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Powelly
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
394 Posts |
 Posted - 03/08/2012 : 15:49:30
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Yes, I know this question has been asked countless times and I know there is no substitute for practice and hard work. But what I really want to know is what route some pro players have taken into the industry?
Those of you who are pro players; How did you get started? I've got no delusions of walking straight into a touring Pop gig, or high paying recording session, but I'm just curious what sort of route you took? Who was your first professional gig with? And did this lead directly to your next gig, or was that a separate stroke of luck?
Atm, I'm looking for a function band to join, as this seems the best way to get out gigging and earning some money doing it. I've also been recording drum tracks, at a local studio, for amateur musician's for about a year, which can be a nice earner and great for experience, but doesn't really lead to any further work. I'm thinking of maybe looking for cruise ship or pit work, once I manage to get my reading up to scratch.
Is it a question of 'paying your dues' in function bands and that sort of thing, networking as best you can until you get a decent break? I've got no problem playing in function bands, but don't want to play covers my whole life. I'd love to work with original artists, but realise this could be a long way off.
thanks for any advice, |
www.danpowelldrums.co.uk|Surviving Savannah |
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dogface
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
891 Posts |
Posted - 03/08/2012 : 16:38:18
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Sounds to me like you already know what needs to be done.
Now go and do it. |
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Dave S
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
5359 Posts |
Posted - 03/08/2012 : 18:05:46
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I guess it depends what you want to do. There is an element of luck involved but you also need to be, or at least start meeting people who are already, working in an area that you want to end up in.
The music industry is a small and interesting world, so the best bet is to get playing. Of course do functions and teach to pay the bills (not that you won't enjoy it as well), but also use them to subsidise other things that will ultimately get you where you need to go, i.e. less well paying originals gigs and also perhaps lessons with musicians who are already doing what you want to do. |
davesmyth.co.uk | soundcloud | facebook | twitter |
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mully
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
23886 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2012 : 11:32:29
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Do you know what I think, and it doesn't often get mentioned when this question comes up? We talk about networking, meet people, luck, right place at the right time, all that stuff....BUT....
To get in to the fields you're talking about, you also need to be a really, really good player. Really, really, REALLY good. Good to the point where people are talking about you. I'm certainly not good enough for that. The guys who get in there are the guys who have worked their asses off, who can read, who know all about the electronics side of things, who are (and I hate to use this cliche) "people people", AND have had a spot of luck. Put luck last on your list. You won't get a decent break into the area you want to get in to unless you're really REALLY good as a musician.
Just my thoughts.
Stephen |
MD Fount of All Wisdom for Life and Extraordinary Amusement Officer of the forum's Sonor Delite Appreciation Society.
"Jayz mully, you're like the Django of the internet!" - scottser on the Drumming Ireland forum |
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metallicpearl
Advanced Contributer
1837 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2012 : 11:40:00
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quote:
Originally posted by mully
Do you know what I think, and it doesn't often get mentioned when this question comes up? We talk about networking, meet people, luck, right place at the right time, all that stuff....BUT....
To get in to the fields you're talking about, you also need to be a really, really good player. Really, really, REALLY good. Good to the point where people are talking about you. I'm certainly not good enough for that. The guys who get in there are the guys who have worked their asses off, who can read, who know all about the electronics side of things, who are (and I hate to use this cliche) "people people", AND have had a spot of luck. Put luck last on your list. You won't get a decent break into the area you want to get in to unless you're really REALLY good as a musician.
Just my thoughts.
Stephen
This is bang on. Drummer magazine had a great interview with Ian Thomas last month, who said that you can network all you like but it's pointless if nobody's heard you play. If you spend your time making yourself the best player you can possibly be, you will make the best of the chance when it comes. Reading, groove, versatility, people skills - you need it all. Good luck  .
