Monty's Random Bits of Genius

By Monty Colvin

Chapter 5 - Finding the Right Musicians

Whoever said being in a band was like being in a marriage knew what they were talking about. You spend a lot of time with each other and it's important to have good chemistry between band members. With that in mind, here are some thoughts on finding the right musicians to play with. There are many different scenarios and I'll throw out some ideas to consider.

STARTING A NEW BAND...
If you are searching for people to start a band with, you might look for musicians who share the same goals and vision. If your goal is to to be on tour, find players who are also driven in that direction. A guy with four kids and a great job may not be able to commit to that kind of life. Don't start a band with him and expect him to drop everything and hit the road.

Look for the right ingredients. Good bands are like good baseball teams. They have talent, role players, and they are strong up the middle. A good front man with great stage presence is important, because he or she is the focal point for the audience. However, a good drummer can be just as important. A good band with a bad drummer will always sound average... or just bad. In the same way, a great drummer can make the whole band sound solid. So, take your time and find strong players.

AUDITIONING FOR A BAND...
Perhaps you are wanting to try out for someone else's band. You don't always have to be a virtuoso to get the gig. Sometimes intangibles can work in your favor. First of all, go into an audition prepared. Have the songs learned to perfection and play with confidence. Nothing looks worse than a guy who shows up and doesn't know the songs. It comes off like he doesn't care.

Next, show some enthusiasm. If you lean against the wall or act bored, chances are they will move on to the next person in line. Try to show some excitement and personality, without being overbearing.

REPLACING A BAND MEMBER...
It sucks when someone quits or gets kicked out of the band and you have to replace them. But it doesn't have to be a BAD thing. Sometimes change can be great and even breathe new life into the situation. Especially if you are replacing someone who is a negative influence within the band. If they constantly complain and prevent the band from practicing, cut 'em loose and count your blessings!

When it's time to audition a replacement, keep the "marriage" theory in mind. Take your time and find the right person. If their image or look doesn't fit... If they talk too much... If they aren't really into your style of music... Keep looking! Just like a spouse, you're not going to change them. Some differences can be good, but a total mismatch can lead to frustration. On the other hand, if a guy is a real monster player, he may be worth putting up with for a while.

DISCONTENT WITH THE BAND YOU ARE IN...
There comes a time when you have to evaluate your situation. If you've been in the same band for a while and you aren't seeing progress, it could be time for a change. But before you jump ship, take an honest look at what you have. If you really believe in your band's music, you might want to stick it out. I've met a lot of musicians who have no freaking clue what it means to "pay dues". Just because your band has been together for a WHOLE year and has yet to be signed, doesn't mean you should give up. Be willing to work your way up. I played in cover bands... a backup band... and bands where I never made a dime. But each one was experience and a step toward a goal.

IN SUMMARY...
Look for the best musicians you can. But remember, sometimes a less talented player might develop or bring more to the table than just ability. Take personality, stage presence, and enthusiasm into consideration. HOWEVER... at the end of the day, most musicians will eventually turn into total freaks and want to take over your band. When this happens... it may be time to do a solo project!