Wednesday 11 Apr 2018, 10:35am
Guitarist, singer, drummer with ability to manage band, or actual band manager, wanted by 40 y/o male bass player living in Bath.
Have been in bands for years- originals in my twenties, covers in my thirties. Now want to get a covers band doing original takes on well known songs going... I know I am not an organiser type though.
Plan is to get doing functions, weddings asap after initially doing good pubs (and maybe continuing to do them). All profits split equally, including with manager if he/she isn't a band member, after necessary spends taken out the pot.
I play bass, am happy doing BVs- not got the voice to sing lead. Need committed drummer and guitarist/vocalist, or a guitarist and separate vocalist (if you see what I mean!) Would prefer a girl singer (or singer/guitarist!) though this isn't essential. Do need people with commitment to rehearse once p/w and to gig regularly- more frequently as time goes by, obviously. Want people who can properly play- don't have to be lightening quick etc but need to know what key they're in, chord they're on, time signature for drummer etc. In the politest way don't want people who guess what they are playing. Will also need to be confident and comfortable improvising so that songs can be jammed out if going down well etc.
We'll be putting on a show. Front person to be able to really engage with the crowd, all of us to look ultra-confident. We will be a fun, party band (not comedy mind) so need to be up for a bit of dressing up... Nothing OTT; kind of all wear black clothes, matching sunglasses and hats type thing (just an example mind!!!) It is therefore essential that we don't take our own selves too seriously, have a sense of humour.
In terms of songs we will be doing a wide variety of stuff though all designed to get people up, dancing and having fun. All therefore danceable speed and well known (no obscure versions of album tracks with ten minute solos!!!) For example, rocked up versions of the tunes below, though these are examples- nothing's set in stone;
It's Not Fair, Lily Allen... I feel Love, Donna Summer... Go Your Own Way, Fleetwood Mac... Heroes, Bowie (punkier version)... Mama Mia, Abba, Funkytown, Lips Inc (again, much noisier, punkier versions of these two- def not pop!), Crazy Horses, The Osmonds, Hold On I'm Coming, Sam and Dave, Get Lucky, Daft Punk (rocked up, punky take on it), Heard it Through the Grapevine, Slits-esque version, Toxic, Britney Spears... Rocked up, noisy again. You get the idea!!!!
Guitarist must enjoy being 'noisy'... Think Nirvana, Hendrix, Pixies, Sonic Youth, Hole style (as well as knowing when to keep it simple and to strum out the chords)
Singer needs to have a cool voice, particular vocal style not so important as poise and confidence. Must be able to ad-lib a bit, and have presence and charisma. Oh, and talk to crowd as needed!
Drummer needs to know when to go for it and when to hold back, and how to vary volume/attack.
As we'll be a three piece in terms of musical instruments obviously all of us, vox included, need to be very good at actually listening and responding to what each other are doing. Also, very importantly, we need to be confident and willing to make mistakes in absolutely going for it. I've seen a million bands and the ones who are note perfect but boring are never as good as the ones who play on the edge, have fun and embrace the occasional (occasional, note!) slip-up.
Area wise I live in Bath and we can rehearse here or in Bristol depending on where we'll all based. Gigging in Bristol, Bath area initially then expanding out. No world tours or driving three hours for any gig at all offered, where we play will depend on the function/wedding etc.
If you are a fast learner and think you have the commitment, ability and sense of fun required please drop me a line. Let's get moving!
Thanks,
Ben