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How does one find a band to join?

Metzger MeisterMetzger Meister It Gets Worsebefore it gets any better.Registered User regular
in Help / Advice Forum
Every time in the past I've just kinda fallen into musical groups, but now I'm in the position of being in a new town, and I know no one in the scene up here (Spokane, WA.)

Not to toot my own horn, but I'm a great singer, with great stage presence. I can curl audiences around my finger like a lock of hair. But I can't do it alone :( I'm not talented enough!

I've checked Craigslist a couple times to no avail, same for Facebook classifieds and such. I've not checked the websites that are, like, specifically built to network with other musicians and stuff yet though.

So what's the best way to go here? Old-school, put up "VOCALIST WILLING TO DO ANYTHING TO MAKE IT" flyers at my local music shops and hope someone texts me? Or should I stick with the digital age?

Posts

  • tynictynic PICNIC BADASS Registered User, ClubPA regular
    Even in this century, coffee shops are still where I see most music-related flyers and ads, or at the kind of bars that do small live acts. My sense is that unless there's a tight-knit local music community which has a strong web presence and is easy to track down, you're pissing in the wind a bit. At least with physical media you increase your chance of being spotted by someone who a) is physically local and b) isn't explicitly hunting you down.

    My sense is that it can't hurt to go the flyer route, at least. Gigs and opportunities always snowball, you just need that initial foot in some door or other.

    phots on my flickr pics on my tumblr
  • see317see317 Registered User regular
    Metzger Meister wrote: »
    So what's the best way to go here? Old-school, put up "VOCALIST WILLING TO DO ANYTHING TO MAKE IT" flyers at my local music shops and hope someone texts me? Or should I stick with the digital age?
    No reason not to combine the two.
    If you have a soundcloud or some youtube clips, put them up then get a bit.do link or a QR code link on your flier.

  • CelestialBadgerCelestialBadger Registered User regular
    Go to a lot of small band gigs and make friends?

  • geraldisigeraldisi Registered User regular
    1. I assume it's the same everywhere but the local music scenes are generally really tight. Everyone seems to know everyone else they share the stage with. Go to local shows and make friends with the acts in the genre you prefer, and ask them if they know anybody who needs a new vocalist.

    2. I don't know exactly how to track them down but here we have a local FB group for musicians wanted in the metro Detroit area. I would assume this is also common so there's got to be something like it where you're located.

    If all else fails, yeah man try flyers. You just gotta get in touch with people interested in music, period. If you're good and they're looking for your skill set I highly doubt they're gonna be choosy.

    Good luck, God bless man.

  • davidsdurionsdavidsdurions Your Trusty Meatshield Panhandle NebraskaRegistered User regular
    Too bad you moved up north. I know a band in Denver that has been looking to fill lead singer role recently.

    They were basically doing the post notices up at the various places they play at and posting public things on social media for it.

  • Metzger MeisterMetzger Meister It Gets Worse before it gets any better.Registered User regular
    I have an audition on Friday! Someone messaged me after I made a post on a local musicians page! I dunno how it's gonna go, the band seems like a few old metalheads so i'm not even sure if they're gonna be my kinda thing but hey.

  • ceresceres When the last moon is cast over the last star of morning And the future has past without even a last desperate warningRegistered User, Moderator Mod Emeritus
    edited April 2019
    Is there anything you can sing really really well solo, and put all that charisma into it? If you can make anything work solo you may be able to do some open mic nights, and then at the end of your act be like "hey if anyone knows a good band I'm looking." Seems like a decent free and spontaneous audition.*

    *Disclaimer: I have been to maybe four open mic nights in my entire life and this may or may not be good etiquette.

    ceres on
    And it seems like all is dying, and would leave the world to mourn
  • Metzger MeisterMetzger Meister It Gets Worse before it gets any better.Registered User regular
    Oh hell I can sing anything solo, my lack of ability to be a solo act however has more to do with my complete inability to read music or play any instruments or whatever and like digital songmaking might as well be witchcraft to me so.

  • ceresceres When the last moon is cast over the last star of morning And the future has past without even a last desperate warningRegistered User, Moderator Mod Emeritus
    I meant sing whatever vocals without the music more than being your own band.

    And it seems like all is dying, and would leave the world to mourn
  • Metzger MeisterMetzger Meister It Gets Worse before it gets any better.Registered User regular
    Oh yeah well I can do that definitely. Sometimes it's a little awkward, but it can't be any more awkward than some other stuff that goes on at an open mic.

  • tynictynic PICNIC BADASS Registered User, ClubPA regular
    pick a good a capella piece and I guarantee you'll be in the top three acts at a bare minimum

    phots on my flickr pics on my tumblr
  • AtaxrxesAtaxrxes Hellnation Cursed EarthRegistered User regular
    Go to Total Trash records and talk to J.J. and Scott.

    HowBizarrePodcast steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197963391789/
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