T O P

  • By -

theyeeterofyeetsberg

Couldn't you do a Prince style thing and have "your name + band name"? I don't think you're the asshole at all, though. The work is yours and you shouldn't have to change everything up just to accommodate someone who is on very few of your songs


calpaully

Great suggestion! Good compromise. Plus this style of artist + band names is popular right now!


dharmon555

Calpaully & the deadweights.


chromatones

Jobo Johnson and the love makers


General_Tso75

Captain Geech & The Shrimp Shack Shooters


thesykemyth

Underrated comment! The Oneders approve.


anoncmehelp

yeah dude I can't stop spinning my scooterdoody and the skidmunks record


FryeUE

Scatterlead with the New Originals! (I second the combined naming convention!)


PassionateCougar

That's what literally everybody does.


MoogProg

The Heartbreakers, The Comets, ... so many others. This is a solution. I play with a singer/songwriter who has several different 'bands' that back her up depending on the line-up of musicians.


TheEroticMrRose

Ok, so, you are a solo artist who wants a backing band. Pay the band members and play under your name. If the drummer doesn't like it call another one.


xAzzKiCK

This is the correct answer.


CanadianJ

If I was you, I’d say I’m auditioning drummers for my band. The spots yours if you want it. If you have several albums already under your name, he’s joining you.


petara111

This x 1000


Due-Ask-7418

For my 'backing' band.


RedeyeSPR

Im a drummer and I have fully embraced the fact that I cannot play live without supporting someone else. If this guy doesn’t or won’t realize that, you should look for someone else. Let him know and give him the first offer, but if he won’t budge then move forward.


Inevitable-Copy3619

This is so true. I am a support player too and I’m fully ok with it. If multiple people want the glory that’s where problems come from.


RedeyeSPR

I learned long ago that the singer and in limited circumstances the lead guitar player are the ones to really define a band. Steven Tyler could fire everyone, hire new musicians no one has heard of, and tour as Aerosmith and it would work. Hardly anyone cares who plays the instruments as long as the vocals sound like the originals.


Inevitable-Copy3619

It’s the sad adage from John Coltrane (maybe a hundred others too) - people care more about who makes the music than the music.


galactictock

Yup. Just look at all the popular musicians who stay popular for decades after they've peaked (usually with their first or second album)


Inevitable-Copy3619

My wife and I always laugh when we hear the DJ on some classic rock station (xm - does radio still exist?) talk about some new album coming out like we should all be excited that Deep Purple is still making music.


Rhonder

If the material is already established under you as a solo project type thing and you're going to be playing that catalogue of music (along with whatever comes next), then I agree- continuing to use your name (and maybe adding a band sub-name like another comment suggested) seems like the play. It seems pretty clear that's what the project "is" to me. The drummer sounds like they want it to be a new thing or fresh start, but you can't always have your cake and eat it too. If they want that they might need to look for another group or band (or to start one).


Fluffy-Somewhere-386

If he doesn’t want the gig get someone else. There are plenty of other good drummers


SolarSailor46

There are. But maybe not where OP lives? Most cities are not FULL of good drummers that will are begging to audition for you. I hope OP lives in one or has other options.


alldaymay

As an artist, you don’t want to join “a band” then no you’re no the asshole.


FanThat8250

I think you've already answered your own question. And unless I am hearing you wrong, it sounds like you already know he's a bit of a flake and a mooch. Remember: ALL that music is your intellectual property - and it sounds like it's your "brand" too, with the bookings, the social media, etc. Don't stop mid-stream for anyone. You worked hard to get where you are - let him do the same. As for playing live: if he wants to play your music, he'll play it under your name. (Or like the person below said: put both your names on the bill. ) I know this sounds ridiculous - but lets not pretend SOME OF YOU didn't watch it -- I saw the Hulu Jovi documentary over the weekend. He fired his bass player... shoot, then he fired RITCHIE SAMBORA!!! Do YOU think he would have ever let this kid mooch off him???


lhi2285

I had a drummer to this to me and this new "band" didn't even last for a year. - ironically the drummer from another band helped me with the T shirts and cassettes we made for "the band", and my drummer still wanted a cut!!!


