Nu2Keys Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 Well, I haven't officially been asked, but.....I ran into a bass player friend at a local festival and he asked me about playing keys and/or rhythm guitar with them, or if I knew somebody. He says they have a singer who can sing Journey! That interests me, and the bass player in my all originals band is a rhythm guitarist too, so he and I may go check them out. I'm definitely interested in keys on a project like that. What questions should a person ask when deciding whether to accept a new project like this? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthoid Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 What does the gig pay? Seriously though... a few questions I'd ask: is this band you're interested in currently gigging? How often? Do they play out of town? Are they looking for other band members? What type of commitment are they looking for? When an eel hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's a Moray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opdigits Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 Along with the above q's: How long have they been together with present lineup (do they have issues with rotating band members)? Are they self contained (do they own their own PA, lights, how do they transport it, etc.)? How do they GET gigs? What type of gigs? In what type of venues? Is this a full time working band? What is their average income? What do they expect of YOU? As well as asking questions, do a lot of listening. Nobody told me there'd be days like these... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthoid Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 As well as asking questions, do a lot of listening. +1 Also good to watch the band set up and/or tear down to observe personality dynamics. When an eel hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's a Moray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig MacDonald Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 Very important one... How do they make decisions? Democratically, or does the leader make all the decisions? This is fundamental to how they will operate and there are advantages to both ways, IF the leader is reasonable and has good vision for the band, it can be nice not to worry about every little decision. On the other hand having no say in material or other decisions, can be frustrating.. Craig MacDonald Hammond BV, Franken-B (A100 in a BV cabinet), Leslies 122/147/44W, Crumar Mojo, HX3 module, Korg Kronos, VR-09, Roland GAIA, Burn, Ventilator Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Wright Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 What does the gig pay? What type of commitment are they looking for? "I cried when I wrote this song Sue me if I play too long" Walter Becker Donald Fagan 1977 Deacon Blues Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brettymike Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 Questions on commitment , how often , and how far out of town do they want to play are the most important. Then ask them what they do for day jobs to put food on the table . Brett. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brettymike Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 Many years ago I ended up disliking playing on Christmas Eve for one. Would rather be with my family. Brett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stillplaying Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 @post title. How good is your singer? Does everyone have their own equipment/transport? Anyone actually gigged in a band before? What tunes do you want me to learn for the first rehearsal where we get a look at each other? I'm the piano player "off of" Borrowed Books. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stillplaying Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 Then ask them what they do for day jobs to put food on the table Brett. Not sure about this. I've spent periods where my gigs fed us and paid the rent and periods where I've supplemented with other stuff. It's like the people at a well paid function gig who ask what you do for a living - the implication being that this doesn't pay well enough to feed you or (worse) you're clearing not good enough to make a living at this. So no. Don't ask that one. I'm the piano player "off of" Borrowed Books. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HammondDave Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 1. How often do you rehearse? 2. When you rehearse, do all your band members come to rehearsal with their parts already memorized? 3. Do you allow alcohol or drugs at rehearsals or gigs? And finally.... the most important question... 