| It's like a job interview, but so much more. A | | | | ways to utilize that to your advantage. |
| band member isn't just doing a job-they are | | | | 6. Are you dependable? |
| joining your creative family. You want to be sure | | | | The answer of course should be "yes", but as a |
| of their technical ability, and you also want to be | | | | follow up to this, ask them to provide you with |
| sure they will blend with the rest of the band. | | | | examples of their dependability. If they can't |
| Success for your group depends on a synergistic | | | | come up with a concrete example immediately, |
| blend of personalities. Here are ten questions you | | | | you should be worried. |
| can ask a potential band member to ensure they | | | | 7. Why did you leave your last band? |
| will be exactly what you need to take your band | | | | Just like a job-people can voluntarily leave their |
| to the next level. | | | | band-or they can be fired. They can leave for |
| 1. Why do you want to join? | | | | personal reasons or because of conflicts. Find out |
| Watch the response to this question. Do they | | | | what the real reason the interviewee left their |
| have to really think about it? If so, you need to | | | | band, and remember to keep a skeptical mind. |
| clarify whether or not they have a good reason | | | | There are two sides to every story. |
| to commit to your band. You're not trying to | | | | 8. Where would you like to see yourself in five |
| make it difficult for them to join, but this first | | | | years? |
| question is the single most important one for | | | | You're not proposing marriage to the person, but |
| them to answer well because it is a true reflection | | | | you do want to know that they are going to |
| of how they feel about your band and your | | | | commit to working with you long enough that it |
| music. Don't prompt them for the answer you | | | | will be worth hiring them. Constant changes in a |
| want. Simply ask, and let them answer-no matter | | | | band are unsettling and cause disruption. It takes |
| how long it takes or how much they struggle for | | | | time to gel with a new member and reach an |
| the right words. | | | | optimal level of creativity. You don't want |
| 2. What do you think you can contribute? | | | | someone who is going to run off in six months |
| The answer to this question will let you know if | | | | after you've invested that much time into making |
| they are a well-rounded band mate. If their | | | | them a part of your sound. |
| answer is just about their musical abilities, that | | | | 9. How do you define "team player"? |
| should be a red flag. What you're looking for is | | | | Everyone has different perspectives, so make |
| someone who can tell you about their musical skill, | | | | sure you ask them find out exactly what they |
| but also be willing to contribute time, energy, | | | | think it means to be on a team. Ask for |
| money, contacts, and other important resources. | | | | examples of how they've contributed to a team |
| Someone who has experience is also a big plus. | | | | before. Ask them about their best and worst |
| Look for a person who has their eye on the | | | | experience working in a team environment. It |
| overall activity involved with making your band | | | | might be about their little league baseball team, |
| succeed. | | | | their science group in high school, or their |
| 3. Who were your biggest musical influences? | | | | competitive race car driving experience-but listen |
| This question is designed to find out who your | | | | carefully at the words they use to describe these |
| potential band member emulates musically and in | | | | situations. Watch their face as they describe both |
| every other aspect of their lives. If your band is | | | | the good and bad scenarios for clues about how |
| Rolling Stones and your interviewee is Jim Croce, | | | | well they handled these situations. |
| you might want to take that in to consideration. | | | | 10. What do you want from the band? |
| An ideal candidate will talk about the types of | | | | Every relationship is give-and-take. Find out what |
| musicians that inspire you and the rest of the | | | | this person expects from the band in order for |
| band. | | | | them to be happy and remain creative. An honest |
| 4. How much time do you have to devote to | | | | and mature person will be able to tell you what |
| practice? | | | | they need in order to stay involved. Do they |
| This is serious. Practice is the heart of your band | | | | require honest feedback? They may need to feel |
| and if someone has an inflexible schedule or can't | | | | that their suggestions are taken seriously, or that |
| practice every single week, they aren't a good | | | | they have freedom to try new things. Whatever |
| prospect. All the talent in the world won't matter | | | | it is, weigh their answer with the rest of the band |
| if they aren't able to make it to rehearsals with | | | | and make sure it is something you feel you can |
| the rest of the band. Everyone should agree on | | | | do in order to keep your commitment to your |
| the time commitment that is acceptable and insist | | | | newest member. |
| that any new member be able to commit to it | | | | When you sit down with your potential band |
| before you agree to bring them on board. | | | | member, try to make it informal and easy for |
| 5. Do you have any other skills you can | | | | them to tell you what they really think. If you are |
| contribute? | | | | having this conversation it means you have |
| Sure they can play the drums-but find out what | | | | already heard them play and like their abilities; a |
| else they have in their arsenal. Even if it is | | | | face-to-face interview like this should be a final |
| something that seems totally unrelated, it may | | | | step in the decision making process and every |
| turn out to be useful in promoting or managing | | | | member of the band should be there. Make sure |
| the band. A degree in accounting? Great! Ask | | | | you tell them a specific date that you'll let them |
| them to help you make a budget! Internet freak? | | | | know your final decision and then stick to it. |
| Super! Have them manage the band's website. | | | | They'll appreciate your professionalism regardless |
| Find out what's in their whole skill set and find | | | | of whether or not you hire them. |