In Between Bands

[bluewine]

How many of you were in good working bands that you liked last year,now your without work, no longer in a band and actively seeking the right band to utilize your talent.

•How do you feel about not being in a band

•What kind of plan or strategy do you have to get back up and running

•Are you getting auditions

•Are you getting offers from working bands

•What have you had to change professionally, musically and philosophically

•When do you think something will happen for you


blue

 

[Winnb]

The best way to get in a band is networking. Go to clubs, shows, open mics, jam sessions. Spend time networking in-person and online.

"Who you know" is a great way to get in band.

 

[bluewine]

The best way to get in a band is networking. Go to clubs, shows, open mics, jam sessions. Spend time networking in-person and online.

"Who you know" is a great way to get in band.

I would say that works for certain people in certain markets. In some areas open mics are very good for networking and not so good in others.

Also for some knowing how to approach people for information is important.

On line networking has some value.

Clearly understanding what your looking for and the realities of finding it should be considered.

 

[80'sRocker]

I've seen a major dropoff in the amount of bassists needed in my area in the last year. I haven't played in a band in a few years (just studio) but now I'm unemployed, figured I could make some $ playing out - NOT! I look every day in the want ads and it's really sad out there (at least in the Capitol District of NY)

 

[Winnb]

I would say that works for certain people in certain markets. In some areas open mics are very ood for networking and not so good in others.

On line networking has some value.

Clearly understanding what your looking for and the realities of finding it should be considered.

Agreed. It's tough though, no doubt. I'm only in a band now because it's guys I've played with before and I trust them. I don't envy those that are looking. There's so much BS out there.

 

[Intangible]

Open jams are a great way to keep your live band chops in shape. Even if you don't get a gig directly from this, this will help come audition time.

 

[bolophonic]

I am in between bands right now. My main band is on hiatus for a few months, so I am working on a few different projects:

1. I have been "jamming" with a drummer. I throw out some original bass lines and he throws down some grooves. The results have been promising, but we have been plagued by scheduling differences for the past couple of months. I would like to make this project more solid.

2. Potentially re-starting my band from 2008-9, which would probably mean that I have to move back to drums.

3. Potentially resurrecting a very promising metal band who's key member just finished paying his debt to society.

4. Creating an off-shoot of my main band, which would be something in the avant-funk-dance-jazzbo vein.

Obviously starting bands like this from scratch is a pain in the neck, so I am frequently frustrated by false starts. But the payoff at the end when one of these projects comes through will be well worth the "wasted" time. That is the beauty of creating music for pleasure... the meter is never running when I hold my bass in my hands!

I would say that works for certain people in certain markets. In some areas open mics are very good for networking and not so good in others.

Also for some knowing how to approach people for information is important.

On line networking has some value.

Clearly understanding what your looking for and the realities of finding it should be considered.

To me, all of this reads as "I cannot make friends with musicians in real life."

 

[bluewine]

Agreed. It's tough though, no doubt. I'm only in a band now because it's guys I've played with before and I trust them. I don't envy those that are looking. There's so much BS out there.

Yeah, the legitimate opportunities are tough for outsiders to get in.

Start ups are a whole discussion in it's self;

Who are they

What experience do they have

Is what they are trying to do realistic

Do they have the resources and talent that is worth your time

In all honesty do you think they will ever see their first gig, if yes how long will it take to be gig ready with 1.4 hrs of material.

 

[bluewine]

I am in between bands right now. My main band is on hiatus for a few months, so I am working on a few different projects:

1. I have been "jamming" with a drummer. I throw out some original bass lines and he throws down some grooves. The results have been promising, but we have been plagued by scheduling differences for the past couple of months. I would like to make this project more solid.

2. Potentially re-starting my band from 2008-9, which would probably mean that I have to move back to drums.

3. Potentially resurrecting a very promising metal band who's key member just finished paying his debt to society.

4. Creating an off-shoot of my main band, which would be something in the avant-funk-dance-jazzbo vein.

Obviously starting bands like this from scratch is a pain in the neck, so I am frequently frustrated by false starts. But the payoff at the end when one of these projects comes through will be well worth the "wasted" time. That is the beauty of creating music for pleasure... the meter is never running when I hold my bass in my hands!



To me, all of this reads as "I cannot make friends with musicians in real life."

Remember this thread is not about me.It's about bass players out of work and looking.

But for what it's worth and since I am so important to you. I'm not really in the market for freinds.

