General Music Chat

Instant Karma used the google online calendar the same way Jeff describes. The usual problem is getting people to use it, of course.

George - if you are the GM, AND in the band, it really is YOUR band, not a democracy - you can make it a Republlic (that's what the USA is) - everyone gets a vote, but the GM makes the final calls. The proposed contract you outlined makes it very business-like - are the rest of the players prepared to make it a business? For a lot of people, when that happens the fun is gone and if the pay isn't excellent, its time to move on.

ooh ugly.. lol

Politically / sociologically there are three types of bands:

1) you are the absolute dictator. That can work, if you're not an asshole. Very demanding role and you'd better be a benevolent dictator if you want to keep the band together. Typically you'll bring something to the table that the other guys need: material, gigs, connections, practice space, a PA etc. Most importantly, leadership and a vision.

2) somebody else is the absolute dictator. That too can work as long he isn't an asshole. Same as above only someone else is doing that.

3) your band is a democracy. Very difficult to make this work - you have to really connect with the other guys and have a shared vision. Don't try it if you don't have that.

In the democracy model chores are often split up according to individual talent - one guy talks to biz side, another guy handles the money etc. Dicey but it can work.

Talbot

J. Haley, JimmyDanger and others seem to making it work.

I prefer to think of myself as the leader, not dictator; I do accept other points of view but usually make the big decisions alone. The best bands are also friends who respect and love each other.

I scrapped the written policy, passed out the calender books I had purchased for everyone.
We sat, talked about up coming dates, shared information about days we needed off.
Made plans to set up a Christian music Venue in Tyler where we would utilize our audio equipment, and man power to provide a place for other bands to perform.
It was good.
Our new lead guitarist also landed a promotion on his day job. He will no longer be working 3-11 , but has a M-F 8-5 . . .
It's all good news and we are back on track.

I appreciate you guys allowing me to use you as a sounding board.
Thanks for the input.

I totally understand the motivation for this. Every band wrestles with these issues and JW handles it much like we do.

1 Agree that we are a team and we respect all the players.

2. We need a running calendar with 3 months of all players blackout dates. Everything else is bookable.

3. Everyone agrees to fish for gigs, when you get a bite, connect the venue contact person with the band manager ASAP to hash out all the details and prevent a double booking. He holds the calendar and confirms all terms and contracts to perform.

Just a simple, clear, concise plan that creates a direct path to gigs without getting to authoritative. Musicians can be a sensitive bunch and the goal is to encourage each to contribute to the team and not discourage them by being too heavy handed.

George, you JW and I are all CEO types. We have the visionary leadership and generally close the deals. As leaders our job is to lift up and encourage other players, not to put them down. We can make a band or break a band just as easily. Phrases like "If you don't like it you can pack up", "my way or the highway", or "take it or leave it" are words of disrespect and discouragement, and often the path to ruin for any team of dedicated players. You surely don't intend it to sound that way but it very well be how this proposed contract is received. Ponder on this a while and share these thoughts and ideas with your maker my friend.

Just my 2c. YMMV

I Am the CEO of "Keep it drastically simple", and my band mates are my colleagues and peers. I have found that if i simply 'ask' that we do something a certain way, i get loads of cooperation and or a solid response surrounding practical conditions. Its a beautiful system. I honor their need, they honor mine and we have each other's backs...

We recently tried to bring in a guitarist for our blues project. This poor fella had so much on his plate that it was literally impossible for him to commit to us...but he kept insisting he was gonna make the rehearsals. Always no show... so We had to make the decision to let him off the hook. He was extremely grateful... That is a case of understanding mutual needs and acting accordingly.