When it comes to finding the right band/group to work with, what criteria do you use to assist you in making your decision? If you choose to decline a position, how do you communicate that in a professional manner?

Robert and I have spent some time on the phone talking about this, so I thought it would make for good conversation. We've touched on some of this on other threads, but here's your chance to fully discuss and share your own methods.

Session work:
This is probably bad on my part, but right now I don't accept or decline until I absolutely have to. If somebody leaves the invitation open, I'll leave it open, too, even if I'm not sure whether I want to or not. If it means money and they catch me on an open day (which is most days, to be frank), I won't turn it down. I simply don't have enough work to be filling out a calendar like I'm John Robinson. If they can't name a date, I don't make 'em.

Joining a band:
This is more complicated, but I think it's important to have priorities in order before even entering the discussion. This is what I keep in mind:

1. Songwriting ability. I simply refuse to get involved anymore with people who don't have some ambition to write songs. It's so frustrating to hear, "I'm not worried. The songs will come together in practice." I'd much rather be told I'd have no input into songwriting than learn no one in the band is particularly motivated to write songs or lyrics. Of course, I'd want to hear the songs before I forfeited my right to input, but I'll put my faith in cheesy lyrics with a good hook over talented musicians everytime.

2. Attitude. I think we all understand this one, although I've changed my idea about what a good attitude is. After spending years in the newsroom, I've learned to make a distinction between gruff people with sharp tongues and people who don't give a hoot about their work. The former is a personality trait that comes with workable solutions (such as letting passing comments, well, pass). The latter is a character flaw that trumps all hard work.

3. Musical influence. I don't think I could trust a band that didn't draw from a broad musical influence. If I hear someone say, "We want to be the next _____," I won't stick around to see if they pull it off.

4. Ability of bass player. I don't really care if the guitarist is a virtuoso. A guitarist or keyboardist with limited chops is a plus in most pop music situations. But the bass player must be able to lock in, otherwise it's a bad gig. I think it's that simple. A gig is bearable if the singer hits a few bad notes but has stage presence, but the rhythm section is never allowed to fake it.

When Bart and I spoke on the phone, we spoke a lot about having healthy boundaries once you are in a band.  Well I laid down my boundaries and felt much better.  My "bandleader" didn't like me working with other bands.  He did not keep me on retainer, nor did we gig often.  Financially, it was a loss for me.  But, i thought the music was ok, and I needed the experience, etc.  Laying down my boundaries, politely yet firmly, really did the trick.  He ultimately said ok, it won't be a problem(well, i did tell him that if it was a problem, he should find a new drummer).  THings worked out well from then on.

Now, the ultimate irony to this is the band leader broke up the band Saturday night.  Apparantly he want's to explore "more aggressive" music.  So, he was worried about my commitment, when he was the one who flaked out.

From the other side;

I have a 16 pc. band. People come and go.  When looking for a replacement player, here is what I look for other than competent musicianship.

Accept the band for what it is.  If you don't care for particular tunes or styles that the band is currently playing, don't think that you are going to change it.

Show up for rehearsals.  I have had so many prima donnas that only want to show up for the rehearsal before the gig, that I honestly don't even keep track of their name and phone number until they have been to three rehearsals.

Don't ever commit to a gig and then back out at the last minute for a higher paying one, particularly if you are new.  Your name doesn't go just to the bottom of the call list, it gets put on another "special" list.

If you are playing with another band, I need to know your scheduled gigs and rehearsals with it well in advance.  If you have any specific dates that you will not be available for any reason in the near future, I need to know them.

When looking to play in a band musicianship, and potential as an artist are obviously important. One of the BIGGEST ways to land a gig in Nashville is what is termed as your ability to "hang".

In other words, when you play at a certain level, it is just expected that you are good at what you do. So it comes down to how you are with mixing in with the band. If you tour like myself, Bart, Keith, etc.... you are spending a lot of time on tour buses, and planes, and hotels together.

So I look at if I will be able to live with these band members while I am out with them. Do they party too much? Do we have any common interests outside of music etc.... How professional are they?

As Robert mentioned, I have boundries too. I'm not playing in a situation where drugs are involved. I am going to play with others when I am not out with my main artist. I will do as much session work as I desire when I am not touring etc... But in Nashville, it is expected that you will be doing these things anyway!

Last year, I found myself playing with 4 other bands besides the artist I tour with. It got too hectic for me. I decided to weed out the bands that I felt were not encouraging to me either musically or career wise. Most importantly, I have a family, and I just had to learn how to say "no"

I think you can say no in a way that does not burn bridges too. Being honest, and positive about how you say no can be of more benefit to you than trying to think a way out of a gig in a PC sort of way.

Snooty? I don't see anything snooty about anyone's responses. I'm just giving a response to what I look for at where I am at in my career. There are many people here that play at many different levels (weekends, just starting, playing full-time etc...). So depending are where you are, or where you want to be will have different responses.

Random, maybe you were just teasing ,I don't know, if so I apologize.