Noisy Americana band seeks lead guitarist

Arvada CO

Description

Denver's long-running, noisy Americana/rock act New Ben Franklins is currently seeking a lead guitar player/multi-instrumentalist. NBF have been playing in the front range now for over 25 years and have released a string of records since they began. To say that we are a country band is somewhat misleading... although we do perform a Waylon Jennings tribute tour every February and are looking to possibly expand those shows into summer time. More to the point, we play loud, original rock music with a twangy bent and some really fun cover tunes that we make our own. Interested candidates should have at least a basic knowledge of the following bands and an appreciation of their music: Wilco, Calexico, Catherine Wheel, My Bloody Valentine, Bob Mould, Waylon Jennings, Old 97’s, Son Volt, Ride, Charlatans UK, Sisters Of Mercy. A love for “classic country” and “outlaw country” is also valuable to us, regardless of whether or not it is your primary skill set. Also, viable candidates should fit most, if not all, of the following requirements: Have pro gear. Reliable and good-sounding gear is a must. Be comfortable with your gear. We love to tone seek, but that is not the point of practice every week. Have reliable transportation. Have no drug dependencies or chemical abuse problems. Be in it for the joy of making music. Have no attitude that they deserve anything more than another member of the band or of the Denver music community. We don't make much money playing music, so we do this for fun and to play great music. Be okay with that. Be willing to rehearse at home on your own as well as with the band. Be in it for the joy of making music. Be able to rehearse with the band at least 1 night per week, and play 1 or 2 shows a month. Be committed to the cause. Be able to take long weekends and/or occasional weeks to do regional touring. Know the difference between a fuzz and overdrive pedal. Have both. Know when one is to be used over the other. Know how a boost is used to make a solo stand out from the rest of the song. Likewise, know how to roll the volume back to allow the song and vocals to breathe. Understand gain structure in your signal chain and how it affects the tone of your rig. Know that the lead guitar complements the vocal line, but never drowns it out or plays loudly over it. Call and response is almost always better. Believe that a good, solid riff is an incredible hook and can make or break a song. Understand that sometimes one single note has more power than a rush of notes. Also understand that sometimes no notes are exactly what is needed. Be able to rest. Be able to know when not to play. Basic knowledge of music theory, or how chords and music works. Have a basic understanding of “classic” country, whether it is their primary skill set or not. Be willing to learn to play a ton of Waylon Jennings songs as accurately as possible, while still making the solos and feel of the songs our own. Be willing and able to play multiple sets in a night or day. Be able to have a vast catalog of songs at your disposal should they be needed. Be willing to play outside of your comfort zone and learn new stuff. Understand that feeling is more important than technical prowess, but a little talent never hurt. Have a sense of humor. Like dogs. Know how to use email to communicate and place days off on a calendar. Be somewhat tech literate. Sing background if you wanna. Play other cool instruments. If after reading all of this you are interested, please take a moment and visit our website (www.newbenfranklins.com) or bandcamp page (newbenfranklins.bandcamp.com) and listen to some of our music. No two songs sound exactly alike; we cover a lot of musical ground and have a fun time doing it. Then email us and let’s set up an audition!