OP: i don't think that's desperation: i think it fits the definition of "proactive!" good luck!
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I got desperate and posted a CL ad.
- Thread starter Uncle Hanky
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After a long hiatus, raising kids and chasing striped bass, I found a band on CL. They were good guys and a lot of fun to play with, but gigging was never going to happen. I got to get my chops back and started playing upright with them, so it was definitely worth the effort.
I placed a want to join or form kinda ad and met an amazing drummer. We enlisted some guys we had played with before and now have started a kickass band that will be ready to gig very soon. First radio gig tomorrow, Wish me luck!
I placed a want to join or form kinda ad and met an amazing drummer. We enlisted some guys we had played with before and now have started a kickass band that will be ready to gig very soon. First radio gig tomorrow, Wish me luck!
It's like online dating: one method to meet someone (x3 or more) compatable. I wouldn't rely exclusively on it. I met some guys who I'm sure are still playing in the basement. I also met a nice group of guys with enough overlap in musical interest to make it worthwhile AND broaden my musical horizons. We played together for 10 years and built a nice local following. We still are friends on FB and see each other at other gigs.
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
Yes, I've gotten a couple of nice gigs from them. I've never posted about myself, but answered ads on there.
You might also try going out and checking with local bands and leaving a card that you are available. networking and such.
Also, a call to a local band booking agency might get you somewhere.
Good luck!
Most of my projects came about through CL. As others have said, you do get a lot of hacks, flakes and wannabes. It takes a certain persistence, a willingness to check things out and to filter until you find what you like. But it's still the most direct way to linking up with a group, both posting your own ad and replying to others'. In fact, the one time I decided to try putting a band together out of personal contacts without using CL at all, it actually turned out disappointing. People that I had expected a certain attitude and commitment level from didn't come through as I expected them to.
C-L or Band Mix works in our area! I have not posted in C-L myself but certainly replied to many.
Try it won't cost you at all!
Good Luck!
Try it won't cost you at all!
Good Luck!
I'm getting ready to move to a new place, across country. In my current location I play with several bands, and have a few steady gigs. I'm looking to find a similar situation in my new area. I've updated my BandMix profile to point to the new place. A couple of weeks ago I dug into the new area's CL ads, and found a match. I've communicated with the guy a few times, shared videos of me playing, and have established a new friendship, which will welcome me to my new home.
So yeah, it can work. Sure, I might find out the guy is not someone I can have a long term musical relationship with, but that goes for any musician you meet, from any source.
My previous method (I've been playing for 45 years and have relocated across country, changing states 4 [now 5] times) was to put up ads on music store bulletin boards. CL works at least as well.
So yeah, it can work. Sure, I might find out the guy is not someone I can have a long term musical relationship with, but that goes for any musician you meet, from any source.
My previous method (I've been playing for 45 years and have relocated across country, changing states 4 [now 5] times) was to put up ads on music store bulletin boards. CL works at least as well.
Never had any luck on CL.
There is a great open mic two minutes from my house and I have made more
Contacts in three visits than a lifetime on CL. Good players too. The opportunity is pouring in
There is a great open mic two minutes from my house and I have made more
Contacts in three visits than a lifetime on CL. Good players too. The opportunity is pouring in
The best three years of my musical life started when I answered a Craigslist ad.
The band wanted a "bassist" -- not a "bass player" -- which is half the reason I replied.
Go see bands that play at venues you'd like to play at.
Introduce yourself & casually say something like "If you know any body looking for a bass player, for fill-in gigs or join a band, I'm currently available" then hand them your business card with your name, ph no., email, & FB page.
Like a bands FB page. Request to be FB friends with people you've met at gigs, send photos you took at their gig, etc. Muso network is very interconnected.
No excuse these days not to have some audio/video clips. I wanna know the singer can sing in tune & the drummer can play in time before I respond to their ad.
I made a 3-minute audio clip of 8 songs we played at a gig. Took less than an hour using Garage Band on my Mac. Very pro result. I emailed it to bands I'd applied for & got very good feedback.
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Ric5
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Last night I went to a blues jam. I sat at a table waiting my turn and some dude was air drumming, air piano and just generally strange. Counting out the beats on his fingers with the other guy at the bar. I got my head in my phone so I don't make eye contact. A dude sat down across from me and weirdo starts talking to him and the touching him in a way that the guy say "don't touch me". (I think he was pretty drunk). Weirdo then gets up and nails this smooth jazz piece with a few guys that apparently are in a band with him.
I wonder what his band thinks of him.
I wonder what his band thinks of him.
