Mel Bay's Bass Sessions | Kenn Smith - How to be a Working Stiff

How to be a Working Stiff

by Kenn Smith

I can't count how many times I've been asked by students and others,

"How do I become a working musician?" "What is it like?" "How do I keep a gig?"

Well for all who are concerned, here's my answers to those questions.

How do I become a working musician?

Instead of giving you just a simple list of guidelines I'll just tell you how I started. Learning by example can sometimes be the best way.

The year was 1987. I was doing the 9 to 5 thing at a warehouse. I never liked a regular job and was always looking for musical opportunities. One day after work a friend dropped by with his girlfriend who just happened to be the niece of the MC at the Chicago Cotton Club's open mike night. He began telling her how good I was and that she should hook me up with her uncle. So after playing a little something for her, she agreed. So that Monday I grabbed my guitar and headed down to the club. When I got there she greeted me at the door and took me right to the stage to meet her uncle, the MC. He asked me one question. "Can you play?" I answered without hesitation, "Yes I can". So I quickly setup my gear, met and shook hands with the musicians on stage, and played to the best of my ability. After that first gig the MC gave me the "the nod" and told me I was welcome to come back and sit in anytime. So I did. After a month or so at the end of the gig the MC pulled me to the side and gave me about $30.00. I asked, "what's this for"? He replied, It's your pay, see you next week". Around that time my day job was coming to an end due to downsizing. Along with the Cotton Club gig I worked some part time jobs. I hated it. After coming home one day from one of those jobs I came to realize that the dream of being in a famous progressive rock band was dead, and that I was not going to be a working stiff for the rest of my life chasing that dream. So I said to myself "If I'm going to work for a living it will be with my guitar!" And so my journey began.

A year later, the Monday night open mike became one of the hottest spots in town. Along with most of the local musicians and entertainers it was also the hangout for famous actors, musicians, athletes, etc. I got a chance to perform for and with some of the world's biggest names. This also led to great networking opportunities for all types of gigs. This job was the start of it all.

So what can you learn from this story, let's recap.

Niece of the Mc: You never know who has the golden key. Watch your step and never think you are more important than anyone else.

Looking for musical opportunities: Checkout everything! If you are a bass player that can play a little guitar, sing backup, write songs, or whatever. Be willing to use your other talents. Are you going to turn down a gig with Sting just because he wants you to play a guitar instead of bass?

"He asked me one question. "Can you play?" I answered without hesitation, "Yes I can". So I quickly setup my gear": Be ready! Be confident, not cocky! Never say, "I think I can, it's "yes I can", even if you can't. Know your gear and axe like the back of your hand. Practice doing what it is you want to be. Treat every gig like it is the gig!

"If I'm going to work for a living it will be with my guitar!" Make up your mind! Is this what you want. Then do it!

"This also led to great networking opportunities for all type of gigs. This job was the start of it all." Be professional! Get you some business cards and always have pen and paper handy. I used to carry a memo pad and a small pen with me all the time. I put them and my business cards in all my gig bags, coats, in my car, everywhere. Learn the art of communication. Learn how to talk to people. Relax! Don't look desperate even if you are.

Follow these guidelines, be the best you can be..........and pray!

Next issue I will answer the next question: "What is it like?"

About the Author

Kenn Smith: Solo Performer/ Clinician/ Instructor/Author, 20 Years Professional Touring & Session Bassist & Guitarist. Kenn has performed with many great artists such as: Tower of Power, Stanley Turrentine, Stanley Jordan, Wynton Marsalis, members of the Miles Davis Band, and many more. He has written and performed in various styles ranging from Classical to Jazz, Funk to Progressive Rock and World Music. He has released two guitar discs "BLUE" and "TWO" and a solo bass CD titled "Short Stories". Kenn is currently performing bass clinics and writing articles for bass related books and magazines. Visit his sites at:
www.kennsmith.com
myspace.com/kennsmith