blue

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1487848751' post='3243464'] Many people just like the idea of being in a band. They're not actually interested in gigging. These are the bands that just rehearse and always find something not quite right. They'll say they want to gig and discuss endlessly how to get them but no one ever goes out and gets one. I've learned to spot them quickly avoid them now. [/quote] Agreed, if you join a band with no gigs on the books and no history of gigs it's a good bet they're not going to get any sort of consistent bookings. Blue

My band, Maple Road has been together for 12 years. I've been with them for the last 5 years. We still have the 2 founding members. I'm actually only the 2nd bass player. However, we have been through several drummers. Bkue

[quote name='kevvo66' timestamp='1487854870' post='3243547'] Agreed, well said blue [/quote] Check out Bass Player Wanted in Milwaukee Rocks http://www.milwaukeerocks.com/classifieds.asp?cat=1013 None of these opportunities would be a match for me. Blue

[quote name='LewisK1975' timestamp='1487775000' post='3242715'] Hey folks. Whats your opinion on this one? My favourite Bass to gig with is undoubtedly my sonic blue Yamaha Attitude ltd3. Love everything about it. Been told that the Prog band I'm in requires a more 'traditional' looking Bass, a Fender basically. No problem, I have suitable looking Basses I can use, but none of them feel as 'right' to me as the Yamaha. I'm pretty pragmatic about it and will do what's necessary, I'm not the 'main' guy in the band, and I enjoy the music so if the look is [i]that [/i]important, then so be it. But what would YOU do? [/quote] If the pay is good, I would use a Fender. Blue

[quote name='PaulGibsonBass' timestamp='1487803757' post='3243178'] I joined a gigging band in my home town that practises exactly one mile from my home. Looking at the effort and time that many people put in to being in bands, I forget sometimes how lucky I am. [/quote] Me too, if my band folded, finding a new band with a lot of work, with good people would be impossible. Blue

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1487751360' post='3242330'] Is your band leader the singer? I can't see any band working unless the singer has a big say in the songs. However, the B/L and singer need to have a very close understanding of exactly what direction the band is going in. I'm not sure that our singer asked exactly the right question when he joined the band, and seems to want to pull in a different direction to the rest of us. Which does keep it fairly fresh and away from 'the usual suspects' when it comes to song choices but it can become a chore choosing new songs. Although, he was already there when I joined. Like you, I just turn up and play and make the odd suggestions, whether or not they're taken on board doesn't bother me as long as the leader has an idea of direction. It does make suggesting songs that will work a lot easier. [/quote] Yes, our BL sings the majority of lead vocals. Blue

[quote name='alyctes' timestamp='1487508008' post='3240271'] Billy Bragg and Joe Henry doing their American railway songs. Fine evening. [/quote] I'm. BB fan. I love his version of "Walk Away Renee" Blue

[quote name='Les' timestamp='1487701113' post='3242002'] I feel the OP has got a bit of a rough deal to be honest. We're a band that doesn't practise often at all but a new member would get as many as they needed to to get up to speed. Like many who've posted previously the parctise to gig ratio has to be seriously low for us but leaving somebody floundering/struggling or pissed off enough to leave is a waste of everyones time. Les [/quote] I agree with Les. The only time we really practice is if we're getting a new band member up to speed. Blue

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1487701745' post='3242013'] Ha. Yes. What's the point in that? Our singer is a bit odd when it comes to that sort of thing. We suggest a well known song by an artist, he'll then say no, he prefers X obscure version or some completely different tune by the same artist form an obscure album that no one will ever have heard before. It's hard work. Just choose a well known song. Learn it. Play it. It's not rocket science. [/quote] All bands are different. We have a band leader, so there's no " we suggest " option. The BL picks what songs we play and the version. Makes life a lot easier. Blue

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1487634570' post='3241460'] If you're gigging what is the point of "rehearsing your arse off"? If you are well prepared and have done your homework you shouldn't need rehearsals at all. [/quote] Maybe, and the key here is how often a band gigs. If your out there doing 3 gig weekends, yeah, you'll get up to speed fast. But if a band gigs once a month, no way. I doubt that will work. Blue

I think most bands need to rehearse.At least at my level of play, US Midwestern bar band. Not to be confused with pub bands. Did you ask about the bands position on rehearsals and how often they rehears? We talk so much on bass chat about important questions to ask before accepting an offer to join a band. Blue

[quote name='Burrito' timestamp='1487002289' post='3236172'] I like the original post but the jury is out on clip on tuners (no issue for me) & I think we have touched on the topic before. I think; [list=1] [*]Learn your parts. [*]Show up on time. [*]Don't moan about everything. [*]Know your place in the band. [*]Buy the odd drink. [*]Enjoy it. [/list] Seems to have worked for me over the last 30yrs! [/quote] This sounds like one of Blue"s posts. Blue

