Staredge
Joined: Sep 27, 2008
Posts: 1149
Damascus, Maryland
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Posted on Apr 24 2013 10:48 PM
[rant]
I think I'm done. Tired of trying. There is apparently NO ONE in the Washington DC metro area interested in playing surf with me.
-Had a band started.....apparently they decided I was an asshole and quit, then found another bass player.
-Had one guy respond to my CL ad. Had some decent originals written up. Met up with him, talked....seemed like a good guy. He thought he had a drummer, I had another guitarist that was interested. All good, yeah?? Then he stops replying to emails. Drops off the planet.
-Couple of ads pop up here and there.....I respond, telling them that I'm fairly new but I learn lines well and can lock in and play them. Crickets. Not even a GTH email.....just nothing.
-Have a drummer hit me up, thought it sounded interesting and willing to give it a shot. School gets busy, I kind of drop off. Email him again, to see if he's still interested. "Yes, but......are you sure you don't want to do vocals??? Maybe some r&b stuff?"
Capital of the bloody )^*)&$^$ free world, but surf players are rarer than honest politicians.
I think I'm done. Hanging it up. Sell my basses....my amp....my pedal board and take up knitting.
[/rant]
TL;DR=tired of not being able to find people and rage-quitting.
— Will
"You're done, once you're a surfer you're done. You're in. It's like the mob or something. You're not getting out." - Kelly Slater
The Luau Cinders
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JakeDobner
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 12159
Seattle
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 12:04 AM
- Make Friends
- Tell them they are in a surf band
- Be in a surf band.
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Jetpack
Joined: May 28, 2008
Posts: 333
Los Angeles
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 12:40 AM
From what I read you admitted you are a beginner to them, yes?
What's the hurry? Maybe you are too much of a beginner for those looking for a bassist on C-list. Okay. Just keep playing and learning then. I couldn't use someone "new" either, but I would not tell them to quit if they replied to my ad. From what you wrote I'd say you are having the usual situation in trying to get a band together. It takes forever to get the right guys. And yes, maybe everyone is looking for someone with more experience. You don't get it by selling your gear and quitting.
— www.jetpackband.com
https://www.facebook.com/JetpackTheBand
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killbabykill34
Joined: Apr 03, 2010
Posts: 3201
Jacksonville, AL
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 06:21 AM
Easiest way to start and guarantee a surf band? Pick up guitar. ;)
— THE KBK ... This is the last known signal. We offer Sanctuary.
www.thekbk.com
http://www.deepeddy.net/artists/thekbk/
www.reverbnation.com/thekbk
www.facebook.com/thekbkal
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morphball
Joined: Dec 23, 2008
Posts: 3324
Pittsboro, NC
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 08:24 AM
Or another idea- keep your gear, get yourself a cheap USB Recording Audio Interface, get a mic or two, download some recording/mixing software, maybe a drum machine or some drum loops, and start having fun on your own. Pick out some songs that inspire and challenge you, learn them, and record them. If you're proud of them, put them up on YouTube or SoundCloud, and maybe you'll get more bites. And if you don't, fuck 'em, you're still making surf music.
— Mike
http://www.youtube.com/morphballio
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Noel
Joined: Mar 15, 2011
Posts: 8528
Back in Piitsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I grew up.
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 08:48 AM
I believe if you really love playing, you'll regret selling your gear before you've spent the money. And you won't be able to quit for long.
I attracted three people to play surf music with at the local guitar store at which I take lessons. It took over two years, but it still happened. Do you take lessons somewhere? One of them is my own guitar teacher. Some guitar stores have all-skills open-mic events. You could play a few rowdy surf songs and see what happens.
IMHO. YMMV.
All the best.
— This is Noel. Reverb's at maximum an' I'm givin' 'er all she's got.
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arncol
Joined: Apr 10, 2012
Posts: 23
Denton, Tx
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 08:48 AM
Some of my more advanced muscian friends tell me that some--not surf musicians, mind you--but some muscians are flakey. I think your experience may suggest such a statistical correlation. I.e., many who eschew surf music are flakey and uncivil. Anyway, having said that in jest, I think morphball has the silver bullet here--just do the best with what you have, stick with it, and enjoy! It will evolve. I've also heard that the best recreational muscian is the one who is having the most fun.
Best,
Arnie
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jp
Joined: Feb 09, 2007
Posts: 917
Brew City
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 09:25 AM
In my experience, Craigslist is a joke. I do not know anyone, or have ever heard of anyone that has had 1 ounce of luck with musicians on Craigslist. I tried using CL to find a B3 player and a steel guitarist for my current project for about 6 months. Lots of replies, not one worth a grain of salt. A few misanthropic lunatics, a few people that didn't even know what a B3 or a steel guitar even was, lots of chain yankers. I would recommend looking for like minded musicicans anyplace other than Craigslist. If nothing else take Jake's advice, find some friends with who are at least mildly interested, teach them how to play and make a band. Less trouble and frustration than Craigslist.
I used to play in your area of the country somewhat regularly for a few years in the 90s. There was a fairly vibrant roots/rockabilly scene in the greater DC area, I would think that there would be some guitarists around that would be able and willing to play some surfy stuff. You may want to expand your search area. You may also need to be flexible about the kind of material you are willing to play.
— The Exotics 1994-Current
The Chickenshack - www.wmse.org
www.thedoghouseflowers.com
www.uptownsavages.com
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CrazyAces
Joined: Jul 31, 2012
Posts: 4053
Nashville, TN.
