fresh pro bassist..needs some advice

[cheesypita]

okay.

Let me briefly give some background. I am a musician who has played in countless bands over the years. Started out like many in high school playing shows at VFWs and rollerrinks..then to college playing in countless bar bands and party bands, whatever. Always wanted to make music full time but I knew I had to finish college with all the $$ I already invested in it and stuck it out.

Finally, I graduate and immediately joined a somewhat established act. We were signed to an indie label, had a few regional tours..nothing too special. but eventually it wasn't for me and I started to play with other established acts around the city.

Finally, I got my break. I was flown into LA from chicago to play in a REAL band with a REAL salary and set off to tour the world. Things were great. We got world recognition' videos on MTV, articles and reviews in rolling stone, Alt Press etc. Couldn't have asked for any better catalyst for my career. But, turmoil ended up happening between the 2 main writers and there was an ugly, ugly breakup between the 2 members. so I packed my bags and headed back to chicago from LA to stay w/ my gf..

So here I am now..

I've got everything I need to be a professional touring bassist for virtually any kind of act- a large internet following (fan sites dedicated to me, my own wikipedia page, thousands of twit followers etc), international tour experience in front of thousands of people, and still fairly young at the age of 24.

But I don't know where to go from here. I've played some shows around chicago with friends..but I just don't know how to find a REAL established act that is looking to hire a bassist. I have all the credentials in the world, I just have no idea where to look. I refuse to take a step back, as I've worked hard to get where I am..So I guess I am seeking some advice from some seasoned vets on how to capitalize on real professional opportuinites and how to use my own leverage. All I need is to hear of an opening of SOMETHING and I can take it from there. But I cannot find anything. ads like craigslist are worthless for people who have established themselves. and not to discredit craigslist, I found some great musicians through that back in college.

but what am I supposed to do? hire an agent and he will somehow find these openings? or is there some kind of information source that lists openings of established bands?

I am really finding myself at a standstill just because I have no idea where to look for real work. and I am not picky at all! I'd have no problem playing bass for some generic pop act that's doing well...$$ in running thin and I just need to know where to look

Any help would be incredibly appreciated. While I am a professional at this point, I am a novice when it comes to the industry and politics. I also hope this thread doesn't come off as pretentious or anything like that..I am simply someone who has worked hard at my dream and finally earned the needed credentials to make it in the industry. I just need some guidance on where to go from here.

 

[the yeti]

craigslist? (sorry, had to do it)

 

[Floyd Eye]

Assuming you didn't make any connections while you were on the scene, I would suggest hiring an agent. Of course if you take advice from me on this subject you might have rocks for brains, as I am merely a bassist in a crappy ( but working) cover band, with a few side projects going. Still, that's what I'd do.

 

[Skitch it!]

In my working thing, which is not on the same playing field as yours, I got most of my stuff through word of mouth recommendations and networking (as they call it). I found that as much as I put a C.V. together, it didn't stand me as well as word in the right ears, but that's London? Find out where the cat's hang (good rehearsal studios are always handy to be friendly with, lots of people pass through asking for players) and get talking (and charming).

 

[rockstarbassist]

If that's really your background, you're going to have to get involved with the heavy hitters who are alerted to openings you think you'd be suited for.
An agent would be Step 1, easily I'd think. Josh Paul nabbing the Daughtry gig was pretty awesome, but I doubt he was simply checking around Craigslist or local message boards when Chris was putting together a live band...
And like F.E. said, if you did all that for that long, I'd think your Outlook contacts list would be pretty massive to where you should have no problem at all hitting someone up for work if they know you're solid and can actually play.

The problem is, and I've been through this too just on a much smaller level, is now unless you actually hook up with an up and coming band or just happen to chance into an act through someone you know where they have a bassist leaving, is you're just a sideman as your "band" unit is broken up and unless you were a main songwriter are gonna have a tough time starting something fresh yourself. So you gotta compete with the other people who do fill-ins and side-project work instead of being part of the "group". Unless you're willing to settle for people who aren't MTV-ready yet, but might be.

I think about trying to be a pro musician from time to time but stuff like this just pops me back into reality about just how hard it is, and the one week I have arguments w/ the singer or bandleader, I'm sunk.

 

[Roy Vogt]

Unfortunately All Roads Lead Back to LA or New York (or Nashville if Country/CCM is in your bag). Chicago is a good large city and a Secondary Music Market (like Atlanta, Austin, Minneapolis, et. al.) but I would imagine there are only a few options there (I think that Sonia Dada's players were from there, IIRC). You'll have to put yourself in a larger scene if you want more opportunities.
If you are staying put, network like crazy with the Working Players on the Scene (Jauqo III-X might be a good place to start). There's a great rehearsal facility there called The Music Garage, I'd post some cards there. Show up at the Blues Jams and Open Mics and sit in with anyone and everyone, again with your business cards.
There is not some Music Impresario sitting in London, New York or LA saying to himself, "Somewhere out there in Chicago is the perfect bassist for my act-I think he's on Talkbass! I won't stop until I find him and hire him for my tour!" You have to put yourself in the Mind's Eye of these folks, so I'm afraid you might be due for some expeditions to LA or NYC to network.
Good luck!

