Trying to gig again

casualmadness · #1 01-19-2010, 05:02 PM

This may not be the best place for this thread but I'm not sure where else it would work. So here goes...

I gigged regularly throughout my late teens and early twenties. Around mid'ish to late twenties, I decided I wanted to step away and pursue some other things in life. So I joined the Army, I got married, I went to graduate school, I traveled, I got a divorce, I did a lot of stuff. I kept playing bass and I continued learning new things and developing my technique. I just didn't do any gigging. Well, now I'm mid thirties and it's been a few years since I've done any serious gigging. But now I'm wanting to get back into it. So I've been reaching out to a lot of local acts who are advertising for bass players. I'm steering clear of the ads that start with..."we're all early 20's, you should be too." Because I'm mid thirties. I also steer clear of the ads for bass players to get together with the guys in someone's garage for a Saturday night beer fest. I'm no prude; I drink regularly. But I'm looking for something serious. I want to supplement my income.
Everyone always wants a short bio and some samples of work I've done. I have about five or six songs in my wheelhouse of bands I've played with in the past. IMHO, the music is all pretty good. And one of the bands got a little airplay and typically did very well in the clubs. But when I send the mp3s, no one ever gets back to me.
My theory? Most of the bands I've played with have been hard rock/metal bands. I'm reaching out to all bands and artists now because I'm just trying to get some work. Could it be that people are hearing the stuff I've done in the past and stereotyping me as a "metal" guy?
If so, anyone got any constructive advice on how to get at least an audition? If they won't call back because of some pre-conceived notion of who I am, how do I get them to let me try out?
Sorry for the novel. I'm just looking for some insight.

Stumbo · #2 01-19-2010, 07:46 PM

Maybe you could put your own ad out and state what you're goals are along with some of your influences and tunes you know.

I'd also be straight up about your experience like you stated in your post.

Maybe also straight out ask for an audition instead of send your older recordings.

jive1 · #3 01-19-2010, 08:00 PM

Having heard you play, I don't doubt that there's a band out there that could use your skills.

My suggestion is to hit the open mics and jams around town to showcase your stuff, live and in person. I find that open mics are just as good, if not better place to put bands together than ads.

EagleMoon · #4 01-19-2010, 08:52 PM

I ran into this too when I came back to music after a long hiatus. There are plenty of bands out there that are older, more experienced musicians, you just have to read a lot of ads. And the idea of putting out your own is a good idea as well. Try BandMix and similar sites where you can put up a profile.

bluewine · #5 01-19-2010, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumbo

Maybe you could put your own ad out and state what you're goals are along with some of your influences and tunes you know.

I'd also be straight up about your experience like you stated in your post.

Maybe also straight out ask for an audition instead of send your older recordings.

You might want to talk with blue

Stumbo · #6 01-20-2010, 12:00 AM

^^^^This.

casualmadness · #7 01-20-2010, 06:05 AM

Thanks for the replies so far. I've tried posting an ad on my local Craigslist. But I don't know how good CL is in terms of getting in the right bands. I went to college in the Nashville area and I recently spoke to an old college friend who is still there and he has been in the same band and on the gigging scene for years. He said that in Nashville, when people need musicians, it all comes down to word of mouth. He said no one even considers Craigslist or the Nashville Scene (local newspaper). When I was there and gigging, it was the same deal: word of mouth. So that makes me wonder about Seattle. Granted, I'm new in town (though this is my second time living here). So I don't know about my own local scene. I guess if the same hold's true for Seattle, I would wonder; how do you get into a scene that only looks to insiders?
Jong, I like your idea about the open mic thing. I had thought of that but I guess my attitude is that people want something recognizable at an open mic. Maybe I'm wrong? Or maybe I should work up some recognizable material and go hit some open mics.
Anyway, thanks again for the replies. Keep 'em coming!

tycobb73 · #8 01-20-2010, 07:30 AM

How long have you been looking? Let me tell you my scenerio

About 5 months ago I leave my band. Contact the lead singer that wanted to try out a month earlier. She asks if I need a rhythm guitar player as her husband plays it. Cool I say

We put ads up for a drummer and lead. I find them. Next weekend we meet to talk goals and get a list of a few songs to practice for the next weekend.

Day of the 1st pratice lead player says he's joined a working band. He has the PA so no practice.

I put out more ads for guitarists and its a few weeks til we can try someone out. We're about to try someone out when the drummer cancels practice as things got crazy at work. Next day he says he has to leave.

About this time original lead has decided things didn't work out with other band and he wants back in. Sure I say. We plan a practice for next weekend.

Next weekend comes around and his mother is in the hospital. Fair enough.

I get a couple interested drummers and set up another practice / auditon a couple weeks later. Tell everybody. Lead guitar doesn't respond to emails or calls. So we pick a drummer from the 2 that showed up and go from there.

