Band Leader, Band Member Or Hired Gun/Sub? Which do you choose?

[@kevystead]

I've been a band member for a few bands. Somewhat of a musical director in others. But mainly now I do the hired gun thing. I've found it gets me more work and I enjoy the learning of new songs, revisiting old ones and meeting and networking with other people in the business. I sing as well and have a good ear for harmonies, so that usually gets me more work than just a guy that plays drums.

[@drumteacher43]

Yeah that’s great! Thecsinging will get you a lot of work no doubt!!

[@derrick8224]

Hi Tim. Your channel is fun. Thanks for sharing your stories

[@drumteacher43]

Thanks very much!

[@johnparsons3454]

subbing in is so much fun. No pressure. Play in the pocket in the back and stretch out when asked.

[@drumteacher43]

Yup I agree ☝️

[@deportedtocanada1944]

Tips from my arsenal: As a band booker/band member, I finally had it with tracking down the guys to see if they were open. I said to them in a meeting "Ok, you guys, if there is any day or night you are not available, it's YOUR responsibility to call me immediately and tell me that time is not open for you". That made dealing with clubs and agents SO much easier, and I could give an immediate yes or no.. So many more. I liked being a sideman, but sheesh! Call at 6pm and I only know 20 out of 35 or 40 tunes. Gotta be on the ball and don't be afraid of telling the other members to do a move with their guitars or whatever to signal me! Nothing wrong with that. On the super long drives, when someone in the band says "Hey, have I ever told you my story about the thingamagig?", be accepting. "Yep 50 times, but it's a good story, tell it again". Good vibes for everyone, including the driver trying to stay awake. I liked being the combo band member/booker, or the sideman best. I have power in the band member/booker scene but not the power to fire anyone. As a sideman, just do my best to nail it. P.s. Does that shirt come in the Teal colour of your drumset, or perhaps black? It would help hide the incredible 6-pack I have going on. My muscles just don't stop!

[@drumteacher43]

Great stuff! Good advice. Yes the shirt comes in black I don’t think it comes in the drummer colour!

[@deportedtocanada1944]

@@drumteacher43 I'll take one in black. IXXL or XL and email the cash and shipping iiif that's ok., Talk by phone. Msybe a hat too.

[@drumteacher43]

@deportedtocanada1944 ok just have to order them in I’ll let you know how much. What colour chat? Same design as the shirt?

[@deportedtocanada1944]

@@drumteacher43 Yep, unless there's other designs you dig more, I like straightforward designs, "Tim Connelly DRUMSET POCTURE" Even people in Thailand(or Dundas) get it. Order it and don't shortchange yourself. I once was walking in Poland wearing a shirt that only had a Jimmy Hendrix picture on it, and some guy from across the street raised his fist in the air and yelled "HENDRIX! YEAH!", Black please!

[@deportedtocanada1944]

@@drumteacher43 Black and you choose the design. I'm 230lb's now. Hey, I'm addicted to this guy's channel! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoXdeoyJqrSkoqc

[@lowdownfender]

Band member, sub & assistant musical director, I do what is offered. But my experience is that of having qualifications of many years but also having open ears to ideas.It's like a jigsaw puzzle , I'm one of the integral pieces with the drummer & we complete the fit for the rest. PS nice kick logo !

[@drumteacher43]

Awesome great comment and thanks for the kind words!

[@andrewmachado6988]

Band member or a hired hun is where it’s at. Being a band leader is too much of a headache.

[@edwinwise6751]

Tim, as a frontman I could have a two minute conversation with you and I could identify you as a drummer . Drummers are the only ones I can do that with…. It’s a petsona

[@drumteacher43]

lol, that’s too funny 😂 awesome! 😎