blue Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 This is usually a fun exercise because we all read these ads differently. If possible critique from the perspective of a guy looking for work and money. [b]Ad No. 1[/b] [u][b]Established Rock/Pop Cover band Seeking Experienced Bass Player ASAP[/b][/u] We are a well established cover band that has played all the big Milwaukee venues including Summerfest, State Fair, etc. We play rock, pop and some country music from the 80's on. We have both male and female lead vocalists, lead and rhythm guitar and keys as well. We are looking to play out on average 2 times a month and more during the Festival season. We book through a major agency. We are looking for an experienced bass player ASAP. Singing ability preferred but not required. Only musicians with video submissions will be considered. Thank you. [b]Ad No. 2[/b] [u][b]Start-Up Looking for A Hard Rock Bass Player[/b][/u] Start-up band with drummer and guitar player looking for a bass player to hop in and contribute. We are looking to play hard rock tunes with heavy guitar and putting in our own personal touch. A few bands we have songs for are Foo Fighters and Van Halen plus many more. We are in our early 40's just looking to get a solid sound without the BS. We currently practice on Monday's from ~5-9 in Oak Creek. No substance abuse issues please. Just kick-ass hard rock. Must have decent rig. Have fun Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doddy Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 From the perspective of wanting work and money....... The first ad, if they are as established as they say, could be worth a call. They might only be wanting to do a couple of gigs a month but it leaves time to do other stuff and gets you some extra cash for some shopping. Wanting video submissions would put me off though. I wouldn't be interested in the second advert though. They are a start up band, so there is potential for lots of rehearsing but with no gigs for a while. They play hard rock with their own personal touch? Probably means they don't ( can't?)learn the tunes properly (I could be wrong, but that's what I assume). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted September 3, 2014 Author Share Posted September 3, 2014 (edited) [quote name='Doddy' timestamp='1409706472' post='2542541'] From the perspective of wanting work and money....... The first ad, if they are as established as they say, could be worth a call. They might only be wanting to do a couple of gigs a month but it leaves time to do other stuff and gets you some extra cash for some shopping. Wanting video submissions would put me off though. I wouldn't be interested in the second advert though. They are a start up band, so there is potential for lots of rehearsing but with no gigs for a while. They play hard rock with their own personal touch? Probably means they don't ( can't?)learn the tunes properly (I could be wrong, but that's what I assume). [/quote] I'm sort of on the same page, established could mean anything. It might mean they have a drummer, guitarist and vocalist in place. And I think they might be missing out with that mandatory video requirement. There are some outstanding local bass players out there that don't have video. I have video, lots of it, but it's not very good and it doesn't represent me very well. Start-Ups are not usually for a guy looking for work and money. A start up might be good for a new guy with little to no band experience.. Blue Edited September 3, 2014 by blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lojo Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 (edited) As a hobbist who likes to make sure it's fun while paying for itself ... Band 1, I'd like to see video of them first also, but sounds like a band I could enjoy if the singers, among other things are good. Band 2, four hour rehearsals ? Fair enough if they've a big list of agreed numbers to get through to make sure they work, would need to know the rest of the band had also done homework. Not really for me (although classic rock covers I do enjoy) however it's an honest ad, could be a good bunch of chaps having good fun with no fixed agenda, so great if it's what your after . Edited September 3, 2014 by lojo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 Doddy said just about exactly what I was going to type, thus saving me the job Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted September 3, 2014 Author Share Posted September 3, 2014 [b]Ad No. 1[/b] [u][b]Established Rock/Pop Cover band Seeking Experienced Bass Player ASAP[/b][/u] [i]We book through a major agency.[/i] Ok, but keep in mind there is only 1 major agency in Milwaukee and they have their own A, B and C list clients. [i]Only musicians with video submissions will be considered. Thank you.[/i] Sounds like code for [i]"Are you cool enough to be in our band?"[/i] There are other ways to screen for the cool factor if that's important to a band. A side note, when it comes to money most bands are honest and have a disclaimer in their ad. Something like this; [i]"If your looking to gig 5-6 times a month and a new source of income, were not what your looking for".[/i] Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Posted September 4, 2014 Share Posted September 4, 2014 Second one is a start up and pretty much tells you most of what you need to know to see if you fancy it. First one is "we are" but doesn't tell you the name of the band. I'm not interested in mystery bands, I want to see your video's, photo's, set list and web site before I'd pick up the phone. In return I'd have no problem sending you video/photo's etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted September 4, 2014 Author Share Posted September 4, 2014 [quote name='Les' timestamp='1409792895' post='2543477'] Second one is a start up and pretty much tells you most of what you need to know to see if you fancy it. First one is "we are" but doesn't tell you the name of the band. I'm not interested in mystery bands, I want to see your video's, photo's, set list and web site before I'd pick up the phone. In return I'd have no problem sending you video/photo's etc. [/quote] Agreed. Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted September 4, 2014 Share Posted September 4, 2014 Would look more into the 1st ad, wouldn't bother with the seond. Local knowledge would help here as I have no idea what the ageny/agencies are like, what the local scene is and what those gigs are..? Around here everyone is doing a beer festival but only a few do things properly ( IMO ) and hire in the stages and P.A/lights so these are chalk and cheese compared to a gazebo in the beer garden. So, the general description goes a LONG way and so you have to look between the lines. The same applies to the ad, baring in mind that they aren't going to undersell themslves but how much have they 'embellished'...??