Mr. Freeze

One thing I've noticed in my dealings with the local punk scene is that the role of a bassist is usually dead-set in stone. To be a so-called "good" punk bassist, you must:

1. Play nothing but 8th notes
2. Play nothing but root notes
3. Use a pick

I literally have never seen any bassist play any different at all. Now, I definitely don't consider myself too great at bass, but I know that I'm above the abilities listed above (except for the pick; I play w/ a pick sometimes, but I mostly use my hands). This seems to turn off prospective bandmates, who seem to think "I can do better" translates to "I have a huge ego, and am going to use your band only as a vehicle for my own skills". The fact that I play fretless doesn't help, as everyone seems to think I'm a jazz freak or something (SPOILERS: I'm not).

The worst part?

I hooked up with a band in Allston that loved me to death. They were so anxious to get me in, but my commitment to my career prevented me from joining (schedule conflicts all up in this bitch). I mad, and jelly.