A while ago, I found an interesting discussion on talkbass.com, where a studio bassist shares some of his experiences. During the discussion, there's a few interesting constributions. Some stuff is more a matter of taste, but there's also some good input.
I recently mentioned a quote that says that success in almost any career does not just depend on your performance, but mostly on how you carry yourself. Basically, a professional attitude can be reduced to two points:
- Be reliable, on time, prepared
- Leave your ego out of the music, have a serving attitude
This is what the discussion linked to talks about as well, together with some practical hints for studio work (e.g. have passive basses with a fender sound, flatwounds and picks ready). Here's a few quotes:
EVERY single person I know got into sessions by accident or by a fluke event...
Activity breeds activity
It's all about showing up early and ready and leaving your ego out of the studio. Bassists should serve the song, that's the gig.
Arrive early. I always like to hear the track before the crew are ready for me. You can listen while you set up.
Don't get attached to any of your parts. Play what you feel, but be totally open to the producer/ artist's input. Realize their vision.
Become friendly with the studio staff, especially the engineer. He WILL recommend you for future work if you deliver.
Reading is good, but chart reading is a must. Learn how to read a basic chord chart, and understand basic chord theory.
Producers and engineers smile when they see a Fender. They know them, know what to expect, and know how to dial them up.
Deal with the drummer. Good or not so good, it's your job to make it work. You are the glue that holds the whole thing together.
I get out and play as often as possible. I sit in with everybody. The key is to be seen and heard. No matter who you are playing with, do your best. You never know who is listening, or where your mates will be in a year. The only people that will call you, are people that know you, and like you.
Die ganze Diskussion ist leider eine Mischung aus Usenet-Gehabe und amerikanischer Werbung, aber wenn man das ausblended ziemlich "right on".
Nicht nur als Bassist, auch als ganze Band ist professionelles Arbeiten eine wichtige Zutat zum Erfolg: Zuverlässigkeit auf der Bühne wie am Telefon, Pünktlichkeit, nicht zu viel saufen, keine Star-Allüren mitbringen. Einfach einen guten Job machen. Musikalische Qualität ist wichtig, aber womöglich weniger als die halbe Miete.
Das ist meiner Ansicht nach der Grund, warum viele durchaus gute kleine Bands nie auf einen grünen Zweig kommen.
Du hast recht, man kann die Hälfte der Diskussion ruhig überlesen, aber der Rest lohnt sich.
Wobei ich denke, der wahre Grund warum viele durchaus gute kleine Bands nie auf einen grünen Zweig kommen ist oft der Mangel an Willen. Den braucht es nach der Zuverlässigkeit nämlich auch noch. Man muss erfolgreich sein wollen…