Leading a Band 101: Seeking Advice

[TjMetalhead]

What is everyone's stake in your band? My BL, the guitar player/singer, and his keyboardist partner play 2-4 nights per week and teach. Music is their livelihood. The drummer and I play with them about twice per month. We have day jobs. It's their band and we don't have, or want, much say in how it runs.
We all get along great and have a blast so this works well for us. The youngest guy in our band is 40 so we've probably all seen enough stress and drama anyway.

All of that unnecessary info is just to say that the makeup of your band may influence your leadership style.

Well, the Rhythm guitarist is the youngest (22) and goes to school and work, our lead player (28) same, and our drummer (47) does construction and is pretty good with everything. Never had a problem with him (just him being late). I'm the same as the other guys (I'm 23), just school and work. I think the problem with our Rhythm player is he's too ambitious and inexperienced playing in a band. This is the 3rd band I've been a part of and played live shows before. So I'm trying to be patient with the process. He's a great musician and all just needs more breaking in. In the end this lineup is not meant to last since I have plans to move to a different state by the turn of the decade.

 

[buldog5151bass]

It's not so much music as what gigs you are going to take, who is responsible for what. Just because you are bandleader doesn't mean you should be doing all the dirty work. Like any successful workplace, people have to know their roles. Good luck.

 

[QORC]

I agree with the above. when a band is a true "democracy", it rarely works. Nothing gets done. Too many conflicts of opinion. Or when they say they are a democracy, it's all a bit of lie. When someone says, "yes, you're a full member. we want your opinion", it usually means, "I want your opinion, when I agree with it. If I don't care for your opinion, I'm going to ignore you or replace you with someone who agrees with me."

To me the "Benevolent Dictator" model works best. Someone who sets the ground rules clearly, lays out expectations for everyone (including themselves), is honest and plays above board, makes good decisions for the band, addresses issues as they arise, and thinks of everyone's needs not just their own.

Democracies in bands? nothing gets done or it usually flies apart. Musicians are often very impractical, make bad decisions for themselves and others, are ego-driven, difficult and selfish. Works against really getting anything done.