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Choosing band members

#26
tbasstreble11 said:
Good point - I hadn't even factored the brother into that context
Click to expand...
I could also see the brother potentially being a stabilizing influence on the couple relationship. But who knows, it's impossible to predict. Three complete strangers can have a volatile working relationship. Whatever the dynamic is it will become obvious once you play together.
 
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#27
tbasstreble11 said:
I'll try to be brief and list the details -

Originals band
I've written and produced the set
I'm playing rhythm guitar and singing
Pop rock genre (post punk)
Simple guitars, melodic (Mcartney, Jamerson) style bass
Drums and bass need to do the heavy lifting to sell the songs
Have been through 3 lead guitarists that couldn't cope with the funk feel of a lot of the parts
Had a drummer that complained about the feel of the bass player (a guitarist I was teaching the bass parts) and eventually lost interest
Disbanded
Now, new potential lineup…

I want musicians who can play the parts easily so that I can let go of them and they can develop them on their own.

A guitarist was introduced to me who I vibe with and communicate musically and personally very well. He can play the songs in his sleep. He's in, however - he's beyond pushy to include his girlfriend on bass. She's played before in bands playing very simple stuff and after jamming with them it was clear she doesn't have the chops to play this stuff. Not to say she couldn't learn it, god knows she's keen and practicing (the more straight lines, not touching the funkier stuff) but how long that will take is a complete unknown. The bassist needs to be the strongest player in this band for my mind (actually in all bands!).

Lead guitarist has also tagged in his mrs brother - highly trained jazz drummer - he's in based on that if he likes the songs. I've heard his drumming on simple blue and he has great feel.

I know a bassist I want to use who I know is capable and the best bass player available- he's a bit flakey but I'm not worried about that yet. Lead guitarist tells me due to family commitments the drummer will only play (be allowed to play) if his sister (bass) is involved. I'm willing to cop that and find another drummer if I get the bassist I want. At the moment all serious rehearsal has been on hold for months for her to learn her parts, rather than us all getting together to jam and see how we vibe and flesh things out. Lead assures me he's in regardless, but keeps pushing for his mrs to be in. It's all out in the open, which makes me think I need to exclude her soon because I don't want to lead her on. Personally I think lead guy is blind to/ignoring her playing deficiencies - a precedent I don't want repeating through the course of this band. I want everyone to be able to communicate musically for themselves to work through things and don't want one person speaking or compensating for another. My first instinct when he mentioned her was to veto it instantly because they're a couple - I've left bands in the past because of the dynamic that sets up, but it's awkward to have to explain that to him.

Reasons to persist with her involved would be - I have a full, keen, lineup if I do - she is keen, and I can teach - her playing deficiencies may actually be an asset to me producing the band as I see it because she'll play what I've written (I'm first and foremost a bass player and these songs showcase the bass parts)

Cons would be - we find she isn't capable of getting up to speed and thus waste time and cause resentment down the line - all the couple issues that could arise - power imbalance in the band instead of everyone speaking and playing for themselves - may have to find another drummer and we all know they don't grow on trees :S

Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Has anyone suggested... Fire the drummer?
 
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#29
tbasstreble11 said:
I'll try to be brief and list the details -

Originals band
I've written and produced the set
I'm playing rhythm guitar and singing
Pop rock genre (post punk)
Simple guitars, melodic (Mcartney, Jamerson) style bass
Drums and bass need to do the heavy lifting to sell the songs
Have been through 3 lead guitarists that couldn't cope with the funk feel of a lot of the parts
Had a drummer that complained about the feel of the bass player (a guitarist I was teaching the bass parts) and eventually lost interest
Disbanded
Now, new potential lineup…

I want musicians who can play the parts easily so that I can let go of them and they can develop them on their own.

A guitarist was introduced to me who I vibe with and communicate musically and personally very well. He can play the songs in his sleep. He's in, however - he's beyond pushy to include his girlfriend on bass. She's played before in bands playing very simple stuff and after jamming with them it was clear she doesn't have the chops to play this stuff. Not to say she couldn't learn it, god knows she's keen and practicing (the more straight lines, not touching the funkier stuff) but how long that will take is a complete unknown. The bassist needs to be the strongest player in this band for my mind (actually in all bands!).

