Artists and Bandleaders: Tips for Better Gigs and Band Relationships

Here are some things that I think could make life easier for everyone when you are putting together a band for a gig.  I think most people that do music for a living know these things or have figured them out already. Still some of us have never given any thought to these things and wonder why there are "weird vibes" in our band. 

I was thinking about what things could ease my stress when being hired for a gig and as I was doing so, memories of past gigs, and experiences started coming to mind, and voila!  a list was born.  I hope this is helpful for all you budding artists out there and band leaders.  My tone may be a bit harsh...I think some of this may be me also letting off some steam...so I apologize in advance if I'm offending you...I'm just trying to help out!  So without further fanfare, here it is: 

To all you Artist and Bandleaders:  Tips for Better Gigs and Band Relationships

1.  First off, when approaching someone to play with you for your upcoming show, it's a kind, respectful and courteous gesture to mention how much the gig will pay.  Even if it won't pay anything at all.  I know it's uncomfortable to talk about money, especially when you don't have any and you're afraid that some side musician is going to ask for more than you can afford, but still it's good business and shows a lot of respect and humility on your part if you bring it up, and not wait for the other person.  Remember, you're the leader.  Act like one and make sure that you let the people you hire know that you value them by bringing up the money first.  And if you are asking them for a favor (which essentially a non-paying gig is), let them know that.  Better to get this out in the open than to leave it unresolved.

2.  Remember, you are more invested in your project and music than any of the people who play with you will ever be.  If the people playing with you aren't being paid for the gig, have some grace and mercy in how you react to their ability to play their parts consistently.  If you are concerned that they won't play your songs perfect at the gig, consider making out charts for your players.  Chords and lyrics, and song structure is all you need.  Maybe ask your players if they would like you to make a chart for them, instead of getting frustrated at them, or shooting them a dirty look 'cause they couldn't read your mind.  If you want perfection, hire a professional or get a Karaoke machine.

3.  Provide the people you hire with a zip file of the mp3's of the songs you want them to learn.  Sending files via You Send It, seems to be one of the more reliable and popular ways of going about this.  Alternatively you could purchase your albums/ songs on iTunes and send them to your players via email (iTunes has a gift option where you can do that).  Or, just send out a CD you burn yourself, or send  the hard copies of the CDs themselves.  Don't assume that your band members love your music so much that they own every one of the albums you've put out over the course of your career.  As a band leader/ artist, show respect and humility to the guys you hire by offering them the above, and then follow up to make sure everyone has the songs.  If the songs you play live will follow the same structure and arrangement as the songs on your CD, let your band members know, so they can prepare accordingly.

4.  Think of yourself as a company.  You are the CEO and the band members are your employees.  Read some books on leadership and learn what the qualities of being a good leader are.  Read some books on communication or sign up for sessions with a psychologist or other professional, to get feedback on how to best relate and care for those that are in your midst.

5.  Remember, the people that play for you have a life as varied, complicated and as busy as you do.  Be empathetic, and try not to be a complete jerk when dealing with things that don't live up to your expectations.  Basically, don't take yourself so seriously.  Really.  Yes, you are God's gift to this world, but please stop acting like it.  It doesn't do anyone any good at all.

Are you a band member or artist/ band leader and would like to add to this list?  If so, leave a comment below.  Or if you totally disagree with me, please feel free to voice your opinion below as well! 

Posted by email from dalebakerdrummer's posterous

Comments

[Gareth Bird]

I like point 4 about musicians remembering to treat gigs and bands within the concept of a "company".The suggestions to read up on management and leadership are good too as so often we musicians are too often wrapped up in the art to treat the music as a business.

[mike passaro]

How about these:
1. have a plan for your rehearsal. Let your band members know the start time and end time of rehearsals. You may have all day to rehearse, but they may not. Being clear on starting times and ending times is a good way to respect your band members.

If you have specific parts that you want covered the night of the gig, plan to rehearse them. Point them out to your players. Use your rehearsal time to practice the most important things.

2. Think realistically. it maybe not be the most realistic thing to expect your players (hired or not) to know all of your stuff by rehearsal time. Even if you send charts/mp3s/emails there is no substitute for actually playing together. It's unrealistic to expect everything to gel in the first 20 minutes, especially when you've asked them to learn 12 new songs...that they might not have heard...

3. Communicate! It seems that a lot of leading is wrapped up in communicating well. Let you band members know what is expected. What is the call time for the show? When will it be over? what gear does everyone need to bring.

I'm sure we can all think of times when we've packed up our own drum kit/guitar rig only to get to the gig and not have a chance/option to even set it up because there is house gear already in place. Knowing this info in advance could save your band members some time and frustration...