Any ideas for finding talented like-minded musicians?

[edensdad]

I’m bored.

From 1982 to 1995, I played out 4-5 days a week, sometimes in 2 or 3 different bands and musical styles - speed metal Saturday night, jazz Sunday brunch, psycho cowboy punk on Thursdays, etc . . . I didn’t need a real job the whole time.

From 1995 - 1999, I played acoustic jazz in coffee houses 2 nights a week with a nice, talented female jazz singer.

From 1999 to present, I’ve jammed with 1 band twice, did a few open mikes, and tried out 2 people other than myself as possible band mates. I record a lot, I can play several other instruments pretty well (Piano/Keyboard, Bass, Drums, Violin).

I’ve changed and my desires and expectations have changed, so has the music business. . .

I love to play, and I miss playing with others. I don’t have a lot of time - with a wife, 3 teenagers, a full time job, 2 courses at the university, 3 cats, 4 chickens, a home, 2-1/2 acres of land to take care of, a car, a truck, a tractor, hobbies, teaching my son bass, teaching my daughter guitar, etc . . .

I want Steve Harris on bass, Derek Sherinian on Keys, Mike Portnoy on drums, but I only want to jam for a few hours on Saturday or Sunday, and I don’t want to have to baby sit anyone, watch them get stoned, or have to teach them how to play their instrument. I want to crank out some serious prog-metal. Shoot, at this point I’d be happy playing Ramones covers.

I live in the middle of nowhere; the closest town (Population: 8,000) has a small music store with two guitars and a drum set for sale

My neighbors are cattle ranchers and like country music, which isn’t so bad in small doses, but I don’t think too many of them shred (except Brad Paisley).

I’m 38 years old and don’t play Linkin Park or System of a Down, even though I think they’re pretty cool, so that rules out 90% the younger crowd.

Can anyone identify? Does anyone have any ideas for finding talented like-minded musicians? Internet sites?

Thanks.

 

[Toto Head]

Yep!

I am in the same place myself. However, I did not play out as much as you did.

I have been playing with the same drummer for a little over a year now. My musical interestes fall under Steve Lukather and Toto, Mike Landau, Scott Henderson type stuff. If I could do anything, it would be in that genre of music these guys fall under. So, I guess that would be rock, pop, blues, jazz, fusion and country. Well pretty much everything

There have been some other guys who have come and gone, becauss no-one can agree on a direction. Right now the drummer has gone into "all original music" mode in the rock/pop genre. Taking after bands like Dishwalla, Foo Fighters, Tonic. Stuff like that I guess.

I am only 35 years old and Toto is my favorite band ever. When I try to bring that kind of stuff to the table though, I get "that's cool and all but they so dated." Then I say check out their new stuff and get, "well thay are trying to be something they are not."

This drummer is the best I have come cross and the other guys he has played with are very talented. But no-one sticks around. I stick around cause I get along well with him and he is good. But, sometimes I just want to learn some fusion stuff and just blow for a while. You know, like Lukather has his Toto gig and then does his amzing solo stuff with Los Lobotomy's and el Groupo. For me, that is where it is at. That is where I am at musically and mentally.

I think the coolest rock band I have heard recently is Porcupine Tree but even that starts to loose my interest after a while.

There is no shortage of cover bands in the area for all genre's of music, but it is pretty much like you said. There are plenty of big talkers out there but don't have the goods to back up their tripe.

This drummer has some big visions, which is great and all but who am I kidding. I have a great job, a wife , 2 kids. I am not going anywhere with playing guitar. It is a defeatist attitude, I realize. I don't put myself out there as going to make something happen with music. I want to play guitar and play alot. I want to love the stuff I am playing. I guess I sometimes settle for something rather than nothing. Also, I don't have the drive to start my own thing either. Sometimes I think about putting myself out there and what I would like to do, but there is not that much interest in my area.

Good Luck in your search.

 

[shamus63]

I’m bored.

From 1982 to 1995, I played out 4-5 days a week, sometimes in 2 or 3 different bands and musical styles - speed metal Saturday night, jazz Sunday brunch, psycho cowboy punk on Thursdays, etc . . . I didn’t need a real job the whole time.

From 1995 - 1999, I played acoustic jazz in coffee houses 2 nights a week with a nice, talented female jazz singer.

From 1999 to present, I’ve jammed with 1 band twice, did a few open mikes, and tried out 2 people other than myself as possible band mates. I record a lot, I can play several other instruments pretty well (Piano/Keyboard, Bass, Drums, Violin, Drums).

I’ve changed and my desires and expectations have changed, so has the music business. . .

I love to play, and I miss playing with others. I don’t have a lot of time - with a wife, 3 teenagers, a full time job, 2 courses at the university, 3 cats, 4 chickens, a home, 2-1/2 acres of land to take care of, a car, a truck, a tractor, hobbies, teaching my son bass, teaching my daughter guitar, etc . . .

I want Steve Harris on bass, Derek Sherinian on Keys, Mike Portnoy on drums, but I only want to jam for a few hours on Saturday or Sunday, and I don’t want to have to baby sit anyone, watch them get stoned, or have to teach them how to play their instrument. I want to crank out some serious prog-metal. Shoot, at this point I’d be happy playing Ramones covers.

I live in the middle of nowhere; the closest town (Population: 8,000) has a small music store with two guitars and a drum set for sale

My neighbors are cattle ranchers and like country music, which isn’t so bad in small doses, but I don’t think too many of them shred (except Brad Paisley).

