Reading Dave's (bitflipper's) thread about joining a band got me wondering if you guys have any advice about finding musicians to collaborate with. I'm talking about people you can be in the same room with and bounce ideas off of. That has always seemed to spark my creativity more than working by myself.
 
I've tried craigslist, but haven't had much luck so far -- lots of young "our music is going to change the world!!!!!" types. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Just not my demographic or my goal at this point in life. I've only lived in the Seattle area a year or so and don't have much of a network to draw on. Any ideas?
 
Thanks.
 

It took me a decade + of just playing and gigging and whatever to build my old network. I literally started on the street busking.
 
If I were able and willing to start over I'd just go check out some of the open jams and really just gigs being put on by the local bands. Just talk to people and see who's up to what, who's lookin' for who.
 
Answering random ads... yeah that's generally going to lead to disappointment (or getting outright robbed).
 
It's a tough nut fershure... especially nowadays. I used to kind of go the "couch toad" route when I could when hiring new members. A couch toad is just a hang around who'd come to practice, knew the band, came to gigs, helped out and generally fit in. If they played an instrument and we just happened to need that instrument replaced... well, enter the "couch toad". lol
 
If you have a van... well sh*z... you really don't even know how to play really. You can just pick up a bass and try to stay sober during the gigs.

Go to some of the local music stores (GC, Apple, and even the smaller ones) then ask some of the guys working there but also put up flyers on their musician to musician boards (they all have one).  Just say exactly what you are looking for along with your name and number or browse the flyers already up for possible matches.

Another way is to find out where bands (that play what you're interested in or are of the right age group) are playing and go see some.  That way you'll get a good idea of what their doing and it's always easy to meet the members.  Then ask your questions! 
 

I'm starting to network with sound engineers in the Portland area.  They're not competitors so they're easier to get along with.  They're always open to the idea of working with you because it might mean future business.  Then once you start clicking with someone, ask them whom to collaborate with. 

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. What I've been doing so far isn't working, so it's time to try something new.

craigb
Go to some of the local music stores (GC, Apple, and even the smaller ones) then ask some of the guys working there but also put up flyers on their musician to musician boards (they all have one).  Just say exactly what you are looking for along with your name and number or browse the flyers already up for possible matches.

Was gonna post ... even Beacocks here in Portland, and GC over here off I-5, have a poster board with names and little slips of paper with phones ... and I never tried one, but I didn't think these were for a sex line!
 
Never found one for the Coffee House band, though!
 
Friend in Santa Barbara got tired of thinking that postings and personals were the way ... so he took his stuff to the street, and one day they had one of those concerts in front of the City Hall (whatever!) and by the third band, the guy alone across the street in the corner, had a bigger audience.
 
Guess who was on the stage next week ... solo, too! No need for a band!

Yep... I was going to say to visit the music stores. Grab a guitar and set and play a bit.... you'd be surprised.... people are listening and they might just need your talent... I've put together more than one band this way and got hired into a few others in a similar manner.

Check out the bulletin boards, of course you can post your info but scan it for something along the lines of what you're looking.
 
Walking into the gig of another band has it's pro's and cons.  I remember how I looked at musicians coming in saying they played guitar or drums.... yeah... right!  On the other hand, you never know.... you could be walking into a band that's fixing to fire the guitar player and they're looking for someone and you're that one.

Take a gig you may not like all that much anyway..... when you're out there playing, other bands and musicians will see you and hear you. They will become aware that you're in town and how good you are so when a spot opens up in a better band, they may call you up.

I know a few older musicians who use technology and do a two man band, oldies, cover band gig.... they play the good old stuff, travel light, play when they want, get along well and only have to split the money 2 ways.

How Do You Find Other Local Musicians?

slartabartfast

How Do You Find Other Local Musicians?

Ah, the Portland method!