Uncool to try and poach someone's gig, right?

[JMacBass65]

So there is a band, local to me, that I would be a perfect fit for. I came across them on Facebook. I know and love the material they do, and visually/vibe wise, I'd be a better fit than the guy on bass now. My bet is he can actually play circles around me, but for the material the do, it isn't an issue, I can more than cover the gig. They also gig about as often as I want, and don't travel far. It's really perfect for me, if they didn't already have the bass chair filled.

They are playing nearby soon, and I want to check them out (all I have seen are YouTube live things and a pro shot promo video). It would be totally uncool to strike up a convo with the BL and offer myself up, even as just a sub, right?

I think I know the answer, but seriously, it's like the perfect gig for me......ugh!

Conflicted.

 

[saabfender]

I dunno. I'd go down and introduce myself. Their guy might be moving away next month. Do you really want to find out about the opening from CL and have to deal with audition hassle?

The more I think about it, the less downside I can see. Like I said; I'd go.

 

[charlie monroe]

I don’t see any harm. Subs are worth their weight in gold.

This business is all about networking.

 

[electracoyote]

It would be totally uncool to strike up a convo with the BL and offer myself up, even as just a sub, right?

I've done it. And I fail to see the harm.

Tell them you're a fan. Tell them you're a bass player. Give them a card with your name, phone, and some pic/vid/sound file links to you in action. Don't lay it on too thick or make it known that you think you'd be a better fit and would like to replace their current bass player. Just leave all that out of the conversation. Offer yourself as a sub if they ever need one. Keep it brief.

Current bass player's slot is either secure or it's not. Let nature take its course, and continue keeping tabs on them.

 

[FunkHead]

That's exactly how I feel sometimes when I see a beautiful Model or Actor with some other guy. I'm like "I could a better job" "I'm a better fit".
Maybe I should just go to their house and introduce myself to the kids.
That way I am all lined up and she won't have to go on Craigslist to find a new man it her marriage fails.

 

[two fingers]

Go to the gig. Offer to sub. No harm.

 

[saabfender]

I'm like "I could a better job" "I'm a better fit".

The OP said neither of those things, in fact, the opposite.

 

[FunkHead]

The OP said neither of those things, in fact, the opposite.

I'd be a better fit than the guy on bass now

 

[buldog5151bass]

"If you guys ever need a sub, I know the material. Feel free to call me.". Have some paper so you can give him your email, and links to your playing.

Sub yes, poach, no. What would be your reaction if some guy came to one of your gigs and tried to get you booted?

Yeah... No.

 

[QweziRider]

"...I'd be a better fit than the guy on bass now...."

Actually, OP did say those words.

 

[FunkHead]

There's always somebody sniffing around once a band gets up and running. Many time the Bass player has put in a ton of work to get them to that point.

 

[QweziRider]

I think I know the answer,

Network, have a card, leave it at that.

 

[EricMordus]

Yeah, I'm in the "That would make you a megadouche" camp on that one

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

There's always somebody sniffing around once a band gets up and running. Many time the Bass player has put in a ton of work to get them to that point.

I don’t believe the OP has any intent to muscle in on the other bass player.
And the quote you quoted about the OP “being a better fit” was a bit short on context that would have better described the OP’s position... IMO.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I don’t believe the OP has any intent to muscle in on the other bass player.
And the quote you quoted about the OP “being a better fit” was a bit short on context that would have better described the OP’s position... IMO.

What? He specifically said he was "conflicted", and asked whether it is "uncool to try and poach someone's gig". He's hoping someone will tell him it's ok. IMO.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

So there is a band, local to me, that I would be a perfect fit for. I came across them on Facebook. I know and love the material they do, and visually/vibe wise, I'd be a better fit than the guy on bass now. My bet is he can actually play circles around me, but for the material the do, it isn't an issue, I can more than cover the gig. They also gig about as often as I want, and don't travel far. It's really perfect for me, if they didn't already have the bass chair filled.

They are playing nearby soon, and I want to check them out (all I have seen are YouTube live things and a pro shot promo video). It would be totally uncool to strike up a convo with the BL and offer myself up, even as just a sub, right?

I think I know the answer, but seriously, it's like the perfect gig for me......ugh!

Conflicted.

Go for it. Maybe the guy has problems. Although, he does play bass, so he's likely the most held together guy in the group, but who knows?

 

[eJake]

Offering to sub and poaching a gig are two very different things. One is networking, the other is douchery.

A good drummer buddy of mine always says: It's not what you do, it's how you do it.

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

What? He specifically said he was "conflicted", and asked whether it is "uncool to try and poach someone's gig". He's hoping someone will tell him it's ok. IMO.

OK. He did say “poach”, I’ll grant you that.
I no longer am going to try to get into anyone else’s head about about this.
But in my head I read “poach” as a way to describe being pretty sure what is correct but asking for confirmation.
Kind of like someone asking a simple question that he knows the answer to, but starts by saying “This may seem like a dumb question.”
That’s how it rolled around in my noggin’.

 

[buldog5151bass]

OK. He did say “poach”, I’ll grant you that.
I no longer am going to try to get into anyone else’s head about about this.
But in my head I read “poach” as a way to describe being pretty sure what is correct but asking for confirmation.
Kind of like someone asking a simple question that he knows the answer to, but starts by saying “This may seem like a dumb question.”
That’s how it rolled around in my noggin’.

If he knew the answer (or wasn't hoping to be otherwise enlightened), he wouldn't be asking... That's how I see it.

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

If he knew the answer (or wasn't hoping to be otherwise enlightened), he wouldn't be asking... That's how I see it.

Yup! I can’t deny you how you see it.