I’m 38 years old and don’t play Linkin Park or System of a Down, even though I think they’re pretty cool, so that rules out 90% the younger crowd.

Can anyone identify? Does anyone have any ideas for finding talented like-minded musicians? Internet sites?

Thanks.

My God, Man! You're on Gilligan's Island!

I do feel for you, though.

 

[AnthonyD]

Don't I Know It!

Music has never been a career opportunity for me, but for my entire youth through my early twenties I played pretty steadily with various bands as a side thing...

Now I'm a few weeks away from 41, with a full-time family and career that consumes most of my time and energies (not complaining - just my reality). I work hard at making time for music and demand a high return for my investment. In my mind that simply means making good music with fellow like-minded folks. My problem is that I'm "almost there" and getting frustrated...

I play for fun - self-satisfaction and the occassional opportunity to play live in support of community events. I currently play steadily with three guitarists, looking for a drummer and hoping to do a bit more with our music in the near future.

Guitarist #1 - My cousin, 40. Been playing with this guy since we were little boys and will likely play together for the rest of our lives. Good guitar player, great singer ala Mellencamp and we simply click when we play. Awesome combination - no complaints here...

Guitarist #2 - Long time buddy of mine, 49. Great guitar player and music major (though not music professional). Huge asset with arrangements and vocal harmonies. Easy-going, laid-back and generally on the same page with my cousin & I re: our musical direction. A bit hesitant to over-commit, very involved with his family, but very dependable with what he does commit to.

Guitarist #3 - Long time buddy of Guitarist #2, 53. Fabulous guitar player - the best of the three. Great ear and broad range. Likes to sing but I don't care for his vocal style. If the guy would shut-up and play we'd be golden, but he's a bit of a "personality" - kinda Bill Murray's Lounge Guy from SNL. I'd love to swap him out, but even if I could find someone else, it would be too uncomfortable for Guitarist #2 to continue in the group without Guitarist #3. So unless he walks (not likely) we need to make it work with this guy. Unfortunately it is a bit of a challenge and there are times when it's real close to being not worth it...

Drummer (?) - Been working with a drum machine and have had three drummers "sit-in" over the past year. Unfortunately I've yet to find a guy who can simply lock-in a steady beat without "over-filling" to the point of losing the groove.

I too would love to know how to find like-minded, quality musicians in my area. Unfortunately, living in a rural/suburban part of New Jersey where the pickings are slim doesn't help.

Sorry for the long post - I guess this is just my lo-o-o-ng way of saying I feel your pain.

 

[jchalas]

It seems to be a common complaint when muscians reach a certain point in their development. I've heard it often from Thom (renegade hillbilly geetar player) also. He's rabid about band mates doing their homework and follow-through. He has very little tolerance for slackers since he puts forth a lot of effort himself. And, oh, yeah, he's tough on drummers, too! I sympathize w/your frustration.
Janice

 

[jchalas]

Yep!

<snip>

This drummer has some big visions, which is great and all but who am I kidding.

Hmm.. do you know "The Toys"?
Janice

 

[SteveB]

edensdad..

Boy, can I identify. I don't have the physical isolation that you have being in the middle of nowhere, but there's definitely a big talent vacuum out there.

I've been searching for a competent keyboard player for my band for years. We play all original rock with diverse influences. I wanted so badly to be just a 'color' in this band.. just jump in here and there for texture.. instead, I'm holdin' down the progression, playing leads, singing backup.. all the things I didn't really want to do with this band.

However, we've got some good originals, and that counts for something. I am hard on the drummer and bass player though. A few times we tried running an ad in the paper for a keyboard player.. not a single hit. We play one night a week for fun (practice), and play a gig once every blue moon. We're not trying to be famous, or sell records, or anything. Just playing and recording original music for the love of it. We just can't find a like-minded keyboard player.. and that's just frustrating.

 

[AnthonyD]

It's good to know we're not "alone"...

I've got a keyboard player on the list - but first need to get our Guitarist situation under control, followed by finding the right drummer.

This shouldn't be so painful...

 

[jchalas]

edensdad..

Boy, can I identify. I don't have the physical isolation that you have being in the middle of nowhere, but there's definitely a big talent vacuum out there.

I've been searching for a competent keyboard player for my band for years. We play all original rock with diverse influences. I wanted so badly to be just a 'color' in this band.. just jump in here and there for texture.. instead, I'm holdin' down the progression, playing leads, singing backup.. all the things I didn't really want to do with this band.

However, we've got some good originals, and that counts for something. I am hard on the drummer and bass player though. A few times we tried running an ad in the paper for a keyboard player.. not a single hit. We play one night a week for fun (practice), and play a gig once every blue moon. We're not trying to be famous, or sell records, or anything. Just playing and recording original music for the love of it. We just can't find a like-minded keyboard player.. and that's just frustrating.

We know a guy who lives about an hour N/NW of Philly. He's played with Aftershock for years (yes, a Dregs inspired band and they cover some of their stuff). Not sure about musical direction/availability these days, though. LMK and we can put you in touch.
Janice

 

[SteveB]

We know a guy who lives about an hour N/NW of Philly. He's played with Aftershock for years (yes, a Dregs inspired band and they cover some of their stuff). Not sure about musical direction/availability these days, though. LMK and we can put you in touch.
Janice

That's sweet of you, Janice. Too far away, though. I appreciate the consideration!

 

[Holly Mission]

Ill try some enternet jam's if you want i can program some rythems and then send it too you too lay down the reall tracks ?