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I got desperate and posted a CL ad.

#61
We live in the same area. I've used CL over the years and had mixed results. My best advice is to screen, screen, screen to the best of your ability in advance of a meeting/audition. Doesn't hurt to ask for references and if they have any videos on FB or other where you can gage the band and their music. Also, make sure your goals and outlook matches the rest of the band, particularly the 'leader". This is especially true in a gigging band that plays out often. Make sure your expectations match as much as possible. Hope you are successful!
 
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#63
Ender_rpm said:
When I post an ad that says "no modern countryor metal" all I get are "Wanna join our country /metalk band!?!?" hits. Ugh. Reading comprehension is test one.
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lokikallas said:
I have posted a bassist available, but that usually ends up with every kook trying to talk you into playing the genre that you specifically mentioned not wanting to play in your post.
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This. Exactly what has prevented me from posting a second time. But in my area you primarily play bluegrass or Americana originals for no money, or classic/southern rock. I was pretty specific in my ad about not wanting to play southern rock (or metal).

All the hits were southern rock.

I still surf every week, just to check.

I've picked up some decent paying gigs from the networks I developed playing with a local college/community band--an all volunteer gig. It also helps me keep my chops up when I'm not busy with other things.

GLWTA! Can't wait to hear about your success.
 
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#64
Reminds me of a rule I've had since I started driving in 1970: I never answer an ad for a used car that does not include a price. Ever. The seller gets to start, and if he's not willing to start in his ad, it's probably too much.

Jeff, by only answering ads, and not creating one, you save yourself the hassle of guys that think that somehow in their world of narcissis, you will make an exception for "them". You are exactly right.
 
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#65
Uncle Hanky said:
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.
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Sounds about par for the course. Keep going. Persistence, patience, and a good filter are what's required. Give it a month or two.
 
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#66
Uncle Hanky said:
I've been trying to find a band in my area, or at least some members to start a band, all to no avail. I've been out of the local scene for a decade, and I don't have a lot of contacts.

Has anyone here ever had luck posting/responding to CL ads of this nature?
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Actually, yes, and it led to a number of enduring friendships, business relationships, and gigs. But that's just one. And that's just how it is. Every successful endeavor can be traced to one fateful meeting or handshake. If you do not expand your presence in the marketplace, how is anyone going to find you? CL is one time-saving way to do that. Remember, though, it's show business, so your BS detector will get a workout.
 
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#67
An approach that worked great for one bass player I know, who moved to a new area, was to go to open mic jams to meet musicians. He met a pile of musicians, integrated into the scene very quickly, and now is in a couple of good gigging bands. This approach seems like a decent one, and cuts through a lot of potential wasted time of going through ads, because they're essentially open auditions. And you can talk to people and see if they are psycho, before bothering to talk about collaborating.
 
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#70
I have had many great experiences with CL musician ads. A few for successfully putting together bands, a few for successfully joining existing bands, and a few for great stories that start with "you're not gonna believe this one..."

all the classic scenarios.....showing up and it's a 20something underachiever still living with his parents, holding auditions in his bedroom with his folks downstairs, for a "band" that very clearly will never leave his bedroom....showing up and it's 50something underachievers in a messy apartment with duct-taped equipment butchering the classics and overconfidence in their impending rockstardom....showing up and discovering their current bassist is NOT going anywhere and they just wanted to see what it sounds like with two bassists playing simultaneously...
 
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#72
I'm in three bands right now and I met them all through Craigslist.

I met the singer and drummer of my folk rock band 7(!) years ago and we've been in several bands since then.

I'm in a rock band I met on CL, they needed a bassist. I went to an audition and I liked it. The only original members now are the singer and I and we've only been together a year. Our first show is next week.

I'm currently jamming with a guy I met on CL. I don't remember if I posted an ad looking for a band or vice versa. We share similar goals of playing out a lot.

I've also been in a few now defunct long term bands over the years that I met partly through Craigs.

That is not to say its without its share of horror stories. I still get hatemail from a rockabilly band I auditioned for last year and declined to play with. They're still looking for a bass player.

CL pickings doesn't have to be a **** show. Its actual the first place I look when looking for new people to play with, especially since I'm not part of a "scene."
 
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#74
I have been more successful with placing ads than answering them. I have an email address I use ONLY for Craigslist stuff. So nobody knows my name.

I screen the hell out of folks before I ever pick up the or respond.

If I call someone, it's from my office, not my home. But, I have met some decent people through CL. I have received a fair share of emails from the same people that post all the time too. No biggest, I just don't respond.
 
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#76
joebar said:
I'm not sure what it is about CL but it seems to breed mediocrity with musicians and I'm not sure why. Anyone have an idea?
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I don't think it breeds mediocrity so much as makes it easier to get out of the house, so people who might never otherwise have tried to put a band together give it a go. There are pros and cons to that. One of the cons is more mediocre players getting out.
 
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#78
Uncle Hanky said:
I've been trying to find a band in my area, or at least some members to start a band, all to no avail. I've been out of the local scene for a decade, and I don't have a lot of contacts.

Has anyone here ever had luck posting/responding to CL ads of this nature?
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Had good luck finally after posting a couple and answering a couple ads on CL. You can find some good people to the not so good people. In my first band now, found some great people to play with. No egos or drama. The drummer answered my ad. He came as part of a package deal, guitar player and female vocalist/keyboard player. After a couple of times playing together we decided we needed a second guitar player. Posted an ad and found another very good experienced guitarist who knew and had player with our first guitarist.
 
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