While all this is going on, I'm talking to 2 other guitar players. 1 is 20, 1 is 55 and runs sound. I'm afraid of the 20 year old being under age and am kinda stalling him a bit as I want to try out the older gentlemen first. We set something up with the older gentlemen then he says he doesn't want to run sound from stage. If we can find a guitar player he'll run sound out front. And he sings and plays keys plus knows bar owners as his brother is in one of the bigger bands in the area and he used to be in a band. Ok, cool.

Young guy shows up to audition and it is obvious he hasn't done his homework. so we tell him you have over holiday break, learn the stuff + 3 times as much or we're going to pass. After a month break for the holidays he comes in and nails his stuff. He got the message. Cool.

At this point the soundman and I have exchanged probalby 20 emails. some of whch are hundreds upon hundreds of words long. With everyone else in place he is finally ready to meet us and we're off. This whole process probably took 5 months.

My point? These things take time.

::::BASSIST:::: · #9 01-20-2010, 08:02 AM

I've successfully put together bands off CL in two or three weeks. Maybe I've just been lucky or maybe its my location... not sure. I think part of the key is to put a setlist together that people want to play... or that they know can make money. I put a Doors tribute/cover band together within two weeks as people like the music and I presented a viable vision for the band with a clear path to success.

I also have put together 50s/60s style music bands together fairly easily. Another thing I do is focus on getting a singer/guitarist who has some good skills and know his sh*t. Singers who don't play an instrument, I have found, are alot harder to work with IME. Once you have the singer/guitarist chances are he already knows a large amount of songs. Add in a drummer with background vocals and presto you have a band. Once you are making progress in learning the setlist, you can add in other players as you feel is necessary. As to the bandleader role usually the singer/guitarist has strong opinions about his vision so I try work with him in a co-operative effort. Its important to find a guy that not only has the skills, but that you actually like as a person. Otherwise the experience can be miserable. The good news is is that there is a zillion singer/guitarists out there. You just have to find the right one for *you*.

This is for coverband type stuff. If you are talking about originals thats a whole new animal.

DudeistMonk · #10 01-20-2010, 10:44 AM

OP are you trying to play originals or covers?

At least in Jersey its real hard to get any band off the ground from scratch and after two years of playing outside the bassment I've come to the conclusion that its more trouble than its worth.

I pretty much avoid any band that isn't established. That leaves people who are replacing their bassists, which means gigging originals bands (most of whom want you to learn an absurd amount of material by ear just for an audition) and cover bands (who also want you to learn an absurd amount of material but at least you can find charts and the like and its not so grueling) If a band on CL doesn't want me to learn an absurd amount of material I can pretty much write them off as unprofessional in my experience so far.

So moral of the story, find a real good band and learn a lot of stuff rather than taking a bunch of "easy" auditions. Woodsheding will get you somewhere, auditioning every week with a bunch of people who can't play/show up/control their volume/stay somewhat sober won't.

Lastly I have better luck on CL when I post a bassist available ad then when I actively search, I find that a lot of replies go un-answered either because they already found a guy or are flakes ext. If I post all I have to do is sift through my mailbox each morning...I also used to post samples but now I put "samples upon request" because I can play a whole variety of styles and most of my samples are rough to say the least...the audition is my chance to prove I can play their stuff.

electracoyote · #11 01-20-2010, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by casualmadness

Could it be that people are hearing the stuff I've done in the past and stereotyping me as a "metal" guy?

Yep.

Quote:

If so, anyone got any constructive advice on how to get at least an audition? If they won't call back because of some pre-conceived notion of who I am, how do I get them to let me try out?

Communication is the key. You have to get a conversation going and let these bands know you play a wide variety of genres, and you play them well.

I just joined a band after a 20 year lay-off. We are actually three bands in one; headbanger rock, dance pop/rock/funk, and blues. I know this band auditioned around 10 players, some of the better cats in town. I got the gig.

If they don't even want to open a dialog with you and talk about your abilities and experience, maybe it's not a good opportunity after all.

Keep plugging away, and best of luck to you.

bluewine · #12 01-20-2010, 11:29 AM

Yes, I think it is important to know what your looking for.Are you lookingt o join a band with representation and solid bookings? Jam band? Project?

And what kind of music, I don't know how old you are but that might be a factor.

As for CL, in my area, maybe 1 out of 20 ads might be a legit band, the rest are wannabes and some dude that just thinks he can start a band.

Lots to consider.

Blue

jgroh · #13 01-20-2010, 11:43 AM

I have a similar story as yours. Played heavily in bands up until my mid twenties then finished school, got a job, house, wife, kids, etc. I played at home just messing around but didnt play with anyone else. A few years ago I decided I wanted to play again so I went through all the CL and bandmix ads there were in my area. I "tried out" a couple of bands, but nothing worked. Eventually, the drummer and two guitarists from my current band contacted me, and in time we added a killer keys guy, and awesome singer.

I guess the moral of my story is that it takes time (like others here have already said)

jive1 · #14 01-20-2010, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by casualmadness

Jong, I like your idea about the open mic thing. I had thought of that but I guess my attitude is that people want something recognizable at an open mic. Maybe I'm wrong? Or maybe I should work up some recognizable material and go hit some open mics.

