How do you find a band in 2025?

[crippsy42]

Hey all,

I'm returning to my bass after a while away trying to organise my life...I'm 60+ and looking to play covers etc - no aspirations for fame and fortune!! How do you all find bands/musicians to play with? I'm on BandMate and BandFriend but nothing seems to be resonating at the mo. Any recommendations or thoughts ?

[Wombat]

I've used joinmyband successfully. Err and unsuccessfully. But if you take the rough with the smooth mostly a happy experience.

[Len_derby]

My advice is to get out there in the real world. Open-mics, jam nights, local gigs. Talk to strangers. Offer your services to solo performers. Let people know that you’re looking for a band opportunity. Good luck! 

[Franticsmurf]

In my area (S. Wales) there are a few Facebook groups along the lines of 'Seeking band members' and that's how I found my last two side projects.

[BigRedX]

2 hours ago, Len_derby said:

My advice is to get out there in the real world. Open-mics, jam nights, local gigs. Talk to strangers. Offer your services to solo performers. Let people know that you’re looking for a band opportunity. Good luck! 

 

This.

[Supernaut]

Open mic has always been a miss for me. Just full of acoustic singer songwriters looking for a backing band. Bandmix and JMB have been helpful. 

[Geek99]

Playing along with them can be fun, and a learning experience 

[Lozz196]

Local gigs, chat with the bands and make yourself known as a bassist available for work. 

[Dan Dare]

13 hours ago, Wombat said:

I've used joinmyband successfully. Err and unsuccessfully. But if you take the rough with the smooth mostly a happy experience.

 

This. Before anyone says it, I know you'll probably have to kiss a few frogs before meeting a handsome prince, but that's just life. Perseverance brings reward. You might try Bandmix, too. It costs, but isn't expensive.

 

Attending jam nights, etc, as others suggest, can be helpful, too.

[chriswareham]

When I previously lost a band I found the following poster helped:

 

Edited 6 hours ago by chriswareham