 

[bluewine]

Open jams are a great way to keep your live band chops in shape. Even if you don't get a gig directly from this, this will help come audition time.

Yeah open jams are good, if you happen to be in an area where you have access to musicians that play at your level and it's cool for you.

 

[bassbully]

Sometimes you have to lower your expectations.

 

[jive1]

I was playing in an actively gigging Blues/Classic Rock band for about 3 years. We were doing about 3-6 shows a month, got to open for a couple of national acts, and were working with one of the top 2 booking agents in town. Drummer was going through a divorce, and things started falling apart. At that time I was getting sick of the band, and left to play at church, started my business and moved to a new neighborhood. I took a hiatus from playing bars for about a year and a half.

- How did I feel about not being in a band? At that time, not bad at all. I was sick of my last band, and was way too busy to miss it. I did get a couple of sub gigs, but not a whole lot in that first year. I was playing at church, and it was very gratifying, so I didn't have the itch too bad in the beginning.
- What was my plan for getting up and running? No plan at all. I got back into playing when one of my co-workers found out I played bass, so I played for his Country band for a little while. Then later on, I got a chance to play with my old band as the lead guitarist. From there, things started rolling and more opportunities presented themselves. Luckily, I didn't have to put in much effort to get back into the running. My hiatus ended without any effort on my part, other than saying yes.
- Auditions? I didn't audition for any of the bands I played with. They knew my ability, and took me in. I did do auditions during that time, and still do today to keep my chops up and eyes open for opportunity, but 90% of my gigs have been through reputation or meeting with people. Even my most recent house band gig I got didn't really need an audition, I met with the guys and later that week I showed up and played.
- Was I getting offers from working bands? The bands that got me out of my hiatus were both working. When I was doing auditions, I had a couple of opportunities from working bands that would have been more fruitful if I could have better been able to commit at the time, or didn't have scheduling issues. With all that said, even though the bands were working, they weren't working as much as I wanted to.
- What have I changed? Not much, actually. Playing at church was good for me in that it reinforced the notion that I should serve. During the hiatus, I guess I became more open to doing different things that I wouldn't have done in the past, like playing Country, playing lead guitar, sitting out a song, leading worship, singing for an all-niter that the singer flaked on, making it easy on the soundman, etc. I guess the biggest change was to step up from being easy to work with to being able to contribute where I can.
- When did I think something was going to happen? I really didn't think much at all. I just tried to be willing and available and luckily, things worked out.

 

[Depth_Charge]

How many of you were in good working bands that you liked last year,now your without work, no longer in a band and actively seeking the right band to utilize your talent.

Yeah I just finished up with a (mediocre) working classic rock cover band (recordings on myspace if you want to check them out). We did the country circuit so I was away almost every weekend. The family hated it so I gave notice and we went our seperate ways. I need to work locally.

•How do you feel about not being in a band

Short answer, it sucks!

•What kind of plan or strategy do you have to get back up and running

Start my own band. I read something on TB recently that basically read "If you know how things should be, start that band". I've done it before and managed to eek some gigs out so I'm doing it again.

•Are you getting auditions

Not as many as I'd hoped to.

•Are you getting offers from working bands

Not yet.

•What have you had to change professionally, musically and philosophically

I used to be a song snob and reject half of what people wanted to play. I learned to cover anything to see if it works.
Flow with the go and don't stress out too much.
Gigs are easy to get, hard to keep.
Sing more - less volume more reverb lol.
Mistakes happen.
Leave your baggage at home.
Play with your heart, even when your hearts not in it.
Everyone is replaceable.

•When do you think something will happen for you

I will be ready to gig my own act in 3 months tops.

 

[RFord04]

•What kind of plan or strategy do you have to get back up and running

Spend less time on Talkbass talking about being out of work...

 

[drewfunk]

Yeah, the legitimate opportunities are tough for outsiders to get in.

Start ups are a whole discussion in it's self;

Who are they

What experience do they have

Is what they are trying to do realistic

Do they have the resources and talent that is worth your time

In all honesty do you think they will ever see their first gig, if yes how long will it take to be gig ready with 1.4 hrs of material.

Why do you always act so condescending towards start up bands? Like you are above them or something? Do you expect everyone to do the work for you, and you just come in after the band is established and grace them with your talent?

