| Author | Message | ||
| rockbassist
Intermediate Member Username: rockbassist Post Number: 183 Registered: 8-2005 |
In 2006, I decided to take a break from touring. While none of the tours were of any great length, I did get to travel quite a bit and meet some interesting people. I took some time off and did some recording. A couple of years ago, I decided to get back into a band situation. I have yet to find one. I check all the common websites, Harmony Central, Bandmix, Craig's list, etc. Here is a small sample of what I have run into. One band was doing older covers Bad Company, Van Halen, etc . They were very good and were auditioning 30 bass players. Then they wanted 15 of us to come back so they could get down to 10, then to 5 then 3, 2 and then a final audition to get the person they wanted. I told the guy running the band that there was no reason to keep bringing people back over and over. You can either play or you can't. I respect the fact that they were taking it seriously but I think they were taking things too far. A few months later, he called and asked me if I would consider playing with them. Apparently the bassist didn't work out. I said sure I'll play. He said they were auditioning about 10 players and then they were going to bring 5 back and so on. I said no thanks. Another band responded with a setlist and a comment that heavy drug and alcohol use is strongly encouraged. Needless to say, I passed. I hate to be critical but all of the other bands were so bad that when I listened to the mp3's it was difficult to determine what they were playing or the singer was terrible. I went to jam with a band and they decided to play Tom Petty's American Girl. The guitar player started the song and it was so bad that I didn't know what they were playing until the singer started singing. I am at the point where I am actually considering giving up and not playing anymore. So my questions is, Where have all the good bands gone? | ||
| tmoney61092
Senior Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 496 Registered: 9-2008 |
i would like to know also, i have been looking for a band/musicians in the Greesnboro area of North Carolina to play some gigs and get back in the business, so as Kevin asked, where have all the good bands gone and where can i find them??? ~Taylor | ||
| thumbsup
Intermediate Member Username: thumbsup Post Number: 119 Registered: 7-2008 |
Giving up and not playing anymore! Now you know it's in your blood. I can relate though...when you've flown with the eagles it hard to walk with the ducks! (-: The right group of muscians is out there...just gotta hang til the magic happens. Kinda like when you met (or will meet) your signifigant other....it just feels right! Steve | ||
| slawie
Advanced Member Username: slawie Post Number: 256 Registered: 8-2002 |
I know what you mean Kevin. I have also being trying to get back in on the "band scene" I have come across in the past couple of months; Bands that were not to my taste (nice way of saying boooooooooooooooring zzzzzzzzzzzzz) Totally disorganised and fragmented directions. Egos! Delusions of Grandeur Agism People that just don't do the things they say like sending out the set list. pffft My wife suggested to start my own band and select from the players I have known and played with over the years. Might just try that. Back to the thread... You could have asked if the auditions were being taped for a (un)reality TV show. And to answer your question well, when you find out - post it here for us all to be enlightened, slawie | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 862 Registered: 11-2003 |
I have the same problem here in Fayetteville, NC. Unless you like metal, blues, country or beach you're pretty much out of luck. I don't much care for those genres personally, so there's not much here for me. I've auditioned for some bands, and for the most part they're hacks. Granted, I'm not the second coming of Jaco, but geez, when you can't play a Kiss tune correctly, you should probably seek another hobby or line of work. I'm still looking for a band, bu I'm not hopeful. Alan | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 409 Registered: 5-2004 |
I took 2 years off after gigging with a very tight 3 piece band for "too many" year. I thought since I'm in my low 50s (53) perhaps it's time i retire. Well liong story short after two years of writing and recording I decided retirement wasn't for me. Well ... in the past it took one phone call and I'd be with a GOOD gigging band, no audition required. (A lot of people knew me) Well in the past few years the only people I know still gigging didn't need me so I started answering adds. It took me a good 6 months of doing sub work, answering adds and going to auditions to finally find and join a band with any potential of being tight. Granted if I were younger I would have had more options but it was very disheartening so i know exactly what you're talking about. Most of the bands i auditioned for (and subed for) were either total 80's metal, only needed a fill in or totally SUCKED! And the worse they were the more arrogant they seemed. (which is ironic to say the least) All I can say is keep looking. EVENTUALLY you'll find a good match. It's like dating, there IS someone out there for you if you keep looking! :-) Good luck! | ||
