I've been so busy that I haven't blogged in a LONG time...SO here goes: After leaving the Rhythm Junkies, I did a little market research to find out what local audiences liked and didn't like about local bands. I kept hearing the same three things - They're a good band but they play too loud. They're a good band, but they play the same stuff they were playing 3 years ago. They're a good band but I wish they played more variety.
This told me three very important things. Keep the volume at a more moderate level. If we can't hear the vocals, turn everything else DOWN. Audiences and venue employees will appreciate it. Change the set lists occasionally. It keeps it fresh both for the crowd and the band. And play a variety of genres. We've heard a lot of feedback from audiences on this one because we don't just play Classic Rock. Or Eighties Hair Metal. Or Country. Mixing a bit of everything together makes audiences happy.
Five years ago, I put this band together. Inside of a few months, I was the only original member left. There was a period of time where the band went through several guitarists, bassists and keyboard players. Now we have a good core of players with Angela, Barb, Floyd and Tom, and I'm a happy drummer!
I run things a little differently than most band "leaders". I see myself as more of a facilitator for adult musicians to make music together. Sometimes, that results in people thinking that because I am not a musical dictator, there's no direction or format. When they find that's not the case, they tend to leave and that's okay. Lack of honest communication doesn't work well with me. Excuses don't work too well. Musicians who can't make the cut leave and the band continues and thrives.