Lead guitarist has also tagged in his mrs brother - highly trained jazz drummer - he's in based on that if he likes the songs. I've heard his drumming on simple blue and he has great feel.

I know a bassist I want to use who I know is capable and the best bass player available- he's a bit flakey but I'm not worried about that yet. Lead guitarist tells me due to family commitments the drummer will only play (be allowed to play) if his sister (bass) is involved. I'm willing to cop that and find another drummer if I get the bassist I want. At the moment all serious rehearsal has been on hold for months for her to learn her parts, rather than us all getting together to jam and see how we vibe and flesh things out. Lead assures me he's in regardless, but keeps pushing for his mrs to be in. It's all out in the open, which makes me think I need to exclude her soon because I don't want to lead her on. Personally I think lead guy is blind to/ignoring her playing deficiencies - a precedent I don't want repeating through the course of this band. I want everyone to be able to communicate musically for themselves to work through things and don't want one person speaking or compensating for another. My first instinct when he mentioned her was to veto it instantly because they're a couple - I've left bands in the past because of the dynamic that sets up, but it's awkward to have to explain that to him.

Reasons to persist with her involved would be - I have a full, keen, lineup if I do - she is keen, and I can teach - her playing deficiencies may actually be an asset to me producing the band as I see it because she'll play what I've written (I'm first and foremost a bass player and these songs showcase the bass parts)

Cons would be - we find she isn't capable of getting up to speed and thus waste time and cause resentment down the line - all the couple issues that could arise - power imbalance in the band instead of everyone speaking and playing for themselves - may have to find another drummer and we all know they don't grow on trees :S

Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

Bad news. Run away. You let that guitarist get his lady and her brother in the band and it's no longer your project. Period. Guitar player can't be THAT good. Guitar players are everywhere.

Tell him you choose the members. If he can't deal with that, he can move along.

This will. Not. Work. Period. You've been warned.
 
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#30
two fingers said:
Bad news. Run away. You let that guitarist get his lady and her brother in the band and it's no longer your project. Period. Guitar player can't be THAT good. Guitar players are everywhere.

Tell him you choose the members. If he can't deal with that, he can move along.

This will. Not. Work. Period. You've been warned.
Click to expand...

This was my gut feeling about it, I was trying to not be a prick and let things flow but usually when ignore my gut I come unstuck. It occurs to me now I should suggest they start a band that suits them, all they need is a singer.
 
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#33
The writing is on the wall with this one. It's not an absolute certainty this will end poorly, all things end. There is a huge chance this won't even get out of the starting blocks. Not even formed yet and one member is laying ultimatums, guitarist will only play if his girlfriend can play and he's holding the drummer over your head as well (if I understand correctly). Walk away from this one. Keep looking for your new lineup.
 
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#34
So you've got a boyfriend-girlfriend situation, with all sorts of possible problems that could arise, but might not.
Then you have a drummer, who's the girlfriends brother and only allowed to join (by the family) if she's in the band? What sort of family are you dealing with here and what potential issues does that add to the already complex mix?

Look it could all work out perfectly, the girlfriend becomes a great bassist, her and guitarist don't break up, (or try and take over) the family lets the girl and her brother do their own thing and stays out of the picture and none of them come up with any ideas to alter or "improve" your songs and they don't out vote you on anything, ever.

Do you feel lucky?

Seriously though, only you can decide if this has the potential to work out OK. You are the one interacting with these people face to face, we're all just guessing to a certain degree. Or, remembering and relaying our own past band mate experiences.

If it works, it sounds like you have a great guitarist, competent drummer and bass player with enthusiasm and potential. Maybe give it a few rehearsals and see if it all seems to be working out.
 
