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

[BassChuck]

I'd approach the BL, give him a card. Compliment the band. Tell him you're looking for a band that needs a bass player. Leave it at that. The balls in his court, you haven't offended anyone, and who knows, it might work out, or he might know another band that needs a bass player and that could work.

 

[Joejobass]

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.

Every band leader I know keeps a book of players; you never know when someone will miss a gig or just quit on you. You owe it to yourself to talk to the guy.

 

[artsta]

Everyone is different, but if I really wanted to play bass in the band and thought my style would gel much better with what they were doing, then I would approach the bass player directly (not the band or band leader) and say something like:

"I am a bass player and I love your band, the music is totally up my alley. If you ever wanted to play another instrument in the band, or couldn't do a gig for whatever reason, or got an offer to play in another band, let the other guys know, and I would happy play."

And then give him your phone number.

That way the whole thing is in the bass player court - and he can think about it. It also implies that you are not going to talk to the other members. Also, if the bass player is technical (as you say they could run rings around you technically) then there is a good chance they play another instrument. Sometimes people play bass in bands by default and they are not totally into it and would rather play another instrument.

 

[brainiac]

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.

Nothing ventured, nothing...

 

[james maclagan]

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.

 

[james maclagan]

would the " shalt not covet " apply here?

 

[james maclagan]

thou shalt not covet.....?

 

[vvvmmm]

would the " shalt not covet " apply here?

No, I don't think sex was involved.

 

[Ian Lewis]

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.

I offer myself as a sub every opportunity I get. Nothing wrong with that (providing you don't tell them you'd be "a better fit". I regularly fill in for bassists who get sick/go on holiday/have babies/go to jail etc. Keeps me busy and interested.

 

[vvvmmm]

I regularly fill in for bassists who ... have babies/go to jail ....

Same thing, in so many ways.

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

If I was this interested in a group, I'd talk to the BassPlayer first… and let him know that if HE needs a sub, you'd like to be considered. Then he can let the BL know if/when there's a need.
If another BPer spoke to my BL about the bass spot, I'd probably be slightly annoyed when I found out... and chances are I would find out. And I'd have that subconsciously filed in the 'I'm annoyed but I don't know why' section of my brain if his name came up as a sub.
But that's just me.

 

[Wanker_Joe]

This is a super interesting thread. However....

• I’m a better fit for the band because, as others have sorted out, I am taller, thinner, younger, have more hair, am better dressed and better looking, and frankly, would bring more energy to the gig. This dude can play, but it sounds to me very rote. And his look his horribly out of sync with the rest of the band. It was actually the first thing I noticed.

As a shorter, thicker, older dude in my band I'm starting to get a little paranoid...

 

[bearfoot]

I was going to give a response, but now all I can think about is Frank Zappa saying "F*** you, Captain Tom" to DB.

 

[JMacBass65]

This is a super interesting thread. However....



As a shorter, thicker, older dude in my band I'm starting to get a little paranoid...

You in DC/Metro area?

 

[james maclagan]

No, I don't think sex was involved.

" ..... or any Thing that Is thy neighbors ....."

 

[beaglesandbass]

There's nothing wrong with offering services as a sub, but leave it at that

 

[Wanker_Joe]

You in DC/Metro area?

Lol thankfully no!

 

[Ramana]

If I was this interested in a group, I'd talk to the BassPlayer first… and let him know that if HE needs a sub, you'd like to be considered. Then he can let the BL know if/when there's a need.
If another BPer spoke to my BL about the bass spot, I'd probably be slightly annoyed when I found out... and chances are I would find out. And I'd have that subconsciously filed in the 'I'm annoyed but I don't know why' section of my brain if his name came up as a sub.
But that's just me.

+1
I was about to say this exact same thing. Totally the best way to approach this group is through the bass player!

 

[Kevin Colt]

go on down and get to know them. what have you got to lose? maybe they will give you a call if their guy is indisposed or on vacation.

 

[richntiff]

The pro circles are pretty ruthless. If you are looking for integrity, it's certainly not there. They even have names for it. Flat out lying about something is called "spinning" or putting a spin on it. Committing ruthless acts without regard towards others is often placed under " it's nothing personal, it's just business."

There is smoke and mirrors, superficial plastic people, ego addicted glory seekers.

Appearance and attitude goes a lot farther in live shows these days. Often the guy with the right look and moves will get the gig over the guy with better chops. Those guys end up in the studio.

Networking is the way in music, and if you want to succeed, you need thick skin. Be as tenacious as a honey badger, and quick to move as a cheetah on speed.

If you do go that route, and get the gig, don't be suprised if it happens to you as well someday. After all, it's nothing personal, it's just business.

This is coming more from the outlook of a hired gun. An actual founding member of a band would be harder to replace, and the band be more tolerant of flaws.

There isn't any issue in networking. Making yourself available is just how the world works..

While I don’t doubt the truth here- it makes me want to shower and sell my gear. I’m glad I don’t exist in these areas/circles