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http://www.ladymonsoon.co.uk/
http://www.youtube.com/metallicpearl |
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lee haydn
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
2030 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2012 : 12:31:35
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| Or you can be really really lucky and start a band like Metallica where the drummer really really isn't that good and still make a few million.,, |
Ludwig Maple Classic (Green Sparkle) + L400
Sabian HH and Paiste Stanbul vintage
Pro' Racket |
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swampy
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
401 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2012 : 13:01:39
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but to be fair Lars is a brilliant business man and the drum tracks on the first albums were ridiculously innovative.
**steps away from can of worms**
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Mid life crisis kicked in, drum kit bought. It's not quite like cycling though, you forget. A lot! |
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Dave S
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
5359 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2012 : 13:09:25
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quote:
Originally posted by mully
Do you know what I think, and it doesn't often get mentioned when this question comes up? We talk about networking, meet people, luck, right place at the right time, all that stuff....BUT....
To get in to the fields you're talking about, you also need to be a really, really good player. Really, really, REALLY good. Good to the point where people are talking about you. I'm certainly not good enough for that. The guys who get in there are the guys who have worked their asses off, who can read, who know all about the electronics side of things, who are (and I hate to use this cliche) "people people", AND have had a spot of luck. Put luck last on your list. You won't get a decent break into the area you want to get in to unless you're really REALLY good as a musician.
Just my thoughts.
Stephen
That's a given. |
davesmyth.co.uk | soundcloud | facebook | twitter |
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Tex
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1582 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2012 : 14:48:04
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I suppose it depends where you live but around Liverpool / Manchester you get out to as many gigs as possible just to watch what the local style is. Talk to the musicians, get your face known, let them know you're available and confident.
We're all bottom feeders when we start so start at low level because there's two way traffic between low and high level of, not stars, but go-between people (who have seen both ends of the scale) who pass names on and can give you contacts where you can improve connections. So find those obscure little jam nights and folk and jazz clubs and work out which doors to jemmy to your best advantage.
Sometimes you can even find a scene where you don't get famous but earn more than the "names" you see all over the place.
It depends where you are happy to be gainfully employed.
As one Coronation Street actor said: "I did the soap on the grounds that it was a good career move but one of the other cast members just said. Forget it, you've arrived. This IS a career."
There are unknown musicians in Liverpool and probably many other places who do the one gig for decades but who have fans all over the world. And OT I met a man recently who plays squeezebox who visited Poland about 15 years ago and found he could make a small fortune there playing sea shanties he'd been playing for free in alehouses since he was a nipper.
And me? I would say find two grooves and two fills and really effing NAIL them so you can't possibly ever do them wrong. Then all the other things that you do will also sound a little better than they actually are.
If you can do something really simple really well you WILL get noticed. You'll get employed for those two skills.
If you try to be good at everything you'll be mediocre at them all.
Much as we all like drummers like Thomas Lang etc you just know the musicians who wouldn't employ a drummer like that (they'd employ Thomas Lang but not a local lad) on the grounds that he's a "Flash git!" |
Sitting on top of the mountain isn't the most interesting bit of the climb. Sitting at the bottom aint much fun either. |
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Powelly
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
394 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 11:21:29
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quote:
Originally posted by mully
Do you know what I think, and it doesn't often get mentioned when this question comes up? We talk about networking, meet people, luck, right place at the right time, all that stuff....BUT....
To get in to the fields you're talking about, you also need to be a really, really good player. Really, really, REALLY good. Good to the point where people are talking about you. I'm certainly not good enough for that. The guys who get in there are the guys who have worked their asses off, who can read, who know all about the electronics side of things, who are (and I hate to use this cliche) "people people", AND have had a spot of luck. Put luck last on your list. You won't get a decent break into the area you want to get in to unless you're really REALLY good as a musician.
Just my thoughts.
Stephen
Sage advice Mully. An oft-needed reality check there; I think I'm going to step up my practice.