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#35
tbasstreble11 said:
I'll try to be brief and list the details -

Originals band
I've written and produced the set
I'm playing rhythm guitar and singing
Pop rock genre (post punk)
Simple guitars, melodic (Mcartney, Jamerson) style bass
Drums and bass need to do the heavy lifting to sell the songs
Have been through 3 lead guitarists that couldn't cope with the funk feel of a lot of the parts
Had a drummer that complained about the feel of the bass player (a guitarist I was teaching the bass parts) and eventually lost interest
Disbanded
Now, new potential lineup…

I want musicians who can play the parts easily so that I can let go of them and they can develop them on their own.

A guitarist was introduced to me who I vibe with and communicate musically and personally very well. He can play the songs in his sleep. He's in, however - he's beyond pushy to include his girlfriend on bass. She's played before in bands playing very simple stuff and after jamming with them it was clear she doesn't have the chops to play this stuff. Not to say she couldn't learn it, god knows she's keen and practicing (the more straight lines, not touching the funkier stuff) but how long that will take is a complete unknown. The bassist needs to be the strongest player in this band for my mind (actually in all bands!).

Lead guitarist has also tagged in his mrs brother - highly trained jazz drummer - he's in based on that if he likes the songs. I've heard his drumming on simple blue and he has great feel.

I know a bassist I want to use who I know is capable and the best bass player available- he's a bit flakey but I'm not worried about that yet. Lead guitarist tells me due to family commitments the drummer will only play (be allowed to play) if his sister (bass) is involved. I'm willing to cop that and find another drummer if I get the bassist I want. At the moment all serious rehearsal has been on hold for months for her to learn her parts, rather than us all getting together to jam and see how we vibe and flesh things out. Lead assures me he's in regardless, but keeps pushing for his mrs to be in. It's all out in the open, which makes me think I need to exclude her soon because I don't want to lead her on. Personally I think lead guy is blind to/ignoring her playing deficiencies - a precedent I don't want repeating through the course of this band. I want everyone to be able to communicate musically for themselves to work through things and don't want one person speaking or compensating for another. My first instinct when he mentioned her was to veto it instantly because they're a couple - I've left bands in the past because of the dynamic that sets up, but it's awkward to have to explain that to him.

Reasons to persist with her involved would be - I have a full, keen, lineup if I do - she is keen, and I can teach - her playing deficiencies may actually be an asset to me producing the band as I see it because she'll play what I've written (I'm first and foremost a bass player and these songs showcase the bass parts)

Cons would be - we find she isn't capable of getting up to speed and thus waste time and cause resentment down the line - all the couple issues that could arise - power imbalance in the band instead of everyone speaking and playing for themselves - may have to find another drummer and we all know they don't grow on trees :S

Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Why don't you play bass, if that's what you are first? Girl/boyfriends sharing a band can be awkward. Bandmates getting on as friends is a must for me.
 
#37
OK, I'm going to extremes here, but...

Scenario 1: They all get on really well.
How it works out: They conspire against you and out-vote you on every band decision. Suddenly your songs are rearranged as polkas and they will only play gigs that finish by 4pm so the bass player can get to her waitressing job.

Scenario 2: They don't get on really well.
How it works out: The couple have an argument and you spend a month where the rhythm section are yelling at each other after every song, before they finally split up and the drummer quits an hour before a gig.

Scenario 3: What usually happens.
How it works out: The bass player falls for you, and the drummer goes ballistic and destroys all your gear in a jealous rage.
 
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#39
Minimalist said:
It sounds a bit like you are looking for musicians to play your arrangements, not the songs. You either need to hire people and pay them to do just that. Or you pick individuals andet then interpret your songs and hopefully you create magic.

Imo yiu need to rethink your approach.
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As I stated in the original post, I want musicians who are capable that I can let do what they want to do with the songs.
 
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#40
Update: bass player not happy I want to try another bassist as well as her, so she's dipped out. She spoke to the drummer and he's out, as he was keen on a family thing. Other bassist I want to play with us keen to jam this week, guitarist still in, keeping eyes open for a drummer now. I'm happy with the outcome now rather than later. Onward we go :whistle:
 
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