
See shows
Talk to musicians
Talk to managers
Talk to club owners
Talk to promoters
Talk to sound guys
Talk to techs
Make friends
Make acquaintances
Be available
Be nice!
Be memorable in a good way

Don't:
Be too drunk
Be too high
Be too stupid
Show your ego
Be memorable in a bad way

bassbully · #15 06-26-2012, 09:04 AM

I don't really understand "the scene" although we have one it really suks and it's divided so to speak.
We have the metal hard rockers who have the best scene really. They stick together support each other and go to each others shows but are kind of creepy to hang out with and party way hard.

You then have the indie kids and punks all young 16-22 who support each others shows and promote these 4-6 band bills where they rarely get paid and never buy anything from the clubs since most are not legal age for alcohol etc.

Then there is the stoner, hippie click which is around the college towns, they also do multi band bills for little money but do support each other in a small scene... another creepy crowd but kind of cool.

The rest of the scene is locals trying to get dicovered nationally with huge ego's who are wanna bee's and think they will get picked up like the Black Keys were. We then have the small bands like mine who grind it on on weekends for fun and could care less. To be in the scene takes extra time which Myself and my bandmates do not have or really care about. It really gets you nowhere unless you want to do the multi band bills for little to no pay anyhow in some really seedy clubs and get @hit face drunk with them...no thanks.

HolmeBass · #16 06-26-2012, 09:10 AM

I think the best advice re: "the scene" is to be seen at shows. Go to other local band shows of bands you feel are similar, even remotely, to your band. Go see other local bands' shows at clubs you want your band to play at. If you are gigging, you will be recognized, and you will end up making connections that will help you and your band. Be positive, get involved.