Well, so much for being secure in the commitment of the core
members. I just got a message from Paul our drummer…er ex drummer.
Paul is at least as good on bass as he is on drums. He
auditioned on bass for another band that is already gigging and they hired him.
He mentioned he would rather play bass, since he can’t set up a drum kit and
practice in his current living situation and is anxious to get out playing as
soon as possible. Paul lost his house in the Hayman Fire last summer and has
been living in an apartment since then.
I’m sorry to see him go and wish him the best with his new
band.
And now for a little reality check of what it takes to put a
band together from scratch.
1) You
have to sift through a shit sack of wannabees and flakes before you find good
people.
2) When
you find good people they have to be willing to stick it out long enough to put
together 4 sets of music. (at least 40 songs minimum)
3) Most
good players who are not playing either have baggage (drug/drinking issues, bad
attitude or control/ego freaks are the top three) or they will quit you if they
find another band that is already gigging rather than stick it out. Starting
from scratch will take a minimum of 6-8 weeks of rehearsing once a week to get
4 sets gig ready.
So when you are a start up band you’re up against a serious
list of issues on the road to your first gig. Perseverance and a thick skin
are the only way you can survive this journey and a total commitment to putting
together a sound that will have the rest of the local musicians knocking on
your door to get into your band once you’re established.
On the up side, the guitarist I’ve been trying to get in the band called
and said he is taking a new day job that will give him more free time and a
more flexible rehearsal schedule. He’s coming by tomorrow for an audition. He
is a top notch player so I have no doubt he’ll fill the bill if he is willing
to join us.
I ran a new ad on Craig’s List for a drummer today. Let the
games begin. AGAIN.
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