In LA I play in a cover band. We do a small club and backyard party circuit for folks with too much money. The music is generally classic rock, often 80's hair metal-oriented, since many LA locals grew up on that music.
I travel for two gigs, one in the Bay Area, and one in Portland, OR. They involve both live and studio work (often on the same day!).
Goodluck with getting back into the scene. All these gigs I have now are a result on knowing the right
people and having been in the scene for 20+ years. The essentials of what gets me invited back
over and over have nothing to do with being a giant on my instrument (I'm not) and everything to do with people skills and attitude.
For example, one of my studio gigs, I'm brought in as one of two guitar players. But, in practice, I help
with song-writing, recording, lyrics, other instruments (especially bass), vocals, etc. I help and contribute. There is no such thing as "not my job". So people like working with me (having the Axe helps too).
One last tip. In cover band work, showmanship will get you alot futher than musicianship.
I find people don't want to hear a brilliant 15 minute jam on "Whipping Post", but
they love it if I put on a brown shorts UPS uniform for our "Back in Black" cover,
and strut around like Angus Young.
