The world of depping

[hiram.k.hackenbacker]

16 minutes ago, FretsOnFire said:

Where do people find dep gigs? 

 

7 minutes ago, Franticsmurf said:

At first I was depping for a band I used to play in - I knew the guys, even the bass player that replaced me. That was easy as the set hadn't changed and effectively I was just playing in 'my' band. But recently, they've started coming from an ex bandmate and I've had four in quick succession as a result of two recommendations from him. I don't go looking for them as up until recently I haven't felt competent enough to do them. 

This. Get an in. Keep doing them well and it just gets legs.

Before you know it the diary starts filling up.

I’ve also seen quite a few posts on social media advertising availability.

Not done that myself, but it could be a start.

[BigRedX]

4 minutes ago, hiram.k.hackenbacker said:

I don’t. I get asked to play the set that they want played. I don’t get a say in it.

I wasn’t expecting everything to be dropped a step, to be playing with a dep singer, to be learning three new songs in a day (I know it’s a few days until Saturday, but I only have one day free that I’ll be able to do it and refresh on the others I haven’t played for a while) or to be playing to a rammed club celebrating their 50th anniversary (I’ve played there before and it’s not usually that busy). As a dep you have to roll with it or stop doing it.

The set content doesn't bother me at all. If that’s what they want, I’m happy to go with it.

I do find it very odd that bands still play Long Train Running, Sweet Home Alabama, All Right Now, Play That Funky Music.

The other more recent ones like Sex on Fire I kinda get, but I would not lose a moments sleep if I never Long Train and Funky ever again.

 

In so many ways this is an exact reflection of some of the graphic design jobs I have worked on. Even when the client thinks they want something new and different a lot of the time they finally decide that what they really wanted was what they already had. I once worked on what was supposed to be a major packaging redesign of a range of crisps for a well-know manufacturer of said products. For several months various options did the rounds, but what finally went into production was so similar to their previous bags that unless you placed the old and new ones side-by-side most people wouldn't have even noticed they had changed. Some of my colleague were despairing about the situation and ranting at every opportunity. I just smiled, did what I was asked knowing that every revision back to something that looked more like the original design was a couple more hours pay for me.

[Stub Mandrel]

44 minutes ago, FretsOnFire said:

Where do people find dep gigs? 

 

Just let people know you're willing to dep and you get asked. I turned one down a few days ago... I've gigged with four bands this month and depping as well is too much.

[chris_b]

55 minutes ago, FretsOnFire said:

Where do people find dep gigs? 

 

Recommendation, being at the right place at the right time, being available, being seen. After that it's all about making others want you on the gig, getting your name to the top of their list.

[casapete]

34 minutes ago, chris_b said:

 

Recommendation, being at the right place at the right time, being available, being seen. After that it's all about making others want you on the gig, getting your name to the top of their list.

Exactly this!

I played with the same main band for 15 years, and people would often assume I wasn’t available for deps,

even though I often was! Since leaving this band ( and supposedly semi retiring! ) I’ve done a fair few

dep gigs, so people are realising I’m around more and give me a call. Mainly pub / function bands,

who rarely have parts available so I’m winging it most of the time. I’m amazed how many bands don’t

have chord charts / guide parts for any possible dep situations though. It really helps if you can offer 

backing vocals too, however limited. 

[chris_b]

25 minutes ago, casapete said:

. . . . It really helps if you can offer backing vocals too, however limited. 

 

My life as a bass player would have turned out very differently if I could sing.

[casapete]

1 hour ago, chris_b said:

 

My life as a bass player would have turned out very differently if I could sing.

I have a very ordinary singing voice, but it’s ideal for BVs where it’s not threatening

any lead vocal….ever….. 😆

I think that’s what has often helped me get gigs, as there are quite a few players around 

here who are a lot better than me.

( Nothing to do with me being cheap either…)