Starting something...and keeping it going??

[zarah825]

Ok I hate to start a new thread since there's probably something similar but I wasn't sure what I would search for so if it's a played out topic just lock/ignore

ANYWAY I've only been playing for a few years and I got to the point where I actually wanted to create music, and with other people (so yes, an originals band). My taste is sort of more indie/alternative/experimental/etc stuff so it's extremely difficult to come across people that share those tastes AND want to make music. So, a few times I've reached out via various internet outlets (CL, etc) and have found clusters of people that seemed like a great fit....for a little while. But after a month or so it always tapers off and everyone is way less into it than I am I see it happening right now, actually, and we had only just finally completed all of the pieces to the puzzle.

So, short of moving to a new city (would if I could!) how should I go about finding people with common musical interests and intentions that will actually stick around? I know some of it is luck, but I dunno...lately it's been incredibly discouraging. Almost to the point where I don't have interest in playing much anymore if it'll just be in my basement?

(This whole post sounds like I'm begging for relationship advice if you just skim...)

 

[ddnidd1]

Finding a band/players where all the critical ingredients are present is often pretty elusive.

Persistence and luck seem to be what's required.

 

[bluewine]

To attract good musicians that might be in line with your vision, you will have to have something to offer them.

blue

 

[James Judson]

Money is the only thing that makes musicians want to stick around.

 

[Piggy8692]

I was almost thinking about asking the same thing. It seems that no matter what, there will always be a compromise as far as what sound you want to put out. Unless you have everything already written and are LUCKY enough to find a whole band that is willing to follow a bassist.

Not as hard with guitarists. Most guitarists can write what they want and someone will play it. I assume. I've even thought about writing stuff and getting less experienced people to play it. People who haven't really figured out what they like yet. But then I'd have to teach the whole band how to play their instruments...

Seems like the people who 'say' that they are serious turn out to be the flakes.

It's tough, I hope to see some better advice from more experienced.. uhm.. advicers?

 

[zarah825]

The money thing sort of makes sense but what about when it never even comes close to that point?

And it seems like each time at least one of the other people is "so excited" to start making some music but they just seem to...change their minds.

There's a pretty decent chance I'm the problem though, ah well.

EDIT: did not see the post above! But yeah I'm not trying to be a "leader" or anything of the like and to my knowledge have not really given that impression...in fact usually at least one guitar player I do find already has some ideas kicking around

 

[Piggy8692]

How are you the problem?

No instrument? Bad temper? Smell of Cabbage?

 

[Piggy8692]

okay, serious now.

You might be the problem, that's a thought that I've had too. (about myself). but there are bands out there playing crap all the time. Why not us? IF that is the case.

 

[matante]

In an originals band, there's nothing to be excited about if the songs suck, so the first place to look is the songs.

Second, if you really have a very specific sound you want to explore, write some songs that revolve around your basslines. Then, when you meet musicians, tell them you're into exploring a specific sound and play them your demos. They need to know exactly what they're getting into, and if they're still interested, then you know you've found someone you can work with. I think that anyone who joins an originals band (except the drummer,) should have demos of songs they're working on. You need to like their demos and they need to like yours for things to move forward.

Also, a lot of people are just flakes. You need to learn how to weed out the flakes so you don't waste time with them. The demo thing I mentioned helps you do that. It shows a commitment to making music that's more than someone deciding to join a band on a whim.

 

[two fingers]

Well, it will always be hard to find people who will just "get on board" with YOUR vision. That holds true for business, relationships, and especially bands. You see, in original bands, everybody wants to contribute..... give of themselves. If it's a situation where you are trying to change or influence how you think they SHOULD play or feel, then perhaps they just aren't on the same page as you and would rather jump into something that fits THEIR vision.

And it's hard to be a band "leader" if the only incentive you offer is the possibility of playing some "really good" music. Maybe a gig someday. But mostly loose ends. Nothing in stone. What do YOU think would be the reason for someone to stick around in your band? What's in it for them?

As always, it would help to know where you are. Often there is someone here who can help, and may know some people, or an open jam with like minded people, if we only knew where you were.

I hope I didn't offend. Just bouncing some ideas off of you.

Best of luck.

 

[glocke1]

Even if you have a group of people that share the same musical vision, keeping something going music wise can be very elusive.


I've had people bail on bands that to seemed to be going well (getting gigs, fans, everyone seemed to be having fun, etc) for no apparent reason.

Some tips:

1) Be flexible. Unless you are paying people to come to play with you, these other people are giving up their time and gas money to rehearse, so be willing to play some things they want to play.

2) Keep it fun, yet organized and professional. No one likes a band nazi, but at the same time no one likes their time wasted.

3) Communicate outside of rehearsal. No need for endless emails several days a week. Send out an email a 3 days to a week before rehearsal that outlines what you would like to see worked on, and ask if anyone has anything they want to play..

4) Be realistic in your expectations. This is something that I am critical the most of with many of the people I've met. 90% of the people you play with have families, day jobs, and other things going on. As a result most of them are not going to be able to practice 2-3 times a week..Set a goal of practicing once a week, but don't go ballistic if someone misses a week here or there.

5) Don't set ridiculous goals...One band I was in felt they needed to have 60 -70 songs down pat before they went out and played. They never made it past the rehearsal room. Learn a half dozen songs or so, go out and play some open mics to see how people respond. This can actually be fun and is a good way to network.

 

[zarah825]

Thanks guys the advice IS much appreciated!

Don't worry though, I've never gone out with a really specific sound/"vision" in mind and in fact I don't even really know what mine is. If I did, I would just try and become a solo artist for now. I don't like restricting other people either - I just know I'd be quite unhappy in certain types of bands so I do make that at least partially known upfront. Whenever someone suggests a chord progression they came up with, or a cover of a song I never heard, I'm always up for it though! I feel bad if I'm the one coming up with everything.

I just think the most confusing part is that sometimes the other person (who usually is also more of a "band leader" than I am) starts off almost more enthusiastic than me? We're talking - practice twice a week, cutting hours so they can work on song ideas, etc. I'm just curious what makes them go...well.....from 60 to zero in such a short span of time.

OH and re: where I am - I'm in Columbus, OH. So, decent enough sized city - but small enough that I know my window of opportunity is fairly small. A lot of the people that really wanted to be in bands, are in one already.

 

[Flyingfrets]

I've given up on trying to find a good "fit" locally. What's it's come down to in finding like-minded individuals is that our keyboard player & one guitar player are in NYC, other guitar player/vocalist is in PA, drummer from OH and I'm in southern NJ (almost along the DE border).

Easy? Far from it. BUT...it works...for us. Depends on (pardon the pun) "how far you're willing to go" to find what you're looking for.

 

[Piggy8692]

Maybe working on some solo stuff would be helpful for the moment until you find people that are interested in doing what your putting down. In my band, there are 5 different styles that we are tryin to infuse to make something that we all can call our own. I find that sometime when I'm writing, I try to make room for outside input and it seems to be a little bit more accepted.

I had a bunch of stuff written that I could have brought to the table, but unfortunately it was all written on guitar. I should write more on bass, seing as how it's my 'primary' instrument.

Maybe there is a way to get your current situation to be more 'your style' without doing a complete 180. I don't really know what situation exactly, but it might work. At least I want it to, just to give me a little more hope.