4. Who is schtooping the lead signer? '55 and '59 B3's; Leslies 147, 122, 21H; MODX 7+; NUMA Piano X 88; Motif XS7; Mellotrons M300 and M400’s; Wurlitzer 206; Gibson G101; Vox Continental; Mojo 61; Launchkey 88 Mk III; Korg Module; B3X; Model D6; Moog Model D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moj Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 1. Do I have to pay for rehearsal cost? Important to ask because... Rehearsal studios can be expensive. Splitting the cost, let's say $5 to $20 per person, will add up over time, but it might not matter to you. Unless rehearsing for months without any paying gigs may damper any optimistic views you have of the band. And, if you rehearse at a band members place and he hits you up for payment for 'cost-of-use-expense', then quit. I was in that situation with a good working band when the leader got greedy and wanted to make some extra cash. 4 of the 6 members quit, but he got new members who probably paid up and they continue to gig. Expect the leader to take a bigger cut at gigs, so for him asking for more money for use of his place is BS, imo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brettymike Posted October 13, 2013 Share Posted October 13, 2013 Then ask them what they do for day jobs to put food on the table Brett. Not sure about this. I've spent periods where my gigs fed us and paid the rent and periods where I've supplemented with other stuff. It's like the people at a well paid function gig who ask what you do for a living - the implication being that this doesn't pay well enough to feed you or (worse) you're clearing not good enough to make a living at this. So no. Don't ask that one. Of course I was only being Facetious with that one . Brett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brettymike Posted October 13, 2013 Share Posted October 13, 2013 1. Do I have to pay for rehearsal cost? Important to ask because... Rehearsal studios can be expensive. Splitting the cost, let's say $5 to $20 per person, will add up over time, but it might not matter to you. Unless rehearsing for months without any paying gigs may damper any optimistic views you have of the band. And, if you rehearse at a band members place and he hits you up for payment for 'cost-of-use-expense', then quit. I was in that situation with a good working band when the leader got greedy and wanted to make some extra cash. 4 of the 6 members quit, but he got new members who probably paid up and they continue to gig. Expect the leader to take a bigger cut at gigs, so for him asking for more money for use of his place is BS, imo. You've got to be kidding me , this really happened??... Brett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brettymike Posted October 13, 2013 Share Posted October 13, 2013 "Who is schtooping the lead signer?" What does that mean Dave?? Brett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HammondDave Posted October 13, 2013 Share Posted October 13, 2013 "Who is schtooping the lead signer?" What does that mean Dave?? Brett Brett... If you are going to be a regular on this forum, you need to get up to speed with your Yiddish Slang... ... [video:youtube] '55 and '59 B3's; Leslies 147, 122, 21H; MODX 7+; NUMA Piano X 88; Motif XS7; Mellotrons M300 and M400’s; Wurlitzer 206; Gibson G101; Vox Continental; Mojo 61; Launchkey 88 Mk III; Korg Module; B3X; Model D6; Moog Model D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CEB Posted October 13, 2013 Share Posted October 13, 2013 If this is a new unproven project I would not put a ton of credence in questions and answers beyond the obvious. It would be nice to know if the other players any verifiable band history. I tend to put emphasis on what former co-workers say. Music business is a relatively small community. "It doesn't have to be difficult to be cool" - Mitch Towne "A great musician can bring tears to your eyes!!! So can a auto Mechanic." - Stokes Hunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moonglow Posted October 13, 2013 Share Posted October 13, 2013 .....It would be nice to know if the other players any verifiable band history. +1 I almost joined an all-original band composed of very talented musicians, some of whom were well-established in the Chicago area. After our first rehearsal, I really liked our "product" but found myself questioning the commitment of the female bass player/background singer, who was a big part of the sound. She "said all of the right things" but I still had this unsure feeling in my gut. I ended up not joining the project and sure enough, found out she left about a month later. So it may be a good idea to get a feel for whether the musicians have demonstrated a history of participating in relatively longer-term projects or have jumped around from band to band. Of course, this information may also be predictive of their ability to get along with others and other "reliability" issues. "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Muscara Posted October 13, 2013 Share Posted October 13, 2013 If this is a new unproven project I would not put a ton of credence in questions and answers beyond the obvious. You make a good point. How many times has a band leader said they plan to have gigs or record an album by some date or some other grand plans and not even come close? Actual booked gigs or studio time is different. "I'm so crazy, I don't know this is impossible! Hoo hoo!" - Daffy Duck "The good news is