| glocke
Senior Member Username: glocke Post Number: 755 Registered: 9-2002 |
Glad Im not the only one...Im a little over an hour north of philly, and cant find anything going on. Over the past year or two I had a couple of projects that were promising, but they basically imploded for a variety of reasons. I've been looking for another project but have not really found anything that would be challenging and satisfying. I have found alot of guys that want to jam, but no one that really wants to practice on a regular basis and play out....All of this has pretty much made me want to take a break from the whole thing and spend my time on other stuff. I havent even really picked up a bass for any length of time for a few months. The kicker for me is that there IS a music scene in my area that is fairly happening, and hookups to other bands do happen that way, but in order for that to happen you cant be on the fringe like I am, you have to party, hang out, and be a known and liked member of that music scene. Since Ive turned into a recluse/hermit the past couple of years (on a side note can you be a recluse AND a hermit??) I am really not into the partying and hanging out side of things these days so I miss out on alot of connections. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 2123 Registered: 6-2002 |
Iv'e been trying to find musicians to start a band for years but in my environment here, musicians here don't want to be in a band, they want a phone call when you have a gig that they can do as a session. Not really what I want if I propose to do album tracks from artistes I admire and original tracks. They just want a list of real book pages and counting in. Jazzyvee | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1340 Registered: 11-2004 |
You lot should come to the North East of England. There are funk, soul, classic rock, metal, punk, pop, reggae, latin, C&W, just about every style here. I have been in a few no go bands, one which was cheesy 70's pop which I didn't like at all but the money was great, I stayed for 6 months, it paid the motorcycle insurance, the tyres for the bike plus a holiday. Was asked to join a Paul Rodgers tribute band but I declined as I have done all that stuff in the past SO no I am in a girl fronted band who do classic pop to the most very modern stuff..a very refreshing change. In between I have stood in for some bands as well. There always seems to be work for someone in my neck of the woods (Message edited by TerryC on September 09, 2010) | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 816 Registered: 12-2004 |
All the good players are playing gospel these days when i listen to gospel on weekends im totally blown away by the talent im hearing ......however im not encouraging going to church if you wanna gig i dont go to church. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 271 Registered: 9-2009 |
Excellent point #12, and you are right. Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| mario_farufyno
Senior Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 512 Registered: 9-2008 |
Don't think anyone here could choose to give up Music, this is a serious addiction. You will find your mates sooner or later... | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1496 Registered: 9-2002 |
I'm totally through gigging. Mind you, Nashville is a very difficult place for me for way too many reasons to go into here. If THIS is 'Music City USA', I'm ready to be a plumber. My problem is I've lived long enough for a generation to pass. All of my reference points are gone, music has changed, and now I often find myself grumping along like some old curmudgeon. I often think of selling everything and finding something else to do. I am not moved by what's out there now to learn new music to stay current, and I feel very old playing the things I've played for years. I would not look at it as giving up music. I'd look at it as moving on. I'm tired of feeling like some old clarinet player in a Woody Allen flick, sitting there in my double-knit leisure suit complaining about this stuff the kids play, 'it's not real music like in my day'. I'm REALLY worn out feeling this way. J o e y | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1341 Registered: 11-2004 |
bigredbass.. at 53 I am playing some very modern stuff(Lilly Allen,Alisha Keys, Lady Gaga, Beyonce), I wouldn't even listen to this stuff but playing it is a different ball game. I couldn't imagine giving it up unless I have a really serious health problem. That is why I politely refuse to play worn out classic rock from the 70's, I enjoyed it when I did it but I ain't playing 'Alright Now' again if I can help it. Older people CAN learn from the young in this respect. I find it disheartening that you feel like that and I hope you find your path | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4564 Registered: 7-2004 |
Or, to put it another way, we ain't in our 20's anymore! I recently saw a cartoon of an old man. The caption said: "inside every old person is a young person thinking 'what the f*** happened?". I like to think we are the wheat that has survived the chaff. Just have to find some other wheat to play with. Bill, tgo | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 272 Registered: 9-2009 |
