My craigslist add and some questions:

The ad seems ok to me, the only change I would suggest is to state what musicians you need, just to clarify what positions are open in the band or what you don't want.

As far as having your girlfriend sing? I don't know. There's a stigma associated with it because if your personal life with your girlfriend turns sour it can affect the rest of the band, and that can be a very uncomfortable position to be in for the rest of the band. But, if you and your GF can be aware of it, and do your best to keep your personal life out of the band side of things, then it should be ok.

Doom/Detroit rock. Seems like an interesting combo!

 

dude, don't do it........

I've never ever ever seen a couple in a band work out well.

I adore the Beatles, and loved seeing Sir Paul and Wings in 1975.....

BUT, Linda on keys? PLEASE! most ten year olds with 2 lessons under their belts were better than her.

 

i have to say you're a bit of a downer

 

Some thoughts...

1. The ad doesn't seem to say what pieces of the band you're looking for.

2. Where you say "It doesn't call for great technicality so it should be palatable to any skill level. Even if you literally just picked up an electric guitar, if this style speaks to you, shoot me a text."

From my perspective (trying to view the ad as something I might be interested in), this would have potential to put off someone skilled/experienced who might otherwise be interested. If you truly would take on someone who just picked up their instrument, maybe leave that unsaid, and let that person approach you. If it happens that way, it happens that way. I would assume your first preference would be for people with more experience.

You might consider something like this

"It doesn't call for great technicality as much as a feel for the music, so it's more important that this style speaks to you than it is that you're highly skilled."

3. Where you say "I am not the best musician, but I can offer a clear vision of what the band I play in to sound like."

I don't think you should down yourself. IMO, it's unnecessary and doesn't do anything to draw people in. As above, it could put off the perfect guitarist or drummer. People will find out about your playing after they meet you.

Maybe just

"I'm offering a clear vision of what this band will sound like."

4. Maybe the thing with your girlfriend singing would work, maybe it wouldn't. That's up to you to decide whether or not to try. IMO, leave it out of the ad. You're saying you have a firm vision, and then you get all wish-washy.

I'd say hold that part of your plan to yourself, and if it works to bring them in later, bring them in later.

Good luck...or whatever is appropriate for someone striving to create about doom, death, depression, loss and struggles...

 

People think he's insane because he is frowning all the time.

Make a joke and he will sigh, and you will laugh, and he will cry.

I second everything Dr. Pepper said.

I'm stoked to hear the music you come up with.

 

Girlfriend/wife in band? Seems to work just fine for Mellowinman.

 

I would not answer that ad. It doesn't sound at all professional. I doubt you will get any interest from people who can actually play.
Sorry, but it is my honest opinion.

 

Two reasons for "NO" to the girlfriend.

1) Girlfriends and boyfriends break up. When they break up....no more band...or at the very least, you are looking for a new vocalist.
2) You say she :keeps time and can sing solidly". Sorry but that's not enough for a lead vocalist/front person.

If you want success you need someone that can own the song and is a great vocalist. From the audience perspective they are the focus and most important person in the band. So if you think she can take you there fine but I don't get that vibe from your post.

 

Just an FYI (in case you didn't know), you can edit CL ads.

 

A few things occur to me that haven't been mentioned yet:

1. I assume you want to turn this into a gigging band, but that isn't clear from the ad. When you say, in effect, "I'm not all that good, and you don't have to be either," it sounds to me like you're looking for a just-for-fun hobby band. Of course, that's fine if it's what you want, but emphasizing that skill level isn't very important makes it sound like you're not interested in getting gigs (or hiring anyone who is gig-ready).

2. There are hints in the ad that you want to write your own songs, but it isn't entirely clear if the goal is to be an all-originals band versus a cover band. Might be good to be more explicit about that.

3. Something seems troubling to me that you mention your girlfriend and other friend as potential band members, but then seem willing to throw them under the bus if someone new wants you to. This would make me wonder just how committed you are to the girlfriend (see others' comments above), and also how loyal you would be to me if I joined the band. Would you toss me out as soon as someone else joined who didn't want me in the band?

Just my $0.02 worth.

 

I don't think anyone with real chops would give the ad a second thought. Everything reads "rank amateur band". You might get some response from starry-eyed wannabees, though.

 

Ads like these on my local CL get others to respond with negative posts. I ignore them.

 

Agree 100%. Plus you never say in the ad what musicians you are looking for.

 

I vote NO for girfriend. It makes it hard for anyone else to disagree with you in any matter, couse you already have majority. It makes it hard for others to participate and creates unhappy band(mates)

 

Since you're asking.

• Nobody cares what your stage name is. If I was looking for a band I would stop reading there.
• If you are wiling to play with someone who literally just picked up the guitar, you probably won't find anyone decent that will even answer the ad; no one wants to train a beginner. I would drop that line and that thought.
• Unless you absolutely suck, I wouldn't say you aren't the best musician, again it scares off people that can play.

Forget playing with your girlfriend. It almost never works out. There aren't many guys that can stand there and watch a bunch of drunk butt heads hitting on their girlfriend without getting jealous, mad, distracted, etc.