Musician Forum - Band Discussion Board - BandMix

There are quite a lot of posts on CL by players, male and female, looking for a band to join. More often than not, it seems they are asking for an "established" or already working situation. Understandable, of course it's much easier to just hop in to something that's already going, and sometimes you need to, when it's your main source of income. As a bandleader, though, I really suggest to everyone to be as open-minded about new bands, reorganizations, and startup situations as you can. There are a lot of really great players out here who have either just lost a band member, regrouping, or are putting together something new that will turn out to have some real quality. That happens especially when more than one member leaves at once, or close together. It's almost like starting over. Granted, there are a lot of flakes, wannabes, and those who just don't know how to put something together, and we all want to work a soon as possible, but you may miss a great opportunity to be part of something terrific if you only want the gravy and don't want to do any of the cooking.

Also, a word about auditions: Think of it as a job interview. Be on time. Actually, if you have gear to set up, be early, so you can start playing at the interview time. That shows your new band you don't wait til gig time to show up for setup. Be clean, and look appropriate for the gig your there for, short of maybe full stage getup. Don't do a suit for a rock gig (unless that's your image), but don't wear a ratty t-shirt and jeans for a jazz band. It shows respect for yourself, and for your prospective band.
Most importantly, bring your A game. Don't worry so much about following their arrangements, just play your best chops with taste and confidence. If you're nervous, be careful not to overplay. And check any attitude in the parking lot. Confidence is great, but arrogance and ego is just a pain in the ass for everyone, and it probably won't get you hired. Show them what you're there for, what they'll get from you onstage... give them a reason to hire you. Bring your regular gig gear, too. The effort in doing so will go a long way. They get to see your stuff, and you'll probably be more comfortable on it. Yeah, it's a little work, but again, as a bandleader, I appreciate that kind of effort. It really makes you look like you want to be involved.
All in my humble opinion.
Thanks.

Gotta agree with this post.

And, regarding attitude: I always reject anyone who's arrogant.
They ARE a PIA.
If they think it's all about them - then they should try to make it as a solo act.

RhythmMan wrote:Gotta agree with this post.

And, regarding attitude: I always reject anyone who's arrogant.
They ARE a PIA.
If they think it's all about them - then they should try to make it as a solo act.

There's a difference between being arrogant and having a big ego. It's okay to have a big ego. you're going to need it if you want to perform in front of a big audience. It's NOT okay to be arrogant. Arrogance suggests you don't care about the people who support you.

Bob, are you defining "big ego" as self-confidence?

Drumsinhisheart wrote:Bob, are you defining "big ego" as self-confidence?

You haven't posted anything since last November. What brought you back?

I'm a walking ego.
Not only do in have confidence to spare but I usually come from a place of absolute unconcern.

Not that I don't care for or support those around me, I just have been enlightened that my efforts are just that ... effort.
And that I am not in control, rather just along for the ride.

Put on the war face and go on stage. All the jitters or anxiety melt away with the first strains of rock then it's give no quarter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPrWpBR_ ... re=related

Meh, there are so many interpretations for the word ego. For me, it just means looking out, and taking care of yourself. People with ego's are usually survivors in life.

My interpretation has always been ego = asshole. Granted, a little bit of ego is required to accomplish anything, like the "evil Captain Kirk" in the Star Trek episode "The Enemy Within". Bones makes the observation that "good Kirk" couldn't be the Captain without him.

I guess I've always seen ego, especially big ego, as something demonstrably self-centered, which my faith teaches to leave behind in a watery grave. I guess I derive any confidence I have from God, and lots of practice time. But even practice doesn't remove those thoughts of dropping sticks, forgetting where you are, etc. I was amazed to hear Jean Luc Ponty forget his place on one of his newer live recordings. I doubt there are musicians with more practical confidence than someone at his level. Even the greats make mistakes, which is comforting to know.

Mike, I frequently check in here. Just don't always see things that prompt a post from me.

Arrogance is something that annoys me, which is, I suppose, what most people perceive as an ego. So I often use the word sparingly. Self-confidence is a great thing to have, but being self-centered is something I will not adopt. Being self-centered is often useless, as it becomes delusional over time.

The terms have become almost synonyms.

Arrogance vs Ego.

Would make a good philosophy debate I think.