I think Tex also speaks the truth, with his 'Master of a few trades, Jack of none' approach. Although I think it's important to be diverse, someone like Ash Soan isn't going to get asked to play with Transatlantic, Mike Portnoy wouldn't be booked to play with Adele.
dogface I think has the best advice; 'get on with it' my worst trait is always waiting for conditions to be perfect before striking.
Thanks all, I know it seems quite amateurish to be asking these sort of questions on a public forum, but right now I am still an amateur and I just wanted to check I wasn't barking up the wrong tree.
Cheers, |
www.danpowelldrums.co.uk|Surviving Savannah |
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rich
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1277 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 11:32:36
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The advice from mully is great, this is a small business and for those of us who are lucky enough to be able to play for a living it is still hard.
I have worked my arse off since turning pro almost 4 years ago and it is still hard to get into new situations and the bigger gigs.
My advice would be to work hard on your playing find mentor who can help you out and answer questions.
Please please please dont do what someone suggested in another reply and teach for the money, if you teach for the money then you are doing it for the wrong reasons, i have built the teaching side of my career from doing the best lessons i can, if you do this the money will come.
All the pros that i work with and know as friends are always learning and moving forward and really really understand the instrument inside out.
Hope this helps. |
Drummer, Teacher, Clinician
www.richardwilsononline.com
www.rawstudios.net
http://twitter.com/Richwilsondrums |
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Yard
Advanced Contributer
Uzbekistan
5231 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 11:52:00
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Mully has it nailed.
You can network and drink with the best but if your chops don't add up you will face disappointment.
Just play and the rest will take it's natural course.You will find that your peers decide your fate to a point...they will be your judge.
Insincere networking does not produce results,your interpretation of songs and ability to sight read to a very high standard may?
If you play great,'friends' will find YOU! |
Shut it and whack the poxy things!
www.vintagedrumyard.co.uk
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Dave S
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
5359 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 12:35:12
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quote:
Originally posted by rich
Please please please dont do what someone suggested in another reply and teach for the money, if you teach for the money then you are doing it for the wrong reasons, i have built the teaching side of my career from doing the best lessons i can, if you do this the money will come.
I wasn't suggesting teaching just for the money! Rereading, I guess that my reply could be misconstrued but I would never suggest that. However, most pro musicians have to rely on a portfolio of work and various streams of income and teaching shouldn't be ruled out in same way that playing functions shouldn't, or other things.
It goes without saying that the key to success in whichever field(s) you want to work in is to do it to the highest level, whether that's playing, teaching or whatever. |
davesmyth.co.uk | soundcloud | facebook | twitter |
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rich
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1277 Posts |
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dogface
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
891 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 13:43:27
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| So how come when I turn the telly on most of the drummers I see (on Channel 4 in particular) are definitely not "really, really, REALLY good"? |
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Dave S
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
5359 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 13:59:00
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quote:
Originally posted by dogface
So how come when I turn the telly on most of the drummers I see (on Channel 4 in particular) are definitely not "really, really, REALLY good"?
Well that depends - what's the situation and how do you know they're not really good?
If you're thinking of backing bands for guest artists then I would highly doubt that musicians aren't highly competent and well-rounded musicians.
'Band' bands, as it were, are a slightly different kettle of fish and you're more likely to find high profile acts with average musicians but they're there because they either have great songs, a great band or can sell lots of album copies!
That's a bit of an over simplified and generalised reply, but that's the jist of it. |
davesmyth.co.uk | soundcloud | facebook | twitter |
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gaz farrimond
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
11050 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 14:00:13
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quote:
Originally posted by dogface
So how come when I turn the telly on most of the drummers I see (on Channel 4 in particular) are definitely not "really, really, REALLY good"?
Thomas Lang played for Geri Halliwell.
Watching any of those gigs, would people think he was "really, really, REALLY good"?
One of the 'busiest' drummers I've ever met was in Coast bar in Arbroath. He is based in Dumfries, and plays with 3 bands: A rockabilly covers band, a classic rock covers band and a 60's tribute band. All excellent and all very, VERY busy playing around Scotland and northern England.
He got all the gigs by recommendations from other musicians and makes enough from these so he doesn't need to have a full time job to maintain the lifestyle he has. A professional IMHO.
When I lived in the US (And I have seen it to a degree here also), I found quite a few people who used the phrase 'I want to be a professional musician' where they really mean't 'I want to be a famous musician'.
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The Waterboarders
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mark.drums
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1765 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 14:30:22
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Powelly - you talked about 'the industry'.
What is the industry in your opinion?
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luke3030
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
12848 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 15:09:18
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quote:
Originally posted by dogface
So how come when I turn the telly on most of the drummers I see (on Channel 4 in particular) are definitely not "really, really, REALLY good"?
Because luck has the biggest part to play in all of this. Just look at the thousands of fantastic drummers on Youtube that are NOT
making a living from it.
Some of the most succesful drummers around arent considered "really really etc...... Larry Mullen, Will Coldplay, Lars etc.... |
WANTED: ANY GRETSCH RENOWN DRUMS/KITS IN SILVER OYSTER PEARL. |
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gaz farrimond
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
11050 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 15:09:51
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quote:
Originally posted by gaz farrimond
quote:
Originally posted by dogface
So how come when I turn the telly on most of the drummers I see (on Channel 4 in particular) are definitely not "really, really, REALLY good"?
Thomas Lang played for Geri Halliwell.
Watching any of those gigs, would people think he was "really, really, REALLY good"?
One of the 'busiest' drummers I've ever met was in Coast bar in Arbroath. He is based in Dumfries, and plays with 3 bands: A rockabilly covers band, a classic rock covers band and a 60's tribute band. All excellent and all very, VERY busy playing around Scotland and northern England.
He got all the gigs by recommendations from other musicians and makes enough from these so he doesn't need to have a full time job to maintain the lifestyle he has. A professional IMHO.
When I lived in the US (And I have seen it to a degree here also), I found quite a few people who used the phrase 'I want to be a professional musician' where they really mean't 'I want to be a famous musician'.
Re-reading this, that last paragraph was not aimed at anyone specifically but just a general observation.
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The Waterboarders
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Powelly
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
394 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 15:14:04
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quote:
Originally posted by mark.drums
Powelly - you talked about 'the industry'.
What is the industry in your opinion?
Good question, Mark. I think part of my view is a 'greener on the other side' impression. Where I assume that there must be a cadre of musician's, which I am not part of, who get all the good gigs and conspire to keep any new entrants out. Although I'm sure that is a misguided view to some extent, that is the impression I often labour under. I also think it is a view perpetuated by the music press.
Perhaps more accurately, most of the work I have done so far has been for other amateurs. Most of whom are bedroom musician's putting together a band for recording project or one off gig. What I think I mean by 'The Industry' is to be working with and for other professionals, playing music which there as a demand for. Hopefully that makes sense. |
www.danpowelldrums.co.uk|Surviving Savannah |
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Dave S
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
5359 Posts |
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Powelly
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
394 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 18:42:09
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quote:
Originally posted by Dave S
Where are you based Powelly?
South of Birmingham near Stratford on Avon. I find it's quite well placed for access the the M1, M5 and M40 so I can get around fairly easily (I have a car, now). |
www.danpowelldrums.co.uk|Surviving Savannah |
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mully
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
23886 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 19:51:52
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quote:
Originally posted by luke3030
quote:
Originally posted by dogface
So how come when I turn the telly on most of the drummers I see (on Channel 4 in particular) are definitely not "really, really, REALLY good"?
Because luck has the biggest part to play in all of this. Just look at the thousands of fantastic drummers on Youtube that are NOT
making a living from it.
Some of the most succesful drummers around arent considered "really really etc...... Larry Mullen, Will Coldplay, Lars etc....
With respect, you're missing my point. I was answering Powelly's question about session work, getting into touring pop gigs etc. I wasn't talking about bands who have established members. And, by the way, Larry Mullen is really, really, REALLY good with U2, just as much as Charlie Watts is really really REALLY good with the Stones and Ringo was really really REALLY good with the Beatles. Those guys were and are an absolutely integral part of the band's sound, as is Will Champion with Coldplay.
Stephen
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MD Fount of All Wisdom for Life and Extraordinary Amusement Officer of the forum's Sonor Delite Appreciation Society.
"Jayz mully, you're like the Django of the internet!" - scottser on the Drumming Ireland forum |
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mully
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
23886 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 19:54:14
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quote:
Originally posted by luke3030
quote:
Originally posted by dogface
So how come when I turn the telly on most of the drummers I see (on Channel 4 in particular) are definitely not "really, really, REALLY good"?
Because luck has the biggest part to play in all of this. Just look at the thousands of fantastic drummers on Youtube that are NOT
making a living from it.
Most of them don't even have a gig. Why? Because (IMO) most of them are more concerned with being youtube "stars" than being working musicians. Who really gives a feck whether Dwayne from Noo Joisey can play a cover of a Dream Theater tune in his bedroom to a backing track?
Stephen |
MD Fount of All Wisdom for Life and Extraordinary Amusement Officer of the forum's Sonor Delite Appreciation Society.
"Jayz mully, you're like the Django of the internet!" - scottser on the Drumming Ireland forum |
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Tex
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1582 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 20:07:06
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Where I assume that there must be a cadre of musician's, which I am not part of, who get all the good gigs and conspire to keep any new entrants out
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Very easy to get that impression but if you have the right tools for the job you have to let these guys know that you're around. You don't have to be best mates, just a "face" and you may have to be a bit of a spider.
Don't hang around with that many drummers, good company thought they may be but get to know the odd bass player and guitarists as well because if they say they are looking for a gig and you show them a gig you've spotted they may well return the favour.
Take your opportunities, take a big breath and don't overdo it, just do what you know best and work on what you don't. |
Sitting on top of the mountain isn't the most interesting bit of the climb. Sitting at the bottom aint much fun either. |
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OriginalAnimal
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
19298 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 21:36:24
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I find it quite funny when people criticise drummers as not being very good, whilst they languish in their bedrooms!
Ian Thomas got work by leaving Wales, moving to London and spending most nights trawling round the small clubs networking, then getting known
This led to a few dep jobs, then some recording until he was first choice.
And it took a good three years of shelf stacking etc before the drumming bore fruition
If you want to go pro, put in the hours, move to a location where drummers are in demand and keep jamming until the career takes off
Warning
for every Pro there are 10,000 wannabies |
I have no time to practice, I'm gigging. Leicester Drum Sniffers Anonymous. #17 of the 582 & 17 0f the 798 World Record Holders.
Jobeky, 2Box Drumit 5, Premier, Highwood/DM drums Paul Brook Snare, Matt Nolan cymbals, Silverstone Drum (seats) Thrones. Los Cabos drumsticks
Re Cycling drums is the future. |
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lee haydn
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
2030 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 22:13:31
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| There are conflicting points here, one, to be a professional session drummer does take all the pointers mentioned, to be in a band that makes the big time doesn't neccesitate the same level of competence, and, for every drummer that gets to a gig in a helicopter there are 1000's driving up and down the motorways in a clapped out transit van still looking for the "big break", being a professional drummer/musician doesn't mean that your'e the greatest, just that it's your main income,, |
Ludwig Maple Classic (Green Sparkle) + L400
Sabian HH and Paiste Stanbul vintage
Pro' Racket |
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Yard
Advanced Contributer
Uzbekistan
5231 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2012 : 09:33:55
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Another top tip is to hang with bass players not drummers.
There are thousands of pro drummers all earning a living in clubs,bars and theatres all over the UK and are quite content.
Turning pro does not mean instant cover page features in Rhythm..it means years of slog.
The market is already crammed with hopefuls trying to push into an already full session scene.
You are up against Wilkinson,Salmins,Thomas,Dugmore,Knight etc,who have proved that they can go into a studio or top gig,read a chart and nail it.
Just be content to play all styles in a few gigging bands or orchestras and see where it takes you? If you set the bar too high from the off you may be disappointed?
As with football there are 95% who play ok and the remaining 5% are in a league of their own through sheer natural talent.
Just keep plugging away,if it happens,it happens?
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Shut it and whack the poxy things!
www.vintagedrumyard.co.uk
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OriginalAnimal
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
19298 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2012 : 10:25:45
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quote:
Originally posted by Yard
[
Turning pro does not mean instant cover page features in Rhythm..it means years of slog.
Wow, I'm in Rhythm this month, does that mean I've made it?
If so will some bugger send me a pay cheque |
I have no time to practice, I'm gigging. Leicester Drum Sniffers Anonymous. #17 of the 582 & 17 0f the 798 World Record Holders.
Jobeky, 2Box Drumit 5, Premier, Highwood/DM drums Paul Brook Snare, Matt Nolan cymbals, Silverstone Drum (seats) Thrones. Los Cabos drumsticks
Re Cycling drums is the future. |
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dogface
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
891 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2012 : 10:29:21
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| Yes, I realised after I'd posted that the question was about session drummers, not just drummers in bands that get on the telly. Sorry. |
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Yard
Advanced Contributer
Uzbekistan
5231 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2012 : 10:30:19
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quote:
Originally posted by OriginalAnimal
quote:
Originally posted by Yard
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Turning pro does not mean instant cover page features in Rhythm..it means years of slog.
Wow, I'm in Rhythm this month, does that mean I've made it?
If so will some bugger send me a pay cheque
Getting into Rhythm is the easy part.. |
Shut it and whack the poxy things!
www.vintagedrumyard.co.uk
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Powelly
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
394 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2012 : 10:35:56
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quote:
Originally posted by Yard
There are thousands of pro drummers all earning a living in clubs,bars and theatres all over the UK and are quite content.
Just be content to play all styles in a few gigging bands or orchestras and see where it takes you? If you set the bar too high from the off you may be disappointed?
This is more what I was asking in the OP. Thanks all for the advice, encouragement and reality checks. I think we've just about covered everything. |
www.danpowelldrums.co.uk|Surviving Savannah |
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drumboy1
Excellent Contributer
227 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2012 : 11:16:46
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'And me? I would say find two grooves and two fills and really effing NAIL them so you can't possibly ever do them wrong. Then all the other things that you do will also sound a little better than they actually are.
If you can do something really simple really well you WILL get noticed. You'll get employed for those two skills.
If you try to be good at everything you'll be mediocre at them all.'
I think this is great advice! I spent ages when I first turned pro worrying about how I was ever going to be able to match up to all the young gospel guys. Eventually I realised, I'm not! But it doesn't matter. I'm unlikely to get those gigs anyway because I don't have the right look. (Which, by the way, is NEARLY as important as being able to play if you want to do live session work - in my experience anyway.)
Pick something you suit and become THE GUY for that. Have the look, the sound, the gear and you'll become the obvious choice.
Oh, and you should move to London. I live in Brum and it's definitely a hinderence. (As much as the networking side, you're £50 worth of diesel more expensive than everyone else before you even start.)
Good luck!
Jim.
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Vic Firth, Remo and Sabian. Buy their stuff! |
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OriginalAnimal
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
19298 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2012 : 21:15:20
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quote:
Originally posted by Yard
quote:
Originally posted by OriginalAnimal
quote:
Originally posted by Yard
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Turning pro does not mean instant cover page features in Rhythm..it means years of slog.
Wow, I'm in Rhythm this month, does that mean I've made it?
If so will some bugger send me a pay cheque
Getting into Rhythm is the easy part..
I know, I just attract attention, but me playing is still **** |
I have no time to practice, I'm gigging. Leicester Drum Sniffers Anonymous. #17 of the 582 & 17 0f the 798 World Record Holders.
Jobeky, 2Box Drumit 5, Premier, Highwood/DM drums Paul Brook Snare, Matt Nolan cymbals, Silverstone Drum (seats) Thrones. Los Cabos drumsticks
Re Cycling drums is the future. |
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fatty
Very Active Contributer
United Kingdom
96 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2012 : 15:50:07
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Personally I can't think of many things worse than being a Professional drummer. For me and probably most on here its a game of golf, a pastime.
I've had drummer friends take a shot at going pro only to have their young hopeful dreams shot down. From the outside looking in i can't imagine how tough it must be to make a decent living out of it. If you're prepared to take the knocks and keep going with an olympian self belief then you're in with a chance.
Very best of luck to those on that journey. |
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DyeHouseDrumWorks
Excellent Contributer
United Kingdom
185 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2012 : 17:26:27
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Saw this post a little while ago and there are some great points here.
Just wanted to add after a little thought on this subject, the importance and relevance of 'recommendation'. Word of mouth is the best publicity and pretty much any work I've secured - professional or otherwise - has involved a third party's plug.
Building a good reputation (another good 'R' word!) in whatever capacity - be it a great all-round-player/specialist/reader/busker/blagger/plain old nice guy is where I think this starts, and actively letting people know that you're looking to up your exposure is something I think people sometimes overlook too.
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Dye House Drum Works. Find us on Facebook and at at: www.dyehousedrumworks.com |
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gaz farrimond
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
11050 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2012 : 17:47:02
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quote:
Originally posted by DyeHouseDrumWorks
Just wanted to add after a little thought on this subject, the importance and relevance of 'recommendation'. Word of mouth is the best publicity and pretty much any work I've secured - professional or otherwise - has involved a third party's plug.
I received an email over the weekend, where an old bandmate had recommended me to a local band whose drummer is looking at leaving just by knowing I'd returned to Plymouth.
Whether it comes to fruition is another thing though.
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The Waterboarders
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jon kelly
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
471 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2012 : 18:24:30
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getting gigs in Lpool is impossible its a big clique.quote:
Originally posted by Tex
I suppose it depends where you live but around Liverpool / Manchester you get out to as many gigs as possible just to watch what the local style is. Talk to the musicians, get your face known, let them know you're available and confident.
We're all bottom feeders when we start so start at low level because there's two way traffic between low and high level of, not stars, but go-between people (who have seen both ends of the scale) who pass names on and can give you contacts where you can improve connections. So find those obscure little jam nights and folk and jazz clubs and work out which doors to jemmy to your best advantage.
Sometimes you can even find a scene where you don't get famous but earn more than the "names" you see all over the place.
It depends where you are happy to be gainfully employed.
As one Coronation Street actor said: "I did the soap on the grounds that it was a good career move but one of the other cast members just said. Forget it, you've arrived. This IS a career."
There are unknown musicians in Liverpool and probably many other places who do the one gig for decades but who have fans all over the world. And OT I met a man recently who plays squeezebox who visited Poland about 15 years ago and found he could make a small fortune there playing sea shanties he'd been playing for free in alehouses since he was a nipper.
And me? I would say find two grooves and two fills and really effing NAIL them so you can't possibly ever do them wrong. Then all the other things that you do will also sound a little better than they actually are.
If you can do something really simple really well you WILL get noticed. You'll get employed for those two skills.
If you try to be good at everything you'll be mediocre at them all.
Much as we all like drummers like Thomas Lang etc you just know the musicians who wouldn't employ a drummer like that (they'd employ Thomas Lang but not a local lad) on the grounds that he's a "Flash git!"
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JK |
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