 

[Roy Vogt]

Josh Paul nabbing the Daughtry gig was pretty awesome, but I doubt he was simply checking around Craigslist or local message boards when Chris was putting together a live band...
And like F.E. said, if you did all that for that long, I'd think your Outlook contacts list would be pretty massive to where you should have no problem at all hitting someone up for work if they know you're solid and can actually play.

.

Josh had a pretty bangin' CV (Everlast, Kelly Osborne,Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves-it doesn't hurt to step into Robert Trujillo's shoes) before Daughtry was even on American Idol, so he probably had the door open to the gig over some equally talented but unknown bassists. It probably didn't hurt that he was based in LA. I talked with Janek Gwizdala at BP Live about this, and he said that proximity to touring acts was what brought him to LA from New York as well.
+1 on backtracking to any and all connections you made on your gig (booking agents, road managers, other players, even the sound and tech crew). You just need to get that next gig so that people will not see you as just a Band Guy but a viable Working Bassist and Sideman as well. I think James Lomenzo has navigated this about as well as anyone considering his career goes all the way back to White Lion (anyone even remember them, BTW?)

 

[Roy Vogt]

Actually, now that I mentioned Janek, I might go over to the Ask A Pro section of the forum and get his advice as well along with the other players that post there (Adam Nitti, Todd Johnson, Anthony Wellington et. al.)
Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck, NIN, everyone else) might have some good advice in particular. Here's his Forums:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=194

 

[rtslinger]

Actually, now that I mentioned Janek, I might go over to the Ask A Pro section of the forum and get his advice as well along with the other players that post there (Adam Nitti, Todd Johnson, Anthony Wellington et. al.)
Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck, NIN, everyone else) might have some good advice in particular. Here's his Forums:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=194

+1

 

[MikeBass]

okay.

Let me briefly give some background. I am a musician who has played in countless bands over the years. Started out like many in high school playing shows at VFWs and rollerrinks..then to college playing in countless bar bands and party bands, whatever. Always wanted to make music full time but I knew I had to finish college with all the $$ I already invested in it and stuck it out.

Finally, I graduate and immediately joined a somewhat established act. We were signed to an indie label, had a few regional tours..nothing too special. but eventually it wasn't for me and I started to play with other established acts around the city.

Finally, I got my break. I was flown into LA from chicago to play in a REAL band with a REAL salary and set off to tour the world. Things were great. We got world recognition' videos on MTV, articles and reviews in rolling stone, Alt Press etc. Couldn't have asked for any better catalyst for my career. But, turmoil ended up happening between the 2 main writers and there was an ugly, ugly breakup between the 2 members. so I packed my bags and headed back to chicago from LA to stay w/ my gf..

So here I am now..

I've got everything I need to be a professional touring bassist for virtually any kind of act- a large internet following (fan sites dedicated to me, my own wikipedia page, thousands of twit followers etc), international tour experience in front of thousands of people, and still fairly young at the age of 24.

But I don't know where to go from here. I've played some shows around chicago with friends..but I just don't know how to find a REAL established act that is looking to hire a bassist. I have all the credentials in the world, I just have no idea where to look. I refuse to take a step back, as I've worked hard to get where I am..So I guess I am seeking some advice from some seasoned vets on how to capitalize on real professional opportuinites and how to use my own leverage. All I need is to hear of an opening of SOMETHING and I can take it from there. But I cannot find anything. ads like craigslist are worthless for people who have established themselves. and not to discredit craigslist, I found some great musicians through that back in college.

but what am I supposed to do? hire an agent and he will somehow find these openings? or is there some kind of information source that lists openings of established bands?

I am really finding myself at a standstill just because I have no idea where to look for real work. and I am not picky at all! I'd have no problem playing bass for some generic pop act that's doing well...$$ in running thin and I just need to know where to look

Any help would be incredibly appreciated. While I am a professional at this point, I am a novice when it comes to the industry and politics. I also hope this thread doesn't come off as pretentious or anything like that..I am simply someone who has worked hard at my dream and finally earned the needed credentials to make it in the industry. I just need some guidance on where to go from here.

umm...I'll say it...you claim to have fans sites dedicated to you.
Thousands following you on twitter.
Your own Wiki page.
Been in Rolling Stone.
On MTV.
But you come to TalkBass and ask how to help you get going.
Your profile isn't filled out at all.

