blue

[quote name='radiophonic' timestamp='1491979100' post='3276832'] I don't attach much to the content of an ad. I play originals though, so it's a different market and claims about gig rates and regularity of work don't mean the same thing. If you are famous, I'd have heard of you. My current band's ad just said 'bass player wanted for folk-rock band' and gave a youtube link to a couple of live songs and a soundcloud page. I then looked on facebook and saw for myself that they had a whole pile of gigs booked for several months in advance. That told me everything I needed to know (do I like it, can I play it, can I bring something to it, am I better than the departing bass player, what kind of gear do they have, is anyone really out of it, how old are they, is there an audience etc.). The only real decision to make was whether we could get on. They seemed to take the same attitude with me. [/quote] I'm not sure what a "whole pile" of gigs actually means. In the States local bands with a heavy schedule of paid gigs, at least 70 gigs annually do not advertise publicly. Blue

Unless stated otherwise in the ad, it's a good idea to ask if thevband is filling any other openings. I once looked over a bands website and was impressed with their line up which featured a talented female front person only to find out she had left the band several years ago. Blue

Yeah, it's all about what you like. Me, I'm a Fender MIJ guy. Blue

This episode is good too, but it's over an hour. https://youtu.be/1607lmmEfjE These younger folks seem much smarter than my generation when we were young. Blue

[quote name='fleabag' timestamp='1491919935' post='3276482'] Well, thats my point. If you only judge what you read, you might miss out on a face to face...there could be an excellent band in there Yes, i see that most have to make a call on on ad, especially if its some distance away to meet the band, but is it possible that these bands could be excellent / great musicians but a tad lacking in the ad posting dept. ? How would you know if you only judged them on the ad ? [/quote] Agreed, for anyone interested you would call and ask a few questions then decide if you want go any further and audition. The videos of the band that gave their name (band No.3) showed me I'm not a match for them. It wouldn't be worth a call or an audition. They would never hire me. Blue

[quote name='project_c' timestamp='1491917846' post='3276450'] Sure, and I agree, but it's a thread aimed directly at "Thundercat fans", saying 'i don't like it, the old guys are way better' is not really appropriate. I hate metal with a passion, but I don't go through all the metal threads explaining to the metal guys why their music is not as good as mine. They have their music, I have mine, everyone's happy, that's that. [/quote] Again, show me where anyone has said the older guys are way better. Blue

[quote name='project_c' timestamp='1491905088' post='3276279'] Every time there's a discussion about this, someone old has to chime in to say 'he's not as good as the old guys'. [/quote] I don't think anyone said that. I certainly didn't. Blue

The show is tops. It's raw, real and has a lot of heart. If you have 30 minutes you can spare check it out Personally I love it. Here's one of the really good episodes. RIP Huckabuck https://youtu.be/g6CTzhxnbC8 Blue

I've had to adapt and make changes when a new drummer cones into a band with a completely different style than the previous drummer. Blue

[quote name='Dan Dare' timestamp='1491891965' post='3276111'] I like the sound of band 2. People who rehearse regularly usually want to get it right. I've had my fill of seat of the pants chancers who resist any hint of an arrangement because it "stifles their creativity". More likely, they don't want to buckle down and get things right, in my experience. No drugs a good sign for me. Despite the myth to the contrary, stoners are not good band mates. They are generally unreliable (especially if there is heavy lifting to be done, funnily enough) and the grief they cause is not worth the odd flash of alleged genius. [/quote] Dan, Again you make a good point but so does RockfordStone. Some bands are committed to rehearsing and recording but there's a disconnect when it comes to actually gigging. Years ago, I found out too late in a band I joined, the band leader/lead singer only wanted to rehears so he could play make believe "Rock Star" in his basement. He really had little to no interest in actual gigging. Blue

