Criteria for joining band?

[Da LadY In Red]

Hi guys, I haven't been here in a long time (been lurking again since getting back into music).

Anyways, I have 2 auditions (1 down) and wanted to know what your criteria is for joining a band?

1 band is hard/alt rock, has a solid following and is into the scene. They're about to release a new cd, but I didn't really find the drummer to be strong (he told me he couldn't really hear me cuz he's all about the guitars but that I didn't hear me play anything wrong).

On the other hand, the other band is a prog rock band that seems to be making solid moves as well.

So, how would you make your choice?

 

[Elsie8687]

Which one pays the most? No, seriously -- I would have a hard time putting up with a drummer that "can't really hear" the bass player because "he's all about guitars." Unless he changes that attitude, every practice and gig will be your own private battle of the bands.......Call me silly, but I think of my drummer and me as team within a team....

 

[zachoff]

Mine criteria are basically...
#1 - Do I like the music?
#2 - Are the guys grounded, intelligent, and people I'd hang out with outside of the band?
#3 - Are they going to be alright with my inability to tour & only play local shows?

 

[SMILEYSIXX]

The prog band. I couldn't play with a drummer who didn't listen to the bass and was "all about the guitars".

 

[allexcosta]

The one that rehearses less, pays more and plays more times per week.

 

[Stumbo]

Good hang?
Good money?
Good music?

At least two have to be there. Obviously three is best.

 

[Munjibunga]

"... criteria are ..."

 

[Evil Undead]

Prog. The drummer in the scene band would put me off instantly.

Plus I'd learn more in a prog band I think.

 

[jay tay]

1. Do I like the music?
2. Are the other musicians the kind of people that I can have positive/personal/professional relationships with?
3. Are the other musicians on the same page with me, and each other, about how much commitment they can/want to put into the band?

and I'd need the answer to be yes to all three questions to join and commit to a band.

I'd accept one yes, for either question one or two, to play with a band... but I see that is different to joining a band!

Question three only comes into play, if I'm considering committing to the band.

 

[Plays_For_Dog]

I'd vote prog too based off the info given. The drummer in the established band seems to be focusing on the wrong section.

 

[Icey101]

which one has management and more gigs lined up

 

[kevteop]

Bands are only ever as good as their drummers, unfortunately.

 

[CinneaghBass]

"NEXT" on the first band. I wouldn't want the aggravation because when I have experienced that, it turned into hierarchical mumbo-jumbo.

See how the second band audition goes and keep your options open until you commit.

 

[jay loren]

If you can't connect with the drummer, forget it.
IMHO, drums and bass are the foundation of a rock band and have to work as a team.

 

[the yeti]

Good hang?
Good money?
Good music?

At least two have to be there. Obviously three is best.

there's the "perfect" answer.

 

[MNAirHead]

Are they sellable.. cool... and professional

I don't care about format -- just that they're marketable.

 

[Fiset]

Chemistry...musical and personal. I'll know if the chemistry is right for me by the time we get to the chorus of the first song we play together (assuming we've had some sort of interaction leading up to the jam). After that, its all about matching goals. Nothing is more frustrating for me than playing with guys who have an entirely different set of musical goals.

 

[Dead Boy]

The one that
a) doesnt need you to fork out cash
b)pays you (or splits money made)
c) has the best musical direction that is in the same direction as your musical goals.
and last but not least
d) whichever band is more FUN. Seriously, if your not having fun its not worth it.

 

[ghiadub]

That Drummer should have been slapped upside the head right away for making a comment like that. If you slap him now he would be confused as to why he is being punished.

Better just to go with the prog band. OTOH, if the drummer was just having a moment, you could join both bands.

 

[bassphreak]

Good hang?
Good money?
Good music?

At least two have to be there. Obviously three is best.

Simple rule yet completely effective and why I stick with my band. Good hang and good music are prime for me. The money comes from my day job