Sourced from http://www.brittonkill.k12.ny.us/music/calistri.htm (Credit Zits Comics)
How To Find A Drummer
The drummer is the cornerstone of a band. Although I may hold this view because I personally play the drums, there is truth to it. If you remove drums from a musical performance, the notes will fade along with the beat and timing. However, just as a cornerstone may firm up the direction and foundation of a building, there are many other parts that must work together in order for the building to be complete.
The important thing to remember when conducting a drummer interview for your band is that this individual will be the driving force and leading movement behind everything you do. As When I began to play the drums, my first opportunities to perform came at church with the worship team. I would nervously sit on my drum stool and await the entry of the piano and follow the singers and pianists. From a learning perspective, this is necessary; as skills and the musical feel improve, this is a frustration.
As much as overall leadership can come from a variety of band members, the consistency and tempo should begin with and be maintained by the drummer. That being said, timing is something that is necessary no matter what drummer you move forward with for your band. A simple drummer with good timing will outperform a complex but uncontrolled drummer.
Timing, of course, is not everything. Another measurable qualification will be playing style – difficult to define and explain, but measurable. The style or genre that your band adopts or grows from will have a hefty impact in the drummer you select. Aside from the obvious reason, a jazz drummer, classic rock drummer, metal drummer, and punk drummer can all be successful musicians with a great variety of skill levels. Set your style and criteria before you begin a drummer interview. How fast will this person have to play, what beats must he or she be able to mimic or create, and what type of music do they practice with and love?
Pending qualifications, the real fun begins. I asked for some advice from fellow drummers and the comment that really hits the nail on the head suggested having a drink with each of the candidates who passed the audition. While you can test and jam all you want with an amazing drummer, most of your time will not be spent performing shows. If you are starting a band from the ground up, there will be nights of discussion, long car rides, logistical frustrations, and then some jamming. You must find someone who molds well with you and your band on a social and personality level.
In summary, the two things you must look into carefully when moving through a drummer interview is time keeping ability, and playing style. After that, the rules get hazy. I was talking with a band mate of mine and we concluded that there is talent, there is friendship, and there is direction. You need all 3.
To dig into this topic more, read How To Find Band Mates. |
