Session questions

Raging Moon

Junior Member
Greetings
I play in two full time bands and lately I have been fortunate to be asked play as "sit in" drummer for a number of projects. I found myself drawing a blank when it came to responding to the latest initial query "What questions do you have" . My other sessions are recording and possible shows but have reached phone conversations and take a listen to our songs. What questions do you ask of a session? I asked about time place etc, set length, song length. Are there any other questions? How does one approach the money aspect?

cheers
 
I just flat out ask "how much does the gig pay?" there is nothing wrong with asking that question. Even If I forgot to ask the question the first time, I will call back and ask them. The rate of pay isn't always a deal breaker, but make sure you're getting a fare share.

If it's a studio gig I ask what kind of sounds they are looking for, maybe have a conversation about what gear I should bring.

For live gigs I ask about the venue, what kind of sound reinforcement is going to be provided, am I expected to bring my mics, etc.

I usually ask about the future of the gig too and find out why I'm subbing, and will this situation come up again?
 
If you're discussing bar bands/cover bands/casuals type of gig, might want to ask if there is something specific to wear to fit in with the situation. Some bands/gigs prefer a more formal look than others, while other situations may have theme to stick to.

For recording session, or anything involving original material, getting a copy of the song right away is a big one.

As for money, nothing wrong with asking straight up.
 
Greetings
I play in two full time bands and lately I have been fortunate to be asked play as "sit in" drummer for a number of projects. I found myself drawing a blank when it came to responding to the latest initial query "What questions do you have" . My other sessions are recording and possible shows but have reached phone conversations and take a listen to our songs. What questions do you ask of a session? I asked about time place etc, set length, song length. Are there any other questions? How does one approach the money aspect?

cheers

"What does it pay?" and that is usually followed by one of the following:

1. Oh it doesn't? Well, I don't play for free or all th beer I can drink.
2. That isn't enough for the time I will have to put in.
3. Okay - you're on.


Mike

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If there's time, I always try to research the band/artist/group to the extent possible on the web. This can provide some clues to help you out:

- if the band's regular drummer is pictured on their website, you can look at his kit and infer what they'd like you to have on hand for the gig (as a baseline anyways)
- if they have audio clips on their websites or previous CDs, it's invaluable
- pictures on websites help you determine the "look" of the band if you're doing a live sub
- writeups on the site can help you determine if the band's outlook on life (for lack of a better term) is wildly divergent from yours (i.e. their gigs are more about getting drunk, high, and laid than about music, and you aren't into that scene)
 
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