United States

Hey ladies and gents, I'm a young musician looking to get his first band project off the ground. I've already got a(nother) guitarist and I'm trying to round out the lineup... but I've hit a wall and I'm in need of advice on how to find other band members. Craigslist hasn't come up completely empty, but I get the sense that going through CL, and yes, even BandMix, to find fellow musicians is a bit like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. I'm getting the sense that a lot of people stay on So I'm wondering if any of you guys - especially those of you that have put together bands before - have any tips on avenues that can be used other than BandMix and CL. Thanks![/i]

Go out to venues that feature bands with a similar type of music as what you plan on doing. Talk to the band members during breaks, ask them if they know of anyone looking for gigs.
Make sure you have examples of your abilities available for people to 'pre audition' you - these days there are a lot of "wannabes", so more-experienced people may not waste their time responding to ads that don't have enough info.
Be patient and persistent. In the meantime, start working on songs with the other guitarist. Work out some acoustic arrangements, and hit a local open mic - networking is probably your best bet.

You must learn two very unpleasant facts and suck them up (sadly).

One - putting an outfit together is a bitch - the more you can offer players the better - for instance a bunch of material (orig or cover) already down pat and arranged. Best of all is if one of you sings.

Two - it is rare that you find people who care as much as you do. That used to drive me nearly insane and still does on occasion - when some clown can't make a rehearsal or gig because he doesn't have matching socks....

You are young (I assume) - and if you are determined enough, you can do it. Ultimately though - if you want to go full time you must a) be really good and learn super fast, b) plant yourself in a music city like Nashville, LA or NY where you can meet better players quick and where the agents nest; and you must be prepared to travel a LOT!

The really bad news is that you have to work almost as hard to put together a decent gigging cover band that works 3 weekends out of 4 so you might as well go for the brass ring!

Good luck and God Bless
Talbot

Aaron

BTW - I used to live in MD and saw many a great concert at Meriwether Post Pavilion in Ellicott City.

best
Talbot

MikeT and GuitarMike hit it on the head. Networking is about the only way to really find people to work with. Go to shows in the style you want to play and talk to the folks in bands as previously stated. Talk to guys in local music stores. Preferably the mom and pop stores as they have their ear to the ground with local players moreso than the walmart sized music stores.

You can also make up a call sheet to post at all the local music stores advertising for what you are looking for.

One last idea is the Build it and they will come idea. Write your music yourself and record it. Make yourself a demo of your music to give away at shows, etc.. Make sure you leave contact info on the packaging. It can be a self burned cd-r with a self printed sticker label in a paper sleeve if your funds are limited. Do everything on the demo yourself. If you dont know how to do something like programming drums, teach yourself. Its not that hard. If you can sing then youre already partially there. if you have the desire you will make it happen. If your stuff is good there are others that will want to work with you and this is a good way to open doors and to network.

Good luck.

Bjorn