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Dear TB - Why can't we seem to find a drummer?

M

MrMcHaggis

Apr 29, 2011
110
2
Miami (IMAIM), Florida
#1
Hey TB, I hope I posted this in the right thread (I figured it was this or Bass Humor/Gig stories, thought this was a wee bit more appropriate)

See, my band seems to have a bit of an issue finding drummers. We'll ask around, check out music stores, online postings (craigslist, band mix) talk to people that we have been suggested, etc. But quite frankly no one seems to take things too seriously.

Normally we show them our first single/video (song by the name of "While The Lights Are Out") and from there they're usually interested to hearing more of our songs. At this point I try not to get too excited as I send them our other single "Sympathy for the Judge" and a couple of other unreleased tracks of ours (of same recording quality).

It's after I show them the extra tracks that I can't, for the life of me, get a response out of them. I'll call, email, text, facebook, yet nothing. They go from "Gung-ho" to "Hell-no" it seems.

Now, just to rule this factor out, I'm in no way harsh or critical, I keep an open mind and realize we probably may not find someone who replicates our old drummer's style, and I'm more than ok with that.

A few of my friends say that they may be intimidated by our old drummers playing (it's a metal band, and he uses double-pedal approaching the point of excess). I do try to explain to them in email that they don't have to play it exactly like that (or that we're looking to change up the drum style)

Yet, no luck. Does this happen to any of you guys? Or am I just having this unlucky streak? Do you have any drummer-seeking tips?

Thanks a million, TB!

P.S. For the curious, the songs in question can be seen/heard here: ‪OfficialIMAIM's Channel‬‏ - YouTube
 
#2
MrMcHaggis said:
It's after I show them the extra tracks that I can't, for the life of me, get a response out of them. I'll call, email, text, facebook, yet nothing. They go from "Gung-ho" to "Hell-no" it seems.
Click to expand...

Do you have a link to the "extra tracks"? Maybe this is a sign that most of the metal drummers really dislike your other material...it's hard to say without asking them, but being able to compare the 2 songs on Youtube to the other tracks would be helpful...

The band I'm in was without a bass player for a few years, and honestly if I had heard some of the songs I would've passed on them. The ones they sent me were just good enough for me to join (not that they weren't good, but just not my thing). After being in the band for a while we re-wrote each and every song and I love them now.

Maybe just give them the 2 songs, have a practice with them going over that material and just jamming, then give them the rest of the material and tell them nothing's set in stone?
 
#3
I thought maybe your other songs might just suck, but I can see how a drummer could be intimidated.

Are all the songs that demanding on the drummer?

Are you expecting to play this stuff out, or just record, ‘cause to do that live song-after-song would take some incredible stamina.

Or maybe they didn’t notice the “NoDough” productions first time around… ;)
 
#7
Yeah, all songs are similar in demand, but I try to explain to potential drummers that it doesnt have to be played just like that, we're actually looking to change up the drum style a little.

One gent had the decency to tell us that it was too difficult for him to play. No one else even seems to give us any sort of response. At all.

As far as our old drummer, he has serious responsibility/punctuality issues and a worsening drug problem. This at the age of 15.
 
#10
MrMcHaggis said:
Yeah, all songs are similar in demand, but I try to explain to potential drummers that it doesnt have to be played just like that, we're actually looking to change up the drum style a little.

One gent had the decency to tell us that it was too difficult for him to play. No one else even seems to give us any sort of response. At all.

As far as our old drummer, he has serious responsibility/punctuality issues and a worsening drug problem. This at the age of 15.
Click to expand...

Really? So the reason people aren't responding is because the material is too difficult? :scowl:
 
#11
MrMcHaggis said:
Hey TB, I hope I posted this in the right thread (I figured it was this or Bass Humor/Gig stories, thought this was a wee bit more appropriate)

See, my band seems to have a bit of an issue finding drummers. We'll ask around, check out music stores, online postings (craigslist, band mix) talk to people that we have been suggested, etc. But quite frankly no one seems to take things too seriously.

Normally we show them our first single/video (song by the name of "While The Lights Are Out") and from there they're usually interested to hearing more of our songs. At this point I try not to get too excited as I send them our other single "Sympathy for the Judge" and a couple of other unreleased tracks of ours (of same recording quality).

It's after I show them the extra tracks that I can't, for the life of me, get a response out of them. I'll call, email, text, facebook, yet nothing. They go from "Gung-ho" to "Hell-no" it seems.

Now, just to rule this factor out, I'm in no way harsh or critical, I keep an open mind and realize we probably may not find someone who replicates our old drummer's style, and I'm more than ok with that.

