Why do people do this?

Depth_Charge · #1 10-17-2007, 04:53 AM

A couple of times now I've answered ads by people looking for a bass player, only to have them immediately ask things of me such as "do you know any drummers" or "how many instruments do you think we need" or my pet hate, "if I get something organised, do you have somewhere we can jam"?

I never know what to say to these people really.

Seriously, if I wanted to worry about scouting for members or where to jam, I'd just start my own band and post an ad up for members, right?

Maybe I'm not a team player or I'm too harsh or my expectations are too high but I thought if someone is running an ad to form a band then they would have sorted the more basic logistics out...or am I just expecting too much?

Whine over

Dave Muscato · #2 10-17-2007, 04:59 AM

Ocean's full of fish... you gotta go through a lot of kelp before you get to the whale... good luck

*smb · #3 10-17-2007, 05:00 AM

At my age/as a student the first question is "so do you have a car?"

GreyBeard · #4 10-17-2007, 05:02 AM

Those ranks right up there with, "do you own any pa equipment?" or "do you own a van?"

MichaelVee · #5 10-17-2007, 05:39 AM

Dave, is that a graph (humorous or factual) of the average age of musicians in bands these days?

ElectrAcoustic · #6 10-17-2007, 06:31 AM

hmm, IMO if they are running an ad, they don't have a network of talent around them and will need more than just your thumping skills. I've put together a number of projects over the years and it seems I've always found the talent thru referrals and recommendations from other musicians & fans of music that know the players... You might want to try letting everyone you know in the area that you're looking to JOIN an existing band/project and ask if they know of anything coming together or anyone looking for a bass player.. Happy Hunting

chaosMK · #7 10-17-2007, 08:49 AM

It's hard to start up a project if you arent already well connected with your community of musicians. I'd ask the same questions if I needed other instrumentalists or didnt have a practice space.

deelybopper · #8 10-17-2007, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Depth_Charge

edited out whine:
Maybe I'm not a team player or I'm too harsh or my expectations are too high but I thought if someone is running an ad to form a band then they would have sorted the more basic logistics out...or am I just expecting too much?

Whine over

Maybe you expect too much, most musicians don't run a band like a business ...help em out mate

derrico1 · #9 10-17-2007, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElectrAcoustic

hmm, IMO if they are running an ad, they don't have a network of talent around them and will need more than just your thumping skills.

+1

I've known people to find players on CL and the like, but in those channels it's rare to find a competent leader who can put together a fully pro band, manage it reasonably well, and get gigs.

Put the word out with the working players that you know.

jwl · #10 10-17-2007, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Depth_Charge

A couple of times now I've answered ads by people looking for a bass player, only to have them immediately ask things of me such as "do you know any drummers" or "how many instruments do you think we need" or my pet hate, "if I get something organised, do you have somewhere we can jam"?

I never know what to say to these people really.

Seriously, if I wanted to worry about scouting for members or where to jam, I'd just start my own band and post an ad up for members, right?

Maybe I'm not a team player or I'm too harsh or my expectations are too high but I thought if someone is running an ad to form a band then they would have sorted the more basic logistics out...or am I just expecting too much?

Whine over

patience. it will happen, but somethings, you may have to make happen.

Dave Muscato · #11 10-17-2007, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelVee

Dave, is that a graph (humorous or factual) of the average age of musicians in bands these days?

Haha, actually, it's the average distribution of ACT scores (1-36 range)... but it is probably pretty close to the average age of musicians in bands, too

gjsven · #12 10-19-2007, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Depth_Charge

A couple of times now I've answered ads by people looking for a bass player, only to have them immediately ask things of me such as "do you know any drummers" or "how many instruments do you think we need" or my pet hate, "if I get something organised, do you have somewhere we can jam"?

I never know what to say to these people really.

Seriously, if I wanted to worry about scouting for members or where to jam, I'd just start my own band and post an ad up for members, right?

Maybe I'm not a team player or I'm too harsh or my expectations are too high but I thought if someone is running an ad to form a band then they would have sorted the more basic logistics out...or am I just expecting too much?

Whine over

Totally feel your pain - I suppose it depends on how they say it, but it sorta comes across as 'If we let you join our band, can you make it all work for us?'

My response would be 'If you're not organised enough to have those simple things covered or have processes in place for making them happen (eg doing some research on rehearsal studios), I'm not interested in wasting my effort on this band'.

Leadership is important and every band needs to have it, but workload must be shared, and in that regard those questions don't make a good impression!

tycobb73 · #13 10-19-2007, 10:16 AM

Who cares? You're looking. He's looking. Aren't yo going to ask the same questons of them? It changes anyways. I was dead set on a twin guitar attach. I was dead set on 2 guitarists. After auditioning forever they finally told me no more. So I gave in. Jam with people and see what comes your way. I put together a band without knowing anyone. These people probably are too.