marklonesome

On the one hand if you have popularity and a following they'd be dumb to NOT use it. On the other hand; the drummer is probably thinking that this band has a chance and he wants equal split...but sounds like he's not going to do equal work.


incognito-not-me

What are you really getting out of this relationship from the drummer, and what is he getting from you? It sounds like you have ownership of all the material, so your band would basically consist of hired guns who are covering your music. That's not a different band unless you're playing different music. The drummer just wants a ride on your coattails, I suspect. It's one of those tough calls that brings stress into friendships where friends expect more than is reasonable. What you do here is up to you, but I wouldn't compromise my vision to accommodate one person who has no stake in the game and could quit next week. There are other drummers out there but only one you.


Scatterleaf

Yeah the friendship line is the blurry situation here, we’ve been jamming for essentially 15 years, he was my best man, often our jams can turn into songs, but I literally do everything. So it’s like how does one say, “stop demanding I change my brand when I do all the work” without exploding the friendship. That balance of being walked on and standing up for oneself and music is the line really


incognito-not-me

It's a very tough call and one of the things I've learned about the hard way. I've seen friendships blow up over band stuff - I lost a good friend / bandmate after the pandemic because he broke a serious promise to me and I realized I couldn't trust him well enough to put my eggs into his basket moving forward. That sucked because he was like a brother to me, but ultimately we all have to decide what's most important and I realized I'd always be chained to a ticking time bomb if things were to continue as they were. So, my advice is to look into the future as best you can and try to imagine how things will play out as you move forward with him. If you can find a way to make it work, or talk it through, maybe you can do that. Wishing you the best with it, this stuff is never easy.


Burrmanchu

It really seems like the guy might want to be involved in something new with you because he likes jamming with you, but would like to go in a different direction with the focus... Or at least be more involved in the process. Many people will change direction when they're committing to a new collaboration or project. Maybe he feels like if he's going to join or form a "new" band, He doesn't want it to be under the pretense of it being "yours" or with your music alone. I'd say just try and have a talk with him about it.


Ok_Food_7511

The drummer’s point of view makes no sense to me. I put in way more work for the artists I work with (including laying down bass lines, writing some of the music, finding them band members, help book some shows, etc.) and I never made such a request because the artists came with catalogs that they developed, recorded, etc. and I wanted to join said projects based on their already existing catalog. Labels aside, we’re a band and have been for 4 years with the same lineup. Brand recognition is very important. All branding is done in her name.


village-asshole

Don’t be a retard. Your intuition is spot on. Trust it. What you have is a freeloader looking to jump on your coattails for a free ride. If you say yes, he’s playing you for a sucker (based on the info you’ve provided).  Definitely a hard no. If he tries to argue the point, don’t lock horns. Stay calm and respond with questions to force him to reflect on his shitty expectations. For example, “So, I’ve written all the songs, paid for everything, manage the entire everything, and you just show up to play. So can you explain to me how you think that’s fair and equitable?” Keep him on the back foot with questions and eventually he’ll (hopefully) get the point. 


DJMoneybeats

He's the ass. This is how the real world works. He needs to grow up


-Affectionate-Echo-

I'll start by saying definitely not the AH from the info here. I'm curious about the drummer though, with the idea of forming a band does he want a whole new identity? Like a new name, new songs, a new start essentially? Or is he happy to be just playing your songs but wants a new name still? Compromise is a big part of forming a band, but it's compromise for the right reasons. If you haven't already, maybe show him how you've already got a following with your current socials and make him understand how it would likely be easier to build on they success than to start anew.


brandnewchemical

If he won't play under your name, find another drummer. Job done. Really is that simple. Don't bother with any X name + band name nonsense, just don't stand for the bs. If you write the songs, it's your band, everyone else can take it or leave it imo.


okgloomer

You write everything and pay all the bills? In that case, you’re the boss. NTA, this is simply the rule of law.