Disco's coming back. Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| thumbsup
Intermediate Member Username: thumbsup Post Number: 122 Registered: 7-2008 |
The last gigin band i played with was fairly popular and set list included lots of disco,pop & soul, mo town some alternative and of course even classics like "alright right now" and "pour some surgar on me" (-:, The ladies love that dance music so we packed em in. I'm 54 and have gotten used to being the oldest member in a band and usually end up being a director without opposition from other members. I too have gotten fed up with the scenes at times and have just laid it down and went fishing. But I've always ended up back playing in some band some where. Music does get in your blood so to speak. The guys i play with now are all nearer my age and we spend band night playing past memories trying to stump each other. Yes, Floyd, Floyd Cramer, B J Thomas, Mamas & Papas, Troggs, you get the picture....we are tight.....i like what we play.....the problem ...we never play a gig cause no body wants to take the resooncibillty of booking a gig (including me) and an agent wouldn't work cause around here you would play Austin (tx) friday and 400 miles away sat. I wouldn't mind going out and playing live and making a little extra change......and now am confronted with basically the same problem of whos out there to play with that can actually play and willing to perform! We all feel your pain brother! Steve | ||
| pace
Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 612 Registered: 4-2004 |
I blame the economy. | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 410 Registered: 5-2004 |
Actually I think the biggest issue finding a WORKING band is the fact that bands are simply a dime a dozen. NOT GOOD BANDS mind you but clubs don't care if your GOOD or suck as long as you bring in people and they drink. So if there are 1000 bands in your area (maybe 5 out of 1000 are polished pros) and only a few popular bars who hire bands in your surrounding towns ... well you do the math. And when it's hard to get work it's hard to find GOOD professional bands to join. What's left are the bands who don't really have their act together and a bunch of burnt out pros who are just looking for no pressure projects because their sick of the scene. Sooooooooo finding a good professional level band, at least finding one if you don't live in a big city can be difficult at best. When there's no decent paying work the pros stay home and when they find a good working situation with fair cash they hold on to it for dear life. I found one after 6 months of looking. Great experienced people with a decent (low paying) schedule and low pressure. They play music I don't particulary like, a lot of blues and some country ... I'm a prog rock/jazz guy at heart, BUT with things being the way they are I count myself lucky to have found them. That's my story and i'm sticking to it! :-) | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 863 Registered: 11-2003 |
I don't think it's really all about age. I have no problem playing modern stuff technically for the most part. For me, it's just that today's music doesn't move me at all for the most part with exceptions. Metal - a lot of guys playing a lot of stuff really fast and calling it "melodic." Folks who scream through the whole song (screaming is part of rock and roll ... for example - think Roger Daltrey and Won't Get Fooled Again) and unable to actually sing. Pig vocals (I've actually seen ads for that). Sampling constantly as opposed to being able to play an instrument vs. manipulating the work of others via technology. Guitar Hero - can't play an instrument? Pick this up and all of sudden you can call yourself a "musician." For me, I'm just not going to haul my stuff out of my house to play things that do absolutely nothing for me musically. I know others feel differently and that's fine. But I'd rather wait for a band where I can play music I actually feel than one in which I'd just go through the motions to make a few bucks. Again, that's just me. Alan | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 411 Registered: 5-2004 |
I respect and understand your opinion Alan. For me however, being an old school prog-rock and fusion jazz nut (think Yes, Gentle Giant and on the other end Weather Report and Chick Corea) I've NEVER been able to find a working band that plays music that means something to me personally. So I've learned to enjoy playing music that ISN'T me as long as it's played with polish by the band and it packs the dance floor. I play music that IS me when recording in my home studio. (Clubs and your average Joe doesn't want to hear prog-rock or jazz, never did, never will) | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1842 Registered: 10-2003 |
