The world of depping

[kiat]

This world of depping is new to me and I'm enjoying the entree  

 

Those that dep, please share your tips and experiences!  

 

Anyone with other questions please chime in.

 

• What works for you, when need to perform large setlists (most which you didn't know before)?
• How much notice do you usually get (e.g. availability check, confirmation)?
• Do you have any principles for fee (e.g. same as the bassist you're replacing or regular band member, cash, delayed transfer)?
• Any good habits that help you get on with your bandmates and perform better as a dep?
• Do you read when performing (sheet, tablet - notation, tab, chord charts) if some of the band does?
• Any generic practice or preparation that is particular useful for depping bassists?
• Clothing: anything you have had to wear in particular, that has got used ?  

 

# Background

So after many stops and starts playing bass over the years with a few startup originals and covers bands, with extra time on my hands to practice and play more, I've found myself getting into depping (been asked twice by the same band leader for 2 different bands: a large soul band and a rock band: all popular covers for pubs &functions).  It was a bit daunting to be asked at very short notice - it was 30 hours before the gig - though they'd asked whether I'd generally be interested a couple of months before, but no commitment or gig in place. 30+ soul and funk songs, 23 or so, that I'd never learnt before.  It was sketchy for a number of reasons on the 1st gig, but the one the next evening went better.  I've more notice on this next one - a full week, yay! - and it's 30+ rock songs of which I'm working through now.

 

2nd dep gig, a couple of weeks ago...

 

 

 

[hiram.k.hackenbacker]

I started depping many years ago.

The first was in an 80’s band and I took over as the permanent bass player when the original left.

He didn’t really leave, I think the band just got too busy for him. The great thing is he's a really nice guy and has since depped for me on the odd occasion that I haven’t been able to make a date.

I’m now depping for two other bands, but I do get quite a bit of notice. Neither of them rehearse; not with me anyway.

The main issue is song structure. Since the only time I get to play the songs with them is at a gig, it’s very difficult to keep track of the ‘quirks’ they’ve added into certain tunes.

I generally resort to keep a very close eye on the drummer who knows the set backwards

I always get a set well in advance which always has keys next to each song, but structure is the bug bear.

I have a dep gig with one of them tonight. Loads of songs I haven’t played for a while.

Fortunately 99% of them are in the original key, so I can familiarise myself with them today before I go out.

I enjoy depping. There is something dangerous about it which keeps it fresh.

Well done for stepping into it. I’m they are very grateful for your help.

 

P.S.

I get what the other guy/gal would have been paid.

I wear what I like within rough guidelines.

I always have an iPad with me as they do like to chuck in ones I haven’t prepped for.

I have charts for 419 songs on it at the moment.

[chris_b]

You are making someone else’s gig happen so make the transition seamless.

 

Be on time, know the material, sound good, look the part, make sure you know what the band leader wants and be flexible.

 

Apart from that the floor is yours.