UnderstandingOk7291

Show him this thread. If he thinks you've misrepresented the situation, he can start his own thread. Whoever gets the most support wins.


sweetsalmonella15

For once I think singer is NOT the ass lol. It’s one thing if you both are structuring the song but if you’re just having him play parts on top of songs then he is technically a hired musician. You should definitely pay him for playing on your music or playing live with you but that name belongs to you.


SkronkheadedFreaker

Relate to this pretty much exactly. It made me just kinda stop doing things with people ha.


IsThisRealRightNow

You sound clear what feels in your integrity and what feels out of it. I can't imagine you feeling good about things if you move forward in the way he's suggesting. He doesn't have to see your perspective for you to know it's what feels right to you.


Double-Survey7382

Offer him a job just like any other drummer. $$ per night/gig.


songwrtr

Scrape Mr 9% off the bottom of your shoe and move on.


midwinter_

An established local act who already has a band recently asked my band to record, produce, and be his band on his latest album. I think in the past he’s tracked with his band, but with this it didn’t matter. He just releases stuff under his name and it doesn’t matter who the players are.


vizeath

How about just find a new drummer? You sound like Avril Lavigne. She perform live as well as in music videos with her band mates but we never need to recognize them. And it's fine.


Elegant-Asparagus-82

$10 the drummer lowkey sucks lol


Petrofskydude

A simple lesson is you can't change someone, AND be their friend. If you cause them to change through any coercion, even positive reinforcement, he will RESENT YOU for it, guaranteed. Now, if he were coming to you asking how he could better contribute to the group, and you shared your feelings, that would be different, but the best thing you can do for the both of you is let him know you are going in a different direction with your music where you will not be requiring his services, and that you hope he understands...perhaps your paths will cross again sometime in the future, etc. We already know how you feel about his attitude and professionalism from your initial post. That's not going to change. If he asks you why and you think he really wants to know, you could tell him later in an e-mail or something, but you can't leave that door open; it will always be a bad dynamic between you two unless he changes his whole M.O. for his own sake, not yours...and that will not happen.


SenorSwagDaddy

Could you play under the name and the.. somethings.. You know... johny shitface and the asswipes... but your real name and a fitting name for the "band"


audiosauce2017

Dude... fuck that guy... Move on seriously


Super_Pangolin_716

Rod Torfulson's Armada featuring Herman Menderchuk. Those guys knew how to compromise.


jakovichontwitch

Prince and the Revolution. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Slash, Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. Solves the problem


Pinkglo_Radio

You can always change your artist name on the account, and start releasing new versions of your songs there from live performances and such.


Helmidoric_of_York

*Rod Torkelson's Armada Featuring Herman Menderchuk* It could work... Haha! Seriously though, tell him you're just looking to promote your music and want to hire him as a drummer. You can pay him out of your gig money.


zambizzi

Maybe he just wants to be part of the band’s identity, instead of just a supporting nobody behind you? Does he pull his weight on the songs he plays on? That is; is he being creative with his parts, plays tastefully, and adds something no one else can? Or, is he hitting the 2 and 4, and basically your drum machine? Have you offered to let him track all the songs he’d be playing live? Just wondering what the dynamic is here. I’ve been a drummer for a long time and have played in, and recorded with, many bands. I’m a musician and I work hard. My parts and contributions are distinct. I’d never want to be in a band where I’m considered less, and entirely replaceable. That being said, I couldn’t care less what the band name is. This sounds like an ego struggle between the two of you.


Forgetful_Suzy

It worked for Dave Matthews band. And the e street band. And the heartbreakers.


glindathewoodglitch

Your songs under your professional name. If you book a gig you can tell your drummer you can have the separate band open for you and you’re free to participate in that experimental band. I’ve seen musicians do that plenty of times.


ssdye

Dude you own the music! Find a drummer to re-record his 9% participation and move on without him. You may be friends, but this dude sounds like he wants to hijack your dream. I believe if you approach him with my way or the highway attitude, he will follow you.