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 09:52 AM
Don't sell your gear.
I also agree with morphball and FWIW here's why;
Half of our band are pro musicians, they play for a living, tour with artists etc. Because of this it often takes months to get together, rehearse, or book a gig. I originally wanted to play out a bit more (still do) but I'm not interested in finding other players, I like our guys.
But it got me thinking that ultimately I do this for myself, my love of instro/surf music, so as a way to keep the fires burning I write and record a lot in betweeen the band's active periods. This allows me to keep things moving, so to speak, in a musical sense, grow as a musician and create music.
Don't quit, keep playing, it will happen.
— http://www.facebook.com/CrazyAcesMusic
http://www.youtube.com/user/crazyacesrock
http://www.reverbnation.com/crazyacesmusic
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killbabykill34
Joined: Apr 03, 2010
Posts: 3201
Jacksonville, AL
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 09:57 AM
This is how we started. I was writing and recording songs at home. You would be amazed at how much interest people have when you can provide them a 'proof of concept' upon approaching them to take part.
morphball wrote:
Or another idea- keep your gear, get yourself a cheap USB Recording Audio Interface, get a mic or two, download some recording/mixing software, maybe a drum machine or some drum loops, and start having fun on your own. Pick out some songs that inspire and challenge you, learn them, and record them. If you're proud of them, put them up on YouTube or SoundCloud, and maybe you'll get more bites. And if you don't, fuck 'em, you're still making surf music.
— THE KBK ... This is the last known signal. We offer Sanctuary.
www.thekbk.com
http://www.deepeddy.net/artists/thekbk/
www.reverbnation.com/thekbk
www.facebook.com/thekbkal
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killbabykill34
Joined: Apr 03, 2010
Posts: 3201
Jacksonville, AL
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 09:59 AM
Another idea...and hear me out...would be to start frequenting venues and shows in the original music scene. Get to know the bands in your area...expecially those in the indi rock and punk circuits. These are most likely going to be the guys who show real interest. Even more, it is oh too common that many are willing to play in multiple projects.
— THE KBK ... This is the last known signal. We offer Sanctuary.
www.thekbk.com
http://www.deepeddy.net/artists/thekbk/
www.reverbnation.com/thekbk
www.facebook.com/thekbkal
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Ruhar
Joined: Jun 21, 2007
Posts: 3909
San Diego, CA
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 10:05 AM
For whatever reason, I have had really good luck with Craigslist in finding drummers. So, just keep an active ad going to see what turns up. In the meantime, keep working on your playing/writing. Go out to see shows in your area and try to hook up with like-minded individuals.
Other than that, don't worry about it too much. There are way more important things to stress you out. Just try and enjoy playing.
— Ryan
The Secret Samurai Website
The Secret Samurai on Facebook
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CrazyAces
Joined: Jul 31, 2012
Posts: 4053
Nashville, TN.
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 10:10 AM
Noah makes what I think is another very valid point, getting out and meeting players in person, on the scene can lead to forming a band faster and easier than want ads.
— http://www.facebook.com/CrazyAcesMusic
http://www.youtube.com/user/crazyacesrock
http://www.reverbnation.com/crazyacesmusic
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NoisyDad
Joined: Mar 04, 2006
Posts: 215
West Hartford, CT
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 10:23 AM
Since you're in the eastern half of the US, are you aware of NESMA (North East Surf Music Alliance)? There are an amazing number of surf bands represented among it's membership and there is a classified ad section on their website, too. When I was starting the Aquatudes, I found my drummer through NESMA (he was looking there at the same time). In fact, Sandy from NESMA contacted me directly to let me know about it. Sandy and Mike are half of the band 9th Wave and are real surf music advocates.
I guess my point is that when the timing is right for things to happen AND you're out there and ready, they'll happen. Honest.
— http://www.aquatudes.com
http://www.facebook.com/theaquatudes
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josheboy
Joined: Mar 13, 2009
Posts: 2366
Twin Cities, MN
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 11:13 AM
Quitting is for quitters.
Also, stop calling it surf. Call it "retro instro guitar music". Not to get political, but DC is famous for re-labeling things to drum up more popular support for unpopular things! 
And yeah. Get with NESMA. They're a great network of reverb heads!
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aqualadius
Joined: Aug 30, 2010
Posts: 414
Charlotte, NC
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 11:20 AM
Perhaps the Space Cossacks ruined that place for surf musicians cause they owned it out there!
— Jeremy
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mom_surfing
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 5306
the outer banks of north carolina
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 11:29 AM
take lessons.....your teacher might have other students of your level who would love to play in a band
— www.surfintheeye.com
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Killers_From_Space
Joined: Dec 04, 2006
Posts: 131
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 12:25 PM
Rumor has it Reverb Galaxie broke up. Check with those guys for interest in a new project.
— https://www.facebook.com/killersfromspaceband
http://www.atomicmosquitos.com/
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caddady
Joined: Feb 14, 2010
Posts: 802
N.E. Ohio
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 01:16 PM
Sell your gear only to upgrade to new and different gear.
Attend open mic nites that cater to bands,
and everything else the above folks have posted.
— http://www.reverbnation.com/thegreasemonkeyz
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Lurch
Joined: Mar 04, 2011
Posts: 53
Bloomingdale, IL
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Posted on Apr 25 2013 03:52 PM
This may seem like an obvious & old-school suggestion, but have you checked your local music stores for bulletin boards? Could be the guys you're looking for are already there looking for you...
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