As a young band it doesn’t matter who owns and runs the band. “We’re all friends, right”? But as your talents and skills grow, not everyone will grow at the same rate and some will drop out. If you are the primary creative influence in the band, you may want to set down some ground rules. Bands that consider themselves to be a democracy (where everyone has an equal vote), will find that they are controlled by the most negative member of the band. You cannot allow this to happen. You have to make it clear from the beginning that this is “your” band. This doesn’t mean that you will ignore constructive criticism. Because you have the power, you can afford to listen carefully, but your decision stands. In the same way, never bring in a member that you can’t fire. This includes relatives, girlfriends, best friends and the guy who owns the PA. This is all before you’ve made any money.
There is no shame in being a cover band or playing weddings, bar mitzvahs and birthday parties. Everyone starts this way. The more styles that you can master, the more can make fun of them when you want to do it. Frank Zappa made a career out this type of thinking. When it comes to money, take a cue from Bon Jovi. He owns the band financially, even though some members have been with him for 30 years. A number stars from Bill Cosby to Oprah Winfrey agree…always sign your own checks. Know where your money is going. You can have a personal money manager, but when it comes to band finances, your signature keeps everyone honest. If you just want to drink, smoke, attract sex partners and generally screw off, you’ll be doing the same thing at the age of 60, and playing the same gigs. If you want a career, it’s a business and don’t forget it. It’s a tough business that eats fools.
Let me give you a final example. A friend of mine who was the primary composer and performer for his band went to a major recording studio (A&M) in LA to create their first album. They were all friends, but the drummer couldn’t sync with the bass player. The bass player couldn’t keep consistent time and neither could stay in tune for the vocals. $50,000 later, they had crap. In this case, the writing was really good, the guitar solos were inspired, the keyboard work was creative and the lead vocals were solid, but Mr. Loyalty failed because he didn’t have the nerve to fire his incompetent friends. If he had hired professionals to back him, most people close to the artist agreed that he would have been on his way to a serious career. Out of money, and unwilling to change players he went home. Hard lessons, not to be ignored.
Randall Peede
President
Directors Clip, Inc.
Directorsclip.com
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