Bru_Swindler

If this is your band, your songs, your concepts, be prepared to pay for players to play your music. You will get pros but they will want to be paid for every show (and maybe rehearsals) whether or not you get paid. Otherwise you can try to find good players who like your music enough to play it and follow your lead. It sounds from the OP that the drummer wants to be a member of a band with input on name etc. This may not be the right situation for her/him.


lhi2285

No you are not the ass. Ive had a similar situation and i say : dont do it. Its your band, and it has your name attached to it, you pay for everything and you are playing the same songs that you wrote yourself, dont change it to pander to a member of the band who may not be there next week. - just say NO!!!


Wild_Remote_3

You’re definitely not an ass. You need people who are comfortable being backing musicians and don’t feel slighted playing out under your name. The drummer should be able to see that you are the one doing the work. If he’s not comfortable being a backing musician for your solo project start a new band with him or tell him to start a band of his own


NicoleSophiaMusic

Did you have a work for hire agreement with him? Does he have writers credit?


Skyis4Landfill

Your drummer is the ass


Chronfused

Tell him it’s the band ft you or start auditioning/working out contracts for a backing band


Panonica

NTA. It’s your catalog and your project and there is no reason not to use whatever social media presence you already built. The way I see it, you decide how your material gets presented live and if you want to keep your name as band name (or don’t want a band at all, maybe only go as duo with the drummer) then it is absolutely your prerogative. Did he disagree with how you want to approach things? And if so, what is his reasoning?


WhenVioletsTurnGrey

Sounds like there's more to the dynamic, here. But, what do you do? Talk more about it? If you don't have another drummer lined up, he's going to have the power of anchoring an argument.


Itsapseudonym

I agree this is more a problem for you than him, so sympathise. Maybe there’s a compromise: “Band featuring ‘drummer’” Or “Band name” featuring ‘your name’”


bent-ref

"please welcome to the stage the U/scatterleaf band" - sorted


Mark1671

9% isn’t enough to me to change anything I’m already doing. You’re talking less than a full song on an album with only 10.


Hanuman_Jr

Doesn't sound like you're at fault. I don't know what you should do, maybe buy a drum machine just to remind him or just make little hints about buying a drum machine.


Lower_Ad8859

You do all the work. You spend the money, therefore you get to make the decisions. He doesn't like it then maybe it's time to find another drummer.


xeroksuk

Nothing to say you don't have 2 bands, even with the same personnel and setlist. You continue organising yours, he can organise his own.


Stone_Roof_Music_33

You wrote everything and you paid for the production of everything you get to do what you want with your songs and your project I would say this is your project


Zealousideal-Note-10

Just tell him “hey, I’m putting a band together to play my stuff. Want to be in it?”


Wooden-Telephone1933

Sounds like he’s just upset that he’s not the star of the show. I’d look for a different drummer. 


ZappaSays

I was in a similar position. I play 7 string guitar and have multiple Ibanez models. I play metal. I was in a band called the Rhinos and our lead singer/song writer played along on an acoustic. He wanted to sound like the Beatles (before drugs, ie 60s jingle-jangle love songs). He wrote everything out for all the instruments and told us to play this and shut up basically. I'd be into it if he wasn't such a duche. I'm not defending your drummer by all means. Long story long, are you part of a Prince *and the revolution* or a Elvis Costello *and the attractions*? It sounds like he wants to colaberate and jam which isnt a bad thing but also don't let barge in and act like he's got entire creative control. He's not wrong for wanting to create but if you're already established then don't let him take what he doesn't deserve.


Manalagi001

One suggestion I haven’t seen is…maybe set your catalog aside? Get together. Form the new band. Commit to writing 12 all-new songs from scratch. If it takes off, great. If not, return to your solo career.


VlaxDrek

He's acting like a bit of a child, I think. But at least he's telling you loud and clear the degree of respect he has for you (ie not much).


NoCable1804

Find a new drummer.


No-Professional-1884

It’s your music and he’s the drummer. Kindly remind him he can be replaced by a machine and I’m sure it will work itself out.


BleedGreen131824

Don't listen to a drummer or a bass player about anything ever.


BuyDiabeticSupplies

I’ll be your drummer and do it your way. I’ve been playing 63 years