Being a bandleader is not the easies thing to do. You are constantly being stretched one way or the other. Band members are always having problems of one sort or the other. Musicians are classic flakes and don’t show up, show up late or forgot to learn the new song. Ego’s get in the way and so and so thinks they can lead the band. Some one gets offended that you did not use their idea for the song or the band did not like their new song.
There are 1001 things that can and will go wrong. I still have not gotten to the fact that you are in charge of booking gigs and arranging everything that is necessary for payment etc…
The bands that are the most successful are those that are consistent, aggressive and creative. All of those ideas can also be the reason why a band breaks up. It is your job as a bandleader to give balance to the band and make sure everyone is on the same page.
Strong Definitions
A good band is one that has a strong definition of who they are, what type of music they are playing and what each member is willing to give to get your ultimate goal what ever that may be.
Ask your self what it is your band has for a long-term goal. Is this a band that expects to get signed by a record label and tour the world or is this a garage band that hopes to one-day play at the local pub?
This is an important question because it will determine how serious each member has to be and it will also define your job as a bandleader.
Who in the band is responsible for what tasks? Who is in charge of booking gigs? Who is in charge of the email list? Who is in charge of transportation?
Delegating Responsibility
A good leader is not someone who runs around doing everything. A true leader will share the responsibility with others and make sure that everyone is involved. When everyone is involved and has a task the entire band has balance. You will also know real quick if everyone has “bought in” to the idea of being in a band!
Sharing takes trust and trust is what keeps a band together.
Open Dialog
Keeping people involved takes great listening skills. Make sure that you are exercising your ears as much as you are your mouth! Most bands cite “creative differences” as the reason why they broke up. What that really means is "they never listened to me and I decided to start my own band because I don’t need those guys…"
Being Professional
Part of being a bandleader is knowing that you need to be on time and the band needs to sound good. The other part is remembering that you are there to have fun. Even James Brown “the hardest working man in show business” knew when to put the hammer down and when to laugh and have a good time. Practice is the hard work time and the gig is the fun. Don’t confuse the two. Be professional and make sure you are prepared to have fun!
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