Choosing a New Drummer

[ZacAttack]

We put an add out for a new drummer and got back like 7 replies, and of those 7, 4 actually called and want to try out. Two are about our age and one seems laid back like us while the other seems a bit high strung and overly eager. They both are into some of the same music we are. The third is younger than us and is into stuff we aren't but wants to try out anyway. The forth is a bit older than us and is into music we grew up on and still like, but don't play as much, but he seems laid back and says he is willing to try out and see if it clicks or not. Keep in mind we have only spoken on the phone with any of them.

Ok talent and like interests will probably be the deciding factor, but getting along is a big part of it too.

We try the first one out this Sunday 2/27/05. He is the older one. We have our fingers crossed that we find one that clicks with us and is able to practice and play when we are.

My question is. Lets say they all are interested in playing with us, and the talent difference is there but not glaring. Would you choose #1 the one who is the best drummer but seems cocky and hard to get along with, #2 the one you all like the best but is not the greatest drummer, or #3 the one that will play what and how the band wants him to, is a nice guy, but just kind of doesn't seem to fit in? Remember this is a hypothetical question.

Hopefully we can fine 2 or more of the good qualities and none of the bad qualities in one drummer, and maybe even find one that we all know is the right one and stop looking right there. But if the above problem was presented to you, what would you choose?

p.s. This post probably makes me sound shallow, overly critical, controlling and even a bit neurotic. I, for the most part am not. I do however have some horror stories about letting people in the band that for the most part turned into ego maniacs, cry babies or just flat tried to split the band up to suit their own selfish ambitions. That being said, think about the question and answer honestly. Or tell me how you have picked band members in the past.


Zac

[Steelpriest]

I´d say pick the one who is the nicest as a person when his playing is decent. The most important thing in a band is communication and being friends. I saw laid back and relaxed younger people that were reliable, but also older guys that were over-eagerly, good with words, mediocrite in their playing and absolutely non-realiable, hehe... You never know what you get when you talk on the phone. You must meet these guys in person.

There is nothing gained in having a super drummer, when you don´t get along with him or if he doesn´t share your interests, never drinks beer after a jam and remains a stranger. To me the most important thing ALWAYS was to have musicians that become friends, also outside the rehearsal room. I like open minded, honest people that have humor and are easy going.

It makes things not always easier when there are tense moments concerning the band and the music, but it bonds the band together... Choose the one you would like to be your pal, as long as his playing is at a decent level.

Another topic is the following, apart from musical skills: Does the new member have enough time to dedicate to your band? A drummer who is not able to join a jam session at least once or twice a week is not very useful. The drums are the main part in a band, a drummer keeps it all together musicwise, so a drummer who has no time to jam really holds you back. So be ware of young guys who go to a college and have to learn for exams alot, and keep away from those older "has-beens" that retired already and just want to jam occasionally. Those are often looking only for their own fun, and are not really dedicated.

You never know what you get, when it comes to new bandmates. You just gotta try...

[goldtopsnopp]

I'd go with the "nice but not the best" drummer. Ok, he have to be able to play drums, but he doesn't have to be best of them all. It really sucks to have those egos that think that they are the reason the band can exist, in your band. You'll have to tell us who you picked once this is over.

[ZacAttack]

Ok from what I can tell both of you chose #2 which is what I would choose also.

Thanks to both of yall. Good advice is always apreciated here.

Keep in mind that the question was hypothetical and none of the four fit into the three catagories at this point. I just wanted to know how yall would pick if that were the case, and see if I have the right outlook or not.

I know its just something that we will just have to find out as we go, and hopefully will not be near as much of a hastle as the hypothetical question makes it out to be.

Wish us luck
Zac

[noeljob]

to zac--- say homeboy, i think i just found us the guy. hes a little older but bored W/ what hes been doin. just talked to him on the phone. we got a spot weekend after next.

[ZacAttack]

So that makes 5 to choose from? At this rate we will be trying out drummers well into 2005. Well lets hope we can find one that just fits and we all know it. One this sun. and one next sun. Well at least our weekends wont be boreing for a while. lol

Zac

[Steelpriest]

noeljob said:

to zac--- say homeboy, ...

LOL, hehe... homeboy, homie... an american pal told me that´s an unusual word in rock'n'roll, lmfao... Homies are to be found in the Rap scene he said... is this true? Are you gangsta-rappers? Hehe! Besides that I like the word "Homie", it sounds funny. ;D

[noeljob]

;D

[ZacAttack]

No definitely not gangsta rappers. Now that you mention it, it does seem strange all of the different vernaculars used here in the states. Some just seem to seep their way into many cultures and counter cultures. Personally I would only call someone I grew up with my homeboy or homie. Like Noel and I grew up in the same neighborhood and went to the same school and all. You know dawg he be from my hood yo.

Zac