![]() ![]() They make sure everyone understands when and where the gig is, how to dress and, what to play. They don’t miss much and they don’t leave much to chance. Good leaders are also very detail oriented. ![]() Everyone else may get by without remembering what was discussed last week, but the leader must be on top of it, and able to tactfully remind all parties of the agreements made. They often forget what they say as soon as the words leave their mouths. And, restaurant and club owners are crazy busy. Musicians are notorious for being forgetful. From keeping up with the names and numbers of musicians, club owners, subs, and potential clients, to keeping an accurate calendar, being able to access information is the key to success. The most important thing a leader can be is organized. It can be a stark contrast to the laid back reputation that musicians have earned. Good band leaders are sometimes neurotic (but in a good way). Many times the good band leaders are a bit obsessive-compulsive. It takes a special personality to keep all the loose ends from unraveling. I’ve known guys who are great musicians, but utterly worthless at being the boss. Some people are better bandleaders than others. That includes finding the gig, contacting all the players, showing up early and talking with the client, making sure that all the musicians are happy, collecting the money, paying everyone and doing the accounting to make sure that the taxes are covered in addition to playing well, looking good and sounding great. One thing I’ve learned for sure, is that it’s a whole lot easier to just show up with your gear, play your part, eat the free dinner and go home than it is to deal with all the minutia that bandleaders have. And, from time to time I’ve been the contractor who books the gig and hires the band so I’ve seen from the other side what it’s like to be the guy making the calls and writing the checks. Enjoy!Īs a gigging musician involved with several bands, I’ve had ample opportunity to observe the traits and characteristics of bandleaders both good and bad. This guest post comes from Nashville-based guitarist and bassist Sam Frazee. ![]()
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