by Tim Higgins

Created on: April 25, 2008   Last Updated: March 02, 2012

In an ideal world, finding a reliable band mate would be as easy as sourcing any efficient team member. But as not all bands are professional, many people fit their music around their work and family life. Only those who are committed to their performance will stay with an outfit long term, so here's a few basic tips for finding that reliable guy.

1) Know what you're looking for

Obvious as it may seem, many bands advertise for new or replacement members without really considering how the advertisement itself makes them look. In guitar shops around the world, you will see examples like: "Bassist wanted for [punk rock] band. Must be [16-25] years old. Influences: [there now follows a long, long of each member's favorite bands]". The bracketed parts are interchangeable, and could work for forty-somethings forming a blues-rock jam band. It's very hard to take this kind of ad seriously. Keep it professional and mention your group's shared goals. "Established rock act seek new Bass player for recording and touring" sounds much more exciting and will generate far more responses from the right kind of person. But only mention big projects like a tour if you definitely plan to do it, otherwise your new member will (quite rightly) feel cheated!

2) Meet potential new members before you audition them

Arranging an audition can be unnerving for potential new members, so meet them for a drink first. This gives you a chance to find out if you're personalities match (which becomes very important when you're sharing a tiny hostel room in Germany) and of course, gives him/her a chance to find out all about your music and ideas.

This 'interview' stage is like an informal audition, just without the instruments! Be sure to lay down all your goals and intentions from the start, and you'll have a pretty clear idea of their suitability from this simple get together. Better still, if the guy doesn't fit your requirements (turning up late for this first meeting is a sure-fire sign of future unreliability in any sphere of life), you'll be glad you didn't waste money on a rehearsal room. You know what they say about first impressions...

3) Plan the audition and keep it short

Ideally, you'll have more than one person interested, and they'll all be available on one day/evening. Book a few hours in a rehearsal room and allocate half an hour for each person being auditioned. Send each person a CD of the songs you'd like them to rehearse (keep it to three or four) and in the case of covers,

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