Experienced guitarist looking to join or form a band

Hi, I'm Jacob. I'm 29, based in Stoke-on-Trent, I drive, and I'm happy to travel to surrounding areas including Birmingham and Manchester for the right band or project.

I've been playing guitar for almost 19 years and I'm looking to get properly back into music, meet other musicians and start playing live again. Long term, I'd love to be involved in an original band, write and record music, and build something with real potential. Right now though, I'm also very open to joining an existing band, playing covers, doing gigs, jamming, and just getting back out there.

My roots are mainly in metal, especially thrash and classic heavy metal. Big influences include Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer, Black Sabbath, Ozzy, Iron Maiden and Dio. I also enjoy hard rock, groove, funk, heavier music, and plenty outside of metal too. I'm not locked into one exact genre as long as the music is good and the people are right.

I previously fronted and led a Plymouth-based original metal band called THREAT, where I played lead guitar, handled lead vocals and wrote the material.

THREAT - King of the Losers:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/775310312665437

Other THREAT videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@threatband5980

Since then I've spent years working in theatre, so I understand the live side of things beyond just playing guitar. I know how stages work, how equipment is set up, and how important it is to put on an actual show.

Every Halloween I perform as a solo guitarist for Blackpool Pleasure Beach's Journey to Hell, playing difficult live covers while carrying the performance visually as well as musically. I've performed to audiences of up to around 1,000 people, so I'm comfortable on stage and enjoy putting on a show.

Journey to Hell clips can be found on my TikTok and Instagram:
https://www.tiktok.com/@caineysshreddies
https://www.instagram.com/jmfcainey

I'm mainly a lead guitarist and I'm happy doing backing vocals. I've done lead vocals before, but I'd probably prefer to focus more on guitar unless the right situation came along.

I'm open to:

Joining an existing original band
Joining a covers band if it feels right
Starting a new original project
Meeting musicians for jams and seeing what develops

If starting something new, I'd ideally be looking for a vocalist, rhythm guitarist, bassist and drummer, but I'm open-minded about other instruments too. I like the idea of heavy music with room for groove, harmonies, interesting arrangements and different influences.

I'm ambitious, but realistic. I'd love to eventually write, record, gig regularly and make something profitable if possible, but the short-term goal is simple: get playing, meet good musicians, have fun, and start building momentum again.

I'm looking for people who are skilled, reliable and enjoyable to work with. I care about quality, but I'm not interested in ego contests or making music feel miserable. Mistakes happen. What matters is learning, improving, and knowing how to handle yourself live.

Gear-wise, I have several guitars, pedals and an amp rack, so I'm ready to get moving.

If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, drop me a message. I'm happy to chat, swap ideas, or arrange a jam.

Best way to contact me is via Instagram or Facebook:

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jmfcainey

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/jacob.caine.90/