Subject: RE: Band Etiquette Question - Am I a prat?
From:
GUEST,Sliptrack
Date: 27 Mar 05 - 09:40 AM
RichM:-
My comments were based on the opening facts of the Topic referring to the splitting up of the payment for gigs etc. and I directed my comments to the leader of a semi-pro band.
To reply to your comments (which I take in the manner they were written and with no offence taken or given - hopefully)
Amateur musicians who invest time and energy in a band do not always have the luxury of selecting first rate musicians
The band is not what I would call "amateur" - as for talent, I have found a great amount of talent out there in people who play at sessions, floor spots and just in their bedrooms, it's the recruitment of such people that leads to good if not great bands and not band members made up of wanna be's and friends (though this can work if they have the perseverance to learn their trade). GIGO
Any product put out for sale should be worthy of purchase, I have seen many bands over the years get a bad name by being too quick in offering themselves for paid gigs when they weren't ready.
As important to me as giving a first rate performance, is allowing aspiring performer of lesser levels to be immersed in a performance situation, and learn from mistakes, and progress in their abilities.
In part I will agree, but it does depend on where you are playing, sessions, freebee gigs and practises are the place to involve potential members, and only when they are capable of becoming full time members of the band should they be put on the payroll/line-up - If their involvement is in ratio to their ability e.g. the whistle player can play a couple of tunes well, guest them for those numbers, and expand from there. It's not fair to inflict an incompetent member on a paying audience or put that pressure on other members of the band.
One also has to look back to the purpose of the band: Was it to perform at an already outstanding level? Or to encourage and allow amateurs of lesser experience to progress
Again I say "Horses for Courses" - If I had hired the band and they were playing/singing out of tune, I would not have been happy! if it was a freebee or in a session, I wouldn't have been impressed or consider hiring the band.
I do feel Guest UKTed was not really serious when posting, as he was well aware of the action he'd taken and the reasons why, and was only looking for support for his actions. He set up the band, he recruited the musicians, he supplied the PA and bookings and he decided on the split from the revenue.
If he wants a good band he needs to rethink, or start again setting up his rules for the start e.g..
Recruit competent or potential members (then work with them to gain a tight sound)
Practice and arrange the music and sets.
Then when they're ready, use his ability to get gigs that are within their capability (if they only have 8-10 good songs/tunes there's no point in doing a whole night, far better doing one spot well, than two or three with lots of mistakes).
Inform all the members before accepting gigs, how the money from the gigs will be apportioned, e.g. money for agents fee, travelling cost, PA use, etc to be taken out first the rest then split equally.
Ensure everyone is available for the gig and will not let him down unless impossible to avoid reason, and what will happen if they do let him down.
Running a professional band is just like running a business and should be treated as such.
I may sound harsh but note I am talking about professional and semi professional bands who expect to get paid for making music, not friends having a thrash around and making music just for fun or a few beers down the local.
Good luck UKTed, with finding members of your band that are willing to put the time and energy into getting it right and lay your cards on the table from the start along with you mission statement
Sliptrack
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sj
