4 Question You Would Ask A New Prospective Band

[blue]

If you have done all the major homework on a working band you have received an offer from, what 4 questions would you ask to make sure your making the right decision?

Blue

Edited December 21, 2015 by blue

[Doctor J]

In what context, who am I, venue owner, manager, musician, etc?

[Cameronj279]

I'm assuming you mean a covers band and not originals?

[chriswareham]

Is the singer mentally unstable?
Does the guitarist use a tuner or does he/she tune "by ear"?
Can the drummer read and write?
Who carries my bass amp when I've had too much to drink?

[blue]

Any context that will make your decision easier.

I might ask for more detail on the bands mission statement and if they feel the mission is realistic?

Blue

Edited December 22, 2015 by blue

[Dad3353]

I don't hold with 'making the right decision', I fly by the seat of my trousers (pants, in the US, I think..?). I can't, for myself, think of any circumstances so bad that I'd regret any mature choice I'd make; certainly not that I could have warded off with a few pointed questions. If it turns out less than expected (my expectations are very low indeed, so that's quite a challenge in itself..!), I'd just re-appraise and take the relevant course of action (Make things work better..? Look elsewhere..? Put up with it..? etc...). I trust my own judgement and self-confidence enough to not be afraid of making mistakes. There's a bit of 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger' in there, too. 'Sworked so far...

[alyctes]

How are decisions made?
What are we trying to do?
Who does the arrangements?
Do I have to sing?

[ahpook]

Are you any good for metal ?

[blue]

1.How many gigs did the band play in 2015?
2.How many dates will you play in 2016?
3.How long has the current line up been in place?
4.How will I be paid and when?

Blue

[discreet]

I think 'Mission' is a bit grandiose. Maybe something like, 'Are you likely to stay together long enough to see a modicum of success?' may be more realistic. I think using business-speak and treating the whole thing as if it's a job interview (even though it may actually be a job) is probably counter-productive... most musicians I know regardless of genre, pro ability or whatever, tend to be a bit nuts in one way or another. I'd want to know how many gigs I'd be doing and how much I'd be paid, for sure.

[blue]

[quote name='ahpook' timestamp='1450741227' post='2935488']
Are you any good for metal ?
[/quote]

I think you would know that before the 4 deal breaker questions.

Blue

[paul_5]

Generally what I'd like to know from potential bandmates is "how long do you practice for individually in-between rehearsals?" that gives me a good indication of how committed everyone else is, and how seriously they take the project.

Another way to phrase this would be "how much time should I put in/do you expect of me between rehearsals?"

[blue]

[quote name='alyctes' timestamp='1450741166' post='2935486']
How are decisions made?
What are we trying to do?
Who does the arrangements?
Do I have to sing?
[/quote]

Good questions.

Blue

[blue]

[quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1450741628' post='2935496']
Generally what I'd like to know from potential bandmates is "how long do you practice for individually in-between rehearsals?" that gives me a good indication of how committed everyone else is, and how seriously they take the project.

Another way to phrase this would be "how much time should I put in/do you expect of me between rehearsals?"
[/quote]

Another example of important questions.

Blue

[blue]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1450741447' post='2935491']
I think 'Mission' is a bit grandiose. Maybe something like, 'Are you likely to stay together long enough to see a modicum of success?' may be more realistic. I think using business-speak and treating the whole thing as if it's a job interview (even though it may actually be a job) is probably counter-productive... most musicians I know regardless of genre, pro ability or whatever, tend to be a bit nuts in one way or another. I'd want to know how many gigs I'd be doing and how much I'd be paid, for sure.
[/quote]

You might be right about the business approach. I do this for a living. If I don't I'm done.

Blue

[Cameronj279]

"Do I need to sing?"
"Are any of you mental?"
"Do we have any chemistry musically?"
"Are you doing music because you love it or for money?

[yorks5stringer]

1. What happened to the last Bassist?
2. What happened to the last Singer?
3. What happened to the last Drummer?
4. Where's the door?

Edited December 22, 2015 by yorks5stringer

[blue]

[quote name='yorks5stringer' timestamp='1450743683' post='2935514']
1. What happened to the last Bassist?
2. What happened to the last Singer?
3. What happened to the last Drummer?
4. Where's the door?
[/quote]

Turnover of band members is always something I want to know about.

Blue

[blue]

Asking if they use a band fund and how it works is not a bad question.

Blue

[Billy Apple]

These are the four questions I should have asked my last band..

Is the singer who thinks he runs the band actually completely penniless due to the fact he only works part time picking balls up on a golf course and totally relies on everyone else for money, transport and gear?

Does the singer possess a shonky old acoustic guitar that has such a bad back-bow that when played all the strings drag on all the frets and your offer to adjust the truss rod is met with 'nah mate, I like a really low action'?

After spending copious amounts of time and money rehearsing does the singer take a load of amphetamine before playing live?

After putting in a few gigs and pulling in punters due to the new bass players exiting full-on rock and roll stance, will the singer sack the bass player because he wants his mate the old boring bass player back in because he's jealous?

I've got a few more I'd ask the drummer, but rules is rules

[Cameronj279]

I'd like to add an extra question.

"Did you once sing in a band with Billy Apple?"

[blue]

[quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1450745942' post='2935527']
These are the four questions I should have asked my last band..

Is the singer who thinks he runs the band actually completely penniless due to the fact he only works part time picking balls up on a golf course and totally relies on everyone else for money, transport and gear?

Does the singer possess a shonky old acoustic guitar that has such a bad back-bow that when played all the strings drag on all the frets and your offer to adjust the truss rod is met with 'nah mate, I like a really low action'?

After spending copious amounts of time and money rehearsing does the singer take a load of amphetamine before playing live?

After putting in a few gigs and pulling in punters due to the new bass players exiting full-on rock and roll stance, will the singer sack the bass player because he wants his mate the old boring bass player back in because he's jealous?

I've got a few more I'd ask the drummer, but rules is rules
[/quote]

I think the issue here is more about our ability to spot unprofessional aspects of a band and members before joining.

Blue

[Number6]

1. What is your view on tie dye?
2. Can i wear mirrored flying goggles?
3. Does rice help dry beer out of soaked effects pedals?
4. Do you have a van with a large sofa in it?

[Behlmene]

1. Can you pass a piss test?
2. Are you opposed to premarital sex?
3. Do you believe in a divine deity?
4. Will you promise to be home before 2 am?

If the band can answer yes to all ditch them.

[Lord Sausage]

Do you have any weed?
Can you skin up?
If a train is travelling at 90 mph travelling west and enters a tunnel. If it's made by Delorean, will it travel through time?
Will you marry me?

If all four answers are yes, then I'd join!