Working with Session Musicians: Setting Expectations

If you're working with session musicians, you have to make sure they know what's expected of them.

Contract Importance

• It's very useful to have a contract with musicians.
• Musicians should know:
  • What they're getting paid for rehearsals
  • Different rates for shows
  • Rates for days off
  • Per diems (a sum of money each day for lunch or extras)
  • Whether food is included
  • If you're working in a rehearsal studio with access to a cafe
  • Who's paying for lunch (individually or by the band)

All these things need to be ironed out because they affect the mood of the people in the room during the rehearsal. If resentments build up during rehearsal, you can be absolutely sure that they're going to spill over into the tour.

The Tour Experience

When you're on tour, it is not like anything else you've ever done. You are living and breathing the same air 24 hours a day.

• There's no going to work and having the option to complain to your partner about being disgruntled with your boss.
• You are a unit, living, working, and playing together.
• Maintaining positive energy is crucial for harmony.

Of course, there are going to be tensions in a band, especially a large one. But if everybody shares common values and recognizes their own worth within the group, they will strive to deliver something extraordinary.

Handling Complaints

If you're not treating your musicians well or lack a clear avenue for complaints , a sort of HR department for grievances , it can lead to a cauldron of discontent. This can significantly affect the mood of the tour and might lead people to feel like they no longer want to be on the road together.

Session Musicians and Band Dynamics

In my experience, when we've worked with session musicians, they often took on more than just the role of musicians. They were involved in playing on the album, often without necessarily earning from the records, leading to a slightly different relationship.

• It's important for session musicians to come to auditions knowing the music and having a sense of who you are as a band.
• They should do their homework, just like they would for a job interview.

The Audition Process

I've run many auditions over the years; they can be quite tedious and exhausting. Choosing a musician isn't just about their playing ability but also about their personality and how well they can integrate into a close-knit tour environment.

Visual Aesthetic

• Bands have a visual aesthetic, whether it's a heavy metal band or a dance band.
• We sought musicians who not only played well but also looked like they fit within our band's vision.
• We aimed to eliminate the disconnect where the session band looked overly "sessiony," or mismatched in age or style to the singer.

Flexibility in Playing

We wanted musicians who could learn the songs before auditions but also be prepared to unlearn and deconstruct them. This requires flexibility in their playing and understanding what Faithless represents.

The Joy of Showmanship

Being in Faithless provided a great opportunity for showmanship within each instrumental department. For instance:

• The drums and percussion brought excitement.
• Guitarists could create unique parts specifically for the shows, enhancing the live experience.

Example: Drifting Away

An example of this collaboration is our old guitarist Dave Randall, who created an incredible ambient guitar piece for "Drifting Away," which did not appear on the record but captured the spirit of our music.

• We needed that balance between sticking to the record and diverging into live creativity.
• Our singers added backing vocals that weren't on the record, showcasing their talented voices.

Embracing Change

Over the years, our lineup included multiple drummers, percussionists, and bass players.

• Musicians often left for their own solo projects or different tours, making it essential for me to be adaptable.
• Each new musician brings something unique, ensuring that no two tours or performances are the same.

The Live Music Experience

This unpredictability is what keeps live music fresh and special , the feeling of "you had to be there." Ultimately, the uniqueness of each show is what makes the experience unforgettable.