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHW Posted September 4, 2014 Share Posted September 4, 2014 If you were wanting a bit more creative input maybe the 2nd one would be more attractive? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chriswareham Posted September 4, 2014 Share Posted September 4, 2014 [quote name='blue' timestamp='1409780501' post='2543403'] [i]Only musicians with video submissions will be considered. Thank you.[/i] Sounds like code for [i]"Are you cool enough to be in our band?"[/i] There are other ways to screen for the cool factor if that's important to a band. [/quote] My interpretation of that part was that they'd like to see you playing, not that they'd necessarily be looking how "cool" you are. After all a band doing rock, pop and country aren't exactly going to be looking for a boy band member. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted September 4, 2014 Share Posted September 4, 2014 However, they may regard image as quite a factor. They've asked for it so you will probably have to comply or rule yourself out of the gig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted September 4, 2014 Author Share Posted September 4, 2014 [quote name='chriswareham' timestamp='1409850941' post='2543981'] My interpretation of that part was that they'd like to see you playing, not that they'd necessarily be looking how "cool" you are. After all a band doing rock, pop and country aren't exactly going to be looking for a boy band member. [/quote] True, but some pop cover bands are not looking as hard at the aged, grey or frumpier candidates as they do at the young and pretty. Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted September 4, 2014 Share Posted September 4, 2014 If one is to consider playing to be a profession, in the same way as accountant or policeman, shouldn't the same employment regulations be applied..? One is not allowed (in UK, at least...) to discriminate on religious grounds, or lifestyle (vegan only..?). Age is not a factor for most jobs. Is it different where 'show biz' is concerned, and why..? Barring employment to someone is a serious offence, is it not..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted September 4, 2014 Author Share Posted September 4, 2014 [quote name='CHW' timestamp='1409835869' post='2543789'] If you were wanting a bit more creative input maybe the 2nd one would be more attractive? [/quote] [i]"If possible critique from the perspective of a guy looking for work and money".[/i] In the Milwaukee market with few exceptions creativity means no gigs and no money. Sad, very sad but true. Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted September 4, 2014 Author Share Posted September 4, 2014 [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1409828389' post='2543657'] Would look more into the 1st ad, wouldn't bother with the seond. Local knowledge would help here as I have no idea what the ageny/agencies are like, what the local scene is and what those gigs are..? Around here everyone is doing a beer festival but only a few do things properly ( IMO ) and hire in the stages and P.A/lights so these are chalk and cheese compared to a gazebo in the beer garden. So, the general description goes a LONG way and so you have to look between the lines. The same applies to the ad, baring in mind that they aren't going to undersell themslves but how much have they 'embellished'...??? [/quote] There is only one or two major agencies in Milwaukee. I will tell you they provide top notch lighting and sound, they also control all of the higher profile, higher paying sponsored gigs in town. For example all the Harley Davidson and Miller events go to these agencies. These agencies also own some of the larger stages at our large fairs, for example WI State Fair. Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annoying Twit Posted September 4, 2014 Share Posted September 4, 2014 I don't think this is the case - but the second band wants a solid sound without any BS. Root notes only? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted September 4, 2014 Author Share Posted September 4, 2014 (edited) [quote name='Les' timestamp='1409792895' post='2543477'] Second one is a start up and pretty much tells you most of what you need to know to see if you fancy it. First one is "we are" but doesn't tell you the name of the band. I'm not interested in mystery bands, I want to see your video's, photo's, set list and web site before I'd pick up the phone. In return I'd have no problem sending you video/photo's etc. [/quote] I did some research. I found out who the band is. They are a legit female fronted pop cover band represented by a major agency. For a guy looking for work and money these guys are worth a call. Interesting, these agency represented bands don't usually advertise publicly. Normally these agency bands have folks waiting in the wings for these opportunities. Blue Edited September 4, 2014 by blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted September 4, 2014 Share Posted September 4, 2014 [quote name='blue' timestamp='1409853240' post='2544015'] There is only one or two major agencies in Milwaukee. I will tell you they provide top notch lighting and sound, they also control all of the higher profile, higher paying sponsored gigs in town. For example all the Harley Davidson and Miller events go to these agencies. These agencies also own some of the larger stages at our large fairs, for example WI State Fair. Blue [/quote] Sounds ok.... so now depends on the finer detail of the work once you have reconciled their credentials.. You going for it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted September 4, 2014 Author Share Posted September 4, 2014 (edited) [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1409856621' post='2544080'] Sounds ok.... so now depends on the finer detail of the work once you have reconciled their credentials.. You going for it? [/quote] No, I'm not on the market right now. I'm a one band guy and my blues/rock band is booked through the end of the year and into 2015. The band apears to be in their 30s. I'm probably to old for them even if I was interested. Blue Edited September 4, 2014 by blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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