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Hangin out all the time is the scene in N.Y.
The more you're seen, the more people think of you. It's pretty much how hollywood parties work. It's expensive to do it, but it has to be done.
This is why alot of musicians leave N.Y after awhile, because it can burn you out.
I'm not into the hang scene that much. It's not my personality and I can do it for couple weeks and then get pissed that I'm not working on my studio or my own music.
I turn down a lot of work because I just do what I want since I have a studio and my own band. I see guys crash and burn continuosly because of the fast lifestyle and I prefer to hang in there for the long haul. It's been 9 years and i've seen and done a lot.
The reason you'll see all those studio guys in the same room (from another post) is because they want to be seen. Simple as that.
I'm so glad Keith Carlock got the Sting gig. He worked so hard. He was the lucky one and really deserved it.
-So. hanging out and meeting people and having a good attitude are the key if you want to get lots of work. Also, you better be ready to make the leader and band sound good!
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Doing 'GB' and 'Jobbing'. Everyone is
always doing pick-up gigs. While they
may sound boring to some, the fact is
that even heavy players do them. Word
gets around.
Be a nice guy. Be a fair guy. Be a prompt
and conscientious guy and LISTEN and
you'll be surprised at how things start
to happen.
[img]cool.gif[/img]
<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ April 23, 2004 03:59 PM: Message edited by: peter c ]</font>
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I just love this forum for all of the knowledge and wisdom that is shared. It is true attitude=work. Check the ego at the door. Show your prowess and musicianship on the band stand! Let your talents and abilities as a musician speak for you and you will write volumes.<marquee>"Keep It In The Pocket" PT.</marquee>
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Andy, this is the order:
Technique, then, gear, and then, buying some lottery tickets and hope for the best [img]tongue.gif[/img] [img]biggrin.gif[/img] .
Seriously, music industry is a matter of public relations, I am like Blake, I don't like to hang to much, and I try to let the playing do the talking, and that usually work with the musicians, but most of my work (at least the better paid!!) are for artist that can't find the difference between Vinnie, and a 15 year old student!.
They want someone that they can feel secure, so a lot of times they choose the guys that are more confident or have more "personality". There is a fine line between transmit these confidence, without being arrogant, and IMO, finding these balance could hepl alot to get some gigs.
And if you can twirl the sticks is even better [img]graemlins/shhh.gif[/img] [img]redface.gif[/img]
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Excellent posts, people...
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Andy,
I would suggest a free clinical type deal that you can do to get your name out there among the "people" could reap nice dividends. For example, I met a blues guitarist while going to get something from my wives car. He was going to play at my wife's school. He played a tune and then we talked about doing some playing together, blah, blah. The point is that the freebie got him a possible new opportunity, as I am often looking to employ musicians when mine cannot show up. I was inspired and thought I might do the same with the drums. Who knows what musical parents are lurking around!
Just a thought.
Take Care. F.S.
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Frank I meant to compliment you a few days ago on your playing in the your stuff thread and I forgot. You are a really tasty and musical drummer. PT.
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Pocketime-
Thank you for your kind words. I sincerely appreciate them, as they are timely considering how I felt about my playing last night!! Thanks again.
Take Care. F.S.
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Okay, we're all into developing our technique and having the best sounding gear. So, what's next? Getting the gig!
What has worked for you guys and gals regarding networking and keeping a steady flow of work?
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Blake when you mean "Hanging Around", do you mean: go to jazz clubs everyday and so people notice you everytime, or do you mean the Jam Session Aspect?
Else everything is clear from what you've posted, nice post!
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Hi Klemme.
"Blake when you mean "Hanging Around", what do you mean?"
I mean everywhere.
If you want a gig, you have to hang out with those people whom you want the gig with. Jam sessions are great if nobody has heard you, but once you've established yourself as a good player then you have to continuously promote yourself EVERYWHERE. (Jam sessions are mostly a jazz phenomenom btw). The musicians that are working all the time in the clubs are constantly putting in time hanging out at these clubs.
BTW, the best player isn't always the one who gets the gig. The player with a good attitude with good playing can usually work more than the great player with the wrong attitude or personality. That's just how it works here because anybody can be replaced in a split second. I mean everyone! That's what brings the level up though.
Jam sessions are weird because usually there's a miss- match of players, so the music suffers to a degree.
In N.Y. you play to be heard so you can meet more people and they hire you. It's tough because the pay is so little and the time involved in hooking up with people takes time. You have to be like a cockroach to survive here. I was amazed to hear my favorite players playing in the smelliest little dives. That was very humbling because that's the reality in N.Y.C. One week at the Village Vanguard and then the next nights in a little interenet cafe. If you want to play that's what you have to do, unless you have established yourself to the extent that you can live outside the city and get all of the major touring gigs. That's mostly the jazz scene I'm talking about.
Becoming a singer songwriter drummer
is the same, except the venues will usually be nicer and have p.a. systems. The singer usually pays for rehearsals and a minimum for gigs, so that's another route.
Remember and use this as a mantra -
There is always room for a good player and good attitude : )
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Thanks for the great posts you guys! I have a good friend who told me that if he didn't have another gig that night, he would be willing to play for $20 just to have a chance to make some contacts. This is a guy who has recorded for several major motion pictures and TV shows.
And you are right about the good attitude!
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Wow - dead right Andy.
I guess 'assume nothing' and take every opportunity that's out there...you never know who's listening to you.
I have known people who go to Tuesday jam nights, sit in with the house band, make the right impression, then get a call from someone who offers them a radio commercial jingle the next day.
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You may not be in sync with this
but I'm going to say it anyway.
There are those in the world that
feel that what you put out is what
you get back and always putting
your best foot forward, pardon the
pun, is always the best policy.
As it was stated, you never know
who is out there looking at you.
One more thing, helping your fellow
musicians is a way you can help your-
self and that's probably the most
important thing you can do, right
there. I did you not.
[img]cool.gif[/img]
<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ April 26, 2004 09:55 PM: Message edited by: peter c ]</font>
