The ol' drummer auditions

MatticusMania · #1 12-17-2009, 11:41 AM

So, our band has been without a dedicated drummer for almost 2 months now. We had to kick out our last two as they flaked on gigs, and thats a big no-no.

Last night we auditioned two guys. One has previously played with our two synth players. The other was a random from craigslist. Both were really cool guys, but the craigslist dude just didnt bring the energy our music needs. The other guy, Jim (who knows our synth players) was pretty good. He'll be playing with us this Friday night at our gig.

Now, I have 2, actually 3 other drummers Ive talked to who want to jam with us. Im going to suggest that, altough Jim may be a good fit for the band, we try them out as well. I'd really like to get the best possible fit for the band.

We're an improv band, but we have a few jams that we're turning into songs. It was cool to hear two different takes on the same song.

Whats your opinion on trying out 2 drummers at the same time? Well, obviously not at the same time, but you know what I mean.

**jmattbassplaya** · #2 12-17-2009, 01:39 PM

Don`t see any reason why not. If the current guy is only a decent-at-best fit then you owe it to yourselves to try everyone out that you can until you find someone that meshes with everyone very well.

electracoyote · #3 12-17-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

Whats your opinion on trying out 2 drummers at the same time? Well, obviously not at the same time, but you know what I mean.

Auditioning drummers is the bane of my existence. I'd rather have a root canal, no kidding. I guess I've spent too much time auditioning mediocre and bad drummers. In fact, I just dropped out of Band #2 because the drummer quit and I didn't want to be part of the process of replacing him. One band will do just fine for awhile.

You have nothing to lose since you're already satisfied with Jim. If you actually ended up with two drummers you could be happy with, I would be utterly amazed.

dkelley · #4 12-17-2009, 01:48 PM

as long as Jim is aware that you're doing it and why you're doing it and that he's aware that you do like his playing and so on.

don't forget, drummers are musicians too... even though they bash things for a living they still care about what they do and have egos that need massaging once in a while.

For me I always prefer full disclosure as soon as anyone I work for/with has made up any type of opinion of me, positive or negative. If negative then it gives me something to work out with the other person(s). If positive then it builds my confidence and makes me feel like an equal instead of a hired hand.

PinkFloydDan · #5 12-17-2009, 01:56 PM

My band is auditioning for a drummer, too. We have had drummers come in on the same day. I don't see what the problem is with it

StyleOverShow · #6 12-17-2009, 01:57 PM

Dude if you could do one set "live" with one, and then the next set with the other you would know what they are made of 'under pressure'. But a little risky as nerves will play against both of them.

Did you notice/like the footwork or snare hand of any of them over the others?

-richard

Commreman · #7 12-17-2009, 02:06 PM

What we have done is set up a couple of days of drummer auditions at a centrally located rehearsal studio with a kit in place. All drummers must come prepared with the same tunes that we dictate, and can pick one other from the list. We record (both video and audio) each audition to refer back to later. We bring in 4 to 5 guys on any given audition night, at different times. Each knows that they are competing for the spot. Guys who get through the first day are invited to come back for the second. We then narrow it down and interview the guys who get through the first round to see if we are dealing with psychos, booze, drugs, understand their gig and band history, and overall experience level. Each guy must provide us with references as well. I know that this sounds like a job interview, but in reality, it is!

Our current drummer is a great story. I knew him from 17 years ago, when I subbed for his band on about a dozen dates. We killed together on those gigs, and I hadn't seen him since then. About 14 months ago, I got called to do a session, and he was on it! I ran into him again three days later in of all places Sam's Club. I let him know that we were auditioning drummers, and how were were going about it. He was very cool with the process. He came in and beat out seven other guys who also were auditioning for the spot.

You should always video and record auditions. You will pick up things that weren't apparent in the live situation. If a guy can't handle that little bit of pressure, it's a sure thing that they will crumble on a gig. Also, by letting everyone know in advance what is expected in terms of tunes, it will give you a clue as to how well they will prepare, and what to expect in terms of dedication should they land the gig.

MatticusMania · #8 12-17-2009, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkelley

as long as Jim is aware that you're doing it and why you're doing it and that he's aware that you do like his playing and so on.

don't forget, drummers are musicians too... even though they bash things for a living they still care about what they do and have egos that need massaging once in a while.

For me I always prefer full disclosure as soon as anyone I work for/with has made up any type of opinion of me, positive or negative. If negative then it gives me something to work out with the other person(s). If positive then it builds my confidence and makes me feel like an equal instead of a hired hand.

Yeah, afterwards I let Jim know that I really enjoyed playing with him, and we did ask him to do Fridays gig with us, which he agreed to. Thats not a definite in for him, and I told the band that we really need to try out the other guys I've talked to before making any decisions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by StyleOverShow

Dude if you could do one set "live" with one, and then the next set with the other you would know what they are made of 'under pressure'. But a little risky as nerves will play against both of them.

Did you notice/like the footwork or snare hand of any of them over the others?

-richard

Yeah, I could see how that could create a little bit of pressure, but I see it in a positive way. Drummer #2 (Vic) definitely didnt hold up well after watching Jim jam with us. Putting Jim back on the kit afterwards really brought back the energy.

I didnt really notice in particular and foot/snare work to make me favor one over the other. What I was looking for more was how well each drummer captured the feel and worked within each jam. Jim was much more dynamic while Vic's playing fell sort of flat for me.