For many musicians jamming with friends or going to open mic nights makes them happy. For many others, this gets old, and they decide that they want to form a band. If you feel that you want to start or join a band, here is a list of things you want to think about while deciding who you are willing to work with. Whether your goal is to play at the local pub or go on tour, these things are important.
Talent
The most important thing to know is that talent is not the only thing that matters. Yes, you want to find the best possible players, but they also have to have more than just talent to make it worth your time playing with them.
Do They Have Time and Money?
Getting any band up and running is going to take time and money. Ensure that all the people you work with have time to rehearse and that their schedules line up. You will want a website, merchandise, and possibly your own PA and lights. Not all these items are super expensive, but they add up fast. Make sure you all agree if one individual is responsible for all of this and how much more they will be paid, or are you splitting up the responsibilities and pay evenly.
Do They Have a Good Attitude?
Unfortunately, many very talented people are not easy to get along with. These individuals are easier to deal with on a local level because there are no long trips in a van or bus. Everyone goes home after the gig. However, you want to look forward to playing gigs and not have it become a chore because one or two people are always negative about everything.
Having at least one bandmate who is a people person is essential. Crowds love it when someone in the band takes the time to let them know how much they are appreciated. You want your crowd to have a fantastic night so that they want to come back repeatedly.
What Type of Work Ethic Do They Have?
You want bandmates who show up to rehearsal and have already learned their parts and are organized. It is even better if they have a good idea about what everyone will be playing as well. This makes for productive rehearsals and does not waste everybody's time.
For any non-music-related work, you want bandmates who do what they say and have the tendency to exceed your expectations.
Are They Creative?
You have to have at least one person who writes the music for original bands, but that skill is unnecessary for cover bands. There are other ways that creative people can help. Can they help with any choreography (it does not have to be dance moves) or develop ideas for an incredible stage show? Can they help make all the marketing materials or maintain the website to keep your costs down? It is incredible when someone in the band has a skill set that you don't have and has a strong work ethic.
Are They Healthy?
You do not have to go to the local health clubs looking for bandmates. You are looking for someone that can put on a good show. Can they play for up to four hours a night? If they drink, can they do so in moderation? Nothing is worse than having a bandmate embarrass themselves and the band by being stoned or drunk by the end of the night and not being able to do their part. It makes everyone in the band resentful and makes the whole band look bad.
When picking your bandmates, remember that there is much more to consider than just talent alone. Ideally, the most talented guy you find has all of these qualities. In the end, it is sometimes better to work with someone who has a little less talent but is fun and easy to work with and never creates any drama.
About the author: Brian Fish is a professional guitarist living in Northeast Ohio and is an expert guitar instructor at Guitar Lessons Geauga.