Open mics vary, but most of them seem to be Blues Jams. So if you can play some 12 bar grooves, you should be fine.

I prefer the open mics over ads. You can see how the person performs, and get some idea of their personality. Two things you can't get from an ad.

klokker · #15 01-20-2010, 04:42 PM

Having just found my own gig, (I'm 52) I'll say this. About 70% of the ads you see are BS.

All the bands that wanted something to listen to and gave me a playlist and all that?...........BS. I learned 30 songs and never met a soul.

Finally I answered an ad, and the guy says, "come over in a couple of days and we'll play". I just showed up cold and it worked. They had books of covers and all kinds of original stuff. We all turned out to be similar in age, kids etc.

The whole thing is nuts. There is no pattern. You just do the best you can and someday it just works for no particular reason.

casualmadness · #16 01-20-2010, 09:07 PM

Once again, I appreciate the replies. I know that this does take time. And granted, I am not being as patient as I should be. Someone asked about what I was looking for. Honestly? A paying gig. I just started a business a few months back and I really want to gig for two reasons. One reason is because I always loved gigging and I miss it. But the main reason is I want to supplement my income. I realize there isn't a lot of cash in it but I gigged a lot in college and I did ok. Sure I was poor but I had money for bills and most of it came from gigging.
I would prefer an original band but a working cover band would be great too...actually; I would prefer both. Ideally, I could work in two or three different projects. But at the moment I would be delighted with one.
One band actually did write back today and ask for a ton of information. (bio, pictures, mp3s of past work, several questions, etc). So I typed it all out this morning and dug out some old mp3s of the last three or four bands I played with. I sent all the stuff and came home tonight to find that they are asking if I'm doing any vox on any of the stuff I sent and they wanted to know about my gear. So I feel like that's a step in the right direction.
I know that I need to be patient and I remember what a grueling process it is. I'm just trying to get out there ASAP and start playing again.

klokker · #17 01-21-2010, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by casualmadness

Once again, I appreciate the replies. I know that this does take time. And granted, I am not being as patient as I should be. Someone asked about what I was looking for. Honestly? A paying gig. I just started a business a few months back and I really want to gig for two reasons. One reason is because I always loved gigging and I miss it. But the main reason is I want to supplement my income. I realize there isn't a lot of cash in it but I gigged a lot in college and I did ok. Sure I was poor but I had money for bills and most of it came from gigging.
I would prefer an original band but a working cover band would be great too...actually; I would prefer both. Ideally, I could work in two or three different projects. But at the moment I would be delighted with one.
One band actually did write back today and ask for a ton of information. (bio, pictures, mp3s of past work, several questions, etc). So I typed it all out this morning and dug out some old mp3s of the last three or four bands I played with. I sent all the stuff and came home tonight to find that they are asking if I'm doing any vox on any of the stuff I sent and they wanted to know about my gear. So I feel like that's a step in the right direction.
I know that I need to be patient and I remember what a grueling process it is. I'm just trying to get out there ASAP and start playing again.

All the best to you. From my experience persistance and a good sense of humor are your best allies. That a band forms at all from my point of view is a miracle.

I wouldn't be afraid to BS a little either. Tell 'em what they want to hear. I padded my resume a bit and flat lied about how long I had been playing to get in the door. I knew I could play good enough.

Let them make their decision on your playing. Again, easy to say this stuff......good luck.

FranR · #18 01-21-2010, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by casualmadness

they are asking if I'm doing any vox on any of the stuff I sent

I'm not familiar with that expression. What does it mean?

EagleMoon · #19 01-21-2010, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FranR

I'm not familiar with that expression. What does it mean?

Vox is short for vocals.

Passinwind · #20 01-21-2010, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by casualmadness

Thanks for the replies so far. I've tried posting an ad on my local Craigslist. But I don't know how good CL is in terms of getting in the right bands. I went to college in the Nashville area and I recently spoke to an old college friend who is still there and he has been in the same band and on the gigging scene for years. He said that in Nashville, when people need musicians, it all comes down to word of mouth. He said no one even considers Craigslist or the Nashville Scene (local newspaper). When I was there and gigging, it was the same deal: word of mouth. So that makes me wonder about Seattle. Granted, I'm new in town (though this is my second time living here). So I don't know about my own local scene. I guess if the same hold's true for Seattle, I would wonder; how do you get into a scene that only looks to insiders?J

Become an insider? Did you go to the recent Talkbass Seattle GTG? That could be a good start, there are some great guys in that group.

When I moved to Seattle (mid-80s) I had to take a chance on a young, unproven band to get my foot in the door. Some of those bands ended up doing pretty well, and even the rather casual one I was with had plenty of nice gigs. If I had stuck around up there it would've been really easy to find another band based on my body of work with the first one.

Best of luck, hope to check out your place on the Ave. next time I get up there.