Finding a band

[Baloeb]

I’m getting back into bass guitar after spending a lot of time on double bass playing classical music. What’s the best way to find a band? We’ve moved a couple times since I used to play in a band and I don’t know the musicians around here. Craigslist? Another app I don’t know about? Thanks!

 

[Naturekev]

I met two of the other musicians I'm in a band with because all of us frequented the same small, local music store on Friday afternoons. Later, when we needed a new drummer, we found him on Bandmix. We recently added a singer, who our drummer already knew and recommended. So, I'd recommend talking and networking with people at your local music stores, and checking on Bandmix to see who else is looking for a band.

 

[garp]

The best strategy is to use a multifaceted approach, with an emphasis on in-person networking. Unfortunately, that's not terribly feasible at the moment, but it will change eventually. I'm a hired gun, and the various bands that call upon me were all sourced through personal contacts – typically musicians with whom I've played previously. Once you start building your network, it grows like a weed. So, when the time comes, get out there and pound the pavement by visiting open jams, other bands' gigs, and every music store within a reasonable radius.

In the meantime, invest a few bucks in printing a set of simple business cards with your contact information, and be sure to include a mention of your double bass abilities.

 

[Xjenrbcjsmsbfjw]

I've always been approached out of nowhere when I was chatting about music and mentioned I played the bass. One of the perks of not being a guitar player I guess.

Once you are with one gigging band, if you are doing your thing well, you're going to get approached.

Now is going to be a really tricky time for this task though.

 

[Paulabass]

Try BandMix free site first. My experience with BandMix is that their human interface is so bad that most advertisers do not know how to use it. Hard to tell if it's musicians seeking, bands seeking, what instruments, etc. Nobody takes the time to read what boxes they are ticking, thus a lot of ads appear to be looking for guitar, accordion, backing vox, drums, flute, percussion, bass.
Anyway, worth a look. Of course, when things open up again, get thee to the jam nights. That's still where the networking happens.

 

[lfmn16]

Craigslist, bandmix, open mics, going to clubs. Once people find out that you play upright, you'll have more offers than you'll know what to do with.

 

[Baloeb]

Thanks for all the replies! I’ll definitely check out band mix. I’ve had lots of time to practice bass lately and have been itching to play with people again.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Craigslist and Bandmix are dice rolls. You might get lucky. You also have to get out and talk to as many musicians as you can.