Start-up bands. Would you join one?

[Busker]

I see ads all the time from musicians looking for a band, "no start-up bands please", or "working bands only". They obviously do not want to start from scratch, do too many rehearsals, etc. Makes sense.

I'm in one and we're starting our 4th month of rehearsals. We've missed several rehearsals due to having other things going on and we're not that close to being gig-ready. Its as much my fault as everyone else's. We have about 41 songs so far, but many of them we'll have to re-familiarize ourselves with since we haven't played them in a while.

[Thunderthumbs73]

Originally Posted by Busker

I see ads all the time from musicians looking for a band, "no start-up bands please", or "working bands only". They obviously do not want to start from scratch, do too many rehearsals, etc. Makes sense.

I'm in one and we're starting our 4th month of rehearsals. We've missed several rehearsals due to having other things going on and we're not that close to being gig-ready. Its as much my fault as everyone else's. We have about 41 songs so far, but many of them we'll have to re-familiarize ourselves with since we haven't played them in a while.

Would I join a start up? Maybe. If I was not familiar with the genre of music and wanted to get experience in it, or if I was not familiar with the songs, I might join a start up. A jazz band that played bop tunes at burning tempos or some group that required a high level of technical proficiency, such as a Return to Forever tribute band. That would be a start up potential for me.

Otherwise, probably not. While I recognize I always have something to learn and can always improve, I'm far enough along in my own musicianship and playing that my best use of time and what is most suitable for me is bands that are on the cusp of playing out, only needing a bassist to move to the stage in the immediately, or (much preferred) those established groups already playing out on a consistent basis.

I've started up two of my own groups, however, 3 years ago, and they're still going...

[QORC]

Originally Posted by Busker

I see ads all the time from musicians looking for a band, "no start-up bands please", or "working bands only". They obviously do not want to start from scratch, do too many rehearsals, etc. Makes sense.

I'm in one and we're starting our 4th month of rehearsals. We've missed several rehearsals due to having other things going on and we're not that close to being gig-ready. Its as much my fault as everyone else's. We have about 41 songs so far, but many of them we'll have to re-familiarize ourselves with since we haven't played them in a while.

I've put this in my ads. I'm not interested in start-ups.

It's not snobbery. It's just that most start-up situations never get past being merely a start-up. My guess is that 75% or more fail before doing their second gig, if they even get one. They rarely have their crap together, rarely have the needed PA and gear, know who they want to be, have a solid set list, a name, etc. Most are just a bunch of folks getting together without a focus.

I'm too old to deal in such speculative ventures. I'm too old to devote 6 months working with a start-up band before maybe you get your first gig. I can so much more easily catch up with the set-list of a band who already has songs, a name, a focus, a way of doing things, PA and gear, management and gigs.

Your own post proves my point. 4 months rehearsing and you're not really anywhere. To me, given the plethora of bands already gigging who need bassists out there, is mostly a waste of my time.

For me, it's more than a preference. it's a necessity. Start-ups? No thank you.

[buzzbass]

@ 41 songs, I'd think you guys are pretty much ready to get out there.

[Deacon_Blues]

With the experience I have now: No, I wouldn't join a band starting up, unless all members in the band (including myself) know each other from before, have at least some years of experience playing in bands, have a professional attitude and have a common goal with the band. Sort of...

[BassAxe]

I'm tired of playing other peoples' music. For the most part, bands around where I live are a take-what-you-can-get situation for bassists. I've been in cover bands and I have been in bands playing originals, mostly songs written by a guitar-playing singer/songwriter.

I have loads of my own original compositions which I want to work on, to get out there for others to hear.

I would love to be in a start-up situation which forms much like how Bela Fleck and the Flecktones started: Kinda like a musical potluck of talented musicians each bringing their own thing to the table. No one telling anyone else what to play. Just throw something out there and see what the others can add to it. No drama about someone not feeling the lyrics written by another band member or a singer who just can't sing in that key.

