Playing out

felix'apprentice · Post by **felix'apprentice** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

Just wondering how long it was before you got out of the "bedroom" so to speak and on local stages - whether it be via jam nights or with a local band.

I've been playing for two years - for a year and half i played just in church. On stage every sunday/wednesday. Played in front of about 150 people in virginia and north carolina. then i got outta that situation...and shortly after was playing at jam nights. so i guess ive been on "stage" since i started.

I don't think theres a better feeling in the world than that. Its something i can't get enough of.

So how about ya all? how long did it take ya to get out there and play? Just Curious

- Kayla

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

Five years

I started playing bass when I was 13. I wanted to start gigging at 16, but my parents called the state police to find out if I could. They said I couldn't until I turned 18, so I had to wait another two years.

I played in front of audiences before turning 18, but I didn't start "gigging" in bars and clubs until I was of age.

bassist4life2004 · Post by **bassist4life2004** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

I started playing instruments (guitar and bass) when I was around 12 years old. I started singing in public when I was 18, and started singing in bars when I was 19, that's when I hooked up with my buddy Ryan and got into his acoustic gigs with Falling Higher. I think with the lack of all age venues around the area that it's really hard to get yourself out there (in this area) when you are under 18. I tried out for a few bands when I was 16-17 but it couldn't work because of my age (or maybe they were being polite and didn't wanna tell me I sucked, who knows). But ive been out there for a little while, and i love every minute of it, and love and cherished the time I played with Falling Higher, Echo Chamber, and Blackout. '

My answer to you would be, when you feel ready to play out and you feel comfortable playing in front of people, get yourself out there and see what happens. Take a few hits, suffer a few failures, stay on the horse, and eventually your cards will fall into place.

KeithReynolds · Post by **KeithReynolds** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

I played my first on stage show in 2001, and im still not fond of being in front of people. Its not a worry about my abilities, its more of the social anxiety thing. Theres no way I could ever gig out every weekend. Id be a wreck.

moxham123 · Post by **moxham123** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

I started to take drum lessons when I was 10 years old. I also got an Audition electric guitar from Woolworth's for my 10th birthday but just messed around with it since I did not have an amp. About a month before my 13th birthday, we moved and I met a guy a couple years older than me who played guitar and already had a band called The Rays Of Light. He and I became instant friends as soon as we met and I said I also had a guitar in a box to which he said, "Bring it up to my house and we will play guitars." He started to show me some notes and chords on the guitar. About 10 months later, his band was booked for a graduation party. They changed their name to Purple Inferno. The drummer was not able to play and I was asked to play percussion. So, my first paying gig was at the age of 13. I became a member of the band and eventually played guitar and moved to bass when the bass player left.

We played frequently from the time I was 13 since there were many places to play for teenagers such as school dances, church hall dances, fire hall dances, parties, etc. I started to play in bars when I was 17 years old and nobody cared back then.

DrumAndDestroy · Post by **DrumAndDestroy** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

i played bass in some bands first, but my first real band couldn't keep a drummer.

bought my first drum set in august of '05...first gig was september of '05.

Plastered Bastards · Post by **Plastered Bastards** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

I was 16 and playing drums then,I was horrible but I didn't give shite.
I was hooked and kept practicing and playing out.
Now I can't stop,it's sickening

RFBuck · Post by **RFBuck** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

About 16 years. I was a late bloomer..

Seriously, I just never knew enough people to start a band and never got out much to get to know anyone. I always figured myself as a bedroom player and it would be my hobby. People would always tell me "Dude, you need to be in a band" and I just shrugged it off.
I got invited to a jam once, and that was that.....things just fell into place.

Colton · Post by **Colton** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

My first decent gig was at the gman when i was 18 or 19 i think.

*shrugs*

sheepleherder · Post by **sheepleherder** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

My first show was in 1991 at the Lighthouse in State College. Anyone remember that place? Anyway, I was 14 and it was only about a year after I started playing. I've been playing shows ever since. Good times...good times.

Plastered Bastards · Post by **Plastered Bastards** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

sheepleherder wrote:My first show was in 1991 at the Lighthouse in State College. Anyone remember that place? Anyway, I was 14 and it was only about a year after I started playing. I've been playing shows ever since. Good times...good times.

Some of my old bands used to play there,and we would have to watch our language.Everytime they heard a swear word they would cut the power and chastise us,then we start playing again and we would do it again. Funny shit.
Actually there is video of those shows floating around.