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What was your first big break?

zradguy

zradguy

May 2, 2011
29
7
49
Boulder, CO
www.thunkmusic.com
#1
Hi Justin, I'm dying to know what your first big break was. I find that in my experience, I just can't seem to get into the right circle of musicians/gigs. A have a few friends who are in great nationally touring bands, but none of them have a need for a bass player. I've been playing with a good band for the past year or so, but I feel like it will always be at the same level.

Did you bounce around constantly, did you find one band and stick with it? Are you formally educated in music and if so did you find that made a significant difference in your professional career?

Just wondering how people get to "the next level"

Of course I would love to hear everyone's thoughts and opinions.

Cheers,
 
#5
My first big break was touring with Beck during Odelay. Prior to that, I had worked with my band Medicine (touring and recording), and recorded with Tori Amos, the band Pet, and a few other bits and pieces. That was '96. I had known Beck prior to that. So part of it most certainly IS who you know and being at the right place at the right time. Other than that, I find that most of it is intangible. Personalities meshing, tastes overlapping, tapping into the zeitgeist a bit, definitely (for me) being a very forthright, almost ostentatious, performer helped a bit. Other than that, I'm not exactly sure what it is.

I'm not formally trained, just some lessons. And yes, I did bounce around a lot. I'm sociable, flexible, and certainly talented to whatever degree.

This is a tough question for me, but I hope that helps clarify at least a bit of it.

I wish you all the best!
JMJ
 
#6
Is funny how, just being somewhere at a determined time... or saying hello to someone at a party can change the way things end up working for us!
Of course there's a lot of talent and hard work involved in any success story... but there's also a lot of Jungian synchronicity involved as well :).
 
#7
I'm still waiting for my first big break and I've been playing since 1978! Seriously - it IS only about who you know - period. If you know the right people, MDs etc, you will hear about and get auditions for the big gigs. If you don't, then you'll be scanning Musicians Contact Service and other listings for these gigs and you won't find them. How many stories have you read about cats who were just recommended for a gig and got it - a lot of times without even auditioning. Another thing that I've realized is that a lot of cats meet at schools like Berklee and go on to do great things. I did everything wrong and I've pretty much given up on the whole "big break" thing, but I do play in a band that works every weekend and makes money, so at least I'm playing. Regarding your questions:

You have a few friends who are in great nationally touring bands, but none of them have a need for a bass player - AT THIS TIME.

Here's where the people you know come into play - one of those bands MIGHT need a bass player at some point when one of their bass players quits or whatever - be ready for that opportunity.

"I've been playing with a good band for the past year or so, but I feel like it will always be at the same level."

True - unless that band gets a deal, etc. Always be looking for the next band or situation. Don't find one band and stick with it unless you really believe in it. Give any band a time limit of some sort - like if it 'aint happening within a year or two, start looking.

"Are you formally educated in music and if so did you find that made a significant difference in your professional career?"

I am not formally educated in music, but if I could do it over again, I would have gone to Berklee or even BIT because I believe the people you meet there will give you those big breaks. Sure you need talent and education, but once again, I'm convinced it's all who you know. I think the same goes for everything in life - good jobs, etc.
 
#8
Not to hijack the thread, because my question was similar to the OP's, but to go back even further than the OP was asking...you said you just had some lessons, but at what point did you say "I know enough to do session work" and what exactly did you see as your break into doing that? Anything you feel that made the difference between being a guy with a bass and getting in on sessions and touring bassist work?
 
#9
Not that I'm maybe the most qualified for this but from my experience, you know if you're ready for session work when you get invited to the first one and see how you do.
From what I got, I thought I sucked, HARD. Then you realize everyone sucks to a degree, work out what you're good with and what not, try to work to your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.
And through it all, hone in your people skills! :D
 
#10
VanillaThundah said:
Not to hijack the thread, because my question was similar to the OP's, but to go back even further than the OP was asking...you said you just had some lessons, but at what point did you say "I know enough to do session work" and what exactly did you see as your break into doing that? Anything you feel that made the difference between being a guy with a bass and getting in on sessions and touring bassist work?
Click to expand...

I NEVER thought I was ready for session work until well after I started it. Like a couple of years. Tori Amos just saw something in me, and we did this EP together that was my first properly paid session for a major artist. It wasn't until much later, like maybe 1996 or 1997 that I felt comfortable being in the chair for basically anybody or any circumstance. But it's still hard from time to time, and always challenging. I can't see when it won't be. And that keeps me feeling very alive, I like it.

JMJ
 
#11
I want to add to this post. I just got a myself a really good break into the "next" level. I'd done original music since I started playing about 14 years ago. Most recently been doing covers to make some coin but had been aching to get back into an original band. Questioning my place in music and where it was going I was one night chatting to my drummer who made me realise that I love playing music. I love the pain and exhaustion that comes from long periods learning tunes and the joy of nailing that part. For me it's not a want to play music, but a need. And I needed to change my attitude. So right then and there I said, "No matter what I am playing, no matter how I feel I will put everything I have into every gig".

