ron1000 + Musician in Ann Arbor, MI

SEEKING

ABOUT

Before you read on, this is a tall order:

Long history, mostly in Seattle and other areas West (1990s), Ann Arbor, MI music scene (1980s) - on a lot of records, probably no one you've heard of. But I did the whole 1990s LA thing twice (showcasing, meeting with label A&R, schmoozing, followed by not much happening). I did drums and music direction for Seattle's 14/48 biannual theater festival, 2000-2013, and other weird sh*t.

I'm older (50s), but I can still get around and am told I look okay. I consider myself a good drummer who is fun to be around. I am in the fortunate position of not having much to do but travel, do my visual art and (possibly) music. My time is flexible, but I prefer making good use of it.

Groove oriented - much attracted to singer/songwriter stuff. I like economy, melody, hooks. Unless it's already fully covered, I like having a part in song arrangement and production. How a vocal line sounds has always taken precedent for me over what is being said. I believe it is exceedingly rare to hit both solidly, but IMO, the quality and originality of the voices are always more important than the message of the lyrics.

I like bands with all or most members not afraid to sing. Even if it's just unison. This approach, in fact, has a tendency to sound badass.

I like music that evokes emotions from whimsy to horror and anything in between. Anymore I prefer bands that are not all white dudes, but if you are this and you're good, I'm down. My preferred thing here is auditioning / joining something already somewhat established. If you have not played at least 100 gigs (in your current band or others), nor recorded, mixed, mastered, and distributed something that has had some level of notoriety (even if that notoriety is virtually unknown), I'm less interested than if you have. Please be at least a little connected.

I would do a cover band if you have gigs and get paid.
I would do a tribute band if it was Tom Petty, Black Crowes, Faces, or Cheap Trick. Or blues. Or something not already done to death.

If you're politically conservative, politics are left at the door. If you're a trmpie, we can't hang.

Screen name:

ron1000

Member since:

Feb 12 2022

Active over 1 month ago

Level of commitment:

Committed

Years playing music:

35

Gigs played:

Over 100

Tend to practice:

2-3 times per week

Influences

My dream situation:

Particular bands: All the legendary 1960s and 70s Brit acts. The 1970s CBGB scene, especially Ramones and Talking Heads. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Cheap Trick, Nirvana, girl groups. I am moderately crazy about a current act from Wales who call themselves Wet Leg.

The band I am asked to join has strong vocals, with solid hooks and melodies, not a lot of instrument breaks / soloing. Good choice of tone and layering and dynamics. You know what a bridge is. There is a keyboard that can sample stuff and also be made to sound exactly like a piano. The live show should move quickly between songs and maybe have a budget for multimedia. The singer should have experience working a crowd. The singer is a woman. It is a joy to rehearse, which you do consistently and which you prioritize, and everyone is good humored-to-hilarious. Things like depression, anxiety, substance use are all managed on an adult level. There is a place to rehearse that has at least a basic PA system and limited traffic.

Reminder: This is a DREAM situation, and not the only one I would consider.
I am NOT as fussy as this might sound. If there's a gig in my near future that takes place in a room with a stage and sound system, I'd consider this a success,

Instrument experience:

Drums:

Expert

Vocalist - Bass:

Moderate

Vocalist - Tenor:

Moderate

Other Percussion:

Moderate

EQUIPMENT

Gretsch Catalina four-piece, Zildjian Ks all around.
I also have a vintage Premier kit (1975) that was refurbished last year (bearing edges redone, re-wrapped black).