Bluewine

Play the BlondePop tonight. Great venue and it Holloween night here. We haven't seen each other or rehearsed in over a month. Blue

I know guys like that, all sorts of cool guitars, amps and effects. But not in a working band which is not a big deal ,but they never pick up an instrument to play it Lot's of excuses, and I'm sorry but the chances of becoming the next hot shot guitarist at 65 are not high. I'm not a hot shot bass player and I'm always playing. I hope he doesn't see this post.☺️ Blue

I enjoy playing any genre or songs as long as it sounds good. One thing I don't enjoy is performing and not getting paid. Blue

60-70 songs for an originals band sounds like a lot. If it is a band your familiar with and really like you'll be fine. It's still not bad idea to get a set list of songs they're actually performing. Blue

Nice pics. Nice angles. I think most amatues with cell phone caneras think you have to always take full band pics instead if up close good single member pics. Blue

It's different for some of us. I don't make song suggestions, that's not what I was hired for. I don't get into whether I like a song or not. I learn it and play the best bass lines I can. The only issue I'm vocal about are gigs, keep them coming, the more the better. Blue

Unfortunately one of our Holloween gigs has been cancelled.. It was a bar we started playing this summer. I think we might have played 2 gigs outside on the patio and one inside. I never really connected with the place, but it was money and our band leader worked hard to build a relationship with the owner. I don't think they're really known for live bands. It"s more of a neighborhood beer & burger place in my opinion. We never drew much if a crowd, very low energy room My point the main stay venues that were good for bands are dwindling down at a rapid pace. Here is another sad story, we're booked for a Thanksgiving weekend gig at another bar that's never been great for us. You play in a separate room from the bar, the kiss of death. But it's a gig I'll take the money. Don't feel bad for us, we had a fantastic Sumner gigging season. Blue Blue

Yeah, I guess I've never heard the expression in that context. Plus I'm very critical when it comes to bass player wanted ads. I prefer ads that are more than clear and very direct in terms of what they're looking for and what they're offering. Blue

It's not an ad I'd respond to. If a person is looking for a party it's fine. A party is not anything I'm looking for in a band. Blue

True, probably a very young band. I always feel, for bar bands it's part of our job to provide a party vibe and atmosphere. Maybe whoever wrote the ad meant the same thing. The ad still seems questionable. Blue

I'm probably dumb about certain things. But I'm not dumb when it comes to spotting a poorly worded ad for a bass player. I think you can have a few beers, have a few drinks. But having a few fans? "We want to develop a fan base" would have made more sense to me. And, " bring something to the party"? What party? I'm not looking for a party. And is the band fairy serious or fairly serious? I'm thinking English might be a second language for whoever submitted the ad. To me it doesn't make much sense. The ad basically hits me as; " Do you want to waste your time, give us a call" Blue

"Having a few fans" I'm not even sure what that means. Blue

Love your response. As far as the complexity of the song, it's a simple blues progression. My question would be, why are you playing with these guys, do they play other stuff that's not your cup of tea? Blue

While I'm lucky enough to be working I still check out opportunities from time to time. Things are not great for real opportunities here. This type of ad is not uncommon. Would any of you experienced guys over the age of 60 respond to this type of ad? I wouldn't. I'm not looking for a party. "Covers, Good originals, A tribute some over nights weekends. I need some one who can front some covers learn quick or know the standards 60's to today. Find harmony note. Hustling shows, having a few fans, basic positive vibe. Bring something good to the party. Fairy serious actually" Blue

Great keys!

I'd have " blown a gasket" Blue

Yes, it is changing. It's no fun playing low energy rooms. I don't think even the few Milwaukee originals clubs are doing " door money" anymore. These clubs are located right by the University Of Wisconsin. Those kids don't have any money. Money at the door doesn't work until your a professional signed regional or national act. And they struggle too. Many of the bars and clubs that provided local rock bands with work, are no longer providing live music. However, summers in the Midwest can be great because of the amount of lucrattive festivals and fairs. We had a great summer, but fall bookings for us are weak. Didn't mean to hi-jack the thread with " me syndrome". Blue

That's excellent advice. And once you decide or figure out your passion and what you want to do, be prepared to make a few compromises. Blue

Regarding PAs, in the States you have to pay the sound guy. Usually an originals club will have 3 bands on the bill. The 3 bands will pool their money to pay tgesound guy. These bands leave the gig with less money than they had when they arrived at the gig. I understand original bands are not in this for the money, but gigging should not be an expense. Blue

I was in a band like that. Great sounding band great material. I soon figured out the leader only wanted to play " rock star' in his basement. It's where I learned my lesson and focused on what I was looking for in a band. Paying gigs and lots of them. Blue

Depends on what you want. If you want to gig you should give them your notice and find an established band that has gigs booked. If your not that interested in gigging stay with them. Are there gigs in your area for an originals power trio? In my area there are no gigs for any originals band no less a power trio. For guys that are looking to gig there's only two question to ask a band before joining. 1. How many gigs did the band play last year? 2. How many gigs are on the books right now? I'm also hoping you are young guys otherwise a drummer without a proper kit is a huge "red flag". Blue

For those of us that are gigging bass face and all aspects of stage presence are really important. It's something I'm constantly working on. I'm usually shocked and disappointed when I watch myself on video clips. Blue

I've always felt bass solos are great in jazz arrangements on the double bass. Never been a fan of rock electric bass guitar solos. Blue

I was gigging my Gibson ES-335 Bass for most of the summer. Now I'm playing my Gibson Gold Top ( block neck) which has been really nice, cool looking and fun to play. Amp, 750 watt GK 1001 head through 2 10s. The Gold Top actually seems to like my pedals, especially my MRX M-80 Bass Distortion which is tricky to use. Hmmmmm, I guess I had already commented on this thread and there's a contradiction. I am enjoying the Gold Top. Blue