that once you start piano you never have to worry about getting laid again. More time to practice!" - MOI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theo Verelst Posted October 13, 2013 Share Posted October 13, 2013 are they of some special persuation is/are the female singers good and good looking are they any good do they have interesting connections do you like the playing style is there something to learn (and for whom?) is there a financial picture (including costs for practice space and gas money) are there matching ambitions Of course most people in music can ask these questions. more than a few are (unlike me in this particular time) probably seasoned in it! T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brettymike Posted October 13, 2013 Share Posted October 13, 2013 "Who is schtooping the lead signer?" What does that mean Dave?? Brett Brett... If you are going to be a regular on this forum, you need to get up to speed with your Yiddish Slang... ... [video:youtube] Thanks Dave , I see! . I'm from a very different small Island with different speak . Brett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bossbandbob Posted October 14, 2013 Share Posted October 14, 2013 Is your drummer or lead guitar a mental case? Sorry, but I have already dealt with a couple. Seriously, band chemistry is really important to gage. You can have all the talent in the world but if just one member is allowed to upset the cart, it won't last. Hammonds:1959 M3,1961 A-101,Vent, 2 Leslies,VB3/Axiom, Casio WK-7500,Yamaha P50m Module/DGX-300 Gig rig:Casio PX-5S/Roland VR-09/Spacestation V3 http://www.petty-larceny-band.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outkaster Posted October 14, 2013 Share Posted October 14, 2013 1. DO they have members with bad addictions 2. Is there more than one guitarist 3. Do any of the members have sustainable lifestyles outside of music 4. Do they use music stands on stage 5. Does the drummer suck, tempo problems? 6. Do they respond to e-mails or texts 7. Any of them done jail time 8. Do they argue of pay at the end of the night 9. Do they all help in with load in and load outs 10.How many bands do the other members play in besides this project? "Danny, ci manchi a tutti. La E-Street Band non e' la stessa senza di te. Riposa in pace, fratello" noblevibes.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffLearman Posted October 14, 2013 Share Posted October 14, 2013 I think we're putting the cart before the horse. Before we know what questions to ask, we need to know what YOUR goals are. That drives the questions. Of course, a lot of questions above apply no matter what (i.e., does the drummer suck? but that's not a question to ask, that's a judgment to make.) So, help us help you, what kind of gig are you looking for? Are you a hobbyist with an unrelated career (like me) or are you looking for music to be your main gig? Do you want a few gigs a month or gig as much as possible? Does how much the gig pay matter to you? Do you expect to schlep your own gear, or do you expect to take advantage of a band van? Most importantly, what do you want out of this? Also,hHow much risk are you willing to take? For example, as a hobbyist, if I didn't have any other band going, I'd be willing to risk a total dud if the vibes were good with the music. I'd only be risking my time, and since I usually enjoy practice, that's not a big risk. But if I had a lot of other good alternatives lined up, then I'd be risking another good opportunity to take this one. If music was an important income source to me, time spent on a project that never hits would be time wasted. I know you've shared your situation with us before, but I confess I'm not good at remembering the back story for every board member. I'm doing well when I can remember my own, frankly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobadohshe Posted October 14, 2013 Share Posted October 14, 2013 Don't be too committal too soon. I always use hedging language in new situations like this. Don't sound overly indecisive, but don't dive in feet first before you've played a note with them. Kawai C-60 Grand Piano : Hammond A-100 : Hammond SK2 : Yamaha CP4 : Yamaha Montage 7 : Moog Sub 37 My latest album: Funky organ, huge horn section https://bobbycressey.bandcamp.com/album/cali-native Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HammondDave Posted October 14, 2013 Share Posted October 14, 2013 1. DO they have members with bad addictions 2. Is there more than one guitarist 3. Do any of the members have sustainable lifestyles outside of music 4. Do they use music stands on stage 5. Does the drummer suck, tempo problems? 