Forming a band: multi-band members

The South African industry is small and many musicians play in a number of bands. In effect they act as session musicians in a number of projects in order to make a living. While this dedication to music is in itself admirable and ensures that the individuals concerned are doing the thing they love full-time, when you are putting a band together, such a member should give you pause for thought. When your band is starting out, the expertise and adaptability of such a member may seem like a good thing. They are generally good musicians who can learn new material fast and who like to be able to contribute. You may also find their experience of the world out there alluring: they know all about gigs, studios and the like. However, these sorts of players do come with some fairly serious drawbacks for a new band. 

 

Conflict of interest

 

Someone who plays in many outfits, or even just two, is going to experience a conflict of interest sooner or later. Seeing as there are only ever two nights in each weekend, gig commitments are an immediate concern. And if one of the outfits this person plays in is bigger than yours, your own progress can be seriously impeded while this person fulfils other commitments, like tours or recording sessions. Reliability is therefore going to be an issue. But if this is without doubt the best person for the mix of your band, at least make sure that you know his or her schedule well in advance so that you can plan that of your band to maximise available opportunities.

 

 

The other problem with musicians who play in a number of bands, without being strictly speaking session players, is commitment. It is most often these kinds of players that leave bands, and their lack of attachment to projects can cause havoc with a growing band’s reputation. All too often one sees a band rising through the ranks and, just as they start to see some growth and success and recognition, they lose a key band member. Someone who is playing in many outfits finds it far too easy to leave one, as the others are always there as a backup. Try and get around this by getting the individual to buy into your vision and commit to it. If you have to, establish a penalty clause, like having to forgo band fees, so that it is not in his or her best interest to leave.

 

Hired guns

 

The last option is to treat a member like this as a session musician. In other words, they are hired guns who learn the parts they have to play and who play no part in songwriting, band strategy or vision. They get paid for what they do and, if they leave, it is a simple matter to replace them with other players. This does come with its own obstacles, but will at least keep your band going until you can find a player dedicated and suitable enough to fill the role full-time without playing for every other band on the block.

 

Originally published in David Chislett's One, Two, One, Two: A Step By Step Guide To The South African Music Industry. Download a free copy of the book at www.davidchislett.co.za.