Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
When bass playing is secondary...
- Thread starter PBrown
- Start date
Ahh, the look. At my university, almost everyone rocks what has become the "look" in popular music today (for my generation of young adults). Its really funny though. One of my friends has long, partially dread-locked hair, and generally looks like someone in any hardcore/post hardcore band typically would, and as such he is asked, "what do you play?"
"Nothing!"
Its so funny seeing people get lumped as musicians by their looks, or the other way around. Though, I understand where it comes from. It establishes a sense of continuity for the band. Every day, I wear (at least) a button-down and tie, but I cant necessarily wear that to a metal show, or perform the necessary requirements for adequate stage presence. Its irritating, I know, but I would much rather lose a gig because I didn't look right than because I cant play.
"Nothing!"
Its so funny seeing people get lumped as musicians by their looks, or the other way around. Though, I understand where it comes from. It establishes a sense of continuity for the band. Every day, I wear (at least) a button-down and tie, but I cant necessarily wear that to a metal show, or perform the necessary requirements for adequate stage presence. Its irritating, I know, but I would much rather lose a gig because I didn't look right than because I cant play.
Really that's about all there was to it they didn't let on anything at the audition but I was told as such when I called them to follow up a few days later. Don't exactly remember the gig I got after that but I do remember being annoyed especially seeing that all other aspects of my audition went well.
I have to say that it did stun me at the time. I didn't realize up until that moment that a "height prejudice" existed. As it was, I never lacked for gigs and that is the only time that I ever (knowingly) ran into such an issue.
It's all good.
[QUOTE="pklima] it's a right-handed bass with a left-handed body shape which I'm playing left-handed, so it's upside down and right side up at the same time.
[/QUOTE]
That nearly did my head in
[/QUOTE]
That nearly did my head in
"anybody can learn to play______, but who is going to have the look and the personality...? " holds true for for any instrument, actually. Bass was just the slot they needed to fill.
Uhhh...
You are right that anyone has the opportunity to try and play an instrument, and if you are joining a band like Kiss then you would have to put on a costume. But I don't think James Taylor was looking for a bearded wizard for his first hits, nor do I think Weather report looking for a lanky, long haired, french looking cat to lay the grooves down–I could go on with those, they are fun. P
I'm guessing an "eggbeater haircut" is one where the person takes an inordinate amount of time to make it appear as though it is messy, i.e. styled with an eggbeater, but is actually meant to look that way. Usually, the hair(s) defy gravity & go in every which direction.
Enjoyed the comments on this one I thought I'd knock the dust off of it in case anyone wanted a good laugh on a Sunday. Thanks for all the great comments! The comment above made me laugh out loud!
"Anybody can learn to play bass."
Yes, and I'm living proof!
No I don't have the "look" either. I face prejudice all the time because of my age. There is a lot of that around in my area. Too old to many.
Yes, and I'm living proof!
No I don't have the "look" either. I face prejudice all the time because of my age. There is a lot of that around in my area. Too old to many.
I think I have the look. I'd say at least twice a month I get stopped by someone while I'm out and about and they'll ask me, "Are you a bass player? You look like a bass player." Of course I lie and say I'm a guitar player so they don't think I'm an idiot loser.
Many jobs require a uniform, and really that's what we're talking about here.
If you think about it like that, it's pretty hard to say that anyone is wrong for being specific when hiring. It's their band, with their goals and ideals. Either you fit or you don't.
We had an acoustic guitarist in a Texas-style country band who wore Chucks, and it was actually a problem with some club owners and audience members.
Add cowboy boots and a hat (bought used at a thrift store = cheap and roadworn) and suddenly he's a popular and respected "star" without even getting his sorry-ass amp situation fixed.
The public perception matters, like it or not, and affects the bottom line.
Be professional at all times.
Good hygiene and not dressing like a slob is always a good idea when in public.
If you think about it like that, it's pretty hard to say that anyone is wrong for being specific when hiring. It's their band, with their goals and ideals. Either you fit or you don't.
We had an acoustic guitarist in a Texas-style country band who wore Chucks, and it was actually a problem with some club owners and audience members.
Add cowboy boots and a hat (bought used at a thrift store = cheap and roadworn) and suddenly he's a popular and respected "star" without even getting his sorry-ass amp situation fixed.
The public perception matters, like it or not, and affects the bottom line.
Be professional at all times.
Good hygiene and not dressing like a slob is always a good idea when in public.
That won't help much. Try saying you're a rapper or DJ instead, maybe a singer if you're older.
I got calls for gigs and the manager would ask for a picture of me. I would always laugh at them because I knew the band sucked. Not one of those bands ever did anything.
The best gigs are focused on music. One you are in a pretty boy band things change and inspiration is lost, and I was also in a pretty boy band for a while.
If you are really great nowadays you can find the gigs.
The best gigs are focused on music. One you are in a pretty boy band things change and inspiration is lost, and I was also in a pretty boy band for a while.
If you are really great nowadays you can find the gigs.
Guess I don't have the look as everyone seems pretty amazed whenever I tell them that I play bass.
