It's like a job interview, but so much more. A band member isn't just doing a job-they are joining your creative family. You want to be sure of their technical ability, and you also want to be sure they will blend with the rest of the band. Success for your group depends on a synergistic blend of personalities. Here are ten questions you can ask a potential band member to ensure they will be exactly what you need to take your band to the next level.
1. Why do you want to join?
Watch the response to this question. Do they have to really think about it? If so, you need to clarify whether or not they have a good reason to commit to your band. You're not trying to make it difficult for them to join, but this first question is the single most important one for them to answer well because it is a true reflection of how they feel about your band and your music. Don't prompt them for the answer you want. Simply ask, and let them answer-no matter how long it takes or how much they struggle for the right words.
2. What do you think you can contribute?
The answer to this question will let you know if they are a well-rounded band mate. If their answer is just about their musical abilities, that should be a red flag. What you're looking for is someone who can tell you about their musical skill, but also be willing to contribute time, energy, money, contacts, and other important resources. Someone who has experience is also a big plus. Look for a person who has their eye on the overall activity involved with making your band succeed.
3. Who were your biggest musical influences?
This question is designed to find out who your potential band member emulates musically and in every other aspect of their lives. If your band is Rolling Stones and your interviewee is Jim Croce, you might want to take that in to consideration. An ideal candidate will talk about the types of musicians that inspire you and the rest of the band.
4. How much time do you have to devote to practice?
This is serious. Practice is the heart of your band and if someone has an inflexible schedule or can't practice every single week, they aren't a good prospect. All the talent in the world won't matter if they aren't able to make it to rehearsals with the rest of the band. Everyone should agree on the time commitment that is acceptable and insist that any new member be able to commit to it before you agree to bring them on board.
5. Do you have any other skills you can contribute?
Sure they can play the drums-but find out what else they have in their arsenal. Even if it is something that seems totally unrelated, it may turn out to be useful in promoting or managing the band. A degree in accounting? Great! Ask them to help you make a budget! Internet freak? Super! Have them manage the band's website. Find out what's in their whole skill set and find ways to utilize that to your advantage.
6. Are you dependable?
The answer of course should be "yes", but as a follow up to this, ask them to provide you with examples of their dependability. If they can't come up with a concrete example immediately, you should be worried.
7. Why did you leave your last band?
Just like a job-people can voluntarily leave their band-or they can be fired. They can leave for personal reasons or because of conflicts. Find out what the real reason the interviewee left their band, and remember to keep a skeptical mind. There are two sides to every story.
8. Where would you like to see yourself in five years?
You're not proposing marriage to the person, but you do want to know that they are going to commit to working with you long enough that it will be worth hiring them. Constant changes in a band are unsettling and cause disruption. It takes time to gel with a new member and reach an optimal level of creativity. You don't want someone who is going to run off in six months after you've invested that much time into making them a part of your sound.
9. How do you define "team player"?
Everyone has different perspectives, so make sure you ask them find out exactly what they think it means to be on a team. Ask for examples of how they've contributed to a team before. Ask them about their best and worst experience working in a team environment. It might be about their little league baseball team, their science group in high school, or their competitive race car driving experience-but listen carefully at the words they use to describe these situations. Watch their face as they describe both the good and bad scenarios for clues about how well they handled these situations.
10. What do you want from the band?
Every relationship is give-and-take. Find out what this person expects from the band in order for them to be happy and remain creative. An honest and mature person will be able to tell you what they need in order to stay involved. Do they require honest feedback? They may need to feel that their suggestions are taken seriously, or that they have freedom to try new things. Whatever it is, weigh their answer with the rest of the band and make sure it is something you feel you can do in order to keep your commitment to your newest member.
When you sit down with your potential band member, try to make it informal and easy for them to tell you what they really think. If you are having this conversation it means you have already heard them play and like their abilities; a face-to-face interview like this should be a final step in the decision making process and every member of the band should be there. Make sure you tell them a specific date that you'll let them know your final decision and then stick to it. They'll appreciate your professionalism regardless of whether or not you hire them.
