Bandman1977 + Musician in East Glenville, NY

SEEKING

ABOUT

Hey! I'm a Producer/Musician, already in a band but looking to start something new. I've produced a few live shows for the Doobie Brothers, John Oates/ Hall & Oates, various incarnations of Kansas, Journey, Rare Earth and others. I say that only to illustrate that I'm dedicated to my craft, and I've been fortunate to learn a few things from some really successful pros ... but I'm not a producer for a major label or anything like that. I’m just a guy who loves playing in a band.

Looking to start a classic rock cover band, plus some originals, plus some newer stuff. I'm looking for lead vocals, bass, and drums, and ideally everyone would have some vocal ability, no matter how small or large. Also, a good Keys player could substitute for bass, if you're into it.

You can contact me at twaw001 at g mail.

I'm pretty open minded and flexible, so while I don't want to be too specific, here's my wish list, a Band Manifesto if you will... my ramblings of just one way to possibly achieve band nirvana...

I’ve been out of the band thing for a long time, and always missed it. I now have the time and focus to do it again. I joined a band a while back, they're great guys, but there's just too much country, and not enough good gigs for my taste. I've learned that the best approach is a small group of really dedicated players, who want to build a decent following and gig in good venues and clubs. Good playing + great vocals + positive stage presence = a lot of fun gigs.

Ideally we'd form a power trio or a 4 piece, gigging 2 or so nights a month... definitely a weekend warrior kind of thing, nothing too heavy. I'm easy going and looking for good people with positive energy and no egos... for me it's about the music, having fun and being a good band… and making a few bucks is all bonus.

I'm open to any kind of good music, from 60's-today, and I think a variety of age ranges and musical influences are crucial. So whether you're young and are still learning the ropes, or have decades of gigging experience, that's cool... it's all about the vibe.

I really like writing originals with the band... coming in with the germ of an idea, collaborating and having everyone contribute to build the song is really gratifying. And while throwing a few originals into sets and maybe selling a few CDs is cool, I have no illusions of becoming an all-original band... way too hard in this market.

Sorry, but I'm not into metal or hiphop, it's cool but just not my thing. And I have only one pet peeve... people who join a band but don't practice on their own, and waste everyone's time. My philosophy is, we figure out the parts together, you practice on your own, and then we REHEARSE together, arranging, tweaking harmonies, etc. Then it's some full rehearsals, then we gig. I'd like to be gigging ASAP. Of course we all make mistakes in rehearsal, and at gigs… we’re in this for fun after all... but it's important that players come prepared.

My main instrument is guitar, but I also play a cool wind instrument (Akai 4000s) that plays sampled virtual instruments, like a killer sax, flute, horn sections, and some Hammond lead lines... it adds a little variety, sounds like the real acoustic instruments, and it's a unique crowd pleaser. I play some harmonica on a few tunes, I can play a few songs on keys if they’re not too hard. I used to play trumpet and some flute on Tull tunes years ago but stopped so I don’t have the chops anymore, but that experience was cool for arranging. I'm heavily into computer production, have a personal recording studio, pretty good original songs already produced, and way too much gear!

Screen name:

Bandman1977

Member since:

Dec 26 2015

Active over 1 month ago

Level of commitment:

Very Committed

Years playing music:

40

Gigs played:

Over 100

Tend to practice:

More than 3 times per week

Available to gig:

4-5 nights a week

Influences

Too many to name... Floyd, Beatles (who isn't influenced by them?), Nirvana, the Who, Stones, Genesis, Hendrix, Peter Gabriel, Yes, blues from just about anyone good, SVR, Skynard, Allman Brothers, Doobies, old R&B stuff, etc. etc.

The most successful set lists I've played are 2-3 songs from each artist, mostly top 10 hits in the classic rock genre, a few originals, and about 75%-85% danceable songs. Club owners hire you to make them money. Period. And they know that dancing = selling drinks = $$$. It's really that simple.

Instrument experience:

Rhythm Guitar:

Expert

Lead Guitar:

Expert

Acoustic Guitar:

Expert

Background Singer:

Advanced

Vocalist - Baritone:

Moderate

Bass Guitar:

Moderate

Saxophone:

Moderate

Flute:

Moderate

Harmonica:

Intermediate

EQUIPMENT

Personal recording studio, Presonus 16.2 digital mixer (love it), Taylor acoustic, Strats, Schecter C-1 humbucker, 1960 tube amp (awesome), Peavey Classic 30 amp, pedals, a few mics, preamps, Akai 4000s, harmonicas, a ton of computers, IEM, and other stuff. I also have a video production company so have the ability to make some pretty good demo videos.

MUSIC