Soft Skills - Key to Success as a Musician?

[xilddx]

In a world where, in a minute, you can find an unknown kid bass player on Youtube who is so much better than you are at operating the instrument with the requisite level of feel, what importance do you place on soft skills in the quest for musical success and longevity when playing in a band, or as a session player?

Why are you different to the kid? Why could the kid not deliver the goods in your band?

Reliability is a given I think, what about the other stuff?

[Mykesbass]

Empathy both to the music and the other musos.

[Marvin]

Haven't a clue, I'm actively trying to avoid getting roped into a band at the moment. So perhaps being 'offish' is not a way to be successful.
Oh and perhaps when a potential band mate says they want to play a certain genre so other potential band member responds with a list of possible covers that are as long as your arm, first band type person says no to all of them. That's another no no.

[OldGit]

Playing the instrument in a bedroom in front of a web cam is not in anyway related to playing live in front of an audience, or playing in a band or playing a session.

Mind you I'd have that guy in the Japanese Cosplay dress in an instant. Go down great at weddings ....

[wateroftyne]

I reckon I do OK in my own little way because I'm approachable, stupidly enthusiastic, a fast learner, available, musically dependable (I'm not going to wander off into wild flights of fancy when I get bored), I've got contacts and my name is out there in my preferred musical circles.

Mainly, it's because I took my bass out of my bedroom and into the real world when I was about 15.

I've got plenty of flaws - I'm not likely to be asked to dep with a jazz trio, for example. But that's not my bag, man. Also, I can only bite my tongue for so long, so if something's being done wrong eventually I'll politely point it out. And if it's still done wrong, I'll point it out a little more firmly. Etc.

Edited June 14, 2010 by wateroftyne

[Happy Jack]

That kid would stand no chance in my band, absolutely no chance.

He's over 30 years too young.

[Kiwi]

Respect for the bloke/band who is paying you, even if you think he's/they are a knob.

Trust that the bloke/band knows what he/they want and you're there to help him/them get it.

Know your role as the bass player and be accommodating.

Don't offer unsolicited opinions unless others have run out of theirs or someone asks you for them.

Swap stories if they're funny.

[wateroftyne]

[quote name='Crazykiwi' post='867482' date='Jun 14 2010, 09:30 PM']Respect for the bloke/band who is paying you, even if you think he's a knob.

Trust that the bloke/band knows what he/they want and you're there to help him/them get it.

Know your role as the bass player and be accommodating.

Don't offer unsolicited opinions unless others have run out of theirs or someone asks you for them.[/quote]
Ahhh... that's where I went wrong with the banjo fella! ha ha

[51m0n]

You may have noticed I have few if any soft skills. And rarely gig

You are therefore in all likelihood absolutely spot on!

Hey ho

[neepheid]

I am not the world's best bass player. So considering they could find someone with greater playing skill than me I can only assume my presence in my band is tolerated for my affable nature, my IT skills (myspace page etc.), my production of set list sheets for the gig, ability to provide a rig should the gig require it, own transport, turn up (on time) for rehearsals etc.

A secretary who happens to play a bit of bass, then

[JTUK]

Agree that the video cam isn't the same deal at all.
I can think of plenty of players who never got/get out of the bedroom so they'll never be a factor.
It all about empathy..on all levels and then how little compromise you need to make to accomodate people.

[Adrenochrome]

- Ultra reliable
- Good transport, also doubles as accomodation
- Versatile
- Very experienced
- Reasonable backing vox, even lead vox at a push
- Love playing live, happy to dep for girly pop band through to grindcore metal
- Kit to suit any venue/genre from acoustic with DI box to full stack.

[cheddatom]

I have a load of recording equipment and general gear to play with, along with a rehersal/recording room, and all the time in the world outside of my job.

EDIT: but I did actually audition for a band who didn't want to come to my studio and didn't get it. So, maybe I am lacking in "soft skills"

Edited June 15, 2010 by cheddatom

[Toddy]

Lot of mileage in a quote from Guy Pratt on getting the Pink Flloyd gig,,,,

When a thousand geezers can do your job,,you might as well take someone thats a bit of a laugh !!

[4 Strings]

Yep, don't offer opinions unless it is somehow 'your' band. Just made that mistake recently, found out it wasn't 'my' band in any shape.

Having had musicians do work for me on a project, I would say:
- Turning up on time
- Having the ability to do what's asked with aplomb but not with 'extras'
- Only offering alternatives once the original idea is in the bag (and remembering who's project it is and not flouncing off if ideas aren't taken)
- Discipline, would people please stop mucking about and stopping to make 'jokes' when there's work to be done. Funny things always crop up naturally, which is great, and there's always down time for fun. I hate wasting time.
- Respect for everyone else involved. Arrogance doesn't last long as it is quickly followed by being on your own.

Having others working for you teaches the priorities of what's expected and helps when you're working for others' projects.

[ironside1966]

What I bring to the table is a good solid hardworking person, honest reliable and easy going.
Lots of experience with PA’s
Sequencing skills
Recording equipment and skills
The ability to learn songs accurately.
Happy to shine or stay in the background both visually and musically.
Can be the musical director, just a bass player or do as I am asked.
Not afraid to fight my/our corner but also can keep my gob shut when needed.
Can lead but happy to follow, wise enough to know not to back stab and bitch.
In simple terms, I turn up on time do the job that is asked with the minimum of fuss and leave on good terms.

