Is this normal?

[cassanova]

I've been noticing a trend lately. It seems that when I reply to ad's posted by working bands I ask them 3 very simple questions.

This is exactly what I asked in the last one:

1. Would you please email me a copy of your entire song list? This will help me know right off the bat if I’ll be a good fit for you and avoid wasting your time if I don’t think I will be.

2. If hired, what would I be paid for the gig(s)?

3. How many gigs do you have line up and how often to you want to play out?

The reply I got didn't include any of the information I requested. In actuality I usually don't get a reply from people when I ask them this stuff.

The reply I got was:

"There are probably a few things to discuss. We have had a great response to the ad on Craigslist, and have had some auditions. We are auditioning more today. Please call me so we can talk further"

Would it really have been that difficult to answer these questions in the email? I like knowing these things before ever talking to them on the telephone. This is how I do it with freelance gigs, I find out how much it pays and get a copy of the list and if I like what I see, I call them.

I can't help but wonder if these guys are just average clowns that have maybe one gig lined up at the local dive that pays $25 to $50 a night and hardly gig out.

[puddin tame]

If they're busy with a lot of auditions they're not going to want to type all that up for one of the fifteen bass players that applied

[jazzblade]

IMHO Could be that they want to talk to you because there is so much BS sent in e-mails.(over-stating skills etc.)

We all know that after talking to someone on the phone, we get a better idea about how the person on the other end is and, if they might 'FIT" in with the rest of the members. It's like a first (Edit) PHONE interview before they decide to have you come in and spend some of their time with you.



Edit: Meant Phone interview.

[capnsandwich]

They may be bands just starting out so they may not have much of a song list built up. They may not have any gigs lined up for the same reason. Yeah, you may have some legit questions for an established band, but for a band just being formed or just starting out it may help to be flexible in their requests. You may find a good band to make some money with. It may take some work and some time but could be worth it in the end.

[tycobb73]

I can talk faster than I can check and write emails. If you can't return my phone call I'm moving on.

[LaklandBass]

Phone calls are professional.

[cassanova]

Originally Posted by capnsandwich

They may be bands just starting out so they may not have much of a song list built up. They may not have any gigs lined up for the same reason. Yeah, you may have some legit questions for an established band, but for a band just being formed or just starting out it may help to be flexible in their requests. You may find a good band to make some money with. It may take some work and some time but could be worth it in the end.

Here's what the ad said.
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/muc/1944952367.html

"Experienced bass player needed IMMEDIATELY for WORKING 80's dance rock cover band. Gigs already on the books. Must be able to learn 40+ songs in less than 3 weeks.Lead vocals not required, but helpful. Backup vocals a must. Artists include STYX, Journey, Boston, Huey Lewis, Springsteen, Mellancamp and others. SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY!! This is a PROFESSIONAL GROUP."

I'm thinking if they're a working band and as professional as he's trying to make it sound then he wouldn't have any problems answering at least the questions about how much the gigs pay and how often they are playing out.

I suppose I should call him despite having a strong gut feeling they're not going to meet my expectations, especially on the pay rate.

[capnsandwich]

Originally Posted by cassanova

Here's what the ad said.
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/muc/1944952367.html

"Experienced bass player needed IMMEDIATELY for WORKING 80's dance rock cover band. Gigs already on the books. Must be able to learn 40+ songs in less than 3 weeks.Lead vocals not required, but helpful. Backup vocals a must. Artists include STYX, Journey, Boston, Huey Lewis, Springsteen, Mellancamp and others. SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY!! This is a PROFESSIONAL GROUP."

I'm thinking if they're a working band and as professional as he's trying to make it sound then he wouldn't have any problems answering at least the questions about how much the gigs pay and how often they are playing out.

I suppose I should call him despite having a strong gut feeling they're not going to meet my expectations, especially on the pay rate.

It depends on the town and the scene as to what to expect as payment. However, the CL listing tells me they're active and should have a set list to let you in on. Give them a thought but if nothing else, move on. Give them one last email for a spot for an audition. It's worth a try IMO.

[James Hart]

Originally Posted by cassanova

I'm thinking if they're a working band and as professional as he's trying to make it sound then he wouldn't have any problems answering at least the questions about how much the gigs pay and how often they are playing out.

His reply should have been an attached set list, average and minimum cut based on cheapest they will book for and range they made in the last few gigs and at least their next 60 day gig schedule.

If that wasn't an easy response, than either the 'manager' is the old bassist or the ad is BS.

[BrickBatMansion]

Originally Posted by James Hart

His reply should have been an attached set list, average and minimum cut based on cheapest they will book for and range they made in the last few gigs and at least their next 60 day gig schedule.

If that wasn't an easy response, than either the 'manager' is the old bassist or the ad is BS.

this

[BrickBatMansion]

these are not hard questions, unless somebody is lying.

[cassanova]

Originally Posted by James Hart

His reply should have been an attached set list, average and minimum cut based on cheapest they will book for and range they made in the last few gigs and at least their next 60 day gig schedule.

That is pretty much what I thought too. Simple questions, that are perfectly acceptable to ask via email before even talking to anyone on the phone. It prevents the both of us from wasting our time.

I googled the bands name and it brought to their facebook page. Now if what I read on there is actually true, they are booked pretty much every Friday/Saturday (minus a weekend or 2 where they only play one date) from September 25th through Oct 16. Then the next is November 5th/6th, are off until Friday Dec 11 and 12th. The page also showed the venues they're playing. I've been to one of them. Though it's a fairly nice bar on the inside, it's still what most would consider a dive and I'm certain they don't pay well. I've done fill in work at the other venue for their former house band. They used to pay well, but from what I've heard from people that recently played there is they don't pay well anymore. I'm now honestly thinking that this guy didn't answer my questions because he's going to try and "sugar coat" things a bit by implying they're working on getting better paying gigs and what not. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.

