fresh pro bassist..needs some advice

[Jim Dep]

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.

Agree, the reality is chicken today, feathers tomorrow.

I was lucky spending my highschool and early adult life in the SF Bay Area where, at the time when there was a lot of opportunity. There was no internet, so it involved much footwork, doing auditions with working bands, or those close to working, and phone contact with agents. I've always found that the more prepared you are, the more opportunities will be available. I just wanted to gig and record, and I was willing to play just about any style.

Good luck!

 

[nysbob]

I think many, many people have found themselves in similar positions.

First of all - recognize the fact you have already been very lucky to do what you've done. You beat the law of averages.

The music biz is marbles in a blender, and your ability and competence have something to do with whatever success you achieve, but in reality a relatively small percentage.

Unless you bring something else to the table in addition the ability to hold down a bass chair (writing, singing, production) you're in for a tough haul. The more you have to offer, the better your chances are...although they still aren't great.

Do some soul searching. Do you really want to spend your life courting an industry where everything changes in a day? If so, by all means pursue all the ideas mentioned so far.

Having been in a similar situation, I determined that what I loved about music was more the creative process than anything else, so I began another career to support my family and continued doing the things in music I enjoy doing - writing, recording and playing the odd gig. It actually was extremely liberating to NOT rely on the music industry. So now I sell a few hundred CDs instead of thousands, at least I feel that I have some control over my life.

Of course your mileage may vary.

 

[prd004]

Seems like you're second biggest mistake was because you were in an act that was building traction, gaining national (or worldwide) attention, you assumed you had made it. Sorry to say. You were a sideman, not that that's a bad thing, it's a great thing. This in and of itself does not entitle you to similar, or better gigs. Like it or not you might have to take that step back. Twitter and Facebook don't make sideman careers, respect of your peers does. There's a saying I've heard floating around that says "I'm famous on-line" tounge-in-cheek. Gigs like this don't just grow on trees, and there are players upon players looking for them, many with resumes that far exceed yours. The best players in the world, the vast majority of them at least, spend their life toiling in bars and tribute bands in anonimity, it's the nature of our business.

Your biggest mistake was not realizing that EVERY act goes sour eventually. The Beatles got sick of each other, nuf said. You put too much stock in one project in which you were not the driving force. While you were riding this wave you should have been selling yourself to anybody and everybody who would listen. Always think one step ahead.

Best of luck to you, and hope you get back to where you want to be.

 

[MikeBass]

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.

To come on here and boarder line brag and not say who he was with leaves a little in question. Not like it matters really. TB is pretty good about leaving some of our bigger name members alone.

Thing is, you can get pegged into being a certain type of player when you are in a situation that i claimed to be "big".

It's not like Korn would break up and Fieldy would end up playing for Faith Hill.
Maybe he could, but I'd bet the image would be stuck with him and slow him down.

 

[willgroove2]

I live in the same city as the OP and what I would tell him is this;Nobody's coming to your house to scoop you up for a great touring gig or truth be told for the better gig's in Chicago.
Luck is opportunity and preparation meeting at the same time,Coming on TB asking that kind of question is not going to get you a gig.Did his former band have management? what are they doing now? did you not meet anybody whose still in the game? Lots of details left out here

 

[funkytoe]

I'll just say this.... Anonymity is not the best way to find your next gig. If you want to play again, put pride and ego aside and let people know you're looking for work. Call or email your friends in other bands and those you toured with. Concentrate on the bands that moved you most or the ones you had the best hang with. Go back to the twitter/wiki sites and let them know you are looking for your next project.

As for Talkbass, I don't see any benefit to hiding who you are. What if a manager/bandleader is trolling the Internet looking for the next hot bass player for their act. Don't you think they will get some hits on Talkbass? I can almost guaranty it.

So what makes more sense? To post something saying "My name is
Jason Newsted and I played with Metallica and I am looking for my next band" or to do what you did here?

PS. I am not Jason Newsted. Just using him for my example.

 

[MrLenny1]

You have to hang around the scene you want to work with.
Every gig I have gotten was thru word of mouth from another musician
and never thru an agent.

Good Luck!

 

[tonesponge]

Hot bands break up all the time. In that situation, it might make sense to comb the news daily looking for stories on bands that break up, and then contact some of those band members looking to form a new band. I just think trying to find another hot act with an opening to jump in is like waiting for a lottery ticket to hit. But if you join up with other musicians like you, you can combine your existing fan bases for your mutual benefit, and form a new band that's hot from the start.

 

[Unwound]

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.

can't we just make you the topic of this thread? I loved that black sheep song!