Finding bands and musicians: how to meet people to play and perform with
Say clearly who you need and why
The most common reason a “looking for a guitarist” post does not work is vagueness. Who are you offering a place to: a permanent line-up, a few concerts, a cover band, a studio recording? The genre matters too: alternative rock, jazz, punk or funk mean different people and a different repertoire. The more concrete your wording, the faster the right musicians will respond.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You write one request: who you are looking for or which band you want to join, where you rehearse and on what terms. It is checked, and you are told what is missing. Musicians and bands reply in the chat: their experience, what they play, when they are free, what they expect. Reviews are visible beside the replies. Your phone is hidden, and only the one you choose gets your contacts. For the mechanics, see “How it works”.
What to state
- Who you are looking for — vocalist, guitarist, drummer, bassist, keyboard player; or the band you want to join;
- Genre and references (a few bands you aim at);
- City and where you rehearse;
- Format — permanent line-up, session playing, cover band, recording;
- Experience — concerts, recordings, training;
- Rehearsal schedule — how many times a week and when;
- Payment — per performance or none;
- Equipment — whether you need your own instrument, whether there is a rehearsal room;
- Age, if it matters to you.
Example: “An alternative rock band in Lahore needs a drummer for a permanent line-up, with concert experience and their own kit. Rehearsals twice a week in the evening, we have a studio. References: Foo Fighters, Radiohead. Payment per gig from Rs 10,000.”
How to tell if someone is a fit
Ask for a few samples of playing: a video, or a link to a recording or performance. Arrange a trial rehearsal with no obligation, where you can see how you play together and whether your goals match. Discuss in advance whether this is a hobby or a path to the stage, who writes the material, and how you split the fee and the rehearsal room costs. Questions about discipline at rehearsals are often more important than technical level.
Common mistakes
Not stating the genre and the schedule. Looking for a “perfect” candidate who supposedly knows everything already. Not discussing money before the first gig. Not allowing for the fact that people have different circumstances: some work in the daytime, some live far from the studio, and rehearsing once a week may not suit those who want to grow faster. Agree on the repertoire separately: original songs, covers or a mix, because that decides whom to look for. It is also worth deciding in advance who is responsible for renting the room, the sound and travel to gigs. If you need to buy or swap an instrument, look at musical instruments, and for inspiration, records and discs.
