Know your place! (craiglist bassist wanted ad)

[Tampabass]

Alt - I don't disagree with what you said. But, honestly, do they really come off as the kind of band that has good paying gigs and is in the position of "hiring" a bassist?

Sounds to me like a "hired gun contract" with them would amount to rehearsing all the time in an effort to become "famous" (their word), and at the same time agreeing to be a slave to their musical whims, playing exactly what they told you and nothing more.

What kind of person would that appeal to? What kind of "band" is that? Sounds more like a dictatorship.

 

[PlungerModerno]

I agree with your points.....And I would never answer that ad.....

But....

I see nothing wrong with the Ad itself. They are being upfront and honest which is refreshing in my book. They know what they want and they know how they want it to go down.....At least perspective candidates know that going in rather than finding out after a month of rehearsals. They may be douchenozzles and all, but they're honest douchenozzles and I respect that.

After all of the Metallica (douchenozzles supreme) videos/rockumentaries/interviews I've seen.....It seems like this approach worked for them.

I seem to recall Cliff Burton having more than a 'man in the back' role for the majority of metallica's early successes (IMHO their best material by far)

But broadly speaking, bass as a lead instrument in rock is not widely accepted. Doesn't fit the cookie cutter mould thingummy.
From the ad I'd say they're making a few mistakes. (I've never been in a band though so what would I know right?)

Refusal to be genre diverse isn't going to help with getting a unique sound. I'd imagine being distinct from 3,000 other bands playing the same type of songs will be a strength.

Refusing to consider including a new creative member is ignorant. They haven't had Significant sustained success, so their 'recipe' for success can be tweaked without immense risk. The new person could be a natural bandleader / writer that could revolutionize them in a year (for the better) if they'd consider change.

The ad in short paints the existing band as formed and defined. not bad for a proven success, but before a band is full, it shouldn't settle on too precise a direction / sound / setlist as the new member could be a significant and pivotal contributor.

Just saying. I'll know better when I make one of my own!
But at least the potential thuddites will know they'll be working with prescriptive jerks!

 

[AltGrendel]

Alt - I don't disagree with what you said. But, honestly, do they really come off as the kind of band that has good paying gigs and is in the position of "hiring" a bassist?

Sounds to me like a "hired gun contract" with them would amount to rehearsing all the time in an effort to become "famous" (their word), and at the same time agreeing to be a slave to their musical whims, playing exactly what they told you and nothing more.

What kind of person would that appeal to? What kind of "band" is that? Sounds more like a dictatorship.

Agreed, but hopefully the audition would give you some kind of clue as to whether it's worth it.

To me, it's a moot point and I'm sure 98% of the bassists (there's always a few that will audition) seeing that add would feel the same way.

 

[PlungerModerno]

Alt - I don't disagree with what you said. But, honestly, do they really come off as the kind of band that has good paying gigs and is in the position of "hiring" a bassist?

Sounds to me like a "hired gun contract" with them would amount to rehearsing all the time in an effort to become "famous" (their word), and at the same time agreeing to be a slave to their musical whims, playing exactly what they told you and nothing more.

What kind of person would that appeal to? What kind of "band" is that? Sounds more like a dictatorship.

Quite.

If someone is willing to do what it takes to be famous.... I'd imagine "you will play them the way we want" will be a point of failure. A band shouldn't get too demanding before being in demand.
An unwillingness to compromise and nurture musical growth & input in the band is strange business decision. It's like asking a partner in a business to never help you with the accounts, without checking first if they have experiance / skill in this area.

 

[powderfinger]

Since when did Adolph Hitler start an indie rock band?

Seriously, these guys, IMO, will never leave the garage..

 

[Roy Vogt]

Since when did Adolph Hitler start an indie rock band?

Seriously, these guys, IMO, will never leave the garage..

Link Removed

 

[Rickett Customs]

I seem to recall Cliff Burton having more than a 'man in the back' role for the majority of metallica's early successes (IMHO their best material by far)

Also, Cliff was pursued by James and lars after seeing him perform, no ad's......matter of fact, they got rid of Ron McGovney because he "followed" and didn't contribute

 

[dalkowski]

BTW...
I think it's your turn to clean out the microwave

After I finish this Powerpoint slide.

And while we're on the subject, can you PLEASE remember to turn off the burner before you put the empty coffee pot back on it?

 

[Will Kelly]

There might be something to the ad, you never know. At least, there might be something to what they are looking for.

A couple of weeks ago, I got a very flattering phone call and was offered the gig with the Bodeans. While not biggest or most famous band ever, this would have been a six month tour with close to a hundred dates and would have been a blast and looked damn good on my resume.

I got the call, because I was "a beast that knew how not to overplay and just play for the song".

I had to turn the gig down, but it sure was nice to be asked.

 

[CrashCarlisle]

I wonder how much they pay.

I'd charge for practices as well as gigs. And if some gigs are far away, I'd need travel money.

 

[lfmn16]

We need a disciplined and motivated person, not some egocentric or arrogant dude[/B].

Sounds like they have arrogant and egocentric covered.

 

[chuck norriss]

Sounds like a guitarist wrote the ad.

Sounds like Techno Viking wrote the ad.

 

[lucas vigor]

If you get paid, then it's the same as any other gig where you are a sideman.

if they don't intend to pay you and pay you well for the gigs, then this would be the biggest joke ever.

I would actually like to meet these people. it's obvious their last bass player really pissed them off! I bet they have the chick singer who is dating the guitarist, and the two of them think they run the show. The music is probab;y pretty-f-ing bad too.

Someone needs to go to an audition, start tapping and slapping about halfway through, and then report back here immediately! Oh, and secretly tape it please!

