Members fuzzball Posted March 31, 2007 Members Share Posted March 31, 2007 Well it seems that every band that I have been in over the last decade has always had me as the band leader. I am always the one that calls everyone up, makes the practice session goals, picks songs, that kind of thing. I really wish that some of the other members would once and a while take the duty of checking in with the rest of the group and confirming practice sessions and such. Does anyone else here go through that too? Any tips? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Singin' Dave Posted April 1, 2007 Members Share Posted April 1, 2007 Sounds like it's time for a band meeting..... No real tips here as I too find myself falling into a leader roll simply due to caring about this stuff perhaps a little more than the next guy. But seriously, it's time to talk to your guys and tell them your getting a bit burnt out doing all the little things. Ask them to share the responsibility a bit. Good Luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members timrocker Posted April 1, 2007 Members Share Posted April 1, 2007 Want some nuts and bolts advice? Delegate. Don't invite them to co-lead. Complete chaos ensues when you put everyone in charge just because it's become too much for one individual to "do everything". Give each person a set of tasks to take the load off of you, and a timeline. Keep the reigns. There is something about human organization that is inherently hierarchical. FWIW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members SanDiego333 Posted April 1, 2007 Members Share Posted April 1, 2007 Treat it like a business. Create a calendar....we practice on these days at these times and these places. We meet on these days / times / place to discuss set lists, equipment, etc. Person A will be responsible for X, person B is responsible for X, etc. Then stick to it. Then, like the previous poster stated, you (or someone) STILL needs to be in charge, facilitate, lead the meetings, sessions, etc. If the others don't want to adhere, find some that are willing to commit the time and effort just as you are. You may be their leader or bandmate or whatever, but you shouldn't have to be their mother, father, motivation specialist, etc...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fuzzball Posted April 2, 2007 Author Members Share Posted April 2, 2007 Thanks for the tips and support guys. On the bright side we usually have a set pratice schedule but do to some crazy job situations things have been a little rough lately. The band seems to really be a good tight group (except for the drummer, which we may replace). They really do work hard and do what they are expected. I think I need to do what was mentioned and delegate some to have a bit of a break. I guess that I just would like to have some time as a follower for once. I have been in management positions for the past 15 years and now I teach college and I guess I would like to have some time where I just go in and have some fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members danrothmusic Posted April 2, 2007 Members Share Posted April 2, 2007 leading innit so bad, but you gotta delegate, as the others have said. It seems to me that, even if you ask someone else to take lead, you're just the sort of person who becomes leader anyways. not because you're bossy or anything, but because people will instinctively look to you for direction Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members crossways Posted April 2, 2007 Members Share Posted April 2, 2007 I used to go through that. But I usually would set things up, and then the other two knuckle heads would constantly either complain or have last minute alterations to scheduling. It is a headache, but it has to be done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fuzzball Posted April 2, 2007 Author Members Share Posted April 2, 2007 Thanks, you have a good point. I think I will retain the duties for the next 2 weeks (due to our drummer situation, I may have to can him this week). Then I will start delegating some of the responsibility. I was curious if this happends in most bands (it always happens to me) I have been the leader in bands for nearly 15 years now....never seems to change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Guitar Centaur Posted April 3, 2007 Members Share Posted April 3, 2007 So far with the band I just joined, we usually have a flurry of emails going back and forth. Someone will suggest something, and we'll all weigh in on it. No "designated leader", but luckily, we all seem to have the same vision for the band, which sort of eliminates the necessity for one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators justcrash Posted April 3, 2007 Moderators Share Posted April 3, 2007 Want some nuts and bolts advice? Delegate. Don't invite them to co-lead. Complete chaos ensues when you put everyone in charge just because it's become too much for one individual to "do everything". Give each person a set of tasks to take the load off of you, and a timeline. Keep the reigns. There is something about human organization that is inherently hierarchical. FWIW. I wish I had done this. I was busting my ass for my last band, I asked them for help, no one could be bothered. The final straw came when my drummer acted like I was ripping them off on pay (I usually paid them slightly more then I did myself because that's the kind of guy I am). Long story short: I quit doing {censored} for the band and told them they would have to do it. We got to the point where the gigs I booked were done and lo and behold, there were no other gigs and the band broke up. Did I mention these were 40-50 year old guys and I was 30? Not kids, adults. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members salislore Posted April 3, 2007 Members Share Posted April 3, 2007 I'm the band leader and it's a pain most of the times. Setting up gigs, practices, song choices, set lists, etc. But, as others said, you kind of need to have one person steering the ship. Some of the others in the band help out. One guy who didn't was fired a couple of months ago. Not just because he didn't do any thing for the band, but for a boat load of reasons. Mostly for his lack of playing ability. We have one more guy who really doesn't do anything, but show up and play. We have talked to him several times, but to no avail. He keeps saying he's going to this and that and never follows through. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fuzzball Posted April 4, 2007 Author Members Share Posted April 4, 2007 Thanks guys, I think that I will hold full control for another week or so in case I need to let the drummer go. After that I will start to delegate tasks to take some of the burden off of myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fuzzball Posted April 4, 2007 Author Members Share Posted April 4, 2007 I guess the problem is that I have been getting burned out, between teaching all day (and some nights) and side projects I am getting tired. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members atemporarywind Posted April 4, 2007 Members Share Posted April 4, 2007 I know the frustrations of which you speak. One tip I heard recently and took to heart is seeking out someone who is a big fan of the band who is better organized then the band members who will put a little time in the management side of things. I think a lot of bands think that everyone in the band has to do everything, but as you all know alot of drummers just want to be drummers, a lot of bassists just want to be bassists and so on. So find someone who is as into your music as you are and as your band mates are who will be a manager and let the manager be the manager. In the meantime always make sure you're playing with people that have the same passion and conviction as you. You're only as strong as the weakest link. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members danrothmusic Posted April 4, 2007 Members Share Posted April 4, 2007 one problem with that - you have to pay them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fuzzball Posted April 4, 2007 Author Members Share Posted April 4, 2007 Good tips here guys, thanks for the support. I like the lead but sometimes I just want to relax, music is my time away from work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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