I kid you not, the very next morning I woke up to a message on facebook from a guitarist asking if I was looking for an original band as he knew one looking for a bassist. Now, I have met this guy maybe twice - both times at work. He added me on facebook 18 months ago as he saw we had some mutual music playing friends and worked for the same company. He had never seen me play but figured as I was playing every week then I couldn't be too bad.

The band turned out be a really awesome band playing music that I love and really want to be playing. Not only that but they have the business side of this thing so far under control that it is ridiculous. We have label interest, the singer (and main songwriter) has a cowrite on the next Hinder album and the band has a track on an upcoming soundtrack of a massive movie franchise. All the guys have done some serious pro work in Australia so not only do they know their stuff, but it is pushing me way beyond anything I thought I'd ever be doing.

What I can also tell you is that I got the gig not only because I can play - but because of the hang! Don't underestimate this. If you are fun to be around then people will want to keep you around. Even if you aren't necessarily the greatest player out there, the fact that you will probably be spending hour after hour after day after week after month in close quarters with other bands members, this helps massively.


So to the OP - sounds like you are floating in the right circles. Your time will come. Who knows when one of these bands collapses and someone else wants to start a band, or replace a bass player, you will be there. Make it known you love what these guys are doing. But don't go over the top. Ask your good mates in these circles to keep you in mind if they hear amongst their other friends anyone looking for a bassist.

Most of all don't give up - otherwise it'll never happen!
 
#12
Well, I forgot completely about this thread, HA! I want to say that all of you guys rock. Thanks a million for all your thoughts opinions and comments. I know I love the trade, I'm a hard worker and gosh darn it, people like me. Haha

All kidding aside, thanks to you all. I'm enjoying this thread. Kind of gets at the core of why we're all here. Since I wrote this however many months ago, the 'national act' has gone international and our ties have strengthened. We recently played a kick ass show that was streamed live and a lot of folks tuned in in addition to the people who showed up in person. It was great fun and I think it injected everyone involved with some much needed enthusiasm. We have a record deal coming up in the spring and things are on track.

I'm still networking like mad, and while my ability to tour and quit my full-time graphic design gig is not yet a possibility, (two kids!) I'm still hoping to get into the studio arena and get on some records.

At any rate, I appreciate everyone's awesome thoughts.

Cheers
 
#15
a great drummer friend of mine was asked: "how do I get more gigs?" answer: "practice".
it seems that whenever I'm fired up about playing and really in the zone, the work and opportunities tend to roll in more. I actually believe now that my enthusiasm generates a positive attractor field. I have yet to see proof to the contrary.
 
#16
Attending Pomona College, Claremont, about 30 miles east of Los Angeles, and working clubs on the weekend in LA, and in my senior year in May 1972 and we are working "Filthy McNasty's", now the Viper Room with a regular rock band playing top 40 dance music. We are breaking down, moving out through the parking lot in back.. there is a limo in the corner with a couple of long hairs smoking...I have long hair....

They come over and ask if I want to audition for a 'major recording group'. I say sure. Turns out to be Redbone, an American Indian band from the Sacramento area whose bass player has had an car accident. I miss graduation as I'm on the road with them and then get unceremoniously dropped in Vegas when their bass player returns a few weeks later.

Decide to stay in Vegas, catch a gig at the Flamingo backing up a large group from Orange County, get approached by an agent in the lobby who says that he can make me some money if I cut my hair. I get a gypsy length shag cut and start working the next level up the food chain, the opening acts in the main rooms with Trini Lopez.

It's all about luck and timing...now, forty years later I still have the same desire to play on stage, just can't get used to the sagging sack of skin, where my wide mind and narrow waist have changed places...

I loved Vegas in the 70's, lived @ on Paradise and Sahara in a motel that seemed to be the place for musicians. Around 4AM The Rayettes, the backup band for the Spinners, and whoever else was in town, would show up and jam..it was the best time of my musical life...Sat in with the Spinners and the Temps while the regulars took a show off...flew my parent's in from LA for the Temptations show...
 
#17
brad houser said:
a great drummer friend of mine was asked: "how do I get more gigs?" answer: "practice".
it seems that whenever I'm fired up about playing and really in the zone, the work and opportunities tend to roll in more. I actually believe now that my enthusiasm generates a positive attractor field. I have yet to see proof to the contrary.
Click to expand...

Man, that is TOTALLY the truth for me too (although I guess there isn’t an easy way to measure an enthusiasm/meaningful work ratio.)
 
#18
I think the one thing that no one here has mentioned is leather pants. Seriously, if you want to make it big you have to wear leather pants, super f-ing tight ones. And don't let anyone make fun of you for the sock trick because the size of your junk makes a big difference in Rock and Roll.
 

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