Need some tips

Joshuadriller · #1 09-06-2011, 11:16 PM

So I need some tips for starting a band, I would consider myself very dedicated to playing bass ( seeing as, I want to become a gigging musician). The problem is I don't know anyone who is dedicated to music like I am. I'm not trying to be arrogant at all, I'm just having difficulties finding people that put a lot of time into there music, and not just "knowing" how to play guitar or drums on top of everything else they do. Does anyone have any tips as to where I can meet new people and start a group that might turn into something successful? Any tips or suggestions help.
-Thanks

bolophonic · #2 09-06-2011, 11:20 PM

There is so much information missing here... your profile is blank, we don't know if you live in a city or way out in the sticks, for example. What kind of music are we talking about and what is your experience level?

Joshuadriller · #3 09-07-2011, 12:23 AM

I apologize..
I live in downtown kansas city (the music scene is really lively, lots of places to play.. I just don't have anyone to play with.)
I want to play indie/folk music that is both easy to listen to, and all around great quality music.
And I have been playing for a little over 5 years.

bassbully · #4 09-07-2011, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshuadriller

I apologize..
I live in downtown kansas city (the music scene is really lively, lots of places to play.. I just don't have anyone to play with.)
I want to play indie/folk music that is both easy to listen to, and all around great quality music.
And I have been playing for a little over 5 years.

I play in an indie/folk band and its a hoot. You need to know what sound you are going for and players. Mando,steel,banjo,fiddle etc. Those players are a bit tougher to find sometimes. Are you covering songs or writing your own? Is this a local giging band? touring down the line? Lay out what you want and start running ads on craigslist, local shops etc.

jive1 · #5 09-07-2011, 08:34 AM

In the long run, look for players you like working with, moreso than a band.

Network, network, and then network some more.
Go to shows, open mics, and places where musicians hang out. And even if you're not somewhere you expect there to be musicians, don't be afraid to talk about your music. I met a drummer who overheard me talking about bass at a restaurant, and I have met three excellent drummers at the IT company I work for.

Jam out, jam out, and jam out some more.
After you meet people jam with them. Even if they don't meet your criteria at the moment, they may in the future. Use your time well, but don't be too quick to dismiss someone as a waste of time. You just never know.

And when you think you're going nowhere, persist, persist, and then persist some more. It takes a while to get established as a band or player. I'm not talking months, I'm talking years. It's not a sprint, it's not a marathon, it's a very long obstacle course.

Joshuadriller · #6 09-07-2011, 10:39 AM

I would like to start writing original songs, and do some local gigging.... Then somewhere down the road, go on tour.

Joshuadriller · #7 09-07-2011, 04:42 PM

Thanks for all the advice everyone!! If anyone has anymore tips please let me know

Pilgrim · #8 09-07-2011, 04:51 PM

When you recruit, tell people what you want to do and what your goals are. You owe it to them to be as clear as possible.

For example: I DO NOT want to play out every weekend - I don't have time. I have no interest in a band that plays out more than once a month. This is something I have been very clear about to my band members, and they're all in agreement.

And as Jive1 noted, the personalities are more important than ultimate skill. Recruit people who you enjoy playing with - if not, they will make life unpleasant and frustrating.

Third, don't be condescending. Suggesting to others that they may not be as "dedicated to music" as you are will definitely come off as arrogant. There are other ways to advance the topic and learn what their interests are.

Joshuadriller · #9 09-07-2011, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

When you recruit, tell people what you want to do and what your goals are. You owe it to them to be as clear as possible.

For example: I DO NOT want to play out every weekend - I don't have time. I have no interest in a band that plays out more than once a month. This is something I have been very clear about to my band members, and they're all in agreement.

And as Jive1 noted, the personalities are more important than ultimate skill. Recruit people who you enjoy playing with - if not, they will make life unpleasant and frustrating.

Third, don't be condescending. Suggesting to others that they may not be as "dedicated to music" as you are will definitely come off as arrogant. There are other ways to advance the topic and learn what their interests are.

Yeah I understand what you're saying. As far as the dedication to music goes... I would never in my life tell somebody that they aren't dedicated to music, because I understand a lot of people are just flat out busy.. Even if they ARE good at guitar, drums, or anything else... These people have lives too. I should rephrase that statement and specify that I'm looking for someone who is talented with their instrument and also looking to succeed in a band... So I guess you could say I'm looking for someone who would be dedicated to seeing the band prosper. I'm not the best bassist in the world, but I realize there is always room for improvement and with that in mind I'm always trying to work towards it.

Joshuadriller · #10 09-07-2011, 09:53 PM

.....that sounded arrogant again...... Dang it

Stumbo · #11 09-07-2011, 11:51 PM

Check out the >500 link in my sig. below. Lots of good info on being in a band.
Good luck.

AwkwardLoudness · #12 09-08-2011, 08:44 AM

Post on CraigsList in the 'musicians' sections, put flyers at some of the local music stores if they have any bulletin boards, and find some open jams. You'll meet other musicians, but it may take time to find ones who will gel with you band-wise.

It would be prudent to state your location, availability schedule, if you want to play covers and/or originals, whether or not you have transportation or rehearsal space, and any factors that may be unique to your situation. If you can, post a link to a recording of yourself palying bass.

HeadyVan Halen · #13 09-08-2011, 08:59 AM

Most successful people are arrogant.
I'm not arrogant enough.
As long as it's managed and backed-up, arrogance is a tool if used wisely.

RustyAxe · #14 09-08-2011, 10:04 AM

"Jive1" ain't talkin' jive. I've read Jive1's posts here and he's usually right on the money. There's no straight and quick path to your ultimate goals. You won't find yourself instantly in a working band of dedicated musicians by trying to manufacture one from nothing. Get out, meet others who play. Open mics and open jams are great networking opportunities. You'll learn who the players are, and who the posers are. You'll play with some horrid players, but every now and then you'll meet someone with whom your music, personality, and attitudes about music seem to click.

I've been playing for 45+ years (yeah, I'm a geezer) and never been in a band that was formed from a CL or other ad ... it's always been by forming and maintaining relationships (musical and personal) within the circle in which I travel. Gigs, venues, contacts, musicians, band openings, etc ...

bluewine · #15 09-08-2011, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshuadriller

So I need some tips for starting a band, I would consider myself very dedicated to playing bass ( seeing as, I want to become a gigging musician). The problem is I don't know anyone who is dedicated to music like I am. I'm not trying to be arrogant at all, I'm just having difficulties finding people that put a lot of time into there music, and not just "knowing" how to play guitar or drums on top of everything else they do. Does anyone have any tips as to where I can meet new people and start a group that might turn into something successful? Any tips or suggestions help.
-Thanks

I am going out on a limb here and go with the fact that I think your a younger cat.

It ticks me off (if your younger) that it's hard for you cats to find other cats to play with. Back in my day, 60s & 70s, everybody played an instrument and it was easy to find people to play with, most of the time they would find you.

The days of it being super cool to be in a band have been over for decades.

Marko5657 · #16 09-08-2011, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumbo

Check out the >500 link in my sig. below. Lots of good info on being in a band.
Good luck.

Stumbo… I don’t know how often, or even if anyone mentions it, but you’re a very valuable and helpful member of this forum.

Just something I've been wanting to say.

Joshuadriller · #17 09-08-2011, 08:15 PM

Yeah I'm 18. My passion is playing music (that's currently what I'm going to college for.) I would love to become a gigging musician, but like I said before.. It's very difficult to find people that have time to play.

Thanks everyone for advice it is very helpful!