 

[Sixpack324]

I seem to recall Cliff Burton having more than a 'man in the back' role for the majority of metallica's early successes (IMHO their best material by far)

I was referring to their "stiff" attitudes of Jason Newsted playing what he was told, when he was told, with no creative input. I don't remember what rocumentary it was....Maybe 'Behind The Music", but James himself admitted that he and Lars were very, very controlling on the "....And Justice for All" album with regard to both Jason and Kirk. Other rockumentaries of theirs also address the issue. Also, look at how the Dave Mustaine situation went down. Seems to me that James and Lars had a "Take no Prisoners....Make no Apologies" attitude when it came to the band, its management and decisions that needed to be made........kinda like the Ad we're talking about.

Cliff, his abilities and creative input doesn't fall into this situation....It seems that Cliff earned their respect through his abilities, but it also seems like he was the exception.....not the rule.

Point I was trying to make is that they were very controlling and had the same attitude as the guy who posted the Ad when it came to the band. I don't think they thought they would do anything but find success from day 1.

After I finish this Powerpoint slide.

And while we're on the subject, can you PLEASE remember to turn off the burner before you put the empty coffee pot back on it?

Not until I figure out who keeps stealing my frozen banana guacamole from the fridge.



By the way.....I'm going to be late on Monday....

They're planning construction in the hallway outside my bedroom AND by the stairs, so my commute is going to be a nightmare!!

 

[PlungerModerno]

I was referring to their "stiff" attitudes of Jason Newsted playing what he was told, when he was told, with no creative input....

....Cliff, his abilities and creative input doesn't fall into this situation....It seems that Cliff earned their respect through his abilities, but it also seems like he was the exception.....not the rule.

Point I was trying to make is that they were very controlling and had the same attitude as the guy who posted the Ad when it came to the band. I don't think they thought they would do anything but find success from day 1.

Pretty much as I remember it - but I haven't watched more than ten minutes of a metallica docu, and it was a while ago.

What I was getting at before was along these lines:

"The ad in short paints the existing band as formed and defined. not bad for a proven success, but before a band is full, it shouldn't settle on too precise a direction / sound / setlist as the new member could be a significant and pivotal contributor. "

>I was saying they were looking for a person to be treated like a newstead (Gifted player joining a successful outfit & do as instructed) when the band seems to better fit a pre burton metallica!

I just think setting an incomplete band in stone is OK for a proven success or a solo artist. But a band should be communal. If they're going to be spending a lot of time together & operating in a total dictatorship then the money better be good (i.e. newsteady conditions).

I can totally see why they're actively refusing slappers / tappers. Most guitarists prefer a more subtle bass sound. I must stress I've never gigged or even played in a proper band but I can see tension and disaster brewing if the money isn't enough to keep the band greased You guys with the whole "pay me up front" attitude have the right idea. If one is treated like an outsider one should charge like an outsider. "an experienced bassist with great equipment" don't come cheap. Unless they suck (like me:scowl. But I'm not experianced so I can't talk...

 

[Sixpack324]

Pretty much as I remember it - but I haven't watched more than ten minutes of a metallica docu, and it was a while ago.

What I was getting at before was along these lines:

"The ad in short paints the existing band as formed and defined. not bad for a proven success, but before a band is full, it shouldn't settle on too precise a direction / sound / setlist as the new member could be a significant and pivotal contributor. "

>I was saying they were looking for a person to be treated like a newstead (Gifted player joining a successful outfit & do as instructed) when the band seems to better fit a pre burton metallica!

I just think setting an incomplete band in stone is OK for a proven success or a solo artist. But a band should be communal. If they're going to be spending a lot of time together & operating in a total dictatorship then the money better be good (i.e. newsteady conditions).

I can totally see why they're actively refusing slappers / tappers. Most guitarists prefer a more subtle bass sound. I must stress I've never gigged or even played in a proper band but I can see tension and disaster brewing if the money isn't enough to keep the band greased You guys with the whole "pay me up front" attitude have the right idea. If one is treated like an outsider one should charge like an outsider. "an experienced bassist with great equipment" don't come cheap. Unless they suck (like me:scowl. But I'm not experianced so I can't talk...

That's the thing about their ad, though.....There should be no tension.....Whoever answers the ad knows what type of situation they would be getting into....If they're not comfortable with the strictness/stiffness of the situation, they shouldn't audition.....Like I said earlier.....I don't condone their attitude (I agree with your 'communal' comment), but I have a lot of respect for the fact that they are being open and honest about their attitude right from the beginning. That's pretty rare.

 

[PlungerModerno]

Indeed. Their honesty / upfrontness is their one redeeming feature.

I reread most of the thread to make sure I didn't make a complete fool of myself and found this:

"Refusing to consider including a new creative member is ignorant. They haven't had Significant sustained success, so their 'recipe' for success can be tweaked without immense risk. The new person could be a natural bandleader / writer that could revolutionize them in a year (for the better) if they'd consider change."

I guess that's somewhat relevant for the "newstead for a burton situation" I was getting at earlier. The band might be epic, but while the sentiment was honest, a little tact ... i.e. "we want a person who serves the music and band 1st and 2nd with their solo/lead pieces a distant 3rd".

Or maybe they've had 20 wooten wannabees audition for a U2 copy band and literally just want a root only player who will stop tapping arpeggios at breakneck speed!
They do seem a little... uptight in the advert

 

[bolophonic]

A truly talented bassist would have to be pretty hard up to sign on with that outfit.

 

[PlungerModerno]

A truly talented bassist would have to be pretty hard up to sign on with that outfit.

A gifted musician period would find the zero input rule difficult.

 

[Definitely]

If I were closer to them, Id try out.....
Armed with fresh Blue steels and bring some wankfestslapomatic material haha

No you've gotta start off with just root notes, then all of a sudden just burst into a total wankfest...with the amp at 11