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where to find band members?

April Ethereal

April Ethereal

Jul 23, 2010
193
2
#1
Hello everyone, Ive been in the same spot for quite a while now...I have so many ideas, and so much material Ive wrote on my own, but I cant find other band members who share the same taste as me =/ Im trying to start a progressive death metal project with maybe some doom metal influences, heavily influenced (but not being a copy) of bands like Opeth, Porcupine Tree, and Katatonia. Is there a website that I can find musicians close by on and browse their personal style,taste, ect.? Ive tried craigslist but always no luck.

Anything would be appreciated because I really would like to perform live and have other people involved in the writting process than just myself.

Thanks guys!

Jacob
 
#2
I have used Craigslist, and various musician websites, and never found anyone worth jamming with.

Every time I got someone good, it was by networking with other bands, and "friend of a friend" situations. I highly recommend getting out there, and hearing some other bands, and getting to know them.
 
#4
I get mine at Wal-Mart. Guitarists are usually found in the kitty litter aisle or near the goldfish aquariums. Singers are hard to find, but there's almost always one in the shoe department and if not there watch the dressing rooms closely. Drummers are found either in automotive, guns &ammunition, or the liquor aisle.
 
#5
Check out musicians in bands similar to what you are doing.

It's a cutthroat business and just because someone is playing in another band does not preclude them from wanting to be in yours.

You could see/hear someone in another band who is perfect for what you are wanting to do, and if you don't talk to them you'll never know if they might be looking for something else and only biding their time playing in their current situation.

I got my guitar player from another band. My intention wasn't about "stealing" him from that band. I knew him and he simply asked me at one of his gigs what I was doing. I told him about my project and it was exactly what he'd been looking for, for a very long time and he was tired of playing in the band I went to see. The rest is history. People change bands all the time looking for the best fit for them.

You never know. Network. While you can find someone through ads, there is more to who you want in your band besides their talent. Getting to know people personally and hearing about them through others will give you a better feel for how they will fit into your band concept.
 
#6
Sundogue said:
It's a cutthroat business and just because someone is playing in another band does not preclude them from wanting to be in yours.

You could see/hear someone in another band who is perfect for what you are wanting to do, and if you don't talk to them you'll never know if they might be looking for something else and only biding their time playing in their current situation.
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+1

And don't exclude someone because they are playing in a band that isn't in the genre they want to do. They may just be doing it for the cash, and would love a creative outlet. I played a couple of Jazz gigs last year, and two different drummers came out of the Punk scene in DC and loved that kind of music.
 
#7
jive1 said:
+1

And don't exclude someone because they are playing in a band that isn't in the genre they want to do. They may just be doing it for the cash, and would love a creative outlet. I played a couple of Jazz gigs last year, and two different drummers came out of the Punk scene in DC and loved that kind of music.
Click to expand...

+1.

My guitarist was in a classic rock (mostly 80's Hair metal) band. My band is a progressive blues band. The guitarist was drooling over the chance to finally play what he's always wanted to do. For the first few rehearsals he just had this huge smile on his face and felt like he was (in his words) "being reborn"!

And you are right, my new guitarist was playing in that band only because of the money and at least the chance to play out until what he was looking for came along. He's an even better blues guitarist than his classic rock gig would have ever led anyone to believe!

Moral of the story? Don't limit your possibilities.
 
#10
Invalid Link Removed

Print up a quality ad and post it anywhere and everywhere.

I found my singer who picked up my ad at a bar that holds weekly "open mic" nights and jam sessions. He saw the ad and knew it was just what he was looking for. And he's a perfect fit with the band.
 
#13
Network network network. Open mics are probably not the best place for your genre, though. Go to metal shows, especially multi-band bills full of local bands, and get to know the people there. Also, be less picky - I know metalheads tend to be extremely specific about what they want to play, but really, it won't make all your friends hate you if you play something different than what you really really like. It won't hurt to join a band that plays stuff you don't like but gigs reasonably often, just to get out there, get some real gigging experience and meet lots more musicians. Post ads too - they're not entirely useless. Maybe even try the humor route - post an ad that says "bassist seeks other musicians who want to play music that only other musicians like, wants to play way too many notes in front of crowds full of goateed dudes in black t-shirts who stand still with their arms crossed".
 
#14
if you just need them on a temp basis there's usually a bunch of guys hanging around home improvement stores looking for work... but seriously, word of mouth or craigslist seems the best bet. would you mind posting a sample of the ad you're running?
 
#16
Here's another proven way to find band members.

Book some shows that pay. At that point you will find all kinds of players (some good ones at that) come out of the woodwork who all of a sudden are totally into what you are doing (at least until the gigs dry up).


It can't be said enough, the best way to get players is to have gigs on the books. Sounds like putting the cart before the horse, but it really works.
 
#17
jive1 said:
+1

And don't exclude someone because they are playing in a band that isn't in the genre they want to do. They may just be doing it for the cash, and would love a creative outlet. I played a couple of Jazz gigs last year, and two different drummers came out of the Punk scene in DC and loved that kind of music.
Click to expand...

+1 I am a Pop Rock Guy but I just joined a blues band because they have solid bookings.
 
#20
jive1 said:
It can't be said enough, the best way to get players is to have gigs on the books. Sounds like putting the cart before the horse, but it really works.
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Oh yeah, it really does. The best way may be booking some gigs as an acoustic duo and just casually mentioning that you're thinking about maybe adding a drummer and expanding the band... boom, you'll have a 4-piece band by the third gig. Not sure if that'll work in the OP's style, though.
 

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