Related Articles
Top 10 Ways To Get More People To Your Next Gig
By: David Hooper | 23/05/2008 | Art & Entertainment
For an up-and-coming band every gig is a vital step toward your success. Your shows are where you get the chance to prove yourself. They are your opportunity to do what you do best. A good gig can also have a ripple effect, securing you a loyal fan base and...
10 People to Surround Your Band With
By: David Hooper | 17/06/2008 | Art & Entertainment
No man-or band-is an island. The success of any musician is the cumulative effort of many people. As you set out to become a legend, there are ten people you want to surround yourself and your band with. Whether you hire these folks, or simply find them and build...
Top 10 Ways Musicians Can Get More Money From A Gig
By: David Hooper | 06/06/2008 | Art & Entertainment
You are an artist, it's true. But just because you're an artist doesn't mean you don't need to get paid. Money makes a lot of things possible, including time in a recording studio, new and better instruments, and paying your rent so you don't have to live in a cardboard...
The Importance of Having Music Contracts
By: Veronica Lane | 06/11/2008 | Music
The reasons you need to use Music Contracts. Protect yourself by having a solid agreement.
Music Online Glossary – When Music, Music Careers and Pcs Collide
By: Artistopia Staff | 17/12/2007 | Music
From Net-newbie to someone that’s been in the business of music for years, you may run into word, term or phrase online that throws you occasionally. Artistopia offers you a way to decipher the music terminology that will eventually cross your path while being on the Web.
Where Do you Want your Music to Fall Into... the 'biz' or the 'everything'?
By: Amanda Julynn | 11/04/2007 | Music
To quote a question from my favorite movie Almost Famous, "What do you love about music?"... the answer,"Well, to begin with.... everything!" See the dilema artists find themselves in as they teeter on the fence between the "everything" of the "Music Industry" and the game of the "Music Biz".
Using Music Contacts to Further Your Career
By: Veronica Lane | 06/11/2008 | Music
Using Music Contacts to Further Your Career
How To Set Up a Home Recording Studio
By: Bobby Lapoint | 12/06/2006 | Music
Learn the basics for a studio.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Was it a theme some?
By: Gustav | 24-10-2008
I remember hearing these words set to a Glenn Miller tune:"So goodbye until the moment when we see you all again to our friends near and far fare thee well...." Was this a theme song or an ad?
Local Los Angeles Bands of 80s
By: Jim | 24-10-2008
Looking for members of the band called succulent, which played in the area of los angeles, ca 1984
Who sings the song show me
By: angel | 24-10-2008
who sings the song show me
Lyrics from When The Rains Come by Gloria Gaither
By: Mike | 23-10-2008
lyrics from When The Rains Come by Gloria
Ray heady
By: aweil1212 | 23-10-2008
ray heady
I would like to know the value of a 1964 Closed ...
By: susan presswood | 23-10-2008
I would like to know the value of a 1964 Closed Circuit Telecast Beatles Ticket in N/M Condition dated 3/14/64 is? Thanks
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Art and Entertainment Articles
How to Access the Free Satellite TV For Legal
By: Imanuel Soeharto | 21/11/2008
In this modern world technology is progressing at a fast pace due to which many facilities which were just a dream a few years back has now become reality. The development in the electronics area along with the developed satellite facilities has not only globalized the whole world and brought...
Tissot: T-sport Watches - High Performance Luxury Watches
By: Joseph Levy | 21/11/2008
Tissot T-Sport watches capture the essence of athleticism and high performance at the same time, read more about this collection here.
Is My Child Happy? Part II
By: Crestech | 21/11/2008
This is in continuation to part I of this article.
To Recap:
TA – in its simplest form, explains that every individual possesses three EGO STATES. A Parent Ego State (PARENT), a grown up Ego State (GROWN UP) and a Child Ego State (CHILD). All human beings are a curious mixture of these three ego states.