6. Do they respond to e-mails or texts 7. Any of them done jail time 8. Do they argue of pay at the end of the night 9. Do they all help in with load in and load outs 10.How many bands do the other members play in besides this project? We may laugh at some of these, but you would be surprised... My best friend has a hugely popular classic rock band in South Florida. They gig two to three times a week for over the past fifteen years. One day the FBI showed up and arrested the lead signer for child pornography! He is now in prison for the next ten years. So maybe asking for police records would not be an unreasonable request.... Lol '55 and '59 B3's; Leslies 147, 122, 21H; MODX 7+; NUMA Piano X 88; Motif XS7; Mellotrons M300 and M400’s; Wurlitzer 206; Gibson G101; Vox Continental; Mojo 61; Launchkey 88 Mk III; Korg Module; B3X; Model D6; Moog Model D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outkaster Posted October 14, 2013 Share Posted October 14, 2013 I think we're putting the cart before the horse. Before we know what questions to ask, we need to know what YOUR goals are. That drives the questions. Of course, a lot of questions above apply no matter what (i.e., does the drummer suck? but that's not a question to ask, that's a judgment to make.) So, help us help you, what kind of gig are you looking for? Are you a hobbyist with an unrelated career (like me) or are you looking for music to be your main gig? Do you want a few gigs a month or gig as much as possible? Does how much the gig pay matter to you? Do you expect to schlep your own gear, or do you expect to take advantage of a band van? Most importantly, what do you want out of this? Also,hHow much risk are you willing to take? For example, as a hobbyist, if I didn't have any other band going, I'd be willing to risk a total dud if the vibes were good with the music. I'd only be risking my time, and since I usually enjoy practice, that's not a big risk. But if I had a lot of other good alternatives lined up, then I'd be risking another good opportunity to take this one. If music was an important income source to me, time spent on a project that never hits would be time wasted. I know you've shared your situation with us before, but I confess I'm not good at remembering the back story for every board member. I'm doing well when I can remember my own, frankly. I'm too old and all of those things I put in that list are things I have experienced even though some are funny. So I don't agree, I have no problem asking about other musicians because if you have to live with a bad drummer, you will get sick of it and it can grate on you after awhile. All of the things above, other than jail time maybe are appropriate to ask, it depends on the delivery. I would ask a potential band that. Most of the time I ended up auditioning the band I was trying to get into. "Danny, ci manchi a tutti. La E-Street Band non e' la stessa senza di te. Riposa in pace, fratello" noblevibes.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CEB Posted October 14, 2013 Share Posted October 14, 2013 If this is a new unproven project I would not put a ton of credence in questions and answers beyond the obvious. You make a good point. How many times has a band leader said they plan to have gigs or record an album by some date or some other grand plans and not even come close? Actual booked gigs or studio time is different. Yep. A lot of people talk a good game. Often the better game they talk the less they deliver. I am terrible about self deprication. I have turned a lot of people off at auditions by telling them I suck but I am dependible and I will do my best. But if I get to play it usually goes OK, probably because they are not expecting much. LOL! I hate to blow my own horn and I don't for care other people it doing either. I would starve if I worked in sales. "It doesn't have to be difficult to be cool" - Mitch Towne "A great musician can bring tears to your eyes!!! So can a auto Mechanic." - Stokes Hunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fusker Posted October 14, 2013 Share Posted October 14, 2013 Yeah, I learn the most by playing and observing at the audition. I'm taking this from the lens of joining a band. As Humans: Do they greet you? Do some members not greet or introduce themselves to you? Are they remotely conversational? Musically: How steady is the drummer? How loud is the drummer? Does the guitar player listen at all? Do you like the sound of the original tunes? Pretty basic, yet so fundamental, for me at least. Steinway L, Yamaha Motif XS-8, NE3 73, Casio PX-5S, iPad, EV ZLX 12-P ZZ(x2), bunch of PA stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky2 Posted October 14, 2013 Share Posted October 14, 2013 ... Do they greet you? Do some members not greet or introduce themselves to you? Are they remotely conversational?... That may sound a little strange, but I have been to several auditions where only one or two of the members were remotely conversational or outwardly friendly. Turned down the gigs. In each case I later got to see parts of performances and they acted the same on stage: no presence at all. I'll only play with people I like (as long as I can afford to turn down something else...) Mark "Think Pink Floyd are whiny old men? No Problem. Turn em off and enjoy the Miley Cyrus remix featuring Pitbull." - Cygnus64 Life is shorter than you think...make it count. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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