Finding gigs

[Vince]

What's up all. this is one of those questions that all drummers want to know that aren't already hooked up into the network. How to go about finding auditions. Does anybody have any insight?

[ivansjob]

Hey Vince... Post a video or too on youtube, put an ad on backpage.com
And link a myspace page to it.
Lots of pic and a nice bio of your self, and yes of cores this sit will help.
LOL Ivansjob

[Tony Robinson]

Honestly I've had very little luck with auditions and find them quite a headache. Most of my work I've gotten and continue to get from referrals or the artist actually seeing me perform in other groups.

Common case most people hire kats they know. So I'd say insert yourself in the local scene and network. Go to jams or open mics and sit in.

Also always ask, it will never hurt. My pop always told me "If you want something ask for it. The worst they can say is no."

[andy taravella]

i agree with these guys youtube is a great way to show people what you can offer.open jams was the thing that got me in the door with alot of bands.this also leads to freelance work which will tide you over till one of the bands makes you an offer

[poogie bell]

OK LIKE I SAID YOU GOT TO BE WHERE THE GIG'S ARE.......I E. NY OR LA OR ATL SOME PLACE WHERE THE CATS ARE!
NOW THIS IS NOT THE ONLY WAY BUT IT SURE HELP'S A GREAT DEAL!!!

THEN YOU GOT TOO PLAY THE MUSIC NOT THE DRUMS MIGHT SOUND NUTS BUT IT'S REAL
PEOPLE WANT A CAT THAT MAKE'S THE BAND GROOVE FIRST BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE.......
GO PLAY EVERY CHANCE YOU GET AND PLAY YOU'RE ASS OFF!!! YOU NEVER KNOW WHO'S CHECKING YOU OUT! BUT REMEMBER PLAY THE MUSIC NOT THE DRUM'S
HOPE THAT HELP'S SOME IT WORKED FOR ME!!

POOGIE BELL

[Gordon Neave]

Yeah Poogie.

PLAY THE MUSIC NOT THE DRUMS.

Gordo.

[Miss B]

And, don't forget, as you play the music, play the way you play. Copy Cats are a dime a dozen.

['mando'michael peck]

i always found musicians at open mic forums in bars and coffee clubs, our drummer we found on a recommendation, in a pinch, smooth drummers are in demand, and add in local paper might work, shop around, find compatable, relable types,dont be in a hurry, 9 out of ten musicians are shakey and dont come to practices, or even worse gigs, seen it all,dont tie yerself down , be in several bands, never ever do a no show,stay away from beginners, play with people of higher or equal caliber and the work will follow

[Bruce Royal]

At some point people will hear and see what you do when you're puttin' in the work. Recordings help quite a bit, and especially recordings of different gengres. People will hear you in different contexts, even if it's music that you may not personally like, but you put 300% into it 'cause no matter what, your sound is representive of you, and they will make a decision from that point(they can hear in your playing whether or not you're serious!) MD's look for musicians first, drummers second.

[Nick Costa]

At any level, in any profession, it's about the quality of your work, who likes your work, and who likes you.

Locally, make it a point to hit open mics, and to met the cats who are doing the most work. More things tend to come their way; they may turn you on to some things. If there are no open mic's, hit some gigs. Even if you aren't asked to sit in, you may well run across some useful information. It may also help to be studying with someone great; they may turn you onto things.

If you want gigs at the national level, it's like Poogie said -- relocate to NYC, ATL, or LA. In Europe, maybe London or Paris. If you wanna catch marlin, ya gotta go where the marlin are. Not too many of them in Idaho this time of year.

Hope this helps.

[Anthony King]

I have a couple of thoughts on this subject..... I think that it's important to understand what a gig means to you first, if you are only seeking International touring situations and recording artist who are in the big spotlight then you limit you options because as stated many times here "it's who you know and reputation". I've always looked up to Poogie work with many different artist he has played for and besides Marcus the one that stands out for me is the Live Recording with Erykah Badu.... ROCK SOLID Poogie! this is a common theme. I guess displaying your skills on video via Youtube will help, however most of the videos posted by drummers on Youtube are of drum solos and as far as I know (if it is an International Touring Act you'r seeking to play with) then drum solos are least on the list of requirements for the gig.

If you are interested in International gig's then what Poogie said hit the nailon the head! Go where the action is and that is not limited to only the big US cities..... If you are planning a vacation to another country then check out the local music sceen's there. I'm working with two Brazilian Recording Artist and both are Jazz musicians although two different styles (one is smooth R&B style and the other is more fusion) I met both musicians through Myspace and sending them a message telling them how much I enjoy their work and they both veiwed my page in return, responded and now I'm recording tracks for both of their cd's and when I return to Brazil I'll have shows with both artist besides my own shows there.

Another way is to make your own band.... Poogie Bell, Terrence Higgens, Brian Frasier-Moore, Dave Weckl, Billy Cobham, Chris Dave, myself and many others have their own band and many of the bands also work as a unit for other artist.

Good luck my friend!

Anthony King