Indie Music Marketer .com

I can tell you from experience that finding the proper band mates is never easy. This article will give you a guide to follow that should help you make the correct choices and hopefully a long lasting relationship with them.

Talent

You must try to find musicians that are on the same talent level as yourself. If you do find that great player that is willing to work with you beware there may be problems associated with him or her. He or she might get frustrated by the rest of the band holding him or her back and quit. Because of the talent this member has, he or she might have more control over decisions being made because you are trying to keep this member happy. He or she might have some type of problem (drinking too much, drugs, ect...). This may be why he or she is willing to play with musicians not up to their level. Whatever the case may be, these all spell disaster for your act.

Dedication

We all know how hard it is to make it in music. Your band members must share all of the responsibilities. If one person is doing all of the work this member will eventually start to resent the other members and the band will break up. Also check out anything the prospects have going outside of the band. Hours they work, school? Are they available for rehearsal 3 nights a week from 6:00PM to 10:00PM? Do they have reliable transportation? All of these question should be answered.

Past Experience

Try to find members that have similar experience. This is especially true for stage and studio experience. Ask if they have a video of their last band and make sure this is the type of personality you want on stage with you. Always listen to any demos that they may have and talk about their recording experience. First timers often choke the first time they are in a real studio.

Personality

Do you like this person? Try not to get involved with someone that has a pushy attitude or is totally introverted. Make sure this person can talk and listen and does not have some sort of chip on his or her shoulder.

Musical Style

Does this person have a style that is similar to yours or the bands? Putting a jazz guitarist in a metal band will not work. Make sure that the person knows what the band is going for musically.

Goals

Do you want to make it in music? Or do you want to just play the local bars and play a few gigs to have some fun? Whatever your plan is for your band you better make sure that all of the members share the same goal.

Money

It is best to discuss this right up front. If the band is planning on playing original music and any money it makes will get dumped back into the band then any musicians thinking about joining should know this. If the band will split up the money after each gig then that needs to be known. All of your members have to agree these issues.

There are allot of issues when considering members or a new member for your act. If you follow my guidelines you will have a solid starting point and hopefully and rewarding career in the music industry.

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Steve Veloudos is the owner of www.zebramusic.com. Steve is devoted to helping musicians and bands further their careers in the music industry. Stop by his web site and subscribe to the free Musicians Tip Sheet.  The Tip Sheet includes industry contacts, and many other items designed to advance a musicians musical career. Subscribe to the newsletter by going to: http://www.zebramusic.com