[SpeedNinja]

I've slowly been getting back into the music scene down here. Going to shows, meeting new people, checking out new bands... just hanging out. It's fun, and I like taking pics of bands while they play as it's always been a hobby of mine. I have noticed that I'd much rather be up on the stage beating the hell out of my kit. Every time I go out, I want to play more. I've been waiting on a few of my buddies to collect up some gear now that they have a place to jam, but it's been about 5 months now and it's going to be several more... and the metal band is looking worse off.

I really get along with these guys musically and their some of my best friends down here now... but I want to play. I asked my all time best friend (moved to the west coast, jerk) what he thought and he said, "You gotta pay the bills man. They can't take offense to that." So I figured it was worth looking around to see what was out there. Besides, I don't know any semi-successful drummers that are only doing one thing.

I checked some local drummer wanted classified ads on myspace last night and added the two metal bands I saw. One of them messaged me right back asking if I was interested. We messaged back and forth a little and I'm gonna call him tomorrow. It's not my type of metal at all, but I am out of shape and a little rusty. I think it's a good starting point for getting back into the game, at the very least. I don't know how they'll take to my slightly heavier and faster style though. Whatever, it's worth looking into some more. I told the guy I want to hang out with them first to make sure we all get along before I even pick up my sticks.

I'm gonna check Craig's List and some other places that I can find (if you know of any, let me know) to check for more bands. Between different personalities and musical styles I'd like to keep my options open. I can't play in a band where the music will eventually drive me to hate being in that band, and I can't play in another band where I despise being on stage with someone else in the band.

I'm kinda just typing all this to get my thoughts out there and organized, and hopefully get some advice and feedback from some other musicians, especially drummers. Let me know what you guys think about the approach I'm taking this time around.

[05 WideGuy (aka) Joel]

Sounds like a reasonable approach to me, make sure your personalities match then the music. You can make compromises in the music, but not so in the personality department.

[DrumSwede]

I think you're doing it right. It has to feel absolutely right from the start. But personally I think it would be OK for me if I wasn't best friends with everyone in the band, but felt really good about the music I played. But like I said, your approach is reasonable. I wish you good luck with it.

Just curious: what kind of metal is that band playing?

[Gord the Drummer]

There are two ways to approach this. Way 1) It's a job. You don't have to be friends, you are there to get paid. 2) You'd like to start a band with people, and develop into something better than it was.

Either are good options.

[SpeedNinja]

Thanks for the replies guys.

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Just curious: what kind of metal is that band playing?

Honestly... It's nu-metal with a smidge of tamed extreme vocals. Here's their MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/dsociety
Again, not my style. I am out of shape for what I'd like to play though, this will get me partially there. Judging by the recordings they lack any feeling, and the songs get dull. I could change that, but they'd have to be cool with adapting their existing material.

[claydoh]

Spidey, you will know it when it is right,your spidey sense will tingle! you get into somrthing that you dont like you'll know it! I have been to a billion of try-outs and usually you will know within a few minutes if it is a fit or not ,ahhhhh but do not be discouraged my friend, keep going,network with other musicians to find the right fit, I get calls from people I played with years ago saying so and so told me to call you...bla bla bla!

[SpeedNinja]

Still looking around and all but...

Called up the dude from that band. Turns out they're no longer happy with their drummer, who I guess was their studio drummer that they've been rehearsing and playing with. They drown him out at shows, he's mad late all the time and doesn't seem to care anymore. Our ideas musically seem to line up, and it turns out all the bands from around here that they play and hang with are also the ones that I've been meeting and hanging with now that I'm getting back into the scene down here. I'm going to try and jam with the guy and his brother sometime next week. I was honestly expecting this first attempt to go nowhere, but it seems to be going well so far...

[wa2xtreme]

I listened to their stuff and I like it. I think it would be a blast to play. :twocents:

[DrumSwede]

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Still looking around and all but...

Called up the dude from that band. Turns out they're no longer happy with their drummer, who I guess was their studio drummer that they've been rehearsing and playing with. They drown him out at shows, he's mad late all the time and doesn't seem to care anymore. Our ideas musically seem to line up, and it turns out all the bands from around here that they play and hang with are also the ones that I've been meeting and hanging with now that I'm getting back into the scene down here. I'm going to try and jam with the guy and his brother sometime next week. I was honestly expecting this first attempt to go nowhere, but it seems to be going well so far...

That's great news Mike :thumbup: Cool when it seems to work out that fast. I listened to their stuff, and although it's too nu-metal for me, it's probably really fun to play, so... :punkrocka: ! And maybe your ideas will change the character some as well...

[Ytsejam45]

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There are two ways to approach this. Way 1) It's a job. You don't have to be friends, you are there to get paid. 2) You'd like to start a band with people, and develop into something better than it was.

Either are good options.

well point #1 is fine if you're subbing in for someone but not if you're to tour extensively.
If you look at it as a job only then living on a bus with 4 or 5 people will be a bit of a nuissance being your not wanting to "hang" with the rest of the band.
Even if you don't know the band, and they ask you to tour with them, a person should go to a couple social eventsbefore touring, with the entire band first to see what they are like so you know that you will get a long or not. When I Was to tour with Martika, I went to Dayton Ohio( scrotem of the US) to meet and greet for a week to see if it was my thing, being I am Canadian, I Wasn't going to just pack up and move to Dayton for a year simply for the money.