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how to find a band?

davkane

davkane

Jul 27, 2007
531
51
Chicago
#1
OK. I did a search, but probably not a thorough as I should have... How do you find a band? i have not gigged for a loooong time. I would really like to get back into it. I do have a wife and kids (my wife and kids are awesome they would understand me finding a band). How do I find a local gig that would allow me to work my day job, but play out a few times a month? If I could become a full time bassist, they would even be better. How have people over 40 done this?

Thanks!
 
#4
I hear craigslist is popular :p

I don't know. try googling musician classifieds for your local area, find out if there is any street press. they should have wanted ads for musicians.

I've been wondering the same myself assides from the over 40 part, i kind of feel like joining a covers band on the side, but all the ads ive found seem to only want someone to be totally commited.
 
#5
davkane said:
OK. I did a search, but probably not a thorough as I should have... How do you find a band? i have not gigged for a loooong time. I would really like to get back into it. I do have a wife and kids (my wife and kids are awesome they would understand me finding a band). How do I find a local gig that would allow me to work my day job, but play out a few times a month? If I could become a full time bassist, they would even be better. How have people over 40 done this?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Thats a good question. ... Way better than the standards that get asked a gazillion times around here. And the answer is, you have to get out there and network. Go to a jam night and sit in. Put an add up in your local free paper, Craigs list, and bre honest about what you are looking for. Go to your local music store and ask around or put a card up on their board. you have to get out and make your self known to people.
 
#7
Bandmix.com is one of the more popular referral sites You can register and post a profile for free, and reply to messages for free. For a nominal charge you can contact other members and upload mp3's. I use my bandmix profile as my "site". Recently discovered craigslist, its good too...

Another idea is to find the local open mic/blues jams, do a little networking..
 
#8
+1 on everything thats been said here

Craigslist is always full of bands looking for bassists(at least over here). Jam sessions are a great place to start as well because you get to play with the musicians before even considering joining a band they're in. And definitely put up a card at your local music shop, but don't forget to put what type of band your looking for to filter the unwanted stuff out (no need to get a bunch of calls from country bands when your lookin for a metal gig, or whatever).

and good luck!!!! a good band is hard to find.
 
#9
Since you'll be auditioning, here's a few links that may help you out:
~Auditioning
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=483181 1 How to audition for new band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508611 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=494723 1 Auditioning: new member
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=525271 2 new member
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=492200 3 red flag stories
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=501208 4 story

Check out the link in my sig. for lots more good info.
 
#10
The first serious band I was in I found through Craigslist. Don't jump at anything though - it took me a while to find one I was happy with. Be sure that they have recorded music and some sort of goal in mind, there are tons of "bands" on craigslist that are two drinking buddies who occasionally play guitar together that think it would be awesome to "have a band, man."

Just remember that it's hard to see the crazy at first. The crazy definitely bit me in the ass one year down the road in that first band. I guess the morale here is if something bugs you in a band, you gotta address it - don't just let it slide, it will continue building up. However, that experience hooked me up with a good drummer that I still play with - the two of us moved on to a different band that is considerably better.

You could also try bandmix.com - or go to a local record store, they usually have ads up for various positions.
 
#11
davkane said:
OK. I did a search, but probably not a thorough as I should have... How do you find a band? i have not gigged for a loooong time. I would really like to get back into it. I do have a wife and kids (my wife and kids are awesome they would understand me finding a band). How do I find a local gig that would allow me to work my day job, but play out a few times a month? If I could become a full time bassist, they would even be better. How have people over 40 done this?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Craigslist for me. I've auditioned for and joined a few bands over the last couple years from answering ads posted on Craigslist. Pretty good experience for me overall. The last band I was in (Last week) broke up and I didn't see any ads posted that interested me. I posted my own smartass ad and have had responses from a couple of bands that didn't want to post their own ads. I'm 45 and so far it's been working well for me. I've met lots of cool people and have been able to pretty much stay as busy as I want over the last few years now.
 

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