There were people who showed interest i.e. emailed me and contacted me. There was one as well who came and visited for an audition. I really admired her voice but still didn't work out because it took me awhile to contact her back after that audition due to moving houses. Anyways, she did not reply or show any interest after that. So, I continued trying my luck.
The first one to join was Dan. He got interested because we are from the same area (Romsey). So he messaged me and said that he is a songwriter and a musician. Can play guitar but much comfortable with the bass. So we arranged a meetup and chat, and we did. Exchanged some ideas and songs online after that meetup. Then, got a message again both from Gumtree and JoinMyBand, interested vocalist. There were loads but there was one that was really keen and gave me some sample of his songs on Whatsapp. Not really my kind of music but out of desperation I learned his songs. Dan and I arranged a meetup with him and do a jam session but he didn't show up. I even invited a friend from Bassingstoke who's a very good drummer just to jam that day. Anyway, we had fun at Untapped Talent Studio that afternoon for a 2-hour jamming.
So, keep posting ads for vocalist both online and offline. I posted at the co-op, Martin's, Premier shop, and even to friends and family. Also continued posting on Gumtree, JoinMyBand, Bandmix, and even on Facebay Romsey. But really no luck. Until I used search engine and type VOCALIST ROMSEY. And, that's when Alex appeared. It was one of his messages that says he's from Romsey and is interested to do vocals.
Contacted him, exchanged ideas and then out of the blue, shared to him one of my unfinished song. Got the lyrics and backing track but I couldn't make up my mind about the melody. So I sent him the song and in the evening that day he gave it back to me. The song is Incognito and he did a great job. So I invited him during my wife's birthday for a meetup and to talk more about a possible band.
It went well, we had a nice chat. He's nice guy, down to earth and did not discriminate me for my age, race or background. A lot of the guys online would ask me for my age or facebook account and then either disappear or will tell me Im not the guy they're looking for, etc. But Alex never did that. It was only during our meetup when he ask me about my age because he said I was too formal on my emails and text messages. But that was it. The songwriting and online thing kept going and we decided to look for a drummer.
The quest for our drummer was easy because I always knew that there's a guy in the shop near my house who plays drums. I never heard or see him play drums but we always talk about bands/music each time I go to the shop. So I told the guys that he's our man. Went to the shop one evening and asked for the manager. Spoke to the manager and enquired about Rob, the drummer. The manager said not a good time at the moment coz it's December and if I can wait til January, before I speak to Rob. He can even give me his number, the manager said.
So, January 2015 came, Alex and Dan arranged to meetup and have an acoustic jamming. I decided we could do it in my Brother's house because they're on Holiday, at least it's more quiet and we can really focus on our plans for the band as well as our possible songs. The odd thing was, I needed to buy a lightbulb because we got one busted in our house. So, I went to the shop, and then as I was about to ask the cashier for the manager just to enquire again about Rob, the drummer.... Rob showed up and I just shouted "You're the one Im looking for!" He just look at me and I immediately said to him the plan. That I am forming a band and we are looking for a drummer. Rob immediately said yes Im interested. So that was it. He came to our rehearsal that night after his shift. Listen to some of the songs we are working on which started online. Gave him some copy of the songs and then the rest was history.
Here's a treat, our first jamming. You can only view this one here. We are proud of this video because it is so memorable for us.
Comments
Post a Comment