Try starting a surf rock band in Central New Jersey. Every one is a cover band mercenary. Every one is a pro who won't pack their car unless they get $100. Every one knows how to play surf rock until they actually show up for a practice and get blown into the weeds and never show again. Oh, and what about that drummer I played with from the fall of 2007 who eventually tried to get me to join his cultish religion and damned me to burn in hell when I kicked him out of the band. I like playing live music on stage and I like surf rock but this sitting home on weekends and not even practicing as a band anymore is getting really lame. So lets say I wanted to start a band once again and I know what I know now about the world of surf rock and the psyche of musicians in Central New Jersey. Would it be a prudent idea to follow-up on starting-up yet another version of a surf rock band? Sounds a little pessimistic, doesn't it? OK, I have to get back to twiddling in the basement by myself again.

What day is Surf Rock's birthday? Looks like Surf Rock and I was born the same year. Maybe we are both Libras?

Good luck Bill, keep trying man.

Site dude - S3 Agent #202
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"It starts... when it begins" -- Ralf Kilauea

You should force your friends to play in a surf band with you. That is how my band got started. If the songs are good they will stick around! Besides, playing with friends is much better than playing with somebody that the only thing you have in common with is you play guitar.

JakeDobner
Besides, playing with friends is much better than playing with somebody that the only thing you have in common with is you play guitar.

Science friction burns my fingers.

FinDicator 1, Sir I can so relate to your problem as a matter of fact that has been my problem for the last 15 years.The main issue with me is lack of motivation from the other cats in my band.Like most bands that form,I have decided to team up with my close personal friends.We all have similar taste's in music.Everybody likes Surf/Instro music,some more than others.When we actually all get together to play we totally set the room on fire.I mean it's so damn good it's scary.Now you would think everybody involved would be eager to do it again the next week,and take it to the next level.Like say for instance record demo's,write more songs,play a gig,but NO!!!! There's always someone who decides not to show up,or shows up way too late with a lame ass excuse.I say the biggest problem with starting a band is finding people who are dedicated with" the dream" so to speak.Now I know this style of music isn't going to rake in the cash,and fame we all grew up to idolize,but to me I just want to play in a good band with even better songs.I know how freakin' frustrating the whole thing can be believe me.Sadly there is miles,and cash that separate people like us from getting together ,and getting the job done.Maybe in the future people like us will have this cool technology that can transport one another with light speed,and a cheap price.Hang in their buddy I feel your pain.

Reverb, It's A Way Of Life!

Last edited: Dec 20, 2008 00:54:18

DP, I don't think there is a technology like that that is good enough yet. Even being separated in a large space creates a lag/delay that prevents people from staying in time. I just don't see that technology being I'm the right place for casual utilization

here's a little article about internet jam sessions:
http://www.technologyreview.com/web/18783/?a=f

these people seem to be working on internet jamming, too:

eJamming

i need to try some of this out someday, it looks interesting!

I hear what you're saying, Bill. I play in six different bands, and as much as I like to think it's because I like to play guitar in a variety of different genres, it's probably just as much because all the bands get bored with "the club/bar scene".

What invariably happens is this: A bunch of guys get together and start jamming. When that goes well it leads to a mutual desire to keep with it and form a new band with rehearsals and gigs etc. You build up three sets of songs and book some gigs.
The first few shows go great because it's new and you play well and have a decent sized crowd.
After six months or a year of gigging a few times a month in your local area, the crowd starts to shrink. This is because your friends and relatives that comprised the crowd have seen your act four or five times already, and they're not coming back. The "word of mouth wildfire" you were hoping for never ignited.
You start looking to book your band into places that have a "regular crowd" that's there no matter who's playing (more potential converts to win over). You look to book your band into events, like bike runs, that have built in crowds. You start looking for booking agents that can get you into the "Big Clubs", but they don't want to touch you because you're not willing to work four nights a week doing gigs hundreds of miles away.
So what you're left with is a bunch of guys who obviously have talent and enjoy playing with each other and put on great shows for nobody. Eventually, even though the playing is fun, the gigs become a drag. Being that you're adults and not a bunch of hot headed kids, you don't break up the band, you just take a hiatus. With your band on ice, you look at your mound of equipment and say "well I can't quit" so you look for a new project.

This is what happens to me time after time, which is how I ended up now in six different bands. Each one of them is really good, but not so phenomenal that they caused any kind of sensation in the mind of the public that would sustain them through years of steady gigging. And in each of these bands most of the members are also in multiple projects.
Things could be worse, though. We're blessed to live in an area where there are SO MANY talented people around to mingle and jam with. My friends who live in rural America can't even find guys who can play at all, much less play a specific genre of music..
BTW, lately I've changed my opinion on what constitutes a good gig, especially in today's economic morass. If I play a pool party and the burgers are juicy and the soda is cold, and we play well, as long as I haven't lost money on the day, that's a good gig.

Cheer up Bill, and bring your guitar with you Saturday night!

Eric

DannySnyder
I feel for ya, that's why I moved to Cali. I grew up outside Trenton. It's hard forming a band that has little to no earning potential. I think it's most important to find people you like to be with and are willing to learn versus strong players with attitude.

I agree with Danny. Find the best players you can who are not horizontally opposed to learning new techniques, styles, and genres, and go from there. Advertise on craigslist. I've had no luck with that, but I'm located in Delaware, the land of karaoke and blues bands. It still doesn't stop me from trying though. You never know who might show up... Good luck.

Good point Rio. When you find players, make them some comps ask them to learn some of the songs. If they start changing them from the get go then that should be a red flag.

Danny Snyder

"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo

Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta

Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party

Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF