FULL TIME, REALLY?

http://bandmix.com/tom-fo · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 7:00 pm Post subject: FULL TIME, REALLY?

I am a pro guitarist out of the NY/CT area - I am finding it hard to find musicians that are really FULL-TIME and want to tour. Any suggestions on how to get to those who are really in the business on a full-time pro level?
Thanks,
Tom Forst
www.myspace.com/thomasforst
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sanshouheil · Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 2:46 pm Post subject:

Man, thats a darn good question.
Perhaps through some recording studio contacts?
Being an amiture myself I would think you would have to recruit from already active bands, and or other established professionals.
Takes huevos to risk a jump like that.
Old guys mortgaged out the wazoo with teenage kids to feed wont generally make a jump like that. If they are sane.
Heck, I'd have to sneek off, er my ol lady'd pop a cap in my butt. Laughing

Best of luck though.
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Capt. Scott · Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 3:02 pm Post subject:

Gotta have music people want to hear full time..that's really the issue.

And realistically speaking, I don't think many people just go and FULL TIME tour. You have to put in the hours before you even get close to that point, unless you are part of the support.

Prevost82 · Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 4:43 pm Post subject:

I go talk to a highend recording studio and they will be in the know on who is out there.

In every major center there are a number of musicians that are studio musicians and support players for artist tours. Where I am, in a 2 mil pop, there maybe 2 dozen players that get all the work ...

Expect to pay 150 to 250 for each player per show, plus food and lodging for someone that has a petigree.

sanshouheil · Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 5:29 pm Post subject:

24 out of 2 mil ? Whoa, theres some odds for ya.
$250 per show + room and board Very Happy

How about beer tab?

I have some pedigree, feed it to my dowgs this morning.
Guess I am out of luck. Sad

Seriously though, If you are 1 of 24 out of two million people.
Thats got to be some real talented musicians right there.

Prevost? You have a lot of experience right?
Do you do any studio work, like professionally?
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Kramerguy · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 3:08 pm Post subject:

yes, It's getting to know all the studio guys and making connections through them. networking FTW
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koolbass · Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 7:06 am Post subject:

I play music for a living, but I don't make all of my money touring. I do a lot of touring, but I also work in the studio. I think you would probably need to live where the work is, like an industry town like LA, New York, Nashville, etc., and to get on a tour, you need to know the band leader of an artist. That's not always an easy thing, which is why you'd need to hang out in an industry town.

When a band leader is hiring for a tour, he/she needs to find the best player they know for the job, and also someone who is a good hang on the bus. It's almost like being invited to join a family, so they need someone who fits the band/artist vibe and lifestyle.

The band leader's butt is on the line with mgt., so they will usually hire someone they know, or someone who is known by someone they trust. That's the biggest reason you really need to live in one of the industry towns, so you can do pick up gigs with other road dogs, and become known by them.

And don't move to an industry town until you, your ability, and your equipment are ready to compete at that level, because first impressions last, and people LOVE to talk about the idiot who was on the gig last week that was green and clueless, and then YOUR name will be repeated, if that is you. Don't leave home unless you're ready, and if you're really ready, you'll know it, because you'll probably be the very best musician in your particular puddle. Everyone you'll be competing with to get a gig will have been the big fish in their own hometown puddle, and there's some mighty talented people playing music.

If you're ready, then go for it, don't look back, and good luck...you'll need it!!!

philbymon · Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 8:16 am Post subject:

In some cases, it still comes down to location location location!

I've tried, & man, it's REALLY hard to make a living playing music in Hedgesville, WV!
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Capt. Scott · Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 5:13 pm Post subject:

I envy those of you that can play any genre..

I tried to play something recently that was complex but not really within my area of expertise.

I had to fake it and choke back the vomit long enough to be able to walk off the stage without letting them know I utterly HATED playing with them.

No, I am staying in my corner of space.. It's pleasantly pleasing and no cheesers, unless you count me. (and if you do, YOU CAN GET THE **** out) lol

Not enough room on the Rocket. Hope you brought your vacc suit. lol

Prevost82 · Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 6:20 pm Post subject: