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geoham

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Posts posted by geoham

    'Showcase' in London... worth it?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    [quote name='MacDaddy' timestamp='1428010070' post='2737119']


    Show the rest of the band this thread.
    [/quote]

    I did! Didn't curb the singer's enthusiasm a bit - he has the drive of someone half his age. However, with my negativity/skepticism/realism and our violinist being away with her orchestra - we're not doing it. I think there'll be another similar 'opportunity' soon though. Our singer has focused on his (non-musical) career for years, and has recently become financially secure enough to quit his day job and the band is now his primary focus.

    To me it feels like there is a desire to haemorrhage cash as quickly as possible in the name of 'exposure'... Expensive EP/demo, loads of gigs, but all pay to play (including some support slots with reasonably successful acts) and not a second thought for anyone's day job. In fairness, we've done reasonably well so far - local TV and radio slots, music on Spotify, iTunes etc.

    As much as I moan, I love playing with the guys (makes a change from a the covers I've been playing for the past ten years), and I think our music genuinley does have something unique.

    Thanks for the advice,

    George

    'Showcase' in London... worth it?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1427624106' post='2732334']


    Would generally agree, but there are situations where it's worth taking the hit, IF there's a [i]very [/i]good reason.



    Mandatory! There is no indication of the OP's age, but I'd say if under 25 then go for it, you are paying your dues. But if the OP is anywhere near the average age of members of this forum (147) then it will be a nightmare. You'll forget your meds, you'll get backache, you'll be grumpy because your stage trousers don't fit properly, you can't use any toilet but the one at home... ;)
    [/quote]

    We're not exactly the youngest band. I'd probably have been a million times keener if I was ten or fifteen years younger minus the wife, kids and job! I'm 33 and the band range from 28 to 44.

    'Showcase' in London... worth it?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Thanks for the advice guys. I've already asked many of the questions suggested and am strugging to get clear information. The gig came about via a friend of our singer. His band are making their way from Stornaway (which is a long journey from Glasgow never mind London) and they asked us to join them. From what I gather the guys are pretty well connected and clued up, so I'd like to think they wouldn't be wasting their or our time. On the other hand, the purpose of the gig is still very vague to me. I'm personally looking for something like an email from ITB saying they've heard our CD and would like to hear us live. I feel like a bit of a kill-joy, but I personally don't have the disposable cash to splash out, never mind the two days off work I'd need.

    Thanks again,

    George

    'Showcase' in London... worth it?

    in General Discussion

    Posted · Edited by geoham

    Hi,

    Hope some of you from the London area can give me some advice. My 6 months old originals band have been asked to play at showcase in London, at The Enterprise, Camden. Apparently for ITB, a large agency with many well known acts on their books.

    We'd be travelling from Scotland, and I'm rather skeptical compared to the rest of my band. Does anyone know this venue? Looks like a pub to me, I've got doubts that a large agency would use it for a showcase.

    Any advice appreciated!

    Music Pubs in Glasgow?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Yeah, plenty of venues around! The city centre is reasonably compact and most places will be within 10-15 minutes walk of where you are staying (or a few quid in a taxi!).

    There's a leaflet produced monthly that lists local bands gigs, available online too. It lists gigs for many of the venues around town. http://www.gigguide.co.uk/Glasgow%20Listings/glasgowmonday.htm

    A personal favourite venue is The Ferry (aka The Renfrew Ferry). It sits on the river Clyde - don't worry, it doesn't sail any more, just stays in the same place! I've played on it a few times myself, and been to several gigs. It's a few hundred capacity, so generally smaller acts and tributes. I've seen Andy Fairweather-Low, Steve Harley, and MacFloyd on it.

    http://www.the-ferry.co.uk/

    Was on the telly last night!

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    [quote name='steve-bbb' timestamp='1426337606' post='2717042']
    good stuff :)

    have you done [b][url="http://www.tenementtv.com/"]tenement tv[/url][/b] up there? seems to be gaining popularity these days
    [/quote]
    Haven't heard of it before now, but shall look it up.

    Thanks

    New amp day!

    in Amps and Cabs

    Posted

    [quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1426239599' post='2715923']
    Did you say you put it through an 8x12 cab as part of your more portable setup??
    [/quote]

    The irony! Was an 8x10 obviously, fool of a man that I am. It belongs to the rehearsal room, not me. My portable setup is a 2x10 TC cab, sometimes two if I'm feeling enthusiastic!

    I can now do a one trip unload.. Laptop bag with amp, effects etc over my shoulder, cab in one hand and bass in the other.

    Big difference to last year when I was gigging with my Ashdown Mag stuff. Sounds great, but was damn heavy!

    New amp day!

    in Amps and Cabs

    Posted

    Having owned a TC Electronic BH500 for about the past six months, I've been after something a bit more portable. I was at the London Bass Show at the weekend and picked up the tiny BH550 for only £339. I took it to rehearsal last night and plugged into An SWR 8x12 cab - not disappointed in the slightest. Master volume well under half way and it held its blew away two Marshall JCM 900s in to 4x12s, a loud drummer and an electric violin.

    It sounded FAR better (and louder!) than the rehearsal room's SVT and is fraction of the size.

    The guy at the TC stand insisted the 800 watt would serve me better - more headroom, but given how loud this wee thing is, I can't see me ever needing more power.

    Here it is!
    [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/iIaXc9b.jpg[/IMG]

    My new originals band

    in Share Your Music

    Posted

    We're called Scarlets, melodic rock with a hint of a celtic influence.

    First track is called Waiting For The Birds.
    https://soundcloud.com/scarlets-band/waiting-for-the-birds

    Second one, Already Knew is a ballad featuring the incredibly talented Christie Connor-Vernal as a guest vocalist.
    https://soundcloud.com/scarlets-band/already-knew


    Happy to receive any comments regarding the band in general or just the ropey bass work!

    Korala vs Kala U Bass

    in Bass Guitars

    Posted

    Gigged twice with my Harley Benton. It has a basic preamp on board, but i run it through the Fishman model on my Zoom B3 and it sounds great.
    Just straight in to the PA last week (small gig), and in to an amp (plus PA) this week. Fine in both cases, and a whole lot of fun!

    replacement j pups

    in Bass Guitars

    Posted

    Have a look at Tonerider. I got one for my P from Amazon for about £35 - Very nice sound indeed - I use it as my main bass these days.
    The Jazz versions are £30 each, so about half of what you'd pay for something like Dimarzio or Seymour Duncans.
    Alternatively - see what you can get used on here, many many bargains!

    Starting a Function Band

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    To elaborate on my point above, I've been trying to properly get my function band off the ground for a few years now, and jammed with a couple of others too.
    You need people who have the time to commit to a function band and the willingness to play songs they don't like. Like has already been mentioned - we're providing a service for the enjoyment of other people.
    Everyone I've played with has 'talked the talk' at some point, but they've mostly been unsuitable in one way or another. For example:-
    - A male vocalist who did a good Mick Jagger impression, but refused to sing far too many songs - usually because he deemed them to be uncool.
    - A guitarist who doesn't have the time to learn anything, but never misses ANY televised sport - football, darts, tennis - you name it. Can't rehearse on Sundays, because he can't miss 'Super Sunday', similar story when the Champions League is on.
    - A pointy guitar owner who made everything in to a metal version. (Scooped mids, pinch harmonics, you get the idea!)
    - A keyboard player who couldn't get a decent sound - it's the one area where decent gear is a must - the punters can tell! (Which punter can really hear the difference between a Squire Affinity P and a Fender Custom Shop P?)
    - A female vocalist who doesn't know her own range. We always start in the original key, and despite practicing at home, we sometimes need to move down a tone when we get together. It's not always easy to work out on the fly!
    - Various people with too many other commitments, from family to working shifts.

    Don't mean to be negative here - just make sure you spend the time up-front getting the right people!

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