I play bar gigs every weekend. I usually bring 2 of my 9 basses. Saturday I brought my G&L ASAT bass and my German made Hofner Club Bass. Blue

Very sad. A bad cat indeed. He lived in Madison WI not far from me at all. He used to play at a little club on Tuesday nights. Blue

[quote name='MisterT' timestamp='1487429506' post='3239740'] I see your funk and raise you... [/quote] That's it, right there. Blue

[quote name='Kevin Dean' timestamp='1487508287' post='3240278'] At last nights gig , everything sounded great & then in the 2nd set everything sounded dramatically louder & slightly overdriven , No one had changed there volume ? perhaps we all started digging in more to keep up with the drummer who seemed to be getting into it more or everyone hit the dance floor changing the acoustics ...I wonder what it was? as it was dramatic , the place did have a very low ceiling ? [/quote] Low ceilings are usually a good thing. Blue

Not great, we played with a new drummer we're breaking in and to be honest it will be an up hill battle. We don't rehearse enough. Also we're not going to have a permanent drummer. The band decided we will rotate 3 drummers so we can book properly. Oh, the crowd didn't seem to notice we we're struggling Blue

I saw Doyle Brahmhill II Tuesday night at a small Milewaukee bar. Smokin! I will see female guitar goddess Anna Popavich at the same bar this coming Tuesday. One of the things I like about Milwaukee. Most big acts that hit Chicago will add a Milwukee date. Blue

A word to the wise. When looking for a band, don't look for the best musicians or best genre for you. I say, always look for the best people to play with. Look how many Bass Chat posts we have seen about bands imploding because of personality and lack of experience issues. Blue

What gets me is, why would someone audition to play with a working band when they know they have life circumstances that will be in direct conflict with their weekend availability. Blue

[quote name='peteb' timestamp='1487287152' post='3238747'] Not sure what you mean by 'call ins'& call outs'?? Not a term that I'm familiar with. For what it's worth, the last audition I did was over 20 years ago (and that was a farce). I just refuse to audition for local bands and I've been gigging solidly since that last one. It's all about your contacts and reputation - of course it helps if you can play a bit and can get on with people... [/quote] Hi Pete, "Call Ins" are when venues are calling you and asking for your service. "Call Outs" are gigs from the band calling out to venues for gigs. I think it's good to have a little of both. Me, I'm not networked where anyone would call me for work. I'll probably always be an outsider to the local Milwaukee "heavy hitters" guys under normal circumstances I would consider my peers of my vintage. I doubt I have the ability to play with a Greg Koch or Daryl Stuermer. Unfortunately opportunities from the audition process are always going to be questionable. Blue

[quote name='Marty Forrer' timestamp='1487301950' post='3238787'] Yeah, to be fair I haven't played in a pop band for 20 years, and have no wish to do so. There's a lot of genres other than pub rock. Since the last pop band I have played Irish, Latino, rockabilly, country, jazz and theatre. Plenty of gigs outside of rock covers. My point to the OP is to expand your horizons, I could not be arsed playing in pubs to drunken 20 year olds making fools of themselves. There are much better gigs around, just put yourself out there. [/quote] That's too bad, dealing with drunks. We don't see much of that in our US bars in the States. Getting drunk is too much of a risk. Even for a first offense a DUI (driving under the influence) can cost 10 grand after everything is done. Blue

[quote name='Marty Forrer' timestamp='1487286493' post='3238741'] I'm 69 and formed a new 6 piece band about 3 months ago, so age has little to do with it. I already play in two other bands, but I saw a gap in the market in my area for a particular genre, and decided to exploit it. I just rang up the people I thought would be a good fit, explained what I was doing, and they all said yes! We have four gigs in the next couple of weeks. This may or may not help you. Check us out on FaceBook, Marty's Juke Joint. [/quote] I would disagree age, at least in the States age has a lot to do with it. Depends on what your looking for.Especially if your background is in cover or functions bands. Over here even if the mean age of the band is 40 they would never hire a 64 year old like me. Maybe other guys in their 60s doing 70s rock or blues might work. Forget about Pop. Blue

Most of us should be able to access whether a band is a match from the audition. Off topic; For those of us in this for some income, it's a good idea to ask what percentage of their business is from "call ins" and what percentage is from call outs or reaching out to opportunities. Blue

I was lucky. 5 years ago I was targetting only established bands (bands that are known locally and have consistent paying work). The band that I was most interested in was local to be said we should talk. Just happened they were looking to replace their bass player. I auditioned 3 times and then got the offer. We're still going strong after 11 years. Now,the down side. I'm jaded. I'm too used to consistent gigs,being paid in a more then timely manner and working with good,experienced and trustworthy people. When this band folds, I doubt I will be able to find anything that would meet my requirements for joining a band. Blue