Forming a band: the recruitment process

In interviewing many beginner bands, the question: “How did it all start?” is most often met with, “Well we were all out drinking one night…” The most common impetus to starting a band is being out and about jolling with mates. While this does at least guarantee that at least one of your bandmates is an old friend, it is hardly a recruitment methodology that you’ll find in this year’s recommended HR practices handbook. This is why it is so important for bands to be accommodating of the individual vision of each member. While the impetus to start a band is an important creative spark, once that has been achieved it is a good idea to think hard about the objectives of the outfit before completing the lineup.

 

Keep the creative process moving

 

Of course, membership of a band depends almost entirely on what style of music it will play. The nature of creative people being what it is, a handy rule of thumb is to keep to the minimum required to achieve the desired sound. Very few rock bands have three guitarists; two or even one might do the job just fine. Bear this in mind when thinking about additional members. Finding members can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. If you are the prime mover behind the idea of the band and the person who is writing and creating the songs, then don’t let the recruitment process hold the creative process back – keep writing while you are looking. No creative effort is ever wasted and to stop writing just because you don’t have a band to play your stuff is self-defeating.

 

 

Find a team that can grow together

 

The biggest challenge in finding band members is finding like-minded individuals who are of a similar age and skillset. While one might often find one band member who is a superior musician to the others, more talented players can get frustrated and leave beginner bands pretty fast. It is often better to find a team that can grow together technically. Go for a mix of vision, attitude and look rather than musical expertise. Someone can always improve as an instrumentalist. It is not so easy to effect a change in point of view, personal style or vision.

 

It is most advisable to seek a team via word of mouth. Then one can recruit people in the same general area, physically and mentally. Friends will likely recommend other friends of a similar age and interest bracket. Once again, curve balls and unlikely combinations of personality can operate as the creative spark that creates truly original music, so don’t be put off by unexpected people.

 

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.