It doesn't make sense to me. Seems a bit fake. But I could be wrong.

If you're worried about people "finding out who you are". Don't.
We have some pretty big names floating around on TB and they for the most part are left alone.

 

[tangentmusic]

Move back to LA & then get an agent.
As some have said, your story does sound a little strange

 

[the yeti]

umm...I'll say it...you claim to have fans sites dedicated to you.
Thousands following you on twitter.
Your own Wiki page.
Been in Rolling Stone.
On MTV.
But you come to TalkBass and ask how to help you get going.
Your profile isn't filled out at all.

It doesn't make sense to me. Seems a bit fake. But I could be wrong.

If you're worried about people "finding out who you are". Don't.
We have some pretty big names floating around on TB and they for the most part are left alone.

see post 2.

 

[cheesypita]

Thanks for the thoughts guys. I have made plenty of contacts through the days, and I suppose I could be a bit more agressive about it. I enjoyed the guys running mgmt..but the downside of being signed to major management is they only give a **** about their cash crops.

I've also considered the 'agent' route..but I just feel like the only agents out there that could actually do a better job than myself are likely too expensive or wouldnt consider me as a worthy client. On top of that, I don't even know where you go to look for an agent..besides craigslist obviously

I do feel you guys on the LA/ NYC as opposed to chicago. I've never actually lived in nyc but I do have a place in la to stay at if I want. I just rarely get to see my gf, and I figured I could atleast figure out my next move from here while spending time with her. The more I realize it, I've virtually put no effort into landing my next move and have been more or less been waiting for something to fall in my lap like it more or less did the 1st time.

This post is somewhat pointless I suppose. I guess I was hoping there was some accessible 'legitimite' source that I didn't know about..like a monster.com for musical acts that are actually salaried and such. Im lazy.

 

[Roy Vogt]

The more I realize it, I've virtually put no effort into landing my next move and have been more or less been waiting for something to fall in my lap like it more or less did the 1st time.

This post is somewhat pointless I suppose. I guess I was hoping there was some accessible 'legitimite' source that I didn't know about..like a monster.com for musical acts that are actually salaried and such. Im lazy.

Unfortunately, the Music Biz is about like Henry Ford once said:
"The harder I work, the luckier I get."
I was in a band with a Record Deal in the 80s and when that blew up I landed on the next tour I could (in my case, Jerry Reed) and just kept going. I'd advise the same-you just have to get back out there.
If you've had your Big Dream blow up I wouldn't rule out the possibility that you are a little bit depressed-I was when the Big Deal that I thought would make me a millionaire came crashing down.
If you have an in to the Winter NAMM at Anaheim, I'd start now....Get a cheap Southwest flight out there and network for the next 3 days. That's an awful lot of Movers and Shakers in the same place.
I've been at this for a living for almost 40 years and Lazy is not part of the equation, IME.

 

[the yeti]

Unfortunately, the Music Biz is about like Henry Ford once said:
"The harder I work, the luckier I get."
I was in a band with a Record Deal in the 80s and when that blew up I landed on the next tour I could (in my case, Jerry Reed) and just kept going. I'd advise the same-you just have to get back out there.
If you've had your Big Dream blow up I wouldn't rule out the possibility that you are a little bit depressed-I was when the Big Deal that I thought would make me a millionaire came crashing down.
If you have an in to the Winter NAMM at Anaheim, I'd start now....Get a cheap Southwest flight out there and network for the next 3 days. That's an awful lot of Movers and Shakers in the same place.
I've been at this for a living for almost 40 years and Lazy is not part of the equation, IME.

i'm not a famous musician, but i recognize good advice when i see it. roy's advice applies to any business.

 

[pstyle]

ok, so who are you and what band were you playing with?

 

[Geddyfleaharris]

ok, so who are you and what band were you playing with?

I like your style son! You are gonna go places!

oh.....+1

 

[Tarfinger]

A really straight up answer to this is be everywhere and anywhere, all the time. Forget the girlfriend. People are going to have to catch up with you. You've got to "sell your soul to rock and roll". If you get a funny feeling in your gut about this, its not for you. There are other areas to venture in, but you may feel like you are selling out. If that makes you wince then it a'int for you. Now you know how I feel.

 

[Roy Vogt]

So, what happened? <sound of crickets> Did you get some traction in your situation?

 

[faulknersj]

For those of you questioning the OP's sincerity, his story is 100% feasable and in many ways mirrors my own experience with a band called Trik Turner that was signed to RCA records, had a video on MTV 3 times a day, a single that went to #3 on the modern rock charts, played Letterman, Kilborn, etc. 8 years later, I am still trying to figure out how to land a touring gig. It is really tough and the window is very small. Timing has a lot to do with it and let's just say Trik Turner was not the best band I have ever been in.