I can't find a band either. I thought I had (excellent drummer, guitar and harp, willing to let things go where they want to musically, etcetera..) but the singer turned out to be a piece of work and I left when he fired the drummer for no valid reason the night before a gig.. Now I play with a good blues band when their real bass player (my brother) is unable to. It's a great band and they let me stretch out quite a bit, but when it comes down to it I'm still just subbing. I also get to play a few times a year with a horn band in Evansville, and that gig is a blast and a lot of work. They also let me stretch out just about as far as I like. Again, though, I'm just subbing. I guess that although neither of these are my most favorite genre (YES, etcetera), the challenges of having to fill a somewhat pre-sized hole in the music keep them interesting and even enticing to me. Luckily I'm subbing for great players and with great players, so the bar is high. It's still not the same as being a real part of something. The first band mentioned above really is the first band I've gigged with that just left it all out there for the world to see/hear, and I would love to replicate that stage experience without the off-stage head-games. Maybe I've just missed my opportunity, maybe not. Essentially, I think we're all suffering through the economics of Karoke. There is little live music compared to when I was young, but Karoke is everywhere. Plenty of bands in my neck of the woods, but even the good ones end up playing for free just to play. Heck, I play for free just to play! Adding insult to injury, a live local band typically can't duplicate the latest electronic pop hit, so we're anachronisms gone cold. I don't see it getting any better until the entertainment industry as a whole implodes and reinvents itself. Wow, do I sound negative or what?! On a lighter note, Blues At The Crossroads is this weekend (Terre Haute, Indiana), and I'm taking pictures of Dicky James and The Blue Flames Saturday afternoon at 1:30pm instead of playing.. John | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 772 Registered: 10-2006 |
"Pig vocals (I've actually seen ads for that)." IIRC, you're a not Deadhead, Alan, so I will point out that may not be as outrageous as you might think; I would read that as a call for a blues singer able to do extended rave-ups a la the late Ron "Pigpen" McKernan. Or, on the other hand, they may actually be looking for an accomplished oinker - I've seen worse things on stage  "...I would love to replicate that stage experience without the off-stage head-games." I don't think I've ever known a player who didn't voice some variation on that theme! Peter | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 273 Registered: 9-2009 |
Had anybody seen the movie "The Groomsmen" by Edward Burns? It's about these guys who loved one another yet gotten older and started their own families and wanted to unite to restart their band again. It was a beautiful movie, which I believe relates to our generation. Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 864 Registered: 11-2003 |
88 - you're spot on about trying to enjoy music that may not be one's cup of tea as long as it's done well. I've played in a band like that. And while I would agree that prog rock is not something you hear everyday in clubs, bars, etc., there are places where you can. There just aren't a lot of them, unfortunately. Peter - Nope, not a Deadhead, most likely never will be. Never got the whole jamband thing, though I can respect the musicianship nonetheless. But yes, I mean sounding like a pig, no joke. There are "musicians" here who actually strive to sound like an oinker and call it music. Now, the sound of a pig grunting and oinking might be attractive to some. Me? If I want to hear that, I'll go to a farm, not a concert, club or music venue. And like you, I've seen worse things on stage as well! ;-) Alan | ||
| rjmsteel
Intermediate Member Username: rjmsteel Post Number: 102 Registered: 7-2008 |
88 & others- I also concur, being from the late ~70`s early `80`s fusion "chops" era. You are right. However, I have been doing the Monday night Blues jam locally and have been fortunate to play/run into some Really great players. I`ll slip in some "grooves" when asked by the guitar /keyboard players, (they`ve run out of ideas or their is a lull in what to play next). Looking forward, (as I`ve told their house bassist I would) bring and see their reaction when I bring my "pretty soon" Series bass to the jam - yep I`ll be careful. Hope this keeps up, even though it makes for a late night: that is if I have the chance to play beyond the 3 song section I normally play, and which does sometimes happen and I`m asked to keep the low end, with a solo section going. -Rich | ||
| rockbassist
Intermediate Member Username: rockbassist Post Number: 187 Registered: 8-2005 |
I put an ad on Craigslist. I was very specific about my influences and what I wanted to do. I have received 6 replies. None of them were even close to what I put in my ad. I have toured and have played with some very well known musicians. I took some time off because I developed tendonitis in my hands. I have been fine for a couple of years but can't find a band. If anybody wants more information about what I have done please visit myspace.com/kevinmello. I can do rock,blues and country. I have a good friend who lives in Nashville and works in the music industry. He keeps suggesting that I move to Nashville. My wife is against it so I am living south of Boston. I just want to find a good band. I'm glad I am not alone in my assessement of the current music scene. It's pretty sad. | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 413 Registered: 5-2004 |
