By Carson Braymer

Over the past few weeks, I've gotten to know more incredible players and writers in Austin than I've met anywhere else. It's like the city itself is oozing with creativity and inspiration. With that in mind, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to expand upon my first blog post and elaborate as to how my initial thoughts have gotten my musical ball rolling here in Austin. 

From only a few music-related posts on Instagram, I got in touch with an Austin drummer from a local Band who has been in need of a bassist - a gig! I was stoked to get on board. It was THAT easy. I recorded a couple videos of myself playing some loops on my pedalboard, which I would have been doing anyway, and it happened to hook me up with a gnarly band with rad dudes playing in it. Taking the initiative can take you a long way- even if it starts with posting a dorky video of yourself jamming alone. Don't be fearful of broadcasting yourself as new to the area either, as it makes for a killer conversation starter. 

      I'm way stoked to be jamming with a new band in a new place, but part of that meant stepping out of a comfort zone. Playing bass for this new project was a big pill to swallow for me. I'd played bass for bands in the past, but I've been gigging almost exclusively guitar spots for the past few years. I literally had to DUST my bass off before going to rehearse! Well, the second I plugged my beaten-up, old, sunburst jazz bass into my '59 Bassman reissue, I was elated. Like, filled with joy. I was filled with happiness at the realization I was playing music again, having dropped myself into a completely new place with almost no contacts and still managing to play songs. My point here is this- even if it takes going out on a limb to climb the tree, you're still closer to the top than you were before. Pick up an instrument that is covered in dust and play it. Play it until the dust has fallen off. 

   Like I said in my first blog post- moving is less daunting when you've got a plan, and even less so when you can think of it as a springboard for your music. If it only took a few Instagram posts to get me hooked up with a new bass gig, no one has any excuses! It's a matter of WANTING to do it and WANTING to play. The bands and the venues are out there and they want you- don't leave them hanging.