Star Recruiting

2 January 08

Welcome to The Pier's 'Ask Weege' column. Every week the 880 South's front man and music scene veteran will be answering questions and providing tips for up-and-coming bands and musicians.

Zack asks, 'Hi Weege, we are looking at holding auditions for new members to join our band. What are the most important things you look for in getting new recruits? I understand you will be going through a similar process soon. Thanks bro.'

Weege: What up Zack!

Ok I guess this is the best time to make an announcement for 880 South. It is The Pier afterall! The best place for special announcements!

As of January 2008 we are glad to announce that Steve Shyshka will continue to play guitar for 880 South. The decision was made a few weeks ago after our last show at Toons in downtown San Jose, CA. I didn't wanna let this out til January, but what the hell. The rumor mill is swirling and I thought I'd silence the rumors. Also joining us on drums is our interim, but now permanent drummer Nick Fishman.

I'm letting a lot of musicians down that were interested in auditioning for this band. I was very impressed by the response we had and the talent that was out there that was interested in being a part of 880 South. I met a lot of cool guitarists and potential replacements. I'm saddened I won't be able to work together with these individuals, but I'm excited for 880 South retaining the songwriting core that built the foundation for many of the songs that circulated on the internet and via iTunes. No matter how small or large our successes may be, we are very proud of them.

So to answer your question. I'll try not to make it too personal, but it'll be hard not to do so. Like I've said before. I'm no journalist, just a guy with a keyboard and lots of thoughts and experience.

What I was looking for when I was reaching out for auditions were musicians who were the perfect balance of listener and talker. Hard to decipher I know this, but...it's important you find someone who is looking to work with like-minded people. It really depends on the situation you are in? Are you the main songwriter? Are you a songwriting duo? A songwriting trio? I mean really there are lots of things to look for.

It also depends on your needs. Do you need a drummer? A bassist? Guitarist? Every need is different and unique, not to mention it depends on the style of your music. You really have to sit down with whoever is in your band already and figure these things out. Make sure you all on the same page so that when a new member is acquired, there is no confusion as to what their role is.

Also be upfront. If you just want someone around for touring purposes, tell them that. Don't leave them in the dark. You'll be surprised with how many people are ok with that. Make sure you are honest from the get go. You don't want to plant any bad seeds. You wanna make sure everything is laid out from the beginning throughout the entire process.

Personally I think personality, dedication, and determination go a lot further than talent. My theory is, if someone is available out there who is extremely talented, and not already a session musician, maybe part of a successful band, or working in the music industry. Then something is terribly fishy about them. Could be a personality flaw that has held them back so many years.

I've seen many talented folks who don't have an ounce of dedication, and plenty of talented musicians who don't have the personality to work with others. When this is the case, they are what I call the cancer effect. These kind of musicians are better off being session musicians, tour support and so forth. They are folks who are more inward. To give them the benefit of the doubt though. There is always the possibility something has held them back. Maybe they have a family of their own, a serious desk job that they can't afford to quit, or a naggy wife who doesn't trust them. I know I sound like such a prick saying that, but it's true. These are major issues with a lot of musicians in the business, and it's one of the major factors that major labels investigate when signing a band. I mean how are you gonna tour successfully when you got a guy trying to work your band's schedule around his day job?

Lucky for me, I have a cool wife, I could care less about my day job, and my daughter's name is Marley. So she's bound to be a musician someday, I can only hope. I treat 880 South as my day job, straight up.

I would prefer to bring in someone who is obviously talented, but has room to grow. Someone who would mold to our needs as well as bring their own personal touch and infliction to our music. In our situation it was going to be really tough to replace a guy like Steve Shyshka. We decided it was best to move Greg to guitar because of the familiarity he had with the songs and bring in a guitarist to play leads, riffs, and bridges. Thank god Steve decided to stick it out with us, because he is an amazing talent and really is important to the 880 South sound we create. Imagine us using two guitarists to replace what one guy does?

When I think of a band. I think of family. I think outward, not inward. That's what you should look for in a band mate. A brother. You need teammates, folks that will go to battle with you, folks that trust your judgment, and many times think almost exactly like minded. The kind of guy/gal that can finish your sentences for you. I say a band is like a family, but it's also like a marriage. You have to know you can trust the people you work with not to go around behind your back and do dastardly things. There is a lot more at stake than beer, groupies, and royalties. There is pride, respect, and compassion for what you are creating.

What you don't need is someone who is constantly penny pinching, constantly nagging about touring and the hardships of being in a band. Negative people bring negative energy which lead to negative results. Music is a tough business and you can't have one or two people slow down your progress because they are selfish.

Everything really depends on what you need in a musician, besides talent of course. The most important thing is that the key songwriters are open in communication and are willing to take responsibility. If you are not ready to take blame for mistakes, or willing to take the load on when things get tough. Then you are not cut out for a band. It is important that you play the role of a leader, but also a brother.

Good luck!

-Weege-

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