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How do I find a new band, or start meeting other like minded musicians in my area?

Poor Tom

Poor Tom

Apr 12, 2008
612
1
39
Palm Harbor, Florida
#1
Hi everyone, I am pretty new this all. This might come off as cliche, or cheesy, or even like a joke, but it isn't. I haven't been playing bass for too long, but when I picked it up, it was with the intention to make a career for myself with music. I am 21 years old and after way too many years in school, I finally found my passion, the thing that I want to pour my heart and soul into: Playing Music!

I am in a band with some friends right now, but we aren't going anywhere. My singer/guitarist knows zero music theory, and my drummer is a little too spacey. They both have years and years of playing experience under their belts, but I (having been playing for less than a year now) feel like I have way more passion about it. I am not saying I want to be a jerk and just quit the band because I know it is better than nothing right now, but I really want to find other people that I can play with additionally.

As musicians, I hope you all can relate to me that you want to find people to play with that have the same "mindset" you have about music. The same passion for perfection and want to create something to truly be proud of. And the want to share it with the world.(This is my "mindset")

How do I go about finding people like me? How do I get myself to start getting "known" as a local musician, one that people will want to call on? I know that sitting at home isn't going to get me what I want, but I am a little apprehensive and have no clue where to begin.

I hope this was the right place to post this, and that I can get some good feedback. Thanks TB!
 
#2
I gave up trying to be a professional musician a long time ago. I suspect a lot of people followed a similar path in their musical life, so I'll share the bare bones outline with you.

Started playing with a lot of passion not a lot of talent.

Tried to figure out how to pay my bills making music.

Was disappointed when band mates thought I wasn't being realistic.

Realized I wasn't being realistic.

Got depressed and didn't play for a while.

Picked the instrument back up and re-discovered what a fulfilling hobby music can be when you don't ruin it trying to make money.

Don't flame me here, I'm not saying it can't be done. I'm sure a lot of you do it. But it is hard and very few people can make it work.

If your band doesn't work for you, find something else. To find more people who have your passion and dedication, take out an ad in you local paper, hang out at the local music store, post on craigslist and myspace. I don't think there are any tricks to this part of being a musician. It just takes a lot of time and a large social network.
 
#3
If your not already, you should be checking these ads daily:
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I'd also suggest you keep posting your own "Bassist seeking band or musicians" ad on both of these sites until you find a band situation you really like. (just word your ads in a positive upbeat manor and be honest about your current playing skills and your desire to find others with a similar "mindset" as you)

In a big town like yours you shouldn't have much trouble finding a band you really love.
 
#4
get heard, play at every opportunity, and have a "normal" job to back you up to start with because you're not going to earn enough until you are well known.

also work on your people skills (not saying yours are bad i've never met you so can't tell) but you need to be a really nice guy that people want to play with.

Bow down to the musicians that are working with you, but be creative, listen and adapt to what they want, but keep you mind going and embellish they're idea's where you can/should.

meet new people and find out if they are musicians, if they are jam with them, even if they turn out to be rubbish, they'll realize your talent if you have it and will spread the word.
 
#5
Welcome to the orlando music scene. If you can't tell by now, it's pretty ******.

I've had good luck on craigslist. Formed a cover band super group that had a good run. Now I found a good project and I'm running with that. If you want to break through professionally, this isn't the place to do it. The only people who come close to making a living here with music play in cover bands pretty much every night of the week at upscale restaurants. That market is pretty saturated now...
 
#7
The catch-22 is you get known/seen by being out playing in bands. Once you're hooked up with a good band, those guys know other good guys, and introduce you. Other good players will come to see your band, and say hi. When you go to see them play, you say hi, and they introduce you to the rest of their band.
 

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