Can you be to picky when looking for a band?

[wazzel]

I am currently looking for my post kids band. Had one audition that went well, but turned it down since it was classic rock. I have another on the books, but will probably back out since it is metal. I know what I would like to do, radio friendly alternative music from the 80's and 90's, but I can not find an opening. Should I just take a gig, or wait it out. Neither of the bands I mentioned are actually gigging now.

 

[LBS-bass]

I don't think it's bad to be picky, but sometimes it depends on how badly you want to get out there and play. The more you get out there the more you'll be seen by other players who might like what you do.

I would not join a band with material I thought was stale or unappealing, but I would also avoid auditioning for those bands. You might end up having to put together your own band if you want to focus on a specific period that other bands aren't doing. Hint: A lot of people putting ads up are just wanting to play the same songs they've known for decades. Those aren't always the greatest opportunities anyway, because it's kind of a red flag for lazy players who don't practice. Maybe advertise for others who want to play what you like and see what happens.

 

[ELG60]

Yes

 

[Phaenomenal]

I am currently looking for my post kids band. Had one audition that went well, but turned it down since it was classic rock. I have another on the books, but will probably back out since it is metal. I know what I would like to do, radio friendly alternative music from the 80's and 90's, but I can not find an opening. Should I just take a gig, or wait it out. Neither of the bands I mentioned are actually gigging now.

I don't think turning down two opportunities that don't interest you qualifies as being picky, much less too picky. Better that they don't get saddled with someone who isn't very interested in the genre or the direction. If you don't find an opportunity you like, you can always advertise for players to join you in an endeavor.

 

[mstillman]

I also don't think it's too picky. If you're not crazy about the genre, it can feel more like work than fun. Still, that can be okay in certain cases, say, if the musicianship is high, the people are nice, right amount of gigs for you, etc.

Maybe give it another month or so and then start forming your own.

 

[3Liter]

Your desired genre sounds like fun. Too bad you're not closer!

 

[RandalPinkFloyd]

Certain genre's, niches, etc seem to be hard to find depending on where you are at. Personally, I'd rather compromise and play in something that I'm ok with than wait around for the perfect situation. Otherwise, I'd never be in a band. So I say, Nothing wrong with compromising to play in something while looking for your dream gig.

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

If there is something you feel like auditioning for absolutely do it. You should always be looking for what you really want and for your next gig/group. It's the chance to play, to meet people and to make connections. Music is social. Find something that you have a goodtime doing.

IMHO, being picky is good, but you need several things to compare between before you can say your picky. You just maybe unsatisfied, uncertain or unimpressed so far, but not picky. When you have three cool projects to select from and can only do one. Then you are being picky!

 

[Joe Nerve]

The only way I ever got to play in bands doing what I wanted to do - was through playing in bands doing what I didn't want to do.

I've always played in more than one band, also. Monogamy in bands was always a ridiculous notion to me, unless I LOVED the band, and it was gigging enough to make it impossible to play in other bands. When we play in lots of bands we meet lots of musicians. If we're dependable, nice people who can play half decently - we get recommended to other musicians, and we get to start new groups with the musicians we've been playing with.

In short - yes. One can definitely be too picky, IMO.

 

[Frunobulax]

There is no point joining a band that plays stuff you simply don't want to play.
Leave that position for someone who does want to play it.
You can advertise for musicians with an already conceived set list or advertise yourself with a list of musicians and songs that inspire you..
It's taken me almost 15 years to find like minded musicians. All I did was say I'm inspired by Jah Wobble, Tracy Pew and Siouxsie and the Banshees..

 

[two fingers]

I am currently looking for my post kids band. Had one audition that went well, but turned it down since it was classic rock. I have another on the books, but will probably back out since it is metal. I know what I would like to do, radio friendly alternative music from the 80's and 90's, but I can not find an opening. Should I just take a gig, or wait it out. Neither of the bands I mentioned are actually gigging now.

It just depends on your market. If there's a market for your favorite music, hold out. If not, settle.

 

[wazzel]

Thanks all. Some things to think about. I only have time for one project so would like it to be enjoyable and family friendly. Something that could work in a bar, restaurant or local fair. I started putting adds on the local Facebook music groups so will see how it goes.

I currently plan in a church group and with my brother (when our schedules align). So at least I get to play.

 

[thewildest]

Post kids? I am genuinely asking as I don’t know what that means.

I’d be worried of a “Post elderly” band.

 

[Killing Floor]

Why don't you start your own band?

Think about it for a sec. Most other people are disagreeable. Therefore, the odds of you being the one who isn't nuts are in your favor. And of you start your own thing you can choose the direction you wish to take.

 

[51PRI]

I am currently looking for my post kids band. Had one audition that went well, but turned it down since it was classic rock. I have another on the books, but will probably back out since it is metal. I know what I would like to do, radio friendly alternative music from the 80's and 90's, but I can not find an opening. Should I just take a gig, or wait it out. Neither of the bands I mentioned are actually gigging now.

Find a band that IS gigging, and take that gig. Don't be too picky about the genre. IMO.

 

[two fingers]

Thanks all. Some things to think about. I only have time for one project so would like it to be enjoyable and family friendly. Something that could work in a bar, restaurant or local fair. I started putting adds on the local Facebook music groups so will see how it goes.

I currently plan in a church group and with my brother (when our schedules align). So at least I get to play.

If that's your goal, start your own band and be picky. I did. It took me almost two years to find the lineup I have now. But we almost instantly became family. We have the most fun. Out families hang out together. Yes, we play bars. But this Friday we're doing a concert in the park. I'm looking forward to seeing our kids all running around together.

 

[electracoyote]

If you join a band that is sub-standard in some way, accept it for what it is and make a growing opportunity out of it.

Don't think you're going to get in there and rehabilitate people. That almost never works, especially for new guy.

I once joined a band with very average musicians, drums bass and guitar, well below my modest skill set, but they wanted me to play keys, guitar 2 (rhythm and some leads), and sing about 80% of the lead vocals, once they found out I could pull all that off in a passable way. That was a hella great growing opportunity for me, and the band ended up doing quite well, had a respectable following and circuit of clubs and private event clients. Surprised the hell out of me, lasted for about three years. I only bailed when they took a giant leap backward with a truly detrimental drummer.

Every band is a learning experience. Don't waste too much time holding our for perfection.

 

[tshapiro]

Building a band to gig from scratch is very hard. If you want to gig I'd find one that is already gigging. Get biz cards and start networking with other gigging bands and at music stores. The most important things I would look for is a band with a good singer and band members who are easy to get along with. Being well received and friends with your band mates are key to gigging happiness.

 

[Dr Zee]

There's the music, the hang, and the gig.
try to get any two of the three.

 

[Bill Murray]

You have to abide by your personal and professional standards but outside of that it depends on what exactly you’re trying to accomplish.

A friend of mine is an Uber talented guitarist. Excellent jazz player and loves jam bands but he joined a country band and now he’s touring and making great money. Does he love the music? No haha but it’s still fun and he’s playing for a living.

I’ve never been exclusive to one project. I currently perform with 12 bands and while I don’t love all the music I play I do love everyone that I perform with, can pretty much always find a sub or members for new bands, I’ve made countless connections with venues, sound guys, and band managers, etc.

I think you are more likely to get stuck in a rut when your not active in a band.

If there is anything to be gained weather it be a friendship, professional networking, introduction to music you otherwise wouldn’t spend time on, or even just to keep you playing it’s worth it.

Keep in mind you can always quit when something your more passionate about comes along and you can always sub in with the old band if you leave on good terms.


Good luck!