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Freelancing in a College Town: Dependability by Jonathan Moody
It’s Thursday. I’m staring at a weekend (Friday-Sunday) that has five shows, two rehearsals and a church service. As I’m getting ready and organizing my gig bags, amp cables, and clothes, I’m reminded by a comment a friend made a couple of summers ago; “Man, you gig more in one month than most of the students in town do in a year!” While I can’t confirm whether his comment is accurate or not, he does have a point.
The musician talent pool in a college town is much like their corresponding college sports teams; it varies widely from year to year. As graduates leave town for bigger cities and greater things, new students come in to begin their college journey. With this steady ebb and flow of talent, it can be very easy for the regulars in town to be looked over. It takes a different skill set than just playing your instrument well in order to remain on the top of the call list. The first one I’m going to go over is easy; be dependable.
Now, before we go any further, I’m not insinuating that college students are not dependable. However, college students have a lot of commitments that, when combined with classes, homework and practicing, can result in surprises. A student may have to rely on subs for gigs due to their conflicts. Many times, the directors don’t hear about these conflicts until a sub walks into a rehearsal or performance (I see this happen regularly). Having the same person for an entire run of gigs versus splitting the chair between a couple of players is preferable in any situation, and with college students this isn’t always a guarantee.
Since you don’t have the college schedule, you can more easily accept an entire run of gigs or shows, freeing the director to worry about someone else. If you do have to procure a sub for a show or two, be upfront and tell them right away. My personal motto is to never accept any gigs that I can’t do myself, but on the rare occasion that I do have a conflict, I make it a point to convey those to the director before I even accept the gig. If they are okay with the conflicts, we can move forward. Otherwise, I am happy to recommend someone else in town that is capable.
As the rehearsals and gigs come and go, your dependability is going to show up more as consistency. I am regularly early to any rehearsal or gig to set my rig up and get ready (I also can snag a cup of coffee from the theatre kitchen too, which is a bonus). When playing, I am consistent in my performance and also take notes on things that I need to look over and fix before the next rehearsal or show so that I can end a run of shows better than when I started. The last thing a director needs to worry about is “Where is ______ going to screw up tonight?” which, again, is something I see often. By being consistent, you become someone in the group that others can rely on. In the theatre setting, the music directors normally know they can lean on me to keep the tempo moving, but also help any subs that are in my immediate area to stay on top of the changes and cuts that are in the show.
In conclusion, when directors call me, there are no surprises or problems. They know exactly what I bring to each and every rehearsal or show. By being able to take entire runs of gigs, conveying any problems upfront and letting the director make the call, and consistent in how I approach a rehearsal and gig, my dependability speaks for me before the phone rings. The only worry that whoever hires you should have is wondering if they called you quickly enough to book you.
Gear News
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Spector offers Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses…
Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils two new Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses. Synonymous with bass excellence since 1987, Wimbish collaborated with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to create the DW-4 and DW-5 models, echoing the iconic instruments that have been favored heavily throughout his recording and performing career.
These signature basses faithfully replicate Wimbish’s originals, down to the smallest details like neck contours and nut widths. Customized EMG pickups, developed in collaboration with Wimbish, capture the distinctive sound that has shaped his monumental musical impact. These models invite players to explore the feel and response that have defined Wimbish’s signature style over the years.
Available in 4-string and 5-string versions, each model boasts unique features & finish options. The DW-4 comes in Amber Stain Gloss and Black Stain Gloss options, while the DW-5 offers Dark Blue Stain Gloss and Faded Natural Gloss. Every purchase includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Doug Wimbish. Wimbish comments, “Spector took the time to get every little nuance right, and that to me is dedication and being thoughtful enough to know ‘I want to nail it,’ and they did. I’m able to pick these instruments up for the first time and play them like I’ve already had them for years.”
For more information, visit spectorbass.com/doug-wimbish-usa-signature-series/.
Photo: Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses
Bass CDs
New Campaign: Alberto Rigoni, Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings
Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI is thrilled to announce his brand new project “Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings”.
Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings features a super talented drummer from Japan (TBA) and tons of female guitarists such as SAKI, Giusy Busetto, Alexandra Zerner (TBC) and many many others (TBA). Furthermore, Alberto has also launched a Fundraising Campaign for the project. 20% of the income will be donated to Lega del Filo d’Oro legadelfilodoro.it/it, an Italian association that helps deaf and blind children!
Alberto shares:
“Hello friends and music lovers! I’m Alberto Rigoni, an Italian composer and.. a BASS GUY! Between 2008 and 2024 I released 13 solo albums, spanning from progressive, rock, ambient to funky and experimental music, which also features contributions from musicians such as keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) drummer Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), keyboardist Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), singer John Jeff Soto (ex Goran Edman (ex Y. Malmsteen), bassists Nathan East, Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani), Nik West (ex Prince) and many others. I’m also bass player for BAD As, Sunset Groove Society, Kim Bingham, The Italians bands and co-producer of Mistheria’s Vivaldi Metal Project.”
Alberto on the new project Nemesis Call:
“Even if my latest album “Unexpected Lullabies”, dedicated to my newborn Vittoria Parini Rigoni, will be released on June 4th, 2024, when Vittoria came to life I felt the need to compose new music (yes, I really can’t stop!!!!!). This time will be quite challenging because I’m willing to release an instrumental ambient/prog/rock/metal album, that will feature a talented and young drummer (TBA) and tons of female guitarists (that’s why I will call the album “Queens of the Strings”) such as Alexandra Zerner, YOKA and many others (TBA/TBC)). It won’t be easy to manage all such great musicians but I will make it!! Are you ready to face a new prog experience? The album will be released in Digipack CD and in high-quality digital format approximately at the beginning of 2025.”
The Fundraising Campaign:
As an independent artist, Alberto is looking for supporters who can help him reach the budget for the production (recordings, mix, mastering, artwork etc.) of this new album and has started this fundraising campaign that will end successfully on October 15th, 2024.
Get further information about Alberto Rigoni’s new project Nemesis Call Fundraising campaign at albertorigoni.net/nemesiscal
Bass Videos
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
Bassist Derek Frank…
Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.
Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.
Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Stephen Bradley
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Visit Online:
www.derekfrank.com
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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
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Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
