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Drum Poacher on CL- Would You Consider Calling Him?

#42
I am a pretty decent bass player, and am currently in a band (with a great drummer, btw). Before that, I was in another band. I found my current one thanks to an ad which the guitarist placed. He knows plenty of bass players who can all play circles around me. Yet they had me audition and figured I was a good fit.

My point? On the one hand there's me: pretty decent, but no network. I would revert to ads to find a band. On the other hand there's the guitarist who hired me: great guitarist, great network but he reverted to ads to find someone. God knows what his reason was for doing so. Maybe he too wanted to reach out and meet new people? Nothing wrong with using something like Craig's List or (as was the case for me) a local version.

As for the drummer's ad, I don't know. It may appear to be a douchey move, but would you all feel different if he had written: "Did you just fire your drummer because he was holding you back? In need of a different one?" I guess there's a difference in wanting to replace a member, and having replaced a member but at one point you will need to replace 'em anyway. How the band goes about it (i.e. behind the replacee's back or not) matters more, IMHO.
 
#44
I'm gonna say it - if you guys find that ad to be negative then you might need a thicker skin. He doesn't sound ruthless, cold, or cutthroat. He just sounds like a guy who doesn't mind being a hired gun and doing only what's needed for a band to succeed. Now if he had said, "Is your band's drummer horrible? Then how about hiring a real pro who doesn't suck and will get the job done." THAT I could see as being negative and rude, but I can't say that about the OP.
 
#45
jmattbassplaya said:
I'm gonna say it - if you guys find that ad to be negative then you might need a thicker skin. He doesn't sound ruthless, cold, or cutthroat. He just sounds like a guy who doesn't mind being a hired gun and doing only what's needed for a band to succeed. Now if he had said, "Is your band's drummer horrible? Then how about hiring a real pro who doesn't suck and will get the job done." THAT I could see as being negative and rude, but I can't say that about the OP.
Click to expand...

That pretty much is what he said though. If someone's looking for a hired gun, I think this ad would catch their interest. I think it falls more on the person answering the ad as to how they're handling their end of it. Being upfront with their current drummer and such. That said, I would also be aware that this guy could jump ship at any time if I were to answer this ad.
 
#48
I'm among those that find his ad a turn off. Just listing your skills and credentials would be a better approach. Why risk creating a possible negative impression? Better yet, post a Youtube video of your playing. Then we can see if you're any good or just another blowhard.

But that ad pales in comparison to this one from The Ottawa Musician:

It's to bad 99% of new bands don't know what it takes to be above the rest. I do. Period. But you have to be "Very" Talented" Willing to play songs "No One else will play" cause half of them "Cant" You have to "Look back" & play tunes that are WELL beyond most peoples capabilities" That's the hard part.It boils down to a few things: Diversity/Absolute tightness(true to nature) In ALL covers.The ability to make them just "AS THE ORIGINALS" and OLD school. Song selection and choice. Must be the BEST of Every thing" If not you'll always be "Per Norm"I have choices that would sh*t the ass outta people try finding the musicians I WANT for my avenue of music "GOOD Luck" Not to many can play Kansas and bands In there ball park.Till you can. You'll NEVER be set apart. Very talented drummer. And trust me till you've lived in the times of Gentle Giant Yes/ Chicago/ And many bands of the like your still a newbie. (No offence) Man I hate people Who think they know music. And are but kid's
[email protected]
 
#50
jmattbassplaya said:
I'm gonna say it - if you guys find that ad to be negative then you might need a thicker skin. He doesn't sound ruthless, cold, or cutthroat. He just sounds like a guy who doesn't mind being a hired gun and doing only what's needed for a band to succeed.
Click to expand...

I actually thought he was looking to join a band. Where does it mention being a hired gun? His motives aren't clear to me.
 
#52
And before they take it down...

I read on Talkbass.com that drummers are "as common as dirt". But that "really good drummers are as rare as a tasteful guitar solo in a Guitar Center"!

It seems there were a few (very few) who took this ad as a "poacher". Maybe... But in the interest of getting back to reality, I know there are bands who feel there's that ONE member holding them back. They want to get to the next step, but can't. That's when it quits being "show friendship", and starts being show business. It is not up to me, but up to the band to decide if they want to "sit around a campfire and sing kumbaya and feel all fuzzy" with their friend drummer, or start looking elsewhere (either me or someone else).

Well if that sounds like your situation, and the cholesterol that's clogging up the arteries is the drummer... Please give me a shout. Not being arrogant, but I know the work that goes into it and the rewards that will come if you do that work.

Please send an email letting me know the stats, focus & direction of the band. Hopefully there's a fit!
 
#53
I still don't see what the issues are?....Why would it be taken down? What, is everyone supposed to stay in the same band forever?

None of you have ever left to better yourselves and went to another, more popular band (or for more $$$). Just like any other job, I would do it (and have) & wouldn't hold it against someone else for trying to find something more to their liking. There are a few on here that seem to have odd views of what being in a band is about. It's not a marriage! The guy who posted that he would have him come over and audition. He didn't need a drummer, but just wanted to see if he can play??? You're a better person?

I agree with the "thicker skin" comment. I'd call this guy in a heartbeat! There's not enough honesty in these situations, and this is refreshing. I kind of wonder if the ones who have an issue with this ad wouldn't actually be (or have been) a little snaky in getting a gig or getting rid of a member? Don't know...
 
#54
If this ad weren't anonymous, then the drummer would be committing a basic professional blunder. Here's how I see it. I get some of my best referrals from other bassists. If I gained the reputation for poaching gigs, people would stop trusting me, and I'd lose business.

This is a classic case where the old adage applies: "Be nice to the people who you meet on the way up, because you will meet them again on the way down."

But as it's an anonymous CL ad, you don't know if the guy is for real or blowing smoke, and I'd suggest treating it just like any other CL ad. He could be a total noob, and at least in terms of basic professionalism, his ad seems a bit noobish.
 
#57
Bass Viking said:
It's to bad 99% of new bands don't know what it takes to be above the rest. I do. Period. But you have to be "Very" Talented" Willing to play songs "No One else will play" cause half of them "Cant" You have to "Look back" & play tunes that are WELL beyond most peoples capabilities" That's the hard part.It boils down to a few things: Diversity/Absolute tightness(true to nature) In ALL covers.The ability to make them just "AS THE ORIGINALS" and OLD school. Song selection and choice. Must be the BEST of Every thing" If not you'll always be "Per Norm"I have choices that would sh*t the ass outta people try finding the musicians I WANT for my avenue of music "GOOD Luck" Not to many can play Kansas and bands In there ball park.Till you can. You'll NEVER be set apart. Very talented drummer. And trust me till you've lived in the times of Gentle Giant Yes/ Chicago/ And many bands of the like your still a newbie. (No offence) Man I hate people Who think they know music. And are but kid's
[email protected]
Click to expand...


I hope his drumming is better than his spelling/grammar.
 

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