Band Communication - The "Beautiful Mess"

I've had the opportunity to work with some great bands over the years and the one thing that strikes me as drastically different about them, besides their particular style of music, is how the band works together as one cohesive group or entity. I know you've heard the analogy that music bands are like a marriage, and I agree with that concept. However, I think I might be wise to go a step further (especially given the high rate of divorce in this country!). I like to look at bands as a "beautiful mess" of creativity, strong opinions, hierarchy, and individuality. Let's face it, creative individuals are, for the most part, passionate people with strong opinions. So you get two or more of these people in the same room, working on the same project, and sparks are bound to fly! Now, sparks flying isn't really such a bad thing. With no sparks, the energy just doesn't happen and you're left with a dull project that will mostly likely get lost in the sea of bad Internet-based music. As a working band, that's not what you want to hear. So here are a few thoughts on how to still be creative and spontaneous and make the most out of your "beautiful mess".

Show Encouragement First - It's the best way to end an issue!
"Correction does much, but encouragement does more."
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

You just screwed up. You are 20 minutes late, you didn't learn your parts, and you didn't bring the right guitar to the session. Yeah, you are letting your team down. However, if this isn't a normal, recurring issue, then wouldn't it be nice if your band members just encouraged you while you frantically set up for the session? "That line you did on the new song really kicks ass." "Don't worry about it man; we all get behind sometime." The point here is if you encourage others, the "problems" you have may just disappear! Encouragment can cover a world of mistakes.

Listening is key - Don't YOU want to be heard?
"Years ago, I tried to top everybody, but I don't anymore, I realized it was killing conversation. When you're always trying for a topper, you aren't really listening. It ruins communication."
-Groucho Marx

This is really simple, but, let's face it, really hard to execute. The bottom line with listening is that you need to listen. Sometimes it's hard. Sometimes it's damn near impossible. In this new age of information our minds are everywhere! Texts, emails,But when your guitarist is explaining a problem, you really should shut up and listen. You need to understand what the issues are in order for him/her to feel validated. Once that person is validated, you're on your way to a fresh slate of creativity! So try to really take it in. Then, when it's your turn to speak, your team will really listen to you. Try it. It'll make things easier!

Communicate Correctly - The way we phrase it is everything!
"The basic building block of good communications is the feeling that every human being is unique and of value."
-Unknown

There is nothing worse that a cutting word. "That guitar line sucks." "You are so out of time." I've heard it again and again, and it can really ruin a creative moment. So, WATCH YOUR WORDS! Keep your voice low and the conversation controlled. Remember, you can't take back anything you've said! Too many times a band member flies off the handle and ruins the session or practice because they haven't had a chance to talk, it gets bottled up inside, and it comes out WAY WRONG at the session or practice. Too many of these outbursts result in some serious drama that can't be undone. So, cool it, air your issues at the appropriate time, and when you need to speak, do it chill. If not, it may be YOU who is asked to leave!

Band Meetings - There is a reason why multi-million dollar companies do them!
"Examine what is said, not who speaks"
-Arabian Proverb quotes

I believe all bands need to have weekly or bi-weekly meetings. Call me a hippie or a yuppie or whatever, but in order for two or more people to create together, they need to communicate consistantly. I've been in too many sessions where a band hasn't sat down to effectively talk about issues and it can result in damaging effects. So get together over a few (and yeah, I mean a few, not 12!) beers and hash out what is bugging you most. But remember, do it controlled, chill, and WATCH YOUR WORDS! If you're not doing this and you're having communication issues, then you're missing the boat. Hope these help! Keep up the music, and don't let the little stuff get in the way. As always, I look forward to hearing from you...

-Steve