Your hands sweaty with anxiety pick up the microphone. The audience stares at you with attention and anticipation. On your left the guitarist sings the intro of the song, and on the right you see that the drummer is warming up mentally before joining the riff. And you? You are more ready than ever, you were born for this!
Unfortunately, all of this might just be a sweet dream if you don't have a drummer. As they say, the show has to go on, but maybe it won't even start if you don't find a drummer - and now! Luckily, with a few tricks and a lot of determination, that new drummer could join your band before you can say "Rock'n'Roll!"
Steps
Step 1. Rely on the circle of musician friends
The quickest and most effective way to find a drummer is to ask your fellow musicians if they know someone who is right for you. Building a circle of friends in the music business is a key part of this field, so this advice applies to any musician. All of this may be more difficult especially if you have just moved to a new city or if you are looking to make different music, experimenting outside of your genre.
Step 2. Place ads everywhere, or almost
Place "drummer wanted" ads in places where it is legal and effective. Each group should place ads on local music scene websites, magazines, musical instrument shops, rehearsal rooms and recording studios, but also try to be creative. For example, clothing stores, restaurants, university bulletin boards, and bars are some of the places you might want to post your ads.
Step 3. Be creative with your ads, but don't leave out the most important information
Don't miss out on possible candidates because you forgot to enter your contact details in the announcement! In any type of ad, don't forget to include your contact details, the age group you are looking for, the group's musical influences and style.
Print ads should be simple and easy to read. Contact details if possible on a removable piece of paper, since not everyone has a pen and paper in their pocket. Printing on colored paper or using bright colors is a way to grab attention, especially if your ad is one among many
Step 4. Meet with the drummer in person
If possible, have the "leader" of the group, or the whole group, meet face to face with the prospective candidate. This is a good chance to get an idea of what kind of person he is and what his interests and ambitions are in the music field. Meeting in a public place like a bar or musical instrument shop can be a good idea.
Step 5. Organize an audition for possible candidates with the rest of the group
Organize an hour of rehearsals all together. This will give the drummer a chance to show what he is truly capable of. Ask the drummer to learn a cover he can play with the band, or email him an MP3 of your band to learn.
Step 6. Try to be flexible
Many bands struggle to find a drummer because they are too fixated on the style they want to impose on him. Give the prospect a chance to improvise and add their own personal touch to the song. If you want someone who does things in a specific and strict way, maybe you should look for a "drum machine" not a drummer!
Advice
- Do you have to postpone or cancel your first meeting or audition? Warn in advance, nobody likes to be ripped off!
- Since you expect the drummer to be on time to meet you, you will need to do the same. When you meet one of your new musicians for the first time, it's not the right occasion to have a rock'n'roll star schedule.