A Sure-fire, 10-step Formula to Get Started as a Coach or Consultant
By: Adam Urbanski | 20/11/2008
"My guess is first I'll need some zippy flyers and a tri-fold brochure" said an email from Matt last week. Sadly, he is not the only one thinking that the first step to building a professional business is printing fliers and brochures. After all, that's what everyone does, right? And it seems like a logical place to start, doesn't it?
How To Buy Musical Instruments Wholesale
By: Mitch Gleason | 20/11/2008
Are you interested in setting up a home business selling gold jewelry? Buying wholesale is easier than you might think and you could save a huge amount as opposed to the retail price. This article is a guide to gold jewelry, buying your merchandise and finding suppliers or manufacturers for...
Disc Jockeys and Wedding Djs are All That it Takes for a Perfect Event!
By: Greg | 20/11/2008
A disc jockey is one person that can really turn a dull moment into a very worthwhile and unforgettable event. Disc jockeys primarily aim to give optimum entertainment and make sure that fun and excitement will remain as fresh as it can be as long as the party runs.
Q&a With Patrick Boivin
By: MiamiMovieCritic | 20/11/2008
Patrick Boivin is a French Canadian autodidact movie maker. He is also the director of Phylactère Cola, a French Canadian TV show.
Leicester Ice Skating – Kids Guide
By: Abhinav Sidana | 20/11/2008
Leicester ice skating rink is definitely one of the venues where you can spend some great time with your kids. Those parents who already know how to skate and have brought their kids to an ice skating rink probably know how to deal wit their kids.
More from David Hooper
10 People to Surround Your Band With
By: David Hooper | 17/06/2008 | Art & Entertainment
No man-or band-is an island. The success of any musician is the cumulative effort of many people. As you set out to become a legend, there are ten people you want to surround yourself and your band with. Whether you hire these folks, or simply find them and build...
Top 10 Ways Musicians Can Get More Money From A Gig
By: David Hooper | 06/06/2008 | Art & Entertainment
You are an artist, it's true. But just because you're an artist doesn't mean you don't need to get paid. Money makes a lot of things possible, including time in a recording studio, new and better instruments, and paying your rent so you don't have to live in a cardboard...
Top 10 Ways To Get More People To Your Next Gig
By: David Hooper | 23/05/2008 | Art & Entertainment
For an up-and-coming band every gig is a vital step toward your success. Your shows are where you get the chance to prove yourself. They are your opportunity to do what you do best. A good gig can also have a ripple effect, securing you a loyal fan base and...
Understanding The Key Elements Of The Law Of Attraction
By: David Hooper | 01/02/2007 | Self Help
Fiction or reality
When it comes to the law of attraction people cannot just simply limit to only one explanation given to it. If some people consider it as their karma, there are people that connect it directly to the best rule ever. When we talk about the laws of attraction,...
The Law Of Attraction: A Good Life Is Ensured By The Power Of Vibrations
By: David Hooper | 01/02/2007 | Self Help
Energy is everywhere as the universe is made of pure energy. The rate of vibration makes the only difference and the law of attraction is the one that is guided by this vibration. The vibration causes energy. Energy attracts more energy that is created by an equal amount of vibration....
How You Can Tell If This Is Your Ideal Partner:
By: David Hooper | 01/02/2007 | Self Help
All about the Law of Attraction - how it works and how it can be applied
In order to be able to apply the Law of Attraction you first need to know all about the process of attraction. It can be applied on everyone. When we deal with strong emotions such...
The Law Of Attraction: Think Pink And Live Pink! Pink Life Is Always A Good Life!
By: David Hooper | 01/02/2007 | Relationships
What is the law of attraction? How does it work? How can we examine it and even understand it? We would like everything in our life to be attractive the way love or wealth is! More often than ever we hear people stating that a positive thinking will ensure a...
Art & Entertainment 