- Oct 18, 2012
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I have never found a band by posting on CL but I have bought and sold gear and found a lead singer.
In my area, there are very few bass wanted ads.
In my area, there are very few bass wanted ads.
Yes. When I first arrived in the Pioneer Valley 7 years ago, I replied to a CL ad for a guitar player. It turned out the band played the music I liked, and we all got on well. Making that first contact helped me to get to know and play with more musicians in the area. I still play with that original band. Though it must be said, the valley is (so I've been told) not typical of most of the U.S. We're all hippies up here.
Thus far, I've received three emails regarding my ad. One a bunch of kids (I'm in my mid-30s), one simply asking my location and concurring with one of my influences, and one that is red flag city.
I semi-retired a couple years ago, and started searching for the first time in decades.
I've answered several Craigslist ads as an individual bassist, and I posted one with a buddy, trying to put together a band.
The ads I answered were a mixed bag, but I learned a lot from them. First band was out of my league, but I think I could hang with them now. Had a couple of "party first, then play" situations. Been there, done that. Not what I'm looking for at this stage. A couple were dreamers, e.g. the 62 year old drummer (my age, as well) who wanted to do only originals, maybe a few covers "nobody else covers" (songs nobody liked).
Answered one for a straight audition with a drummer trying to put together an 80's cover band. Pretty much a fiasco, but he was a good guy. Did a couple short notice "show up and gig" things with him, then after about a year he offered me the gig with the band I'm in now; variety classic rock, vintage country, new country kind of a thing. It's kind of a rotating personnel thing, tailored for the event, and I'm in the core group. Always a mad dash to learn new material for the vocalist "du jour", but I'm having a ball.
Via Craigslist
I've answered several Craigslist ads as an individual bassist, and I posted one with a buddy, trying to put together a band.
The ads I answered were a mixed bag, but I learned a lot from them. First band was out of my league, but I think I could hang with them now. Had a couple of "party first, then play" situations. Been there, done that. Not what I'm looking for at this stage. A couple were dreamers, e.g. the 62 year old drummer (my age, as well) who wanted to do only originals, maybe a few covers "nobody else covers" (songs nobody liked).
Answered one for a straight audition with a drummer trying to put together an 80's cover band. Pretty much a fiasco, but he was a good guy. Did a couple short notice "show up and gig" things with him, then after about a year he offered me the gig with the band I'm in now; variety classic rock, vintage country, new country kind of a thing. It's kind of a rotating personnel thing, tailored for the event, and I'm in the core group. Always a mad dash to learn new material for the vocalist "du jour", but I'm having a ball.
Via Craigslist
I've only had bad luck. I would expect the worst so you aren't totally disappointed. One time I met up with these guys in a freezing and crowded garage. They weren't very good and then a week later they asked me to come to "band practice", I told them sorry I wasn't interested. There was no song list or anything so who knows how much time I would've wasted with that.
If you have an ear you can hit a bassless open mic / jam and sit in. Some very good musos plucked me from that obscurity after about a year.
I have never posted but have called on a few. I think CL is a great way for musicians to meet up. I agree with Downunderwonder that open jam nights are great way to meet musicians as well. Even better that CL in that you can play with the musicians as you meet them. But both are great forums to get with other players.
madbass6
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hey what ever you do just DONT try this guys approach! only on CL!! lol. the most SEASONED Bass player on CL-- Pro quality and attitude !
I declare I AM the MOST Seasoned Bass Player that will be found maybe on all of Craigslist,,, more seasoned than most of the people who claim they are seasoned and here's why..
I have a huge collection of well thought out and road tested seasonings that I completely cover myself with at gigs,,, here me out! if your playing a southern rock or country gig I will break out the Cajon mix topped with a bit of Texas powdered heat,,, I dab my whole body with a wet sponge then completely cover myself with the seasoning,, sometimes for the right crowd I will have my wife airbrush my skin to look chicken that just came off the grill maybe even rub some sauce on my arms if I think I might rush the crowd that night you know give them something to lick off their arms.
reggae gigs,,, I go right for the jerk sauce and rub that all over me and my Bass.. Latino gigs its the adobe seasoning and avocado dip rubbed in my hair!!!
your looking for a well seasoned bass player look no further because I'm the guy who puts the truth and reality to that name.... when I do a spin on stage it looks like someone just threw a well floured pizza dough spinning high in the air,, when I high five people in the crowd who are stretching they're arms out to touch me I have so much sauce in my hand it splatters everything and everyone...... I AM the Most seasoned bass player..
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