What I am I doing wrong, I need opinions

I am a guitarist looking to find a band, I primarily use online musician classified sites, I set up a page on iuma.com to have an online demo, so people would know what I'm about and what I sound like before they reply. Well, it seems like instead of getting more responces that are better suited to my style, there seems to be no responces from anyone, it sucks and is making me doubt my future as a musician. What I want to know is there anything wrong with the contents of my iuma page: playing style, playing ability, the bio, the songs, ect.

I want some unobjective ears to go to my site, look around and listen and deem an opinion, because I need to know what I am doing wrong, so that I may hopefully correct it, the site is: http://artists.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/William_Doran/

Any help/opinions on this matter would be so graciously respected and apreciated as long as it is constructive, Thanks!

Are you looking only around Cape Cod for a band?

You may want to extend your sights over the bridge....

Where exactly are you running ads? Try Boston Soundcheck, Northeast Performer.....MassMusician......

I have all but completly given up looking for people on cape, so I usually do look for people off cape, I usually post on massmusician and baystaterock.com (I will check out the other two you mentioned:)), but it seems like I miss the mark of what people look for in a guitarist, what I am wondering is, why? I do get some responces from my ads, but thats usually when they diddn't go to my page before contacting me, then when they do go to it, I am usually told, 'your not exactly what we are looking for' or more commonly, they never e-mail again, that really sucks. I don't know what the problem is, like I said before, I want some unobjective eyes and ears to go to my site and let me know what they think.

Coincidentally enough, I happen to be reading a book about the Truro murder of Christa Worthington that happened a few years ago.

Anyway to your question.

I went to your site and listened to bits of about 3 songs. The site is basic but I would offer a few suggestions. Correct the spelling mistakes because that makes you appear unprofessional or worse stupid. I realize you are young but it all counts. Don't sound so desperate for opinions. State your case simply and to the point. I am a guitarist into hard rock, heavy metal like (name some guitarists and/or groups) and looking to join or form a band of like minded individuals. Name your influences, how long you've been playing and maybe list your equipment. Be very clear on contact information. Don't make too many excuses, it sounds negative. Be positive. Just state the recordings were done on a (whatever) and leave out the "I know it sounds like crap part."

The quality of the sound recordings are pretty bad. Your playing is quite good. You will undoubtedly get better with practice and experience but you are very good. Your rhythm playing is solid and on time. Your leads sound clean and you have a respectable amount of speed. You also have a sense of melody which should be further developed along with your chops. Don't downplay your songwriting. Write what you want to write. When other musicians get involved they can offer suggestions. Don't wait around to have other musicians to create with. You make it sound like you don't know what to do. Even if that is true you want to come across as more confident. Don't sound pompous or condescending, leave out hype (unless it's true and you can prove it.)

The other musicians on the songs on your site are kind of sloppy which takes away from the overall impression. You want to impress people with your playing. I would make recordings of just your guitar playing alone. Some riffs and some leads. That way everything you play can be heard better and the lesser sound quality wont matter as much.

I know how frustrating it can be to find a band or form one. Stick to your guns and keep looking. I have found that internet classifieds are pretty useless. Too many people talk a good game but when it comes time to put up or shut up they never even show up. You don't want to waste your time with people like that. Use musicians classifieds in local, area or regional music papers that have them. You should have much better luck with responses.

Overall, your playing and ability IMO are very good and you show great potential. I have heard far worse out there. Don't sell yourself short and don't give up. Your website is OK and I offer my suggestions to improve your chances of finding what you're looking for.

There you have it, my opinion. Best of luck to you.

don't trust zombies.

Hey Pal I feel your pain.

One thing you ought to know is your not alone. I live on Long Island and things are the same here. I've responded to 8 on-line classifieds this week and only 2 got back to me. As a rule I reply to all inquiries. Yes I know how frustrating it can get. DO NOT GIVE UP, DON'T LET THEM BEAT YOU DOWN. I'm am beginning to get the impression that the more info you post, the least chances you have of getting a response. I also believe that the better of a musician you are, your odds of connecting go down because the majority of so called "musicians" out there are lazy, un-dedicated, talentless bums. I wish I could help more but I myself don't know what to do. Just keep practicing, keep plugging, posting, searching, jamming, networking, recording, etc. I am currently in the process of trying to hand pick and form a band because it seems the pre-fab bands currently out there (on L.I.) just come with to much baggage. I have had good success in the past putting bands together, this way everyone feels equal and contributes.

