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1. BOOTING A BAND MEMBER

A time might come when someone just isn’t pulling his weight in the band and he’s holding you back. You need to know how to part as painlessly as possible. Feelings are bound to be hurt on some level but there are steps you should take before and after the firing.

1. When issues start to come up begin keeping track with dates and times. Note performance reviews, any warnings the band gave for tardiness or missed sessions, etc. Keep it all ‘on paper’ and bring two copies to the firing.

2.  Decide the details of the member’s departure before you sit down with him. How long will he have to clear out? Does he have equipment to return? Know how you’ll address these issues before you ever sit down.

3.  Have someone else, other band members perhaps, present in case things get ugly. If it comes to a court of law it’s best to have a witness in your corner. And if they ask who made this decision be honest. If it was a collective decision kept it brief and say “We all did.” Don’t let the fired person, divide and conqueror – be a unified front.

4.  Get right to the point. Don’t hee-haw or dance around the subject. Be tactful, of course, but be upfront and let him know immediately he’s fired. Something like, “We’ve decided to hire another ‘fill in the blank’ for the group. Sorry but you’re out.” If he questions why, that’s when you bring out your list. It’s not a bad idea to have him sign the list that states the reasons why. Again, later on, down the legal road, this could help.

5.  Consider when you do the firing. It’s best not to do it before major holidays or a major gig. It’s best to avoid weekends too.

6.  If the fellow band mate helped co-write material let them know that under copyright law they will get any royalties owed them but as for being a playing member or active part of the group from this point forward it won’t happen.

7.  Be sure you back up of any information your band mate has before you break the news. Resentment can lead to broken instruments or deleted band files or burned sheet music out of spite. So if you can get that stuff in advance do it. Sometimes you don’t always have the option though.

8.  Acknowledge that (although it may NOT be personal) you might feel lousy about the whole process even if you do everything right. You’ve got dreams you want to achieve so remember that it’s for the good of everyone in the end. Perhaps even for the person being fired too because they might realize the next time around they should take their part more seriously.

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2. NEXT! FINDING THE RIGHT BAND MATE

Out with the old and in with the new, right? You’ve got someone to replace but what do you look for exactly? Here’s a few ideas to consider when auditioning possible replacements:

• Do they know the material? Sounds simple enough but if they come unprepared to the audition then consider what will happen once they are in the band.
• How do they look? Imagine is everything. Do they constantly keep their head down when they play or do they close their eyes when they sing? You need people that have a ‘stage presence’ so if you can’t feel it then chances are neither will your audience.
• Physically how do they look? Are they dressed for the part? Do they look like they just woke up with bags under their eyes big enough to travel to Europe cross-country for a month? Consider this because they might not be the best choice.
• Did they show up on time? If you had to wait for them remember that you’ll be waiting on them again in the future. I guarantee it. Sure, crap happens but if they were serious they would have planned to be there far enough in advance for any ‘unforeseen circumstances’.

As you continue to see people keep track of all four items and make notes. What did they do well, what needed work, how did they come off (approachable or god’s gift to music), etc. You’ll need to keep track if you see lots of potentials come through so jot it down and then consider doing a final call of your favorite three.

At that point listen again and see how they each interact with you. Perhaps someone can’t hit that E-flat, diminished 9th but you felt more comfortable talking to him than the girl that could. In a band it’s better that the group exist peacefully so consider your options carefully. With time, patience and an open eye (and ear) you can find someone that meshes well and perhaps make you a superstar – just ask Paul McCartney or Eddie Van Halen. Ringo Starr and Sammy Hagar were both replacements so all is not lost if you’re one or two band members light. Just keep in mind what to look for and what’s important to the group as a whole.

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3. RING-TONS, DISTRIBUTION AND YOU!

EMediaWire.com recently posted an article on distribution, ring-tones and indie artist. 

“Aimed predominately at the independent and emerging music markets, STAYAROUND.COM will provide a universal sales platform. Artists will have the ability to sell their music in a wide range of formats; including MP3, polyphonic and real-tones… A number of differences set STAYAROUND.COM apart from the other online legal distribution channels; primarily the ability to reach a world-wide audience, legally, with unsigned music and independent labels, in addition to offering un-heard of content and ring-tones. This will initiate an expansion of all forms of alternative music and support smaller players within the music industry.

By using the STAYAROUND.COM platform, Internet traffic and billing expertise from Symbios Group, every registered end-user can financially benefit. Access will be provided to central recourses and marketing tools including biographies, gig guides and a new chart.

The result will be a wider choice of independent and niche music along with the ability to download unlimited amounts of ring-tones on a weekly basis for a fixed price.

Martin Montague, one of the founders of STAYAROUND.COM states 'The global market for music and ring-tones is enormous. We have seen a considerable increase in the number of people looking for alternative music over the past few years. Unlike other leading brands we are focused on the niche market for distribution rather than the major record companies that dominate our charts. If you take the independent scene, small bands and the music that they produce, the picture is much bigger than we think. The world is a large place and it would be wrong to think that a few brands have control. We have seen efforts by the music industry to make inroads onto the Internet. We are doing it the other way around; from the internet outwards, which in effect is a reverse takeover into the music industry!'

STAYAROUND.COM wants to hear from every band, independent music producer and artist looking for alternative distribution channels.

Companies wishing to work with Stayaround.com should contact Gavin White +44(0)1489889821

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SYMBIOS GROUP: www.symbiosgroup.co.uk
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON STAYAROUND.COM: www.stayaround.com

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