Higher Primate + Band in Sterling, VA

SEEKING

ABOUT

We are a rhythm section that has been playing together professionally for roughly 20 years (we're in our 50's)... we've played funk/r&b/rock/pop etc. We own 3 pa systems, an in-ear monitoring system, a rehearsal space and have well-established working relationships with two local booking agencies. Most recently we were involved in a cover project that was playing 3-5x a month in the better clubs in the VA/MD/DC area... doing everything from Snow Patrol/The Killers to EWF/Stevie/Bill Withers to Queen/Free/Steve Miller. Basically we're interested in extreme variety (minus hip-hop, country and death metal)... keeps us AND the audience from getting bored. We both sing backup AND lead and would prefer to continue doing BOTH. The number of songs we sing lead on is negotiable based upon the lead vocalist we decide on. Ideally you're so amazing, that we'd be EMBARRASSED to sing lead in your glorious presence.

What WE are looking for:

1) EXPERIENCE. You realize a cover band is a "jukebox," nothing more. You also realize that a band exists to serve an audience, not some inner-personal needs to the detriment of the audience's enjoyment. We don't need elongated fusion solos in exotic modes or self-serving/inappropriate material in a basic variety band. We want everyone to get their musical fix and have fun but not at the expense of everyone else.

2) PROFESSIONALISM. We do OUR homework, so we should be able to expect YOU to do YOURS. Nothing personal. Simple base-level competency and professionalism. The goal is to put the best product we can on the street and never be complacent/satisfied with "good enough." Know your parts, we'll know ours.

3) AESTHETIC. If you know when NOT to play? We're on the right track. Chops are great, but this isn't Chick Corea's Electric Band. If you only play what's NEEDED and what FITS? And more importantly what serves the song/audience/band before YOURSELF? Then we're golden. And if there's not a part for you personally on a track we're covering? You should be perfectly OK with going to get a drink or hitting the can. If we could as a rhythm section? Trust me, we would. Ha ha.

4) ATTITUDE. We all should be able to converse as adults re: band matters. Calmly presented constructive criticism should be welcomed by ALL if it benefits the BAND in the long run. We expect professionalism, nothing more, nothing less. It's a long list, but we're trying to be crystal clear and avoid any future confusion. We simply want band members that inspire each other to be their best and aren't satisfied with "wingin' it."

Screen name:

HigherPrimate

Member since:

Jan 19 2009

Active over 1 month ago

Level of commitment:

Committed

Years together:

15

Gigs played:

Over 100

Age:

60 years

Influences

Zeppelin, Steely Dan, Beatles, Police, Who, Clash, Steve Miller, Maroon 5, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, The Killers, Earth Wind & Fire, Snow Patrol, Hendrix, Marvin Gaye, Foo Fighters, Sly & the Family Stone, Dada, Elton John, Little Feat, Springsteen, Tom Petty, Toto...