I did try to call him tonight but got no answer. Hell man, it never even went to voice mail and I let it ring an ample amount of times. (at least 6.) So I replied to his email informing him "I just tried to call you but got no answer, my number is XXX-XXXX."

Maybe I'm way too impatient, but this is already becoming too much a hassle for me.

BTW, he's not an old bassist. He's a keyboardist. I dunno if I'd call him old, but he's at least my age or older.

[capnsandwich]

Originally Posted by cassanova

Cap, as per his email to me "There are probably a few things to discuss. Please call me so we can talk further."

I googled the bands name and it took me to their facebook page. Fortunately, the guy has their schedule listed on it. They do have gigs booked pretty much every Friday/Saturday (minus a weekend or 2 where they only play one date) from September 25th through Oct 16. Then the next is November 5th/6th, are off until Friday Dec 11 and 12th.

Most of their gigs are at a place called the Pickled Parrot. It's basically a dive and I'm almost certain that the venue doesn't pay much. They do however, play a place called the reef. I've done fill in work for the house band that used to be there and I know they used to pay that band fairly well. I haven't played there in ages though and from what my brother tells me they don't pay bands much either anymore, so I dunno.

They also had video clips on their page and I wasn't that impressed with what I heard. I also didn't notice any type of PA but that doesn't mean they don't use one. If they don't use PA support then I'd be of no use to them. My only amps are a 200 watt 2x10 Genz Benz combo and 75 watt 1x15 Peavey TKO combo.

Nonetheless, I just tried calling him and got no answer. I was going to leave a message but it never even went to voice mail.

A one on one phone conversation should be the next step but if you don't get the info you want or still feel uneasy about it, let it go and move on to something better. Sounds to me like it's BS. No need to upgrade your gear for a sub-$100 gig per night. That's exactly what it sounds like.

[James Hart]

Originally Posted by cassanova

BTW, he's not an old bassist. He's a keyboardist. I dunno if I'd call him old, but he's at least my age or older.

LOL... I meant that maybe the guy who managed the band is the dude you are replacing

Good luck! Sounds like a cool gig if it's legit.

[cassanova]

Originally Posted by capnsandwich

A one on one phone conversation should be the next step but if you don't get the info you want or still feel uneasy about it, let it go and move on to something better. Sounds to me like it's BS. No need to upgrade your gear for a sub-$100 gig per night. That's exactly what it sounds like.

No worries there. I wasn't planning on upgrading my gear for these guys. I usually won't touch a job unless it pays $125. I'm out of work since June though, so I might be willing to compromise on that aspect of things just to put some cash in my pocket. Even that's going to have either a $50 or $75 minimum pay requirement and I'm leaning more towards $75.

[LiquidMidnight]

I'm a trained typist, so answering Cassanova's three questions would have only taken me a couple of minutes. For someone who hunts and pecks, it's still lame not to reply. It's nice to talk to people on the phone, but my time is valuable; therefore, I don't have time to waste on the phone with every garage band in the county. If the ad is online, I like the reply to have some info on the band other than, "Hey, we're a band looking for a bass player, get a hold of me."

I don't think there's anything wrong with Cassanova's questions.

[Joe Nerve]

Sorry, but I disagree with the majority of responses here. I can completely understand the band not getting back to you. Many reasons including the already mentioned fact that they probably had a lot of responses and would go with the easiest to respond to first.

Fer starters, IMO your requests seem cold and definitive. I would think answering your questions would probably be a waste of time as your tone sounds as though if it doesn't meet your requirements then they're wasting their time.

They already gave a general idea in their ad of what they play. Either you're familiar with that material or not. They also state in their ad that they want you to be able to learn 40+ songs in 3 weeks. Doesn't look to me like they care whether the songs are in your repertoir or not. If you feel the need to already know them all, then you're not right for the gig anyhow.

Asking how much you would be paid for the gig the way you did seems unprofessional to me. It's a cover band. The gigs vary. Sounds to me like you're expecting a set payment for each gig.

The tone of your questions also seems as though your saying answer my questions and I'll get back to you to let you know if you're worthy of my experience. Like you're auditioning them, as opposed to them auditioning you. The questions are legit, I'd ask them if talking with the band, but I wouldn't hit them with it in a first response email the way you did. Seems to me almost like meeting a girl and saying what are your plans for sex, marriage, and children in your second sentence.

Most importantly, they left a number. Your questions could easily be answered in a quick phone call. I think that a confident person who is truly interested in the gig would call, talk to a human, get a feel for what they're about, and ask questions. If there's a number I always call. Their leaving it tells me it's their preference. Wouldn't you agree?

[duderasta]

Originally Posted by cassanova

Here's what the ad said.
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/muc/1944952367.html

That's the problem Tampa CL !!!! This town has become a lousy market especially for rock bands. And, the CL musician's section really bites.

This town was really kickin' in the late eighties and early 90's, some great bands and really cool venues. Right now we are in CL hell trying to find vocals. Not fun!

OTOH the ad clearly states to call!

[Waterpilot]

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

Fer starters, IMO your requests seem cold and definitive.

+1 That was my reaction when I read the initial post. I can't say why exactly but I'm not sure I would have even responded back to that...

Maybe it's normal (I'm a bit ignorant to professional gigs), but the questions you ask seem a little sensitive to just answer every time someone asks them in an e-mail. Hence the need to probably talk on the phone. At least that way they know you're a list kinda serious and not just fishing for information...

[JohnMCA72]

Here's an idea: Ask them to send you the set list with the expectation that you'll have it all down when you audition.