Tips for finding a band as a young musician

[J. Crawford]

JMJ,

First off, you're a huge influence... just getting that out there.

But I have a question:

Whats your best idea of getting into a working band? I have replied to tons of emails, and they're always interested... until I tell them that I'm 18. Then I get no response, no call back, nothing.

I feel weird by just not telling them my age..

Any ideas?

J.

 

[Marty Forrer]

Patience and perseverance young glasshoppah! Go to jam nights where you can sit in. Put ads up on the noticeboards of local music shops. Start your own band. I'm sure age has little to do with your lack of success, unless it's that the bands you're applying to are working in bars (I dont know what your liquor laws are in the US... here it's 20yo). Good luck.... you'll get there.

 

[cfsporn]

If you can write songs, mention that you can write songs. Same goes for if you can sing or play any other instruments. Also, Craigslist is your friend.

 

[J. Crawford]

I have played bars before, its usually either A) I play and leave or B) I get X marks on my hands to show I'm not 21.

I definitely need to put some posters up in the few local shops. Good idea.

 

[s_mcsleazy]

well i had a simalar problem. it still comes up a fair bit to be fair. if your 18 im assuming your in work or at college or uni?

if so it can be hard to manage the 2 lifestyles and usually bands that are already going want someone who can commit. it comes up alot.

heres how i cut my teeth however. i started laying down basslines at my dads friends studio. got known as a versitile musician then more and more bands started saying "he may be young but hes a good all rounder" at the same time i used to fill in for bands who'se bass players left or couldent make practace.

unfortunatly due to college music has taken a back seat but thats how i did it

 

[J. Crawford]

Yes, I am in school. That poses a problem too.. but even just something to take some free time would be great, ya know? I'm in nothing right now, and I'm losing my mind.

 

[s_mcsleazy]

well grab some mates from school and just start a band with them

 

[J. Crawford]

Well, there are two problems to that.

1. We aren't allowed to have amps of any kind in our rooms...
2. Refer to number 1

Its a stupid system, as they say amps take too much power, yet we can have refrigerators and microwaves.

 

[dlenaghan]

But does anyone say you can't have amps in common areas? We used to practice in the chapel, great acoustics in there. I'm sure there's a director of campus spaces you can schedule something with.

 

[jmjbassplayer]

Persistence is your biggest ally.

 

[PaulNYC]

Well, there are two problems to that.

1. We aren't allowed to have amps of any kind in our rooms...
2. Refer to number 1

Its a stupid system, as they say amps take too much power, yet we can have refrigerators and microwaves.

get a jamhub, or rent a practice studio

 

[pasta4lnch]

The Jamhub thing is awesome!! So no amps allowed at all? or just not using one?