[quote name='RockfordStone' timestamp='1491898405' post='3276170'] band 3, short and sweet, they know what they want, and rather than go through some bollocks about what we want to sound like etc, they have put the bands name so people can search it and see what they are all about. nothing worse than having to tell everyone who applies "well we want to sound like blah". their approach is, we want this, check us out, take it or leave it.... i like that [/quote] RockfordStone, I checked out their YouTube clips. Even though they're not my thing by any means. But because I do this for a living,if I was looking I'd inquire and get a few details. Unlike many, I really can't afford to limit my opportunities solely to music I like. They would never hire me, I'm too old and don't fit the image of the band. Blue

[quote name='Dan Dare' timestamp='1491891965' post='3276111'] I like the sound of band 2. People who rehearse regularly usually want to get it right. I've had my fill of seat of the pants chancers who resist any hint of an arrangement because it "stifles their creativity". More likely, they don't want to buckle down and get things right, in my experience. No drugs a good sign for me. Despite the myth to the contrary, stoners are not good band mates. They are generally unreliable (especially if there is heavy lifting to be done, funnily enough) and the grief they cause is not worth the odd flash of alleged genius. [/quote] Dan, I know exactly where your coming from. However, while rehearsing once a week could mean they understand hard work and the positive results from hard work and for good reason. I get that, but lets not forget it could also mean something else. I know, I stated rehearsing more than you gig is a "red flag". I'll maintain that position because rehearsing once a week could be a sign of a disorganized band. You know the type of band that rehearses but the rehearsals are unproductive and actually accomplish very little. There's the theory that bands get good from steady, consistent live performance, gigging. There's a lot of stuff that works in the basement but doesn't translate to the stage. Blue

I found some YouTube clips of band No.3, Highfield Drive. I happen to like good contemporary country, but not with local talent. The talent to pull it off is not there. Also, I would look like a brown pair of shoes with a black tuxedo with that band. Blue

[quote name='bazztard' timestamp='1491883932' post='3276090'] Band 2 lost me at "no drugs, attitudes or weird egos", that's ALL THE BEST PLAYERS, and, don't tell me what to do [/quote] Bazztard, they lost me there too, but for different reasons. It tells me the band may have or had substance issues which I want no part of. Drugs, alcohol and weird egos have not been apart of any of my band experiences since I was around 20 years old. I'm 64. However, I don't think it belongs in the ad. Blue

[quote name='KK Jale' timestamp='1491879353' post='3276085'] *edit: dangit Blue, just put all your thoughts in one post like everyone else [/quote] KK, I'm trying to milk my thread for as much as I can get.😁 Blue

[quote name='KK Jale' timestamp='1491879353' post='3276085'] That's an interesting viewpoint but no agency-using band I've ever been in has used an agency-owned PA or lighting rig. Is that a US thing? [/quote] Very common in the States KK, at least in my part of the Midwest. The top booking agency in Milwaukee started out as a sound and lighting provider and branched out into band booking. Very logical actually. Blue

Band No.2. Guys when you advertise that you rehearse more than you gig, that should be a huge "red flag" Blue

I agree KK. Band No.1 seems like it would be a fit for someone. Not me as 31 gigs a year is not even half of what I need. But , I think it was good to include that detail in the ad. Now here's another observation on band No. 1. They're a 5 piece, which probably means a 5 way pay split. They really sound like an agency driven band. So they're more of a corporate band or functions band as you guys in the UK call it. How many 2k gigs are out there every weekend? And what is left of the 2k after you pay for sound and lights. And by the way guys, guess who owns the sound and lights. Yup, the booking agency you work for. I feel sorry for the guy that doesn't ask questions about these compensation issues. And 5 piece functions bands normally don't play $400.00 bar gigs. Blue

