Hey folks...

I just finished an audition with a singer who is the offspring of a very famous singer/songwriter. The person with whom I had the audition is signed with three albums. It would be as the live drummer, doing local shows and occasional touring. Maybe I'd be involved when it came time to do a future new album, maybe not. But that would be a couple years down the road anyway.

The thing is, if I were offered the gig, I'd have to make a significant life change/musical change decision. So I'm wondering if you guys can offer any tips as to what kind of things I should ask if I get the nod.

Is it common to be paid for rehearsals, and is it okay or not cool to ask? The singer does normal shows (paying on average $150/gig) and also benefit shows. Does "benefit show" mean I don't get paid? Should I ask about long-term gigging plans? Any other questions I should ask? Mostly I'm concerned about money issues, because I'd have to give up my money band in order to do this. The gigs with this singer seem to be fairly stable for the next couple months at least, whereas my current band keeps going indefinitely and makes pretty good money.

Hmmm... well, I guess I'm sort of rambling on here. The singer has been auditioning drummers most of last week and is doing more still this week. So there's a big pool of players I'm up against. But I'd just like to be prepared before I leap into anything.

btw, I'll let you know who the person is after I get a phone call.

Hey sidereal glad to hear you might get this job, here are somethings that I take into account when I'm in these situations.  

1.  How big is this singer, or better yet how big is his label

2. How big are the venues you will be playing

3. How much drumming are you going to be doing (1 hour, 2 hours, etc.)

4. How much is everyone else getting paid!!

You need to take all these thing into an account, you don't want to be getting paid $200 a show for playing 3 hours at sold out venues while the singer and everyone else is getting big bucks.   It's great to get a big gig, but business is business I love playing drums, but money talks and ...well you know the rest.

Good luck and Congrats.

Thanks everyone...

Good list there looney. Yeah, label is small as are the venues, but occassionally there's a big show, like an opening slot for Joe Cocker at an arena show last month in Germany. (which reminds me, I should ask about traveling costs, but I believe that they are covered. Hmm, what about mileage for in-state gigs?) Your No. 4 question is a good one. I will ask that (if, of course, I get an offer).

 

OK... I got the offer!

I'm surprised actually, cause she auditioned like 10 drummers. Nice ego boost. Anyway, I'll follow the advice you guys gave when I call her back.

She's Shana Morrison, daughter of Van.

AllMusic's got her entry here:
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=B4jjx7i71g75r

I hope this means I get free Guiness pints at the Irish pub across from my apartment.

Wow, who did you have to blow to get that gig?  LOL  Just kidding.

Anyways great news.  Sounds like you are well on your way to becoming a touring pro.

Have fun and keep us posted.

LOL...I have faith he will kicked out in a week or two.

     

Felix, you kill me man!

Thanks everyone. Rat, them's kind words... and yeah, it's something I'm concerned about. But I'll go for it. btw, thanks also for the drum kit reading book suggestion.

Can't really add anything here- just congrats.

Was wondering- in covering the tunes she already has recoreded- how much freedom will you have to put your own expressions into the music- or will you basically have to memorize the drums as recorded?

Will you have to play "brown eyed girl"...we used to play a hard rocking version of that.

Wow Jim, that is incredible news!!  Good luck man!!  

Yeah, I auditioned. She had sent me a CD of music to learn. It's pretty cool, kind of Sheryl Crow type stuff.

btw, if you have an audition and someone sends you songs to learn, it's a good idea to get really familiar with the stuff. I think this helped me a great deal.

That good going , hope it all goes well for you .  

hey sidereal, awesome news! congratulations!

They threw a swing tune at him and he got canned

LOL  just kidding.

Great news, Side! I guess you've already gotten plenty of free advice, but as bensoncarlos said, it's never inappropriate to ask busines questions.
I was in a band and found out the roadies were making more than I was! Another little tidbit that came out was that the guitar players were expensing picks and strings, but as the drummer I had to buy my own sticks and heads.

They wouldn't fix it so I quit!

Let us know for sure when you end up on a cd -- we'd all love to hear ya, man!

was the copping of the dali's car album name intentional?  

Sidereal, great to see someone moving forward in the business.  I wish you the best success.  Really cool!  The exposure will be worth it, my friend.  Now's the time to go balls out and get noticed.

Peace........

Jazzman