I just received a Berkleemusic.com post concerning a band looking for a bassist, I’d like to share it with the world:
I have a trio called ############### and our bassist is going to be moving to New York soon, so we’re looking to replace him and possibly add another member as well. We’re based right outside of Boston, approx. 5 minutes from the city. We have plenty of original material but would welcome any originals you’ve been working on. Our main influences include The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and the Foo Fighters among many others. We’re looking to really make a statement on the music world. If you’re between 18-24, reply if interested.
All jibes at the Boston music scene aside, (I don’t there have been many recent statements made to the music world from Boston– unless you count Godsmack) I can’t help it laugh at the list of influences. Not to say that there is anything wrong with any of those fabulous musicians, they are all legends– and I’m even including the Foo Fighters who I see as a viable force in rock music today. The thing is, how can you claim to make a bold musical statement by regurgitating the same three “safe” acts that have been included in “musicians wanted” ads since 1970? My favorite part is the age requirement at the end. So I have to be a kid that fits some kind of commercially-aimed demographic, but I have to want to play old music my dad grew up with?
I could go on for hours with this, but I’m not going to.
I could go on for hours, too, but I won’t. I will just say that it reminds me of a local band that asked me to help them find a bass player about a year ago. They were looking for, “a charismatic bass player, 18-24, tall, slender, and good looking.” Do you see any mention of playing ability/skill?? Yeah, I didn’t either…
Too funny Justin; I’ve seen tons of ads like this myself. But on the flip-side, “rock” is a very vague term, so if a rock band is looking for members, it’s pretty difficult to describe what kind of rock it plays. As far as I can tell, there really isn’t a better way to let people know besides the classic “list of bands we’re influenced by, but don’t rip off…honest!”
I agree, a list of bands is the best way to get that across. But making a bold statement like “we’re out to change the world” or “we want to make a statement on the music world” is pretty funny when they’re not even making an effort to entice us with a list of artists that could be viewed as cutting edge or innovative (innovative for today, that is).
Hahahah good point Justin! Like you said, the “safe” influences list hasn’t changed much for decades…though I’d be hard-pressed to join a band that listed Limp Bizkit or something like that as the “sound” they’re going for.