Always an interesting exercise as everyone is looking for different things in a band. Critique the ad and if you were looking would it be worth an inquiry 1. GIGGING COVER BAND SEEKING BASS PLAYER If interested, please reply to this post with "Bass Player for your Band" We average about 2-3 shows/month (31 shows in 2016), usually a bit more during summer, with a mix of clubs, fests, and private events. We are agency represented. We are a 5 piece band (guitar, keys, female vox, drums and bass) and our playlist consists of a variety of songs from 70's/80's classic rock and dance songs, to current pop and rock hits as well as some modern country. A variety of songs that allow us to play to a wide range of audiences, but we try to keep just enough rock in the night for our own enjoyment as well! Hoping to have our new bass player up and running by sometime in May if possible. Auditions will begin around the 2nd week of April. We generally use very little stage amplification, except for stage monitors so a bassist that is willing to play with a small rig or even run direct for stage volume purposes would be ideal for us. We usually run a mix of In-Ears and wedges on stage. Team player, decent stage presence, ability to stay in the pocket with drummer would be quite dandy. Vocals helpful, but not necessary. Reliable transportation is a must! For more information and to set up auditions, please reply to this post with "Bass Player for your Band" 2. ESTABLISHED BAND SEEKING BASS Established rock band looking for a bass player. Great band chemistry, no drugs, attitudes or weird egos. We practice once a week, try to play out once a month. We have several gigs on the calendar. We want to find someone that will be reliable and a good fit. Reach out for more details/music samples. 3. ESTABLISHED COUNTRY BAND SEEKING BASS PLAYER Highfield Drive is seeking experienced, energetic bass player to fill immediate opening. Must be committed, professional, and able to gig out 2-4 times per month. Vocal ability preferred What do you think, comments and observations. Blue

Bad Company I don't know why, but Paul Rodgers is such a pro guy. Blue

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1491868390' post='3276064'] It has a place in other types of music and the fact is, it can sound like a fretted bass when you want it to but with the ability to step out in some tasteful phrases. Blue, you clearly haven't heard Pino from the 80s. I occasionally take mine to gigs in the bluesy funky band I play in and the other band members are quite supportive - audience members have made positive comments as well. I think it can be a very musical and tasteful addition to some songs so no reason why it couldn't become more popular again. One of my favourite Fretless parts.....from the days when bass guitar played an important part in pop music. [/quote] Makes sense to me. Now that I think about it I think Paul Young's recording of Daryl Hall's "Everytime You Go Away" employs a fretless bass guitar and it sounds awesome. Blue

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1491722892' post='3274927'] We played in Swindon last night, so a home crowd for us. Good gig with no problems. Jenny Haan showed up and we had her up to sing a coulee of songs with us, which went down well with the audience. Good venue, decent acoustics and easy parking/load in and out, one of our favourites. Third time Ive played there this year (in two different bands). [/quote] Nice Gig! Blue

[quote name='cheddatom' timestamp='1491819353' post='3275536'] Club Rock in Carlisle on Saturday. We're from Stoke so this is a long way, about 2 hours 40 to drive with no traffic and no stops. I'd been told we'd be on around 10pm. My girlfriend flew to Spain yesterday so I thought it'd be nice to go to the lakes on Friday, stay over, get to Carlisle for the gig on Saturday, and get home for 1-2AM Sunday morning It turned out the stage time was more like 11pm, and we actually didn't get on until 11:45 ish. They still wanted an hour set, shouting for more at the end. I got home at 4AM knackered. I think there were about 20 people in there at the most. They did seem to enjoy it and some bought CDs etc. It's difficult to know if these gigs are worth doing. I guess this is how you start to build up a fan base in new areas [/quote] I hope for that sort of drive the pay was good. Sorry, I'm a Yankee and money is very important to me. Most of our gigs are less than 30 minutes one way commute. We would charge at least $1,500.00 for that sort of travel time. 64, Yes I remember being young and driving that far to play for free. I don't think driving that far to play to 20 people for an hour is a good way to build a following or good use of the bands time IMO. Blue

We played an 8:00-12:00 lake bar gig Saturday night. We play this bar every couple of months or so. 1. Great crowd, they come to hear live music.The place was packed. 2. Appreciative staff. 3. Great sounding room 4. Good tips, these people have a lot of $$ Blue

Unless your playing jazz, why would anyone need or want a fretless bass guitar. Blue