A few random deep thoughts for a Saturday evening: although I have a great gig as a bass player in a Phoenix band, I've been trying for quite a while to locate a second spot as a lead guitarist in some other talented/established Phoenix group. Have been looking for an all-originals band with pro- (or at least semi-pro) level musicianship, solid material, and no attitudes or "rockstar-itis." Perhaps I'm being too picky but it seems really tough to find that combination here. Was just curious if this is a Phoenix thing or if others are having similar experiences everywhere else as well? Also, short of watching Craigslist, any other online communities that folks recommend for this sort of thing?

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Director at Fender. Guitarist & guitar collector. All views/opinions expressed here are my own and not Fender’s.

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Craigslist is the one that has worked, FB and locally if Phoenix has a entertainment newspaper, in the Chicago-land area it's called The Illinois Entertainer and they have a classified section for musicians. Very cool that you are looking for a lead guitar gig. Tribute band or covers or are you looking to collaborate.

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you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

Finding anyone with all those qualifications would be tough, let alone musicians LOL.

Seriously though, I've been in the same sort of spot for a bit now. Finding anyone willing to do Originals right is a chore. Everyone is either lacking the songcraft talent or their ego is over inflated. I can't stand it when a player (who is sitting in my garage on a dusty chipped up set, auditioning for my Small Time band) has the "Been There, Done That" attitude.

If I was you I'd just start frequenting the venues that have Original Music, get to know the bands and members and just wait for one of those bands to implode. Be ready to pick up the pieces or save the day.

Or, and I realize you have a Day Job and another band, but you might just want to start the band you're looking for. Put an ad in the classifieds and Craigs list for a Bassist and Drummer and just take the reins.

Also, a few of the Guitar Magazines have Classified sections on line, you could find something there.

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"Persistence Is The Father Of Invention"
-Crazy Old Man In Training

Yup, I'm familiar with the "Been There, Done That" attitude for sure at this point -- completely appalling!



Yeah, that's the thing -- I actually *do* frequent Phoenix venues since I already play in a band that meets all of my requirements above ... only I'm the bassist in that band. It's been amazing to see how little turnover most higher-quality Phoenix bands really have -- seems like that elusive guitarist spot never really opens up.



Something I've pondered for sure. Another thing I was pondering was recording some of my material (i.e., playing all instruments) and using that to try and stir up some interest for players who want to help me play it live.

_________________
Director at Fender. Guitarist & guitar collector. All views/opinions expressed here are my own and not Fender’s.

Follow me on Instagram:
@brad_on_guitar

And on Facebook:
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Originals. Might squeeze in a small handful of covers here and there but the focus would be all original music in the indie and/or alt-country vein.

_________________
Director at Fender. Guitarist & guitar collector. All views/opinions expressed here are my own and not Fender’s.

Follow me on Instagram:
@brad_on_guitar

And on Facebook:
facebook.com/bradonguitar

Something I've pondered for sure. Another thing I was pondering was recording some of my material (i.e., playing all instruments) and using that to try and stir up some interest for players who want to help me play it live.

That may be the best idea yet, get to the point and then have only interested parties sit in. I could see a much more productive result and very likely find others in the same mindset who are looking for that opening but....Now You have actually created that opening...

P.S. Sorry Brad, your comment did not post as a quote, I copied and pasted it and must have missed a step...

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"C'est parti mon Kiki "

FirstMeasure has the plan, the Brad Traweek Band, I would show up for the audition!

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you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

Bands around here change personnel all the time, I just assumed it was like that everywhere. That's why I decided to go with a cover band, every original project I've been in gets to about 5-6 songs and folks start moving to San Diego and Ventura. At least in a cover band you can replace the Drummer in a couple weeks instead of a couple months.

I really miss the Originals, though. That where the artistic satisfaction comes in.

Recording all the instruments and having some ready to go material sounds like a good idea, one I might just Rip Off from you That way, if a member or two have personal issues, all that's lost is the collaborations. There will always be that core of songs you started with as a foundation.

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"Persistence Is The Father Of Invention"
-Crazy Old Man In Training

Look on Bandmix.com

Hi Brad, you tell the tale of my life right there mate.

The conclusion I've come to is that there are far too many guitarists in the world. The majority of them being bad attituded chancers. We'll have to get other muso's to organize a mass cull. (all whilst we're locked away in some fortified bunker, ofcourse).

In truth, I've given up on the idea of joining another band. The band I'm with don't really play what I want, but it's a close second. The musicianship from the bassist and drummer were the only reasons I stuck around. Now we're landing some really good gigs (Rolls Royce New Years party for one )

So I'm left with only one option, start another band. On the plus side, I'd get to do exactly as I wish. I'd be in control. On the negative side, I'd have to try finding others to do what I want. I'd have to organize everything. Kind of like juggling enraged cats.
Couple that with the 9-5 (more like 6-9) workday. Commitments to my other band and family. Forget it. I'll never last it for long.

If I were you in the meantime. Maybe look to online collaborations. Miami Mike does a lot of that stuff, with spectacular results. A cheap, easy, no-hassle way to collaborate with other muso's. Home recording must be a doddle for someone with your computer savvy.

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No no and no

Hey Brad...Aside from Craigslist and social networking sites, I find that good old word of mouth seems to still do the trick a lot of times. I go around to music stores and ask the employees if they know musicians or anyone wanting to form/join a band. In the past, I've had the most luck through Craigslist though.

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Check out my new FB music page!

https://www.facebook.com/TheDevilandMe.Music

Word of mouth and networking has always seemed to work for me. Dang, I have contact info that I've kept for years. It's amazing what a phone call can do to the right person at the right time.

Good luck!

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Want me to break your guitar players hands? It can be arranged!

ChrisNJ, I just wanted you to know how much I admire and respect you. I also want you to know I'm not in Brad's band...PLEASE DON'T BREAK MY HANDS!!!

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Good Vibes To Y'all!



Screamin' Armadillos
Texas Roadhouse Music
Guitar/Slide Guitar/Harp/Vocals

My band plays a 85%/15% ratio of originals/covers, so I have the problem of finding guys who want to play original songs, too.

I found your idea about recording some of your work and using that as a recruiting tool works well. I give them copies of my music (both live and studio recordings) and say,"If you're still interested after listening to this, give me a call."

That way they know what they're getting into (they'll know if tehy can play this style or not)as well as they know that I'll take suggestions and collaborations (they'll see the songwriting credits given on the various co-written songs), but they aren't going to change the entire fabric of the band.

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Good Vibes To Y'all!



Screamin' Armadillos
Texas Roadhouse Music
Guitar/Slide Guitar/Harp/Vocals