Maybe it will never pay, but there's music of my own within me, music which is struggling to get out. Yes, I would love to join or BE a start-up, but it would have to be the right kind of thing.

[rcfs1834]

I joined a startup band recently and it's actually quite fun. If we could get the drummer situation worked out soon I'd say we could be gig ready in a month. We're really trying play mostly originals but we're throwing a few covers to keep it rolling.

I can see if I were interested in joining a "covers only" band or just into being a hired gun, I'd prefer to join a band that is currently gigging. But I find it fun to be part of the creative process, writing songs and collaborating with band mates. If you get into an originals band that is gigging and established, the songs are already written and the guys writing the songs don't want input from a new band member, usually. I like getting into projects on the ground floor.

Now I agree with what QORC stated that startup bands usually implode after just one or two gigs, if they get any gigs at all. But being in a startup band is like being in a startup business, if you don't have a vision/plan you'll most likely fail.

[VisualShock]

sounds like my band! except for the 41 songs bit...
we have a rythm guitard/singer and he sticks to playing guitar rather than singing, and as noone in my band can write lyrics he gets away with not singing. and as for covers "learn this for next week" and then we next play it

[T-MOST]

I would definately join a start up " Jazz cover" band with guys I know.We can sprinkle an original here and there but an all original band doesn't appeal to me. ( I'm not trying to "make it" at this point) Unless the band is full of rank amatuers I don't see the problem. Of course you have to learn 20 songs to start gigging but again if you all can play thats only about a month of rehearsal time.

[baba]

No startups. I'm very busy, my time is precious, I want to gig and get paid.

[tycobb73]

I started one.

[derrico1]

Yeah, I'd do it, but only if the band could learn 12-20 tunes per week and own them--getting ready to gig in about a month.

I just can't get behind pouring time into a band that's going to rehearse more than it gigs.

[Phalex]

Originally Posted by tycobb73

I started one.

And they're giggin too!

[punkbassistfc]

truth is, a lot of people dont want the headaches involved in getting a band to where they may have already been before. I am still in my first band which i started almost 4 years ago. There is nothing more satisfying then starting your own band and reaching small goals that you set along the way.

[rappa29]

Original music start up band - absolutely, always welcome and enjoy brand new ideas, visions and creative exchange and meeting new musicians. Whether it's for potential gigging or just a one off recording project.

Cover music start up band - probably not. I don't have the energy or time to learn 40+ covers then do the legwork to get gigs as the 'new cover band' on the block.

[winstonthecat]

I joined a start-up cover band last year, and it has been mostly useless. We played one gig in October, and then went through rotating 2nd guitarists, until our main guitarist (and band leader) quit.

I've since joined another, more extablished band, and now have a few gigs under our belt, with more booked. I'm still playing with the original group, auditioning for 2 guitarists. I've kept with them mostly because they or OK people, but I don't really expect it to go anywhere.

This was my 1st venture into the band scene (at age 47), and if I had to do it again, I would have been more choosy.

[neuromancer]

Although not my ideal situation, I would be more than happy to join a start-up band if they had the material and other elements (chemistry, personality of band members, work ethic, professionalism, their respect for the bass as an instrument, and the list goes on...) that I feel are important to a band's success, absolutely.

Of course, in the example of a cover band above, I'd probably need quite a bit of time to get 40+ songs down given my work schedule...but again, given the right comination of elements I'd still consider it.

[ryco]

It would depend on the players and the situation.

But for the most part; yeah, I'd do a start up.

[ThunderLizard]

Busker-
I'd only join a start-up band if there was an established frontman who already had some work booked. But that's just me; I haven't had a lot of luck with them.
Start-ups bands are like most businesses; 75-80% fail in the first year.
Doesn't mean you shouldn't do it....a bassplayer needs to be playing with other folks. But there are lots of bands looking for us. Let one of them find you.

[eotpr]

I have and made money in them. They just need to be organized and heading the right direction. They need dedication and you about have to pick a date and book a gig to push everyone to get ready for it.