How to Pick Bandmates

Video Transcript

"This is David Jackel on behalf of Expert Village and I'm going to talk to you about picking the right bandmates for your band. Now, usually when you have found the right person for your band, you know right away. The person just has it, whatever you are looking for that person has got it. But there are certain key things that you should look for anyway to make sure this is the right person for your band. First of all, of course see if this person can perform well, see if this is someone who is going to be able to play all the parts right. You need someone who has good musicianship. You also need a quick learner, because you don't want to be held up by somebody who is slowing everybody else down. Look for someone who is creative. Also look for someone who has their act together. You want someone who is going to get to places on time and do what they say they are going to do. Follow through means everything in something like a band. You also want someone who is professional, doesn't complain, goes with the flow and takes care of things. Someone who complains is going to be annoying, someone who doesn't complain is someone you are going to appreciate when times get tough. Professionalism in tough circumstances is something to be admired in a bandmate and it is something that you want to look for. When you are in a band you are going to spend many hours together in uncomfortable situations, trapped in a small room, in a car together, on stage waiting around, you want to be with someone who you enjoy spending time with. Picking the right bandmate isn't difficult as long as you remember to look for all the important good qualities that the person should have and make sure that these really do match up with who you are talking to."