I live north of Boston in Southern NH. Gee I would think if you're close enough "to town" there would be more opprotunities? Of course that also means more professional level musicians looking for the same gig, but still ... more chances. Up here in NH (too far north to be in a "Boston Band") it's slim pickins. I feel lucky to have found some "fairly professional" and very friendly people to work with. They aren't on the same level as some bands I've been in musicianship wise but they make up for it in attitude and willingness to put in the work. OH and Craigslist is not that great. My experience is many Craigslist bands are either "entry level," people looking to JAM in the basement or people trying to start a new band. When I asked about work experience and the clubs they play half the people who replied to my original adds for a bass player looking for work never replied again. | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 865 Registered: 11-2003 |
Re: Craigslist ... Same thing here in Fayetteville. Alan | ||
| glocke
Senior Member Username: glocke Post Number: 761 Registered: 9-2002 |
I think networking, as opposed to craigslist is really the way to go. My experiences with craigslist are, by and large, similar to Raymonds, although by carefully wording my ads I have found some decent musicians. When posting on craigslist I have found it helps to be as specific as possible in describing what you want.... I even ask people to provide a recording, it does not have to be a pro-level recording, just something that shows they can play a complete song with other people or by themselves. Jam sessions are a good way to meet other musicians, but the catch is you pretty much have to wait 2-3 hours to play for 20 minutes. Also, and this is probably the next step for me, if you cant find people that play what you want and you still want to be in a band that plays out, you'll probably have to think about getting into another genre of music. Another thing that has been making it hard for me to find a band recently has to do with rehearsal times. I've run into many more people that want to schedule a rehearsal on saturdays or sundays midday, or for the whole day. In the past Ive never had a problem with working with people who would do a weeknight or weekend night rehearsal. Im really alot less inclined these days to give up an entire weekend day for music. (Message edited by glocke on September 13, 2010) | ||
| mike1762
Senior Member Username: mike1762 Post Number: 638 Registered: 1-2008 |
I played "professionally" for about 12 years. I dropped out of the scene when I had to acknowledge that I was NOT going to become a "Rock Star" at 30yo. I had no interest (nor the skill set!!!) in eeking out a living as a studio/hired-gun musician; so, I did the most logical thing and went to medical school!!! After medical school I began to miss playing music. I put together a home studio and got my "Fix" via recording for the next 10-12 years. Everything would have probably been fine, but I recently did a reunion gig with one of my old bands... thus the fire was rekindled. I placed an ad on CL and got a response from 3 guys (all about my age) who turned-out to be incredibly talented. It was one of those rare moments where we all just "clicked" immediately. The problem is/was that the KB player is attempting to make a living at gigging and the drummer was looking for a situation where he could play more frequently than I can commit. The guitarist and I were on the same page, so we are currently working with another drummer and singer with the understanding that this will be a "hobby" band. It will take "as long as it takes" to put the project together but it will be an enjoyable process. Beyond that, I really have no expectations. As a younger man, I well remember watching some of the musicians in my home town ride the "wave of irrelevance" as they got older. Time has now put me in that same ironic predicament: even if I had the time to commit to a "professional" project, my age would preclude me from most of them. | ||
| otis
Advanced Member Username: otis Post Number: 228 Registered: 10-2008 |
Pace, Greg! My band, OTiS, is playing in NYC this Saturday! Please come out. Marc Shapiro and Todd Harris are coming out, and maybe a few others from the Club. It would be great to see you! I sent you both invites- to your emails. Hope you got them. Here's the link for Uncle Mike's: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=events#!/event.php?eid=151445784880778 Here's the link for our MEANY Fest show: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=147675675267151 Hope you guys can make it!!! Peace;) Frank ps- here's a link to a recent show. ironically, now we have a guitar player! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PCkO1Nf3CQ | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 821 Registered: 12-2004 |
Good looking bass with good tone/chops otis! |
