How do you look for a new band?

AndyJP

Hey all,

Was hoping to get some suggestions to help me find a new band. I’m into anything American roots based. Be it country (new or old), Americana, old school Rhythm and Blues, Southern rock, jump blues, Jazzy Blues etc..

I’m Edinburgh based and I’m a decent enough player with lots of gig experience. I’m a nice guy.

I used to use Facebook musician groups to find a band.  But it seems to be all metal, 90s alt or hard rock ads. Not that I don’t like that stuff but I don’t want to do it anymore…

The local jams are great for keeping my hand in with playing. But I don’t see any singers looking to form groups. It’s the same guitarists that turn up that are keeping their hand in like me.

Gumtree seems to be old hat now. 

Maybe the problem is just American roots based music is just too out of fashion at the moment…  The scene here has died off.

Any suggestions?

Musicwolf

I normally use Join My Band.  I've had some success over the years in both finding bands and people - but my god, you have to kiss a lot of frogs.

Typical reply when looking for a band member - "set list" (no 'please', or 'could you send me....' or even a '?').  So you send a set list, you hear noting back then, three weeks later, you get a message from the same fuck-wit saying "set list".

topdog91

It's always difficult as a guitarist as there are so many of us. You could try https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/categories/personnel; in fact this thread probably belongs there.

@Musicwolf sounds like a good bunch of bullet-dodging!

AndyJP

@Musicwolf that sounds painful. I’ve had a look for adverts there but there’s no much. I’d rather not be the guy starting the band but I could advertise as available..

A friend suggested Band Mix as well.

Yes maybe personnel is a better place for this.

AndyJP

@topdog91 you’re right about that. Too many guitarists here for sure. All rig no gig.

topdog91

Well, I meant too many guitarists generally, not just on here.

AndyJP

@topdog91 agreed. Yeah I meant there’s loads of Guitarists in Edinburgh. The problem is the scene has died off a bit.

I could try open mics rather than jam sessions I guess. Singers go to open mics.

Caffeine_Vampire

Typical response to a 'would anyone be interested in putting a *insert genre* band together post - 

'Do you have a drummer yet?'

'Dude, the ad went up 3 minutes ago'

'Ok, message me when you get a drummer'

Repeat for bass and vox.

I always assume people will contribute in helping to find musicians in the interest of everyone but...

digitalkettle

Put the word out at local rehearsal facilities.

More broadly: infiltrate non-guitarist muso fora.

EricTheWeary

I haven't done any band stuff since pre COVID but it was a mixture of JoinMyBand and knowing people. 
Yes lots of frogs to be kissed and nutters on JMB so read ads carefully, try to establish some mutual understanding over email so if you do meet it won't be a complete waste of time. I would say put ads on and not just respond to others, many people lurk as they don't want the hassle so you have to put up with the hassle as guitarists outnumber everyone else. And the general thing of what else do you offer like backing vocals, organisational skills, own a PA, good at making tea or whatever. People want good band members more than they want a good guitarist. 

AndyJP

digitalkettle said:

Put the word out at local rehearsal facilities.

More broadly: infiltrate non-guitarist muso fora.

Good shout. Need to get away from the bloody guitarists

AndyJP

EricTheWeary said:

I haven't done any band stuff since pre COVID but it was a mixture of JoinMyBand and knowing people. 
Yes lots of frogs to be kissed and nutters on JMB so read ads carefully, try to establish some mutual understanding over email so if you do meet it won't be a complete waste of time. I would say put ads on and not just respond to others, many people lurk as they don't want the hassle so you have to put up with the hassle as guitarists outnumber everyone else. And the general thing of what else do you offer like backing vocals, organisational skills, own a PA, good at making tea or whatever. People want good band members more than they want a good guitarist. 

Some good ideas here mate. I do make a cracking cuppa

AndyJP

Caffeine_Vampire said:

Typical response to a 'would anyone be interested in putting a *insert genre* band together post - 

'Do you have a drummer yet?'

'Dude, the ad went up 3 minutes ago'

'Ok, message me when you get a drummer'

Repeat for bass and vox.

I always assume the people will contribute to helping to find musicians in the interest of everyone but...

Agree, it’s the same here. Mostly drummers. Bassists are about..

Figured if I could start with a vocalist, can start as a duo.

digitalkettle

AndyJP said:
...

Figured if I could start with a vocalist, can start as a duo.

But they're the most high maintenance!

AndyJP

Very true!

Caffeine_Vampire

digitalkettle said:

AndyJP said:
...

Figured if I could start with a vocalist, can start as a duo.

But they're the most high maintenance!

Not as high maintenance as 'lead' guitarists who sing...

AndyJP

I think I’m going to update my social media with some new recordings. And get advertising…

Has anybody had luck with using platforms like Instagram to promote your playing?

AndyJP

@Caffeine_Vampire  the phrase lead guitarist makes me cringe. Always wary when someone advertises themselves as a lead player!

Supportact

I feel your pain.  I live in a rural area and it can be hard to find people who are even vaguely into playing the same stuff as me (let alone anyone who wants to listen to any of it!)

I think you're doing the right thing by going to local jams and gigs. I've had mixed success in the past looking for bands to join and it can be pretty dispiriting.  My current band found me really,  someone I knew through music (but hadn't been in touch with for ages) suggested me to play a bit of guitar on a one off recording session for a singer songwriter. Eventually it turned into a band. It seemed a bit random but I suppose it was having made the contact ages before that made it happen. 

davros

I have only really had success with JoinMyBand. First band, was looking for a replacement guitarist, learned the songs, joined the band played for about 5 years til it disbanded.

Second, new band, met up to chat then met up in a rehearsal studio. Drummer (mate of the singer) couldn't make it, and the singer (self-described 'front man') and other guitarist were awful. Me and the bass player both quit immediately.

Third, looking for a replacement guitarist, excellent band, still with them 2 years later.

Moral of the story, a lot easier to join an existing band than start a new one, even if there's a big song learning curve.

AndyJP

@davros agree. Defo easier to join something up and running. Less hassle for sure!