How to be a good band member.

How to be a good band member. 

photo by Angela Bond

By: Kristie Stremel 

BUY A STAGE TUNER 

Buy the tuner that mutes when you step on it. Nobody wants to hear you whank on your high E note in between songs!

SUITCASES

No suitcases in the band van. There is simply never enough room and good amps/guitars are more important than your clothes. So grab a plastic Wal-Mart bag, throw in your toothbrush, toothpaste, and clean t-shirts… and get in the van! We already miss sound check because you brought your mom’s suitcase from last years Bahamas Cruise.

HOTELS

Always try to get a ground level room close to an entrance. This will make it easy to load guitars after the gig so they can sleep with you at night, where they are safe.  Leaving a guitar in the van is like leaving a child in the car. Don’t be a douche bag parent.

DRUMMERS

If there is a drum or cymbal on your set that you do not hit during your set… take it off! Nobody is impressed with your 19-piece drum set, unless you are spinning in a cage upside down and play them all with great intention.

BASS PLAYERS

If there is a string on your guitar that you do not play during your set… take it off. Personally, I think there should only be two strings on a bass. But that’s just me. And let us not forget the wise words of Lou Whitney, “there is no such thing as an interesting bass line.” (At least in a rock song) Keep it simple, keep it in the pocket, and may the kick drum become your best friend.

LESS TALKIN’, MORE ROCKIN’

It’s always been a good motto. Everyone can appreciate a few short stories and antics in between songs, but if you rattle on for more than two minutes… you need to go talk to your AA sponsor.

SONGWRITING CREDIT

I’m not going to argue about this one anymore. If you can sit down and play the music and melody from beginning to end… you probably wrote the song. However, great parts that enhance the song should be taken into consideration and a percentage split should be discussed and executed in writing before you enter the studio.

GIGS

Work smarter, not harder. Always book your gigs 4-6 weeks in advance. This will give you time to send promo to radio and rags and let your fans know you are coming.  Anything less is just a waste of your time and the club’s time. 

CDS/DOWNLOADS/MERCH

Stop giving your music away for free! When you do this, you are saying your music has no value. However, do give away stickers, picks, beer bongs, whatever promo you come up with to promote your band. Everyone likes swag, but your tunes should never be your swag. Ya dig?

DRINKING

If you are going to drink before a show please be in vibrational alignment with it. Everyone is out to have a few drinks and have some fun, but do not get effed up before the show. People bought a ticket to your show to see a live performance, not see a train wreck on stage. Trust me on this one… give them the best of you!

THE SOUND PERSON

Don’t be a dick to the soundperson.  They have the suck buttons and they will not hesitate to push them.  Also, if they do a good job, tip them. Yes, tip them.

EAR PROTECTION

Wear earplugs on stage or in practice if you can. I have never been able to sing with them in, but I wish I had taken the time to learn how. Now if you want to have a conversation with me, you have to speak directly in my right ear or write me a note! This also applies to emotions; if you have feelings for me, I will never pick up on them… into the right ear or write me a note.

AFTER THE SHOW ETIQUETTE

Talk to your fan/friends after the show… even if it’s for a couple of minutes. Even if they want to tell you a sad story about their kitty. Even if it means you get your ass grabbed by a stranger (side note: my guitar player doesn’t mind this) (another side note: sorry mom). I’ll admit this has always been a difficult balance for me. After driving for hours, loading in, sound check, and performing, it’s sometimes hard to connect with people after the show. However, I always try to remember if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be playing shows. Here’s my point, because I do have one, don’t be a dumb rock star, be humble and say hello. That’s all.

SHOWER DAILY ON THE ROAD

‘nuff said.

BAND RELATIONSHIPS

I’ve only seen a few of these relationships work. If you decide to date a band member, all we ask is you not let it affect your work. If you learn the songs, play them well, and show up on time… I could care less who you are kissing. And while we are on this subject, please don’t date a Yoko Ono. If she doesn’t like you being on the road and playing music, break up right now!!!  I’m serious, run for your life!!! If your lover doesn’t like what you do, they must not be in vibrational alignment with who they are or what they do. Therefore, they are not a match to you. Cut them loose so the Universe can bring you someone REALLY special.  However, if he or she DOES support your work, put them first and love them fiercely!

MISSING BAND MEMBERS IN THE MORNING

(Big sigh) Ok, first, check the van. If they are not there, find the college campus and drive around. When they jump in the van, each member is allowed one hand smack to their head.

SONGWRITING TIP

If you write a song about someone, don’t tell him or her. They are not privy to your perspective, therefore, they won’t understand.

KEEP THE OVERHEAD LOW

This is simple. If you want to live your dream and play music… don’t listen to anyone or anything but your heart and keep the overhead low.

Have fun and good luck!

xo, KS