Music Matters! Picking your band members and learning to work together

This week we will talk about bands, picking your band members and learning to work with each other on a set common goal.

First of all once you decide what instrumentation you want to use in your cover or original band, start by local musicians and people from your town. This will make rehearsals easier. You can use free advertisements in the back of local papers or The Aquarian, The Rocker, Steppin out, local music stores like Sam Ash or Guitar Center.

Use the Internet with sites Band Mix, The Mode, Craigslist be specific about the area so you don't get calls from people who are to far because 9 out of 10 time they will get sick of coming to reheasal.

Advertise for exactly what you are looking for, this is crucial because each musician or entertainer has their own idea of what a band for their career would be. The idea here is to get like minds together this way the chance of conflict will be reduced with your group. It is very important to remember that thinking that you can change someones minds or dreams is a very bad mistake. The way a person comes in is the way they will leave. The idea here is to nip it in the bud.

One more thing, don't settle for someone who isn't up to par with the rest of the group or else you will be waiting a long time for them to catch up. Of course the star guy who is the greatest can be the biggest problem in the act and the guy who is really trying may become your star player.

So weigh it out according to dedication, love for your project and willingness to be a part of the group and not a loner. It is important to have similar goals and dream. Put together long, medium and short term goals.

Give it within the next six months, a year and for the future. Try to achieve each goal to the best of your abilities.

The band should have one leader and this person should represent the band's voice. Rarely does anyone want to deal with a group of people when making decision. Pick your leader wisely, make sure he/she is diplomatic, strong in character and takes charge of situations. Everyone supports them. If there is a problem or conflict have a closed meeting with just the members and discuss it.  

You don't leave the room until it is resolved and all members are happy. This is so important because I saw many a group started behind the backs or Tyrant leaders.   The biggest reason's bands don't succeed is because of internal conflict. Small problems will become big problems eventually.

Drugs and Alcohol should not be involved in the organization! It will eventually cause random arguments, unclear thinking, musicians who don't show up, horrible practices (of course the person under the influence thinks they are a music gods!) And if you think I'm kidding....go for it! Put the fire out now! Much luck to your success!

If anyone has questions or  issues that need to be discussed please contact me because Music Matters!    

Until next time. Joey