I need to start a band

Felken

Felken

Jun 28, 2016
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Ottawa, CAN
#1
I posted a thread a few months back about a flyer I wanted to put up to form a band.

The school's so-called "public" messageboard is reserved for the student government (ie, ministry of truth) only.

Bottom line: I need to form a band and have no dang idea how to do it. I have Facebook if you're all wondering, but no clue where to post such an ad online.

I'm tired of playing alone in the basement, I want to gig.

How the hell do I from a band in this day and age??

ADDITIONAL EDIT:
There is no school band (It's college not high-school).
 
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#2
Have you tried Craigslist?

I suggest making business cards, visiting all the music venues in the area, making contacts and handing out cards in case anyone knows of a band or needs a bass player in the future.

Are there wedding and booking agents in your area?

How are your vocals? Singing harmony can get you into bands ahead of non-singing better players.

How's your sight reading? How many songs do you know?

Do you have charts of a few hundred songs? There's a current TB thread about TBr responsible for 5-600 songs and converting from paper to digital.

If you're a quick learner, maybe you can sub.
 
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#7
I also say check with the school band kids. My first band all came from kids who were in high school band. They came to me. They only knew that i was a killer trumpet player, and i loved to play. They asked me to play bass. I didnt even own a bass or know how to play one. But i figured it all out and became a bass player. A lot easier when you have a decent understanding of music. Btw, i still play with some of those guys 31 years later!
 
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#10
Muttleybass said:
Go down to the music department and talk to the music teacher
Go to you're local Long & McQuade and put up a notice on their bulletin board
Go to all ages shows and support. Talk to the bands. "Hey, I'm starting a band.. Know anybody?"
Craigslist
Bandmix.ca (a profile is free)
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There isn't a music department (I'm in college by the way).

Long and McQuade sounds like an excellent idea. I'll do that!

I haven't seen any live shows in my life nearby. Most shows are in bars which are 19+. I'm approaching 18.

Thanks for your advice, I truly appreciate it!
 
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#11
sm49341 said:
I also say check with the school band kids. My first band all came from kids who were in high school band. They came to me. They only knew that i was a killer trumpet player, and i loved to play. They asked me to play bass. I didnt even own a bass or know how to play one. But i figured it all out and became a bass player. A lot easier when you have a decent understanding of music. Btw, i still play with some of those guys 31 years later!
Click to expand...

There is no school band.
 
#12
Felken said:
Did that already. No luck. Besides, I don't fancy posting an ad online for random strangers.
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Hate to say it, but Craigslist is the name of the game in most places. Keep an add up with a good description of what/who you're looking for, and tread carefully. I've found a good way to go about it is to put up a recording of yourself playing the sort of thing you want to do. Then serious people will know you're serious.

Good luck, have fun.
 
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#13
Are you sure you want to open the gates of hell or at minimum a can of worms?
If you are ready to enter the chaotic world of being in a band and witnessing overwrought emotion,
soaring egos, petty arguments, lots of woodshedding for little to no pay, then here's your answer.

...actually it's a lot of fun and very rewarding

Attend open mics
Post craigslist ads
Put a page on BandMix
Busk on the street (I saw an electric bass player and drummer with a small kit at the entrance to San Diego's Petco Field after the game. They had a ton of people watching, tipping and offering gigs)
Practice daily, be gig ready​

None of these alone will get you in the perfect band but they all will create networking contacts.
You then keep moving up the talent scale to better bands.
Lastly, don't limit yourself to one genre and miss out on 90% of the gig possibilities.

busk.jpg
busk2.jpg
Busk3.jpg
 
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#15
Back in the Jurassic period when I went to college, and this was an engineering and science university with enrollment under 1k. The college did not have a music department. the college had a group of students and faculty that got together to play music. The college also provided piano rooms in several of the dorms, so students could play. Seek these out, and ask questions. ask if they jam with anyone.

The college also had a student run coffee shop where students got together to play guitars, and an occasional violin.

Grab a guitar and noodle at the campus coffee shops. You will get people stopping and asking questions. have a few 3x5 cards with you name on it with contact info. This might generate some results.

On the card state established band needs a name, a singer guitars and drummer to jam and to gig.
 
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#16
You say you don't want random strangers, but you don't know musicians, so strangers is what you are going to get. Go places there are musicians - music stores, Fine arts building of your school (wherever the music students meet), campus pub, talk with the student Union, your dorms. Google Open Mics in your area
 
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#17
Make a flyer, post it in coffee shops, music stores, supermarkets, anywhere with a bulletin board. people will find you. See if you can go to some open mics and talk to people there.
If there is a music rehearsal building near you, post your flyer there.
Heck, if there is a place where bands practice, just stand outside with your bass and make a little sign that says "Bassist for rent" I guarantee you will have offers in a few minutes.
 
#18
Nashrakh said:
TB wisdom will tell you to get paying gigs, and the band will come to you. It's magic. Still haven't figured out myself how that is supposed to work.
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It's super easy actually. if I get a paying gig I tell my musician buddies that I have a gig for monies, then everyone one says I'm in and then we figure out a setlist and get paid. the only catch is that you have to know good musicians
 
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#19
here is my real answer. music stores, craigslist and open mics. you need to meet people first and foremost that are on the same page as you. make sure you know a bunch of easy tunes that anyone can just jump in and play. I am not a huge fan of bands because they want you all for themselves for the most part. but when young and without a network of good players you do what you must.
 
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#20
Felken said:
Did that already. No luck. Besides, I don't fancy posting an ad online for random strangers.
Click to expand...

Wait...what? No matter where you post, it's pretty much going to be an ad read by random strangers. That's kinda the whole point.

You said that your college doesn't allow you to post anything. Does that college have a dormitory area? Maybe they'll let you post something in their common area or mail room.
 
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