As for your website. I had a little problem listening to your clips (may be on my side). What I did hear was very good. Maybe you might want to post a little less, less is more, leave more to the imagination. If things are going well with your interviews until they visit your website it means you might be limiting yourself by the type of stuff your posting. Although it shows your level of musicianship, others may not relate. You need to concentrate on getting your foot in the door, getting a chance to play at the audition. If your going to post a pic, try to get an action shot, like a gig or a pro photo (headshot).

One last thing, I too am a huge Yngwie fan. It seems that things go very well for me until I mention that. I have a huge amount of respect for YJM and intuitively seek that in others, but it seems to have the opposite effect and actually alienates me. A lot of people out there just can not relate to YJM. I know, it blows my mind too. I think I'm gonna start keeping that bit of info to myself.

Hang in there my friend, you are not alone!

Hey GTM - if you're anywhere near Commack, my Rush Tribute Band - Hemispheres is playing the Dugout on Sat. 1/31.

Hey guys, thanks so much, you don't even know how much it means to me to have educated, constructive advice and criticism, it helps me progress and shakes me out of old habits in my playing and overall the way I loook at things. I sort of have been in a slump playing wise, so I havn't been feeling all that confident about my playing, so I'm glad to hear from you guys that I don't totally suck ass, because you know, if you hear the same Zakk/Yngwie/Kirk/VanHendrix licks all the time, you tend to get a little board with yourself. So I will be taking you guys' advice about improvments to heart and hopfully my situation may change for the better because of it, so once again, thanks!

and if anyone else wants to add anything to this, please feel free!

Bill

Try to broaden the info on yourself. For Example, if someone puts something like:

Guitarist seeking to join a Death Metal band.

Then he/she probably choked out most of the other non-death metal bands that were willing to respond to the ad.

They will probably get more attention if they just put:

Guitarist seeking to join a Metal Band.

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Don't limit yourself to just online ads, go to ALL music stores and put up ads there too. When I was looking for a band, I put up an ad at this music store, I got about 7 responses about 4 days later. I always got more responses from paper than I did online.

Go to rehearsal studios, and put up ads there too. The same thing goes for venues where your taste of music plays occasionally, but make sure you ask the management. I suggest putting them in the restrooms. Try to get a female friend to put one in the ladies room too.

NETWORK....

I have webtv so I can't listen to MP3's to critique you but from what I've read it sounds like you have your PLAYING together it's a matter of MARKETING you need work on. About mentioned YJM I agree. I too dig Yngwie etc but I don't mention them anymore as it turns off more people than you can believe. Now I NO LONGER play that style mind you. I play in a Latin Rock band doing stuff like Mana, Juanes, Shakira etc. Not by any means the stuff I grew up on. I can still shred though. I occasionally mention EVH as an influence & that doesn't seem to bother people but I mention Santana & people dig that. Go figure. Anyways what I'm saying is try to make the connection then just do your thing man. Don't get bogged down by people putting you down. I'm 35 & only last year did I do my first international tour. I thought I'd NEVER get that chance. When it came I took it & did not look back. However I was READY. I was prepared & it was just a matter of time. Keep pounding on doors & don't wait for a break to come your way but also don't appear desperate. You have to do your part but usually when the opportunity will come up it won't be you looking for it. Meanwhile keep WORKING (gigging). Also BIG THING keep your mouth closed!!!! I'm very opionated (Yngwie influence?! No I'm just honest man!) but I have to watch what I say & to WHOM I say it to. My friends know I just call it as I see it however that can turn off many people. Sometimes people mistake a critique or correction for a putdown. That's not the way it might be implied but they take it wrong. You seem to have a good attitude as you are open to that. I am as well ESPECIALLY when it's someone who knows their stuff. ATTITUDE is HUGE!!!! Can't say that enough. Good luck.