Is your band looking for a new bass player? If flyers on community noticeboards aren't doing the trick, check out new Kiwi website www.downstream.co.nz.

The site allows any musician, technical professional or band, anywhere in the country, to register their expertise and talent online - at no cost. Is your band looking for a new bass player? If flyers on community noticeboards aren't doing the trick, check out new Kiwi website www.downstream.co.nz.

The site allows any musician, technical professional or band, anywhere in the country, to register their expertise and talent online - at no cost.Users can then search by geographic area, instrument, or technical service. The site also includes a chatroom so musicians can network, and there'll be a regular newsletter for those who've signed up.

Downstream is the brainchild of musician Tony Doe who, after moving back to NZ from the UK, found it hard to locate likeminded musicians to start a band with. He's being assisted by his son Jared who is just launching his musical career.

The site is supported by music store giant Musicworks, and MAINZ - the Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand.

Tony and Jared have big plans for Downstream, with the site eventually being able to take MP3 files of bands and individual musician's playing, and long term an online record label and store. The pair are hoping NZ musicians will get behind it, and eventually advertisers will support it so it can add extra services.

2/7/07