Finding band members
Discussion
I've been inspired after seeing a mates band and a decent covers band last night to get something going again. Just part time, probably covers and the odd gig here and there.
When I was last in a band 20 years ago (christ...!), people just kind of met at the local rehearsal studios and if we got on and liked the same sort of music, we tried a few things and if it stuck we did some more.
Where do you find people nowadays? Is Joinmyband any good or is there a better option to start off with?
Incase anyone's looking, guitarist, N Lancs
When I was last in a band 20 years ago (christ...!), people just kind of met at the local rehearsal studios and if we got on and liked the same sort of music, we tried a few things and if it stuck we did some more.
Where do you find people nowadays? Is Joinmyband any good or is there a better option to start off with?
Incase anyone's looking, guitarist, N Lancs
This is probably your best bet. Once you filter out all the 12 year old metallers, no hopers & crusty has-beens it can get a bit thin, but I've hooked up with some very good players from it.
http://www.joinmyband.co.uk
http://www.joinmyband.co.uk
Why not go and watch/make friends with all the local cover bands and make a note of their set lists.
Then learn all their songs, most of them probably play the same 40 songs in different orders anyway.
This done just wait for the inevitable falling out/splitting up/musical differences and you can either drop straight in to a gigging band or poach musicians for your new band.
Job done - no need to thank me.
Then learn all their songs, most of them probably play the same 40 songs in different orders anyway.
This done just wait for the inevitable falling out/splitting up/musical differences and you can either drop straight in to a gigging band or poach musicians for your new band.
Job done - no need to thank me.
Justin Cyder said:
This is probably your best bet. Once you filter out all the 12 year old metallers, no hopers & crusty has-beens it can get a bit thin, but I've hooked up with some very good players from it.
http://www.joinmyband.co.uk
This is the one, and just about the only website like it on the net that is worth using. I had some joy when a band contacted me on Bandmix but felt like it was a bit of one in a million chance! http://www.joinmyband.co.uk
It can be frustrating but just keep at it. Find a good local open mic night in your area and get down there. Be prepared to mingle!
And start learning some songs! It's not rocket science what songs to choose, but if you know how to play 15-20 shoe-ins for a cover set then you will seem a bit more serious to anyone you strike up a conversation with.
A good, complete band line up can be worth their weight in gold. Sometimes my band is a complete waste of time. Bassist is too loud and has a hissy fit if you suggest it. Drummer starts drumming at the start of the practice and doesn't stop for a second for the next 3 hours. Singer is a diva. Last two practice sessions; first one cancelled last minute because someone felt ill. The next one abandoned as soon as it started because one member's missus rings up panicking that the cat is stuck under their dresser and then hurries off to rescue it (no I'm not making that up). Then the 3rd member cancels a gig at the last minute because he's been feeling un-well for a few days. Two weeks (and £60 worth) of practices and a gig down the drain. But I stick with it because it is a massive pain getting a full line up of people who are half decent at their instruments. Most are not!
Edited by scrubchub on Tuesday 15th April 18:14
Some ace stories and advice here, thanks very much
I checked out a posting on joinmyband and found someone looking for pretty much what was in my head, it's not covers as such, more the guy has put together his own material that he'll take some input on with a view to going out and gigging it every so often.
Works perfect for me, lot of grunt work done and attitudes are fairly similar, we make money from our day jobs and this is just something to do every so often.
Realised that my little Orange amp isnt going to cut it live so just bought a previously enjoyed Valvestate half stack which will get me going for not much money while we work out what and how often we want to do gigs.
I checked out a posting on joinmyband and found someone looking for pretty much what was in my head, it's not covers as such, more the guy has put together his own material that he'll take some input on with a view to going out and gigging it every so often.
Works perfect for me, lot of grunt work done and attitudes are fairly similar, we make money from our day jobs and this is just something to do every so often.
Realised that my little Orange amp isnt going to cut it live so just bought a previously enjoyed Valvestate half stack which will get me going for not much money while we work out what and how often we want to do gigs.
Back in my day is was ads in Q, Melody Maker, NME etc... or popping to the local rehearsal studios where you'd see ads for both 'wanted' and 'available' on a notice board.
I got into our band from the ad in Q - went on to have some success.
I got into our band from the ad in Q - went on to have some success.
Edited by Asterix on Wednesday 16th April 11:35
Another vote here for JMB. I contacted a couple of people who'd placed ads on there, one of which was a bit of fun for a while but didn't go anywhere, and the other being the band I'm now gigging with.
I also tried Gumtree, which did seem to have a few decent looking ads from around my area, it just happened that the JMB ones were more my scene.
I possibly benefit from being a bass player, it did seem like there were more people looking for bassists and drummers than anything else!
I also tried Gumtree, which did seem to have a few decent looking ads from around my area, it just happened that the JMB ones were more my scene.
I possibly benefit from being a bass player, it did seem like there were more people looking for bassists and drummers than anything else!
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