One year of adventures on Craiglist

Southlake TX

Description

After spending roughly the last year looking for bands, players, jam buddies on this forum, I'm going to step out there and offer a little advice to those of you who are responding to posts and doing the same thing. 1. Never tell an old guy you're burned out on "classic rock". Most of those guys quit listening to new music when metal came around so classic rock is their "deal". Everything that is not classic rock is "new stuff". 2. A band that gives you a list of ten difficult songs to learn, five days before the audition.....has already picked someone else. Don't waste your time. 3. People who "just want to jam"......usually can't play. Bands that play "all original" usually don't have any gigs. 4. Telling a band that you're auditioning them too is a bad idea. Many guitar players and singers are way too cool to be auditioned by bass players. 5. Being "musically compatible" means they want you to learn all their stuff and forget about yours. Nine out of ten bands out there have the same set list. Really. 6. Playing with guys who are "4/20 friendly" is ALWAYS more fun than playing with guys who aren't. 7. Virtually every musician in the DFW area has "pro gear". 8. Never tell a band that you're retired. They automatically think you're one of the people from #1 above, you can't lift an Ampeg head, you wear cargo shorts to a gig and you like Johnny Cash. 9. Bands with "practice space" are usually packed into a 10'x10' room, no set-up for in-ear-monitors and you're leaving there with a headache. 10. If a drummer tells you that you brought too many weapons (basses) to the audition - he's a jerk and probably a control freak. I brought my two favorite basses and I don't need a drummer telling me what instruments to play. Ok, hope that helps some of you wayward soles who are getting frustrated with Craigslist. I've had some good experiences with local musicians and some where I couldn't get out of there fast enough. Be patient. I play with different people on a regular basis but I'm still looking for that group of musicians who maybe aren't great but they're great to hang out with, open-minded about music and willing to do a little work. If you're looking for a bass man with acoustic guitar skills, hit "reply". Cheers!