Audition question

invader3k · #1 09-23-2010, 06:51 AM

So our band (which is just myself and a guitarist currently), is starting the slow process of finding a drummer. I have had quite a few online inquiries already. Only downside is that a lot of people emailing me are from places that are 45 minutes away or more. I don't have a problem with that personally, but I'm always skeptical about what folks are willing to commit to.

Anyway, I had a guy email me who lives about 20 minutes from here. Has his own gear, been in bands, yadda yadda. OK, great!

I suggest we set up a time to get together in a couple weeks (I have some personal issues coming up that are going to put the band on a short hiatus). He emails me back asking if we can come out to his place "so he doesn't have to move his kit and gear."

For some reason this kind of ticks me off. It's our band, we both live in the same town. Why should we have to pack up and go to his place when he's the one auditioning?

What do you all think?

amosjones · #2 09-23-2010, 06:53 AM

I would go to his house. Drums can take a while to setup.

invader3k · #3 09-23-2010, 06:55 AM

I understand that, but so do bass and guitar amps, a PA, etc. I also told him we practice at the guitarist's house.

VonCakeman · #4 09-23-2010, 06:56 AM

Agreed. Having been in many bands, I usually try to rehearse where its most convenient for the drummer. Think about it...would you rather spend your time playing, or setting up and tearing down gear?

VonCakeman · #5 09-23-2010, 07:02 AM

after seeing your reply, I still stand by my opinion. Think of it this way: Setting up the guitar, bass amps, and pa are less complicated than setting up a drum kit. Also, all three of you can work on those things. You can't really help too much with setting up the drum kit because he's going to have to re-adjust any work that you do so his kit is set up the way he wants it to be.

Even if it's the same amount of work, think of 3 guys working on it instead of 1. Also, for a practice, there really isn't a need to bring huge amps and PAs. You can much more easily scale down the amount of stuff you need to set up than the drummer can. Bring your smaller amp if you have one. You can also probably get away with one PA speaker, etc.

invader3k · #6 09-23-2010, 07:06 AM

Keep in mind this isn't for a "practice", really. It's for an audition.

Uncle Snake · #7 09-23-2010, 07:06 AM

I'd go to his place. If he's some kind of freak he won't know where you live......

Frankjohnson · #8 09-23-2010, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Snake

I'd go to his place. If he's some kind of freak he won't know where you live......

And they were never heard from again........

(it puts the lotion on.......)

amosjones · #9 09-23-2010, 07:11 AM

My amp is on wheels, so It takes me less than 10 minutes to go from Vehicle to ready to play.

invader3k · #10 09-23-2010, 07:14 AM

It's not so much even the hassle of moving our stuff, it's the concept. If he's too lazy or unable to move his drum set for an audition for someone else's band, I have to wonder what kind of work ethic he'll show once he's actually IN the band.

DrSmaggs · #11 09-23-2010, 07:32 AM

At least at his place, he won't be able to say he's nervous or uncomfortable. Go there and see. This could be the start of a great relationship.

Some of the best people are quirky as hell.

Skitch it! · #12 09-23-2010, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by invader3k

It's not so much even the hassle of moving our stuff, it's the concept. If he's too lazy or unable to move his drum set for an audition for someone else's band, I have to wonder what kind of work ethic he'll show once he's actually IN the band.

I agree, it usually works in the prospective guy showing up to your audition, indicating his level of interest IME, but I will say, it sounds to me more for the sake of convenience, moving a couple of amps (you don't a large setup for this, as related in posts above) is less of a pain than setup/takedown/transport of a kit, I wouldn't give it a miss because of the situation you describe, he may be exactly what your looking for, or may not?.

bassbully · #13 09-23-2010, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by invader3k

So our band (which is just myself and a guitarist currently), is starting the slow process of finding a drummer. I have had quite a few online inquiries already. Only downside is that a lot of people emailing me are from places that are 45 minutes away or more. I don't have a problem with that personally, but I'm always skeptical about what folks are willing to commit to.

Anyway, I had a guy email me who lives about 20 minutes from here. Has his own gear, been in bands, yadda yadda. OK, great!

I suggest we set up a time to get together in a couple weeks (I have some personal issues coming up that are going to put the band on a short hiatus). He emails me back asking if we can come out to his place "so he doesn't have to move his kit and gear."

For some reason this kind of ticks me off. It's our band, we both live in the same town. Why should we have to pack up and go to his place when he's the one auditioning?

What do you all think?

Drummers are kinda like that since they have to haul all that gear..seen this before. In a few bands I have been in it always was the drummer who had control of practice places if they had one kit. It was not a problem if they had two kits.

Since you are asking this person to audition keep it on your terms and ask them to come to you. If they want the gig they will.

MNAirHead · #14 09-23-2010, 08:50 AM

IF he's any good, he wont' want to move his gear.

I have a rule in our band... DRUMMER setup first.. everyone helps him.. THEN PA.. then personal stuff.

AXIOMS: Guitarists practice stuff that rarely is used... sound techs repair cords...... bassists obsess over stuff that folks can't hear.. volcalists live in the clouds ... and drummers cary gear.

I'd hate to be a drummer if only the gear hauling.

=====

OPINION---
Tell him you'll meet him the first time.. then ask if he'll leave a 2nd set at your practice space.

NOAH_FX · #15 09-23-2010, 09:01 AM

We'll it was a request right? he asked if it would be alright so he dosent have to tear it down. Think of it from his perspective, hes auditioning YOU too. My drummer has like 5 toms alone.. For him to tear it down, bring it to your place, set it up, to tear it down bring it home and set it up again.. Is alot of work.. Especially if you can just bring 2 practice amp's and your fiddles.. And if he cant tone it down a bit so your heard over the drum's we'll.. maybe the audition SHOULD end their :P

73jbass · #16 09-23-2010, 09:04 AM

If he'll make the drive,I dont see why it's an issue. I'm 45 minuties from my rehearsal space,and the guitarist is over an hour. If they are commited to the project,they will do it.

LaklandBass · #17 09-23-2010, 09:12 AM

Find an hourly rehearsal place nearby. Equipment is provided. He'll bring his pedal and sticks.... youll bring your bass.

Passinwind · #18 09-23-2010, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by invader3k

It's not so much even the hassle of moving our stuff, it's the concept. If he's too lazy or unable to move his drum set for an audition for someone else's band, I have to wonder what kind of work ethic he'll show once he's actually IN the band.

He could easily be wondering the same thing about you. You don't actually have a band yet in any case, right? Or did you have a drummer previously?

That said, I think your concerns are quite valid.

skwee · #19 09-23-2010, 09:29 AM

You could also consider it an audition of the rehearsal space, if it works out with him.

JimmyM · #20 09-23-2010, 09:39 AM

why should they go to the drummer? the drummer called them.