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Author Topic: The woes of starting up a band  (Read 12020 times)

Muso

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The woes of starting up a band
« on: August 16, 2006, 11:04:33 AM »
Yo guys here a little story about me

Basically I'm quite a competant guitar player and I've been living in Nottingham for 3 years. Since I have been here I have been trying to either get into a band or form a band with little or no success. All the local adverts are for drummers and only a few bands want guitar players who don't like the music I do. I mean is there a set formula for getting a rocking band together? I know lots of you guys are in or have been in bands, basically I would like your advice.
At the moment my formed band consists of me and a bass player who never wants to practise, i met him off the internet and hes a typical internet nerd (doesn't drink & doesn't rock out). I'm honestly at the point where I'm considering moving to a different city, I know up north places like Bradford, Hull, Leeds they have amazing band scenes and all the bands I know up there have wicked attitudes.
Anyway some advice would great thanks.
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jt

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The woes of starting up a band
« Reply #1 on: August 16, 2006, 12:12:29 PM »
:D I`m afraid band forming can be hit & miss. Find local rehersal studios & post ads there, drop the bass player if a descent drummer turns up & you guys can`t play a note together the drummer wont be interested. Check out the local music shops,  bass  players need strings etc, and look on the bright side if you think it`s difficult now wait untill you try to get a half  descent singer, who`s prepared to do the work required then you`ll wish you could just play instrumentals !!! :lol:  :lol:

 :D  8)

EDIT Also look to put together a demo of your best 3 or so songs. It`ll show your commited & will help you  widdle out the time wasters, & believe me there are plenty of them out there. Successfull musicians are also utterly ruthless don`t waste your time with anyone who isnt prepared to be as serious as you are about it !!
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deg0ey

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Re: The woes of starting up a band
« Reply #2 on: August 16, 2006, 12:31:03 PM »
Quote from: Muso
I know up north places like Bradford, Hull, Leeds they have amazing band scenes and all the bands I know up there have wicked attitudes.


I think I would agree with that: My best mate's boyfriend lives in the land of Leeds, and he "runs" a venue up there that books bands on a regular basis. I've been up there a coupla times, and the bands all seem much more interested in the music than those round here...
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Jp.

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The woes of starting up a band
« Reply #3 on: August 16, 2006, 01:03:37 PM »
I hear you... 2 years, 5 failed attemps and 3 no starts and I gave up.

I just play in my back room now. I'm just getting my motivation back and am pushing in a slightly different direction.

I posted a thread a while back "my bass player dumped me :(" and since then I just hate looking at a guitar. I only got into modifying guitars as a way of trying to keep interested in my hobby. It worked.

I have no real advice other than to say..... Dont waste time on uncommited people. Months fly by and turn into a year or two and youve gotten nowhere.

Dont burn bridges, just politely move on or as I started to say "I'm starting a side project for something a little different" They dont need to know their the side project. Its mean but polite.
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38thBeatle

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The woes of starting up a band
« Reply #4 on: August 16, 2006, 07:36:39 PM »
I feel for you- it is a monumental task- just meeting like minded muso's if part of the battle.Do you have any on line places to check. I will see if I can find a link for you.
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_tom_

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The woes of starting up a band
« Reply #5 on: August 16, 2006, 07:46:25 PM »
I have the same problem trying to find people who are into good music round here. Most people are into indie kinda stuff, or "shite metal" (Slipknot etc).
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dave_mc

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The woes of starting up a band
« Reply #6 on: August 16, 2006, 08:05:49 PM »
grr, I too am really struggling to find anyone to play with... :(
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38thBeatle

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The woes of starting up a band
« Reply #7 on: August 16, 2006, 09:06:47 PM »
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HTH AMPS

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The woes of starting up a band
« Reply #8 on: August 16, 2006, 11:48:48 PM »
Starting bands is totally hit & miss - definately no formula.  

I was in/out of bands from 15 till 25 before I found a band with like-minded musicians and had a band that really clicked.  That lasted four years and was a total riot, came together fairly easily - we had wrote songs and were gigging within four months.  the band sounded great right from the get-go, you just know when it's right as you don't even 'need' to rehearse.

The current band I have is much harder work though admitedly its not so much a jamming band - it's metal and has more structure though I always try to take it off into jams (that's my thing).

 :twisted:
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Muso

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The woes of starting up a band
« Reply #9 on: August 17, 2006, 08:13:13 AM »
Cheers for the advice chaps

I've decided to buy a Bass guitar and keep my guitar playing just for myself. Always high demmand for bass players god knows why  8)
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deg0ey

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The woes of starting up a band
« Reply #10 on: August 17, 2006, 10:03:38 AM »
Quote from: Muso
Cheers for the advice chaps

I've decided to buy a Bass guitar and keep my guitar playing just for myself. Always high demmand for bass players god knows why  8)


My mate's brother learnt to play guitar, bass, drums and also learnt to sing - and his only reason was that then potential bands couldn't turn him down and say "nah you don't play the instruments we need"...but he always was a god of music :lol:
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TwilightOdyssey

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The woes of starting up a band
« Reply #11 on: August 17, 2006, 02:08:11 PM »
What's all this talk about giving up and quitting?!! I don't get it.
If it's something you really want to do ... if it burns inside you, and keeps you up at night ... then you'll find a way to make it work. It may take months or years. Who cares!

Finding a band is tough. Forming one is harder still. Forming an all-originals band is even harder than that. And then keeping it together? It requires Herculean will power and dedication. I drag my ass to work every day because I'm "living the dream" at night. And I wouldn't have it any other way! I'm sure other forum bro's in a similar situation would advise the same. The expense is great, but the payback divine!! So stop being all emo about it!! :evil:

Then again ... if all of you quit, there's less competition for my band! PDT_008.
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Davey

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The woes of starting up a band
« Reply #12 on: August 17, 2006, 03:56:00 PM »
start with a simple add.



Guitarist looking for musicians, to form a band to rock out and have fun.





when a drummer turns up.. slam the door saying i said MUSICIANS!!



jokes aside.. if it goes, it goes. start off at a common point and take it from there. dont waste time on slackers. if they dont hold up their end, kick em in the shin and find another one.
if it works great, you can start making originals, throw in some covers etc etc.
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HTH AMPS

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The woes of starting up a band
« Reply #13 on: August 17, 2006, 10:23:35 PM »
Quote from: Davey

when a drummer turns up.. slam the door saying i said MUSICIANS!!


you won't even need to open the door - drummers knock out of time so you'll know it's a non-musician   :wink:  :lol:

 :twisted:
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deg0ey

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The woes of starting up a band
« Reply #14 on: August 17, 2006, 10:26:24 PM »
Quote from: HEAVIER THAN HELL
Quote from: Davey

when a drummer turns up.. slam the door saying i said MUSICIANS!!


you won't even need to open the door - drummers knock out of time so you'll know it's a non-musician   :wink:  :lol:

 :twisted:


Or they'll sit on a little stool and kick your door repeatedly with alternating feet to demonstrate how metal they are :drink:
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