[jakenewmanbass]

In the world of pick up gigs there is often a situation in which the players on a gig for the evening don't know who else will show up in the various chairs of the band, as fixing the players can be happening up to the last minute, and even once they are fixed if players get a better gig (more money, closer to home, better networking opportunity etc) then it still may change as deps will be used.
So when the bass player walks in if they breathe a sigh of relief then you know you're doing something right.
There are some gigs where I've been told that everything felt good as soon as they knew I was in the bass chair. (not all gigs of course, because we all have our strengths and weaknesses)

[Mr Fudge]

I've played with the same blokes for 25 years. What are you on about?

[bassbloke]

[quote name='silddx' post='867409' date='Jun 14 2010, 08:37 PM']In a world where, in a minute, you can find an unknown kid bass player on Youtube who is so much better than you are at operating the instrument with the requisite level of feel, what importance do you place on soft skills in the quest for musical success and longevity when playing in a band, or as a session player?

Why are you different to the kid? Why could the kid not deliver the goods in your band?

Reliability is a given I think, what about the other stuff?[/quote]

Soft skills are incredibly important. We recently conducted auditions for a new vocalist and one of the questions was "What can you bring to the band other than your musical ability?" Someone who is likeable, approachable and a good communicator can help you build up a network of promoters, labels, managers, etc... who are happy to help you out because, assuming you have a decent following and will make them money, you are easy to work with. I reckon most people would take £80 and an easy time over £100 and loads of hassle any day.

[ahpook]

being damn handsome has always been a boon for me.



actually i think the maturity to accept other people's ideas is a real boon - playing to the song and the band rather than showing off your skills

Edited June 15, 2010 by ahpook

[BassBod]

I've become a complete musical tart..or freelance or session player, if you prefer. The soft skills are as important as the playing, as is wearing the right shirt for the gig. Playing well (in tune, in time, with a sound that fits the setting) is a given if you expect to get paid or called again...but most of my employers would much prefer a "good" player who turns up on time, and has a good work ethic to a fantastic player who hasn't got transport, bitches about ££ or about other players. Or just gets pissed on the gig.

Two things I (almost) never do...say "no" to a job, or let someone down for a "better" gig. Its cost me on a few jobs, but I usually get called again.

[dan670844]

[quote name='silddx' post='867409' date='Jun 14 2010, 08:37 PM']In a world where, in a minute, you can find an unknown kid bass player on Youtube who is so much better than you are at operating the instrument with the requisite level of feel, what importance do you place on soft skills in the quest for musical success and longevity when playing in a band, or as a session player?

Why are you different to the kid? Why could the kid not deliver the goods in your band?

Reliability is a given I think, what about the other stuff?[/quote]


Hi I think its more to do with bowing to the oh so creative one......

I.e. not getting angry when he has written a piece on a keyboard and says "humour me" when you say you can't play it cause its an octave lower than you can go.

Smile generously as you and the Getard endlessly transpose the piece up and down and then when he goes for a pee. You play it in the original key and he says now you got it!

When he hums a bass line like a F***ed Wasp and he immediately expects you to play it.

When all said and done and you have been in the studio for 8hrs solid , Playing the same tune that you know won't make it and he says we should stay a couple more hours!

(God I hope he ain't reading this!)

But the main thing I have learnt not to get angry anymore, chill take deep breaths and just enjoy the ride. Yes I have a little say in the creation but he really is the clever one and its great to be along for the ride!... while it lasts

[dan670844]

[quote name='dan670844' post='868468' date='Jun 15 2010, 09:41 PM']Hi I think its more to do with bowing to the oh so creative one......

I.e. not getting angry when he has written a piece on a keyboard and says "humour me" when you say you can't play it cause its an octave lower than you can go.

Smile generously as you and the Getard endlessly transpose the piece up and down and then when he goes for a pee. You play it in the original key and he says now you got it!

When he hums a bass line like a F***ed Wasp and he immediately expects you to play it.

When all said and done and you have been in the studio for 8hrs solid , Playing the same tune that you know won't make it and he says we should stay a couple more hours!

(God I hope he ain't reading this!)

But the main thing I have learnt not to get angry anymore, chill take deep breaths and just enjoy the ride. Yes I have a little say in the creation but he really is the clever one and its great to be along for the ride!... while it lasts[/quote]

He I forgot to say this. I think its also about facilitating the composer (not in the biblical sense) all these creative people, they have ideas in their heads, which they have difficulty communicating it makes then frustrated crazy, angry and very difficult to work with. If you are seen as someone that helps them.... it goes a long long way as invariably they think the world world is trying to kop em. well maybe thats just my master......

[TimR]

Soft Skills - I like it.

My day job is customer facing. We've been on a number of different courses specifically targeting our soft skills. As has been said, as far as the customer is concerned anyone can do the job that you do. The most important thing is that you do what he asks efficiently. ie on time and within budget. If you think there is a better way of doing something and he has employed you as the specialist then it's up to you to tell him in a way that doesn't cause problems.

Treat people as you would expect to be treated and you can't go wrong.

Don't ever think that because you own the lights/PA/recording gear/rehearsal space/web site/van/band cat etc that the rest of the band appreciate it and will keep you on because of it. If they're not doing it, and you are, then it will be seen as an easy job. Only when they drop you will they find out what extra hard skills you bought to the table.

Being able to run a diary is another important skill. Many band members can't do this, I used to send out the gig schedule weekly with all the gigs that we had been booked for. I would still get mails back a week before a gig from someone saying that they couldn't make it. Often these gig had been on the schedule for months.

[Bilbo]

Being a reader.......