seminole Says Re: How bands treat their drummers

Submitted On: Monday, Jun 8, 2009 - 8:22 PM

I've seen it go in many directions when you, the drummer, are the new guy. I've performed in, filled-in for, sat-in with and attended many jam nights with many different bands over the years and what I've learned is always start at about half the volume you think is needed and play as straight and simple as possible.

Sometimes shortly after you've started and the band settles in on your groove and are comfortable with your skills as a drummer you can take some artistic freedoms, and yes sometimes it's even encouraged, but if you start off on 11 and blow off your chops in the first 16 measures you will get the band watching and dictating your every move, "slow down, play quiet, hold back!" I've seen it 100 times. (Not to me of course... I go to a lot of jams remember) haha. And yes, sometimes they're right but you didn't hear it from me because I know drummers that really say "I don't have a volume knob" and they don't get the better or a lot of times many gigs.

Also find out as much as possible before hand of what will be required of you as the drummer from the musicians your playing with. Know your role and do your best to fulfill it. And must of all, have fun playing music, when it not fun it's time to move on. Maybe this might not be the right situation for you.

If that doesn't work then the people you're playing with are acting jerks. Good luck!

don p Says Re: How bands treat their drummers

Submitted On: Monday, Jun 8, 2009 - 10:53 AM

In the two bands I am a member of, one is like a family, we've played together for many years. The band leader writes the originals and hustles the gigs, myself and the other guy's play what he asks us to play. We all have input but the band founder and leader has the last word. There's never been any major problems that couldn't be worked out. These guy's are my other family.
The second band I play for, I would consider myself the "weak link" as far experience and ability go. We have a couple of folks that have spent time as pro's that have toured and made a living from their music and sometimes they have a bad attitude when things don't go the way they would like. The lead singer front person is my wife. She picks the songs, (99% covers) and she and I hustle gigs. She shares the lead vocal spot with our guitar player, he brings songs to the table too. All members can suggest tunes as long as they are in the style we're doing (Blues, soul, R&B and funk covers) but the singers decide what they want to do and are able to sing. This band can be an unappricative bunch of babies sometimes. Bottomline, decide what kind of band you want to be in. Your's or someone else's or you may want to collaborate with people. A band can be like a job or recreation fun. Good luck finding the right musical situation for YOU!

Boone Hawks Says Re: How bands treat their drummers

Submitted On: Monday, Jun 8, 2009 - 12:43 AM

Hey Guns,
Boone Hawks here. Drumming since 1968.
It depends on what the gig is. If I get a call for a job and don't know the band, I keep my mouth shut.
If I'm in a band, I only add something if it relates to the drumming part of the music. If there is a personality conflict in the group where somebody is always rubbing you the wrong way, I jump ship.
Everybody in a band has to be friends or it doesn't work well.