A few of my friends say that they may be intimidated by our old drummers playing (it's a metal band, and he uses double-pedal approaching the point of excess). I do try to explain to them in email that they don't have to play it exactly like that (or that we're looking to change up the drum style)

Yet, no luck. Does this happen to any of you guys? Or am I just having this unlucky streak? Do you have any drummer-seeking tips?

Thanks a million, TB!

P.S. For the curious, the songs in question can be seen/heard here: ‪OfficialIMAIM's Channel‬‏ - YouTube
Click to expand...


This is happening to our band right now. We have been trying to get a decent drummer on board, but have been having a run of bad luck. Don't know what to tell ya except keep checking CL, musician sites, etc. and putting the word out. Best of luck.
 
#12
TF Ghost said:
Really? So the reason people aren't responding is because the material is too difficult? :scowl:
Click to expand...

Seems like it. Or maybe they don't like the music? (That's actually our second guess) but you think people would have the decency to reply.

Although maybe Colcifer is right, I could be expecting too much. Such a shame.


baileyboy said:
This is happening to our band right now. We have been trying to get a decent drummer on board, but have been having a run of bad luck. Don't know what to tell ya except keep checking CL, musician sites, etc. and putting the word out. Best of luck.
Click to expand...

Seems there's nothing else we can do, eh? Thanks and best of luck to you too
 
#14
MrMcHaggis said:
Seems like it. Or maybe they don't like the music? (That's actually our second guess) but you think people would have the decency to reply.

Although maybe Colcifer is right, I could be expecting too much. Such a shame.




Seems there's nothing else we can do, eh? Thanks and best of luck to you too
Click to expand...

Unless the other songs are drastically different I'm guessing your first assumption is correct. The 2 songs you posted sound good and we have a TON of people into that stuff here in Tampa...I'd assume Miami would too. Probably just a bunch of people that want to just slide into a band without doing any real work. I agree - such a shame.

Too bad you're on the other coast or I might be able to find a couple leads for you. Then again they might be along the same lines as the other folks you've already corresponded with...seems there's 100 sorry***es for every 1 good musician down here...
 
#15
Well guys the great news is that I found a potential drummer today! He really likes the music, he showed us some of his tracks and although he's not quite as speedy as our old drummer he plays a good, solid tempo that's appropriate to the music and said he's willing to strive to improve. Great attitude and communication so far.

However here's our new issue (it can never be easy cant it?)

He's 42. I honestly couldn't care less about the age gap (We're in our EARLY 20's) but he's married with kids (I'm not sure how old didn't ask to seem too intrusive). We told him we have hopes to tour and although he said he'd still need to provide for his family he said he'd try to work it out by having enough money in the bank saved up for them prior to leaving. So far he's seemed most determined for the spot and he has a great attitude, real friendly guy. However my band mates say he's far too old and a family is a serious commitment (I highly agree with the family thing)

But this guy really seems to be driven. What do you guys think?
 
#19
MrMcHaggis said:
Well guys the great news is that I found a potential drummer today! He really likes the music, he showed us some of his tracks and although he's not quite as speedy as our old drummer he plays a good, solid tempo that's appropriate to the music and said he's willing to strive to improve. Great attitude and communication so far.

However here's our new issue (it can never be easy cant it?)

He's 42. I honestly couldn't care less about the age gap (We're in our EARLY 20's) but he's married with kids (I'm not sure how old didn't ask to seem too intrusive). We told him we have hopes to tour and although he said he'd still need to provide for his family he said he'd try to work it out by having enough money in the bank saved up for them prior to leaving. So far he's seemed most determined for the spot and he has a great attitude, real friendly guy. However my band mates say he's far too old and a family is a serious commitment (I highly agree with the family thing)

But this guy really seems to be driven. What do you guys think?
Click to expand...

Go with it! I seem to remember this one band in the 90's (can't recall the name, sorry) and their guitarist was like 185 or something. Well, not actually that old, but he definitely looked like a gray nutsack. The whole gimmick was "old guy in a metal band".

Point is - the guy seems dedicated, and musically a good fit for your band. It would be kinda shallow to not at least give it a shot.
 
#20
Finding anyone--drummer, bassist, guitarist, vocalist, whatever--is always a crap shoot. My last cover band fired our original guitarist, started looking for new ones and found a replacement that still with the band today on the first try. One of the best guitarists I've ever worked with. I've been in other bands that were never able to find what they wanted. Sometimes you don't want them and sometimes they don't want you. When people aren't interested, I think we all tend to think there's one reason why they all aren't into it. But I think it's often a different reason for each person. One person might not like the material. One person might just be a flake. One person might be seeing what's out there, but not really serious about getting into a project. One person might have issues with where you practice, how often you practice, where you gig, your ages, your gear, etc. etc. etc.

The whole process is usually frustrating, but you get some funny stories sometimes. We all have to suffer through it from time to time. Don't beat yourself up over it. Do what you do and keep your chin up.
 

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