Drummer Dilema

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zendao

zendao

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So I’ve decided I no longer want to play with the drummer I’ve been with as he really belongs to another genre (he listens to metal only but my music is alt rock) not to say he hasn’t been able to adapt though. He has always had troubles with the metronome, (he seems to think/count what he plays rather than feel) to the point where recording projects could not be completed or the result wasn’t good enough, basically we are at different levels musically and on different planes artistically. I’ve actually always felt I would eventually need a new drummer from the day we started but it was my first time leading a band and he was the only guy I found at the time. 2 years have gone by now…

The thing is I’m in the process of recording an Album () that I will be putting my 10+ years of music making into, as it finally seems like it’s time (A single we recorded a few months ago, which in my opinion sounds like crap, got into national radio without me knowing about it until later). So basically I’m going for the big break through with this one so everything needs to be as perfect as possible!

I recently recorded a couple of demo songs home and he seems to have done an alright job, I like what he has done in terms of the sound of the drums part but he is not a consistent muscician and I’m afraid he won’t be able to record good enough tracks in the studio and just be a big waste of time.

We’ve been playing together for 2 years, I consider him my friend and he is the great band mate, very motivated and always willing to put the work in which has been nothing but great for the band. I’ve always defined the basic rhythm of the drums for the him on most songs as he tends to have trouble "getting" the vibe of the songs but in a way some of the songs have his mark with the drums as he has a particular style and sound and we have played them many times and he is the guy who first allowed me to listen to my music backed by non-synth drums, it would be fair I guess to give him the chance to record these songs as most of the drums, specially on the heavier songs, are great.

On the other hand I recently jammed with another drummer who plays with one of the biggest bands in my country and he not only seems to have a much more common taste but seems also to be interested to play with me. When we jammed it felt great and natural, it sounded great, unlike with my current drummer where it’s good sometimes and many times its crap. Most importantly he seemed to be at ease whilst improvising which is the opposite of what I sense from my current drummer. I think this new guy would not only maybe do much better with my songs but compose great drums for most songs without me even having to tell him a thing.

To wrap this up, I’ haven’t talked to either of them but I want to know what to do before I do. I basically need advice on whether to try to record the couple songs we have played with my old drummer and the rest with the new guy who could maybe and hopefully be playing with me as a band member, or if it’s best to scrap it and record it all with the better, hopefully new drummer even though my old drummer already has great drum parts for some songs?!?!?!?!

Thanks! :)
 
I think you know what you need to do for your situation - move on with the new guy if he'll do it. Life is too short to plod along with incompatible band members.
 
I think you know what you need to do for your situation - move on with the new guy if he'll do it. Life is too short to plod along with incompatible band members.

Life's too short indeed... Thanks!
 
Urg, genre-specific drummers. Seems like that's all drummers want to be nowadays. Why can't people just learn the drums and adapt it to whatever style they're playing?
 
Sounds like drummer 1 is rather limited in what he can do. If he sounds good on heavier things but must have the feel of the song explained on others, he probably isn't the one for you. I'm so glad I don't have to deal with drummers. Other than myself. That's hard enough.
 
When it comes to your goals as a musician/writer and/or your "career" - you can only depend on yourself. Friendship and "loyalties" can often hold you back.

Some musicians simply are not committed to improving or meeting a given higher standard - and that becomes even more apparent in the studio, where every mistake is captured for review and where timeing, etc. is critical. A lot of artists have touring bands who may be very good - but not good enough for the studio.

If you have to part ways with your drummer - or choose to use him for gigs but not recording - you are not doing anything "wrong" - and if this guy is your friend he should understand. Just make sure you are honest and decent when you explian your needs/concerns to your drummer.

Never burn bridges - you never know where the next gig/opportunity will come from. I've parted ways many times (sometime by my choosing and sometimes because I was not up to a given gig ........ and I've been surprised how many times my paths have crossed with those same people that I parted ways with.
 
When it comes to your goals as a musician/writer and/or your "career" - you can only depend on yourself. Friendship and "loyalties" can often hold you back.

Some musicians simply are not committed to improving or meeting a given higher standard - and that becomes even more apparent in the studio, where every mistake is captured for review and where timeing, etc. is critical. A lot of artists have touring bands who may be very good - but not good enough for the studio.

If you have to part ways with your drummer - or choose to use him for gigs but not recording - you are not doing anything "wrong" - and if this guy is your friend he should understand. Just make sure you are honest and decent when you explian your needs/concerns to your drummer.

Never burn bridges - you never know where the next gig/opportunity will come from. I've parted ways many times (sometime by my choosing and sometimes because I was not up to a given gig ........ and I've been surprised how many times my paths have crossed with those same people that I parted ways with.

Perfect, wise words. Thanks man!
 
God How I don't miss being in band politics....if that makes sense.

if your still wavering on your decision stop and drop the axe and get it over with .
 
Make sure you've got a firm committment with the new guy before dropping the old guy.
 
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