Here are some good reasons (in my opinion) to hire musicians..
1. Cooperative
I have a couple who are not the best players in town, but they are SO EASY to get along with. They make suggestions and have boundaries, but generally, if I call them for a gig or something, they always say yes. They show up prepared. They are open-minded about original material. And they seem appreciative of whatever pay is available. They are generally open to feedback on their playing.
2. Professional
There is a top player in town. I ask him to do anything on the gig, and he agrees. He arrives on time, starts on time, etcetera.
3. Good Music
This is always a good reason, but it's not the only reason if there is a lot of baggage with it.
4. Respects the culture
They understand the way things work in the band and work within it. They may make suggestions or have concerns about things, but they express them respectfully, and as a leader you never feel they are being aggressive.
5. Good Interpersonal Skills
These are people who generally know how to work with other people. They give feedback honestly but kindly, avoid harsh language, and generally get what they want without creating drama. I think they have good judgment about what battles to fight, and how to express themselves when they are not happy in a way that is not defensive.
6. They Book Gigs
Rather than join five other bands, they invest in the one they have. I get phone calls with leads and actual booked gigs.
I was reading through some of the threads and thought I'd share why musicians don't get hired back, and why they end up on the preferred list.
1. Not Competent/Not Prepared
Had a drummer who showed up at a good paying, regular gig with no cymbals. The client walked out and stood there, staring at us. We sounded like dirt, I thought. We never got hired back. Also, they show up late. I get to teh gig way early and then have to scramble in the last 15 minutes to help them get set up in time for the down note.
2. Entitled Attitude
Had one musician who complained about everything whenever I played with him -- pay, lack of space for setting up, etcetera. And even though it wasn't part of the deal, he came up to me at the end of the gig and said "We need food for the band". I went to the owner and asked if they would provide it, and they did, but I thought it was gauche the way he demanded food when it wasn't part of the deal I offered. him.
3. Too Expensive
I think there are musicians that can be out of touch with current pay rates. They expect too much money -- more than the bands I perform with can provide.
4. Not Cooperative
I had one guy I met at a jazz jam. I wanted to work with him after talking to him, and invited him over with the other guys to just get to know each other. He didn't have his guitar with him at the jam (he was spectating), so I didn't know how well he played. He replied "Call me when you have a gig". I never called him.
Most of the guys I play with, even the top of scene guys, are willing to come out once and check out the chemistry.
Another guy refuses to play music other than music he likes.
Yet another one seems to delight in telling clients "no" when they make a special request. I am always on edge about whether the guy will serve the heck out of the customer...
5. Not Loyal
There is a phenomenal player in town who is probably the best I've ever played with. But if he gets a better offer on a night he has agreed to play with me, he cancels and gives me a referral to a different musician who can do the job. Then I have to figure out a new musician on a moment's notice. He told me once that he doesn't understand why, when he's back from touring, no one calls him.
6. Wants to take over the band
Had a couple guys who see I have a good thing going. Then they want to a) rehearse at their house not mine (making me drive and haul gear, in addition to all the band management stuff, to which they don't contribute) b) dictate the repertoire to everyone c) gut all the songs we have prepared because they don't like them d) criticize what we have going already.
Do you have any you would add to the two lists?
1. Cooperative
I have a couple who are not the best players in town, but they are SO EASY to get along with. They make suggestions and have boundaries, but generally, if I call them for a gig or something, they always say yes. They show up prepared. They are open-minded about original material. And they seem appreciative of whatever pay is available. They are generally open to feedback on their playing.
2. Professional
There is a top player in town. I ask him to do anything on the gig, and he agrees. He arrives on time, starts on time, etcetera.
3. Good Music
This is always a good reason, but it's not the only reason if there is a lot of baggage with it.
4. Respects the culture
They understand the way things work in the band and work within it. They may make suggestions or have concerns about things, but they express them respectfully, and as a leader you never feel they are being aggressive.
5. Good Interpersonal Skills
These are people who generally know how to work with other people. They give feedback honestly but kindly, avoid harsh language, and generally get what they want without creating drama. I think they have good judgment about what battles to fight, and how to express themselves when they are not happy in a way that is not defensive.
6. They Book Gigs
Rather than join five other bands, they invest in the one they have. I get phone calls with leads and actual booked gigs.
I was reading through some of the threads and thought I'd share why musicians don't get hired back, and why they end up on the preferred list.
1. Not Competent/Not Prepared
Had a drummer who showed up at a good paying, regular gig with no cymbals. The client walked out and stood there, staring at us. We sounded like dirt, I thought. We never got hired back. Also, they show up late. I get to teh gig way early and then have to scramble in the last 15 minutes to help them get set up in time for the down note.
2. Entitled Attitude
Had one musician who complained about everything whenever I played with him -- pay, lack of space for setting up, etcetera. And even though it wasn't part of the deal, he came up to me at the end of the gig and said "We need food for the band". I went to the owner and asked if they would provide it, and they did, but I thought it was gauche the way he demanded food when it wasn't part of the deal I offered. him.
3. Too Expensive
I think there are musicians that can be out of touch with current pay rates. They expect too much money -- more than the bands I perform with can provide.
4. Not Cooperative
I had one guy I met at a jazz jam. I wanted to work with him after talking to him, and invited him over with the other guys to just get to know each other. He didn't have his guitar with him at the jam (he was spectating), so I didn't know how well he played. He replied "Call me when you have a gig". I never called him.
Most of the guys I play with, even the top of scene guys, are willing to come out once and check out the chemistry.
Another guy refuses to play music other than music he likes.
Yet another one seems to delight in telling clients "no" when they make a special request. I am always on edge about whether the guy will serve the heck out of the customer...
5. Not Loyal
There is a phenomenal player in town who is probably the best I've ever played with. But if he gets a better offer on a night he has agreed to play with me, he cancels and gives me a referral to a different musician who can do the job. Then I have to figure out a new musician on a moment's notice. He told me once that he doesn't understand why, when he's back from touring, no one calls him.
6. Wants to take over the band
Had a couple guys who see I have a good thing going. Then they want to a) rehearse at their house not mine (making me drive and haul gear, in addition to all the band management stuff, to which they don't contribute) b) dictate the repertoire to everyone c) gut all the songs we have prepared because they don't like them d) criticize what we have going already.
Do you have any you would add to the two lists?
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