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How can I find a cover band gig?

Lichtaffen

Lichtaffen

Sep 29, 2008
1,734
239
56
Rhode Island
www.pliableimaging.com
#1
A little about me:
-been playing for over 20 years guitar/bass in local original acts
-excellent gear (did my homework on talkbass)
-working professional with a solid career who has always made music a priority
-in the backing band for an artist signed to a small label (early stages, not gigging or recording yet)
-know my theory, reading charts, very good technique, considered a very good bass player by other musicians

Basically, there is no reason I couldn't play in a cover band. The question is: how do I get into a cover band?

Sounds simple enough, but other than craigslist, I don't know of other options for promoting myself to that demographic. I've always played in original acts and still enjoy it, I just want to have a steady gig and make some money while playing in front of crowds. Should I bother making up a website promoting myself? Not sure where to begin. My ideal situation would be a dance oriented band gigging twice a month or so. A wedding gig would be even better. If I had the time I would just start my own cover band. I'm in the Southern New England area if that makes any difference.

Thoughts?
 
#2
If you've been around for a while and have friends who are musicians then I'd definitely start there by asking them if they know of any cover acts that are in need of a bassist. My next suggestion is to hit up your local Craigslist to see if any bands are either starting up or looking for a bass player (there's usually at least 3 or 4 at any time IME's). Also, it's worth going to local music shops and checking out their bulletin board ads looking for a bassist. Last, if you're a religious guy (or even if you're not) you might want to look into playing for a church's band. Some of those gigs can pay very well. One of my guitarists makes $100 a week doing a church gig, and my drummer makes $125 at another.

Also, it never hurts to have recordings of yourself playing to send to people. Most seasoned players will ask for a recording so that they don't waste their time by inviting out someone who can't play at all.
 
#3
Check and post to boards at local music instrument stores. Attend open mics to network. Join local musicians groups on FB to network. A FB page for just your music with samples bids and pics would also be okay.
 
#4
Open mics are a good resource. A lot of the weekend warriors like to get together and jam on a Tuesday or Thursday night. If you are an unknown quantity you may have to spend a week or two in the dugout, (It seems to happen) but the opportunities for networking are pretty darned good.
 
#8
You have a stellar foundation that would be an asset to nearly any cover band.

Local open mics could be a good networking tool. Get the word out with any musician friends that you're looking for a gig also.

I have used Craigslist (in the Sacramento or SF Bay areas CL is VERY popular) and for the 2-3 good bands I found, there were probably several hundred at least that I didn't fit in or get a serious vibe from. I'm picky though.

For all the time wasted on CL looking for an already established band I could have just found a decent guitarist & drummer who have similar goals as I do then add vocalists, keys, horns, etc. Sometimes creating your own band may be a better alternative than trying to get the gig with an already established act.

Don't be suprised if it takes awhile.


Also, if you have any recordings, YouTube vids, or links to bands you've been in/are in that could play to your advantage.
 
#10
Marty Forrer said:
One word.... networking.
Click to expand...

Yes, I've found that by far this is the best way. Not only will your peers know your playing ability, but also your ability to fit in as a bandmember, and your other skills which you may not think are applicable (vocals and other instruments if applicable, ability to run/set up sound, gig contacts, etc.). And open mic nights can expand your network. My 2 cents.
 
#11
Lichtaffen said:
A little about me:
-been playing for over 20 years guitar/bass in local original acts
-excellent gear (did my homework on talkbass)
-working professional with a solid career who has always made music a priority
-in the backing band for an artist signed to a small label (early stages, not gigging or recording yet)
-know my theory, reading charts, very good technique, considered a very good bass player by other musicians

Basically, there is no reason I couldn't play in a cover band. The question is: how do I get into a cover band?

Sounds simple enough, but other than craigslist, I don't know of other options for promoting myself to that demographic. I've always played in original acts and still enjoy it, I just want to have a steady gig and make some money while playing in front of crowds. Should I bother making up a website promoting myself? Not sure where to begin. My ideal situation would be a dance oriented band gigging twice a month or so. A wedding gig would be even better. If I had the time I would just start my own cover band. I'm in the Southern New England area if that makes any difference.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I made the move from originals to a blues/ rock band with impressive bookings. So, somewhat similar to your story.

My opportunity was found through going to watch local bands and networking.
 
#12
I believe that you may be missing one very obvious area to explore. Sometimes it's a bad word to "independent" musicians, but have you contacted a local band booking agency? I own such an agency in the DC/Baltimore area and I'm a bass player in one of the bands that we book. Musicians call me all the time and I help set them up with bands that have available openings. We get our bands lots of work doing dance band gigs for great pay.
 
#15
Lots of good ideas are posted. Another angle is to make friends with bar managers and bartenders. They may have all the pull depending on venue and will know about band needs when bands have to cancel.

Also if you decide to start a band from scratch, they may give you that elusive foot in the door first gig which is hard to get at better places. I'm a firm believer in putting in sweat equity into those venues you play.

Also, check out the local bands that you dig. I would avoid cyberstalking, but if you show up to a gig or give them a quick fb message that you like them and if they ever need a fill in, it could pay off down the road, especially if the band is looking for a new bassist, needs a fill in, or better yet, the bassist needs to step aside.

Have a short audio clip and a concise write up if you needed in order to respond to a "tell me about yourself" email in a pinch.

Good luck.
 
#16
Go out and see some of the local cover bands that you like. Find one of the members (not the drummer),and introduce yourself. Tell him / her a little about yourself and stay in touch. Sooner or later they will need a bass player and you will be positioned nicely.

That's how I landed my current gig.
 
#17
If you've got the luxury of time then hit CL every few days or so and send out an email.

The hard part is weeding out the undesirables. Half of knowing how to do this is knowing what it is you don't want to be doing even if they're trying their hardest to "sell" it to you.

Putting something together can be arduous and painful. Walking into something that's already working and paying makes it alot easier. But it will also mean that your spot is made for you and if you don't like it then you can hit the skids.
 
#19
Johnny Crab said:
All of the above....and I did not see you list it but VOCALS(lead or backing) are a huge bonus on your "hire me" sheet.
Click to expand...

+1 BIG TIME

All other things being equal, it's the bassist who can sing who will get the gig over the one who cannot. In fact, I have aced out players who might even be more proficient on bass than myself (BIT grads who can truly shred), simply because I have a 3-octave vocal range to go with the gift/curse of perfect pitch, which means that I'm not only ready to plug in & play, I make rhythm guitarists and keyboardists nervous, and end up being the rehearsal nazi, too. It's really all about having the biggest skillset, and the courage to lead with it.
 

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