1. Know the music. I don’t care if
you’re funnier than Chris Rock or have
chops for days. Don’t show up to an
audition, rehearsal, or gig without
knowing the material inside and out.
2. Play it, don’t say it. Leaders
hire sidemen for one reason only: to
play the hell out of their music. They’ll
hear everything they need to know
through the notes you play, so let your
groove do the talking.
3. Re-musicize yourself.
Thinking you know it all is your fast
track to obsolescence.
Make this the year to
expand your musical
palate. Learn a new
instrument in addition to
your primary axe, update
your technical skills, and
delve into new musical
genres.
4. Dress for
success. Research
the visual vibe of the
artist you’re working with
to ensure a stylistic and a
musical fit. Looking the
part is sometimes just as
important as playing it.
5. Positive power. Nothing, not
even bad musicianship, is as debilitating
as negativity. Make a resolution to exude
positive vibes this year. In my own bands,
I look for players that elevate the mood as
well as the music. Getting the gig often
involves getting a reputation as someone
who people want to be around, on
and off the concert stage.
6. Ask and you shall
receive. Navigating the peaks and
valleys of the music business involves
a cunning combination of discipline
and drive. Some of the most heralded
players succeed because they are
constantly on the prowl for the next
gig. Sometimes that next great gig is
just an inquiry away — ask and you just
may receive!