May You Have A Strong Foundation

The reasons for a bands' formation are many and varied. The adrenaline of that initial enthusiasm of the prospect of actually performing live is literally blinding. I cannot emphasise enough that it is during this embryonic phase where every aspect of your band should be considered, discussed and carried out both precisely and in slow-motion.


Despite your eagerness to 'get out there' many factors must be addressed.

The first factor is the bands' line-up. If a full and competent line-up hasn't been formed, then auditioning musicians must be attended. Don't hastily take on the first bass player because he's a nice guy or vocalist because she's attractive.


A band is a business. Despite how they may present on stage, professional independent musicians treat their work as a business. They rarely make it as far as the so-called 'glitz' and if they do, it'll only last one or two gigs.


The auditioning process for a band entails more than most people realise. Are prospective new members willing to perform your style of music and are they able to? Are they willing to rehearse at the times (which should already be set) the band rehearses? Are they willing to travel rather long distances for gigs?


It is also very important to find out the aspirations of prospective members, their track record musically and their personality. Obviously at auditions a musicians competence can be gauged pretty quickly, as can their ability to adapt to your style of music if this is required.

During auditions prospective candidates are going to be (ideally) on their best behaviour. When the band gets on a roll this can quickly change. It is a wise move to have someone outside the band observe auditions. Subtle things like body language, eye movements that people think go unnoticed, the way that the musician being auditioned carry themselves in general should all be taken into account.


A few musicians may disagree with what I'm about to say but I'm speaking form well over 20 years experience. It pays to ask around about the persons general character, circle of friends and so forth. Be upfront with them and tell them that this is part of your protocol. When it comes to individual band members, any secrets that may jeopardise the bands' progress further on down the track should be willingly and openly brought to the surface immediately.


Every band member is the business of the band. This can be subtly reinforce with involving every member as much as is possible with all facets of matters pertaining to the band. No matter how trivial a matter may seem, the more in-touch with the 'big picture' of the band that all members are privy to, as a professionally courtesy and a business tactic.


These initial moves really do ensure that your band is a cohesive unit before you hit your first note at rehearsal.