 

[loopee]

Just got "dumped" from a Blues Trio doing originals (I helped with the music - i.e. where to put the bridge, etc) but it was the lead/guitar/singer/songwriter's project mostly (though I helped refine it)......we were at it for 2 years....in the last year we managed to do 20 gigs for which I got paid $88 for only one gig out of the 20 the rest were freebies....that's OK.....got to pay your dues when you're an original band......and the "leader" had just declared bankruptcy so we didn't stress the fact that we should get paid at least gas money.......strangely, after our sets most people in the audience came to me to congratulate me on doing a great job on the bass.....that made me happy cause the audience was happy.....we've worked hard for 2 years getting "his" music heard and getting a following...small following but it's a start...so just when things start looking up and we're thinking of doing the 2nd CD, the "leader" decides to dump me and the drummer, writes a few new songs, hires studio musicians (bass, drum, organ, horns?) and pays them, the studio, the engineer - don't forget, the guy is supposed to be bankrupt (lied just so he wouldn't have to pay us).....he's gone on an ego trip, he even dumped his girlfriend of 12 years leaving in the middle of the night 3 days after she found out she had cancer and he leaves her with a $55,000 credit card bill (from buying cars, guitars, etc)....oh and by the way, he'd been having an illicit internet affair for the last few months while still with his girlfriend............this guy is a "loser" though I wished I would have known that before I wasted 2 years on his stuff..........I can't wait to hear what his new CD is like and how hard it will be for him to find anyone wanting to learn his songs and play them for free, he's not all that good and lacks "frontman" charisma......and good luck on recuperating the cost of the CD which will be majorly expensive......this guy is just trippin'

Anyway, I'm looking for a band now, I miss playing.....I've had a few auditions....great musicians...nice guys.....but scheduling problems have caused trouble.....got an offer but these guys rehearsed at 10 AM on Sunday mornings and that just doesn't work for me.........but I keep looking.......went to a few jams to keep up the chops....maybe I'll just start another cover band from scratch but not really looking forward to that again, would prefer joining an already working band

I really miss playing with others

 

[bolophonic]

Remember this thread is not about me.It's about bass players out of work and looking.

Understood. I have tried every single possible method for joining or forming bands and the only one that has ever yielded positive results for me is networking face-to-face with musicians. It's the only way to judge the chemistry between myself and other band members and (for me) being friends with a wide range of musicians is the fastest way to get a referral when someone in the area needs a bass player. Craigslist/online contacts have yielded exactly 0% success for me in the last 10 years or so. Even with the most positive, open-minded attitude, I would call online band formation an exercise in frustration and lost energy.

Going to shows and talking to musicians is the most reliable way to make new contacts. Open mic nights probably work for a lot of people, but that is a scene that I have no business poking my nose into, given my low level of virtuosity.

So "boots on the ground" is the tried and true method for making sure that my name gets mentioned when someone is looking for a bass player. Sure, I have settled into a low-profit niche in my musical career, but the offers keep rolling right in.

 

[bluewine]

I am in between bands right now. My main band is on hiatus for a few months, so I am working on a few different projects:

1. I have been "jamming" with a drummer. I throw out some original bass lines and he throws down some grooves.


If your connected with good drummers, you have 90% of this battle won.

I saw a band this weekend that had lost a drummer.I saw the new guy, older guy, my age, the guy was just great.It's blues band and he played drums that complimented blues. Some bands have all the luck. I have to ask them where they found that guy.

 

[bluewine]

Understood. I have tried every single possible method for joining or forming bands and the only one that has ever yielded positive results for me is networking face-to-face with musicians.

I will personally take you up on that one, cause open mics are not happening in my area. I have to groups i will be seeing this week.I plan on touching base with both of them.

 

[bluewine]

Just got "dumped" from a Blues Trio his guy is a "loser" though I wished I really miss playing with others

I feel your pain. My fingers are crossed for you.I really hope you find something good, worthy of your talent.

I should have added, how to detecting losers to the following;

We have talked about being careful about whether or not you want to get involved with a “start up”.

IMOP, if you came from a working band and that is what your looking for, start ups ,unless there is some extenuating circumstance is not a good idea.

If you do go the route of “start up”, you might want to be conscious of how fast you can detect the signs that the start up band won’t go anywhere.

For some all it takes is reading the ad carefully and see how it measures on the BS meter. For others it might take a several rehearsal s to notice things like some members , not showing up, not knowing the material, drummer wasn’t as good as you originally thought, singer isn’t as good as you originally thought ect ect… the list goes on.