Noisy Americana band seeks drummer

Arvada CO

Description

Denver's long-running, noisy Americana/rock act New Ben Franklins is currently seeking a drummer/percussionist. NBF have been playing in the front range now for over 30 years and have released a string of records since we began. To say that we are a country band is somewhat misleading... although we do perform a series of Waylon Jennings tribute shows every February and sometimes expand those shows into summer time. More to the point, we play loud, original rock music with a twangy bent and some really fun cover tunes that we make our own. A rock drummer with an interest in the beauty of country music would probably fit with us better than a pure country drummer. Interested candidates should have at least a basic knowledge of the following bands and an appreciation of their music: Wilco, Calexico, Catherine Wheel, Bob Mould, Waylon Jennings, Old 97’s, Son Volt, Ride, Charlatans UK, The National, Sisters Of Mercy, Jesus and Mary Chain, Willie Nelson. A love for “classic country” and “outlaw country” is also valuable to us, regardless of whether or not it is your primary skill set. Also, viable candidates should fit most, if not all, of the following requirements: Have pro gear. Reliable and great-sounding gear is a must. Be comfortable with your gear. Be comfortable transporting your gear. Have reliable transportation. Have no drug dependencies or chemical abuse problems. Be in it for the joy of making music. Have no attitude that you deserve anything more than another member of the band or of the Colorado music community. We don't make much money playing music, so we do this for fun and to play great music. Be okay with that. Please be able to take direction and suggestions on parts, arrangements, etc. Be able to communicate musically with the rest of the band. Be willing to rehearse at home on your own as well as with the band. Be in it for the joy of making music. Be able to rehearse with the band at least 1 night per week, and play 1 or 2 shows a month. Be committed to the cause. Be able to take long weekends and/or occasional weeks to do regional touring. Have at least a basic understanding of basic country beats, ie: train beat, shuffle, swing. But also know how to pound out tribal rhythms on the toms. Believe that a good, solid rhythm is the foundation of a song, even if it is the simplest part. Understand that sometimes not playing is what the dynamics of a song really needs. Be comfortable not playing and picking up again when needed. Have a basic understanding of “classic” country, whether it is your primary skill set or not. Be willing to learn to play a ton of Waylon Jennings songs as accurately as possible, while still making the songs your own. Be willing and able to play multiple sets in a night or day. Be able to have a vast catalog of songs at your disposal should they be needed. (our working catalog is over 150 songs) Be willing to play outside of your comfort zone and learn new stuff. Understand that feeling is more important than technical prowess, but a little talent never hurt. Experiment and have fun! Have a sense of humor. Like dogs. Know how to use email to communicate and place days off on a google/digital calendar. Be somewhat tech literate. Sing background if you wanna. Play other cool instruments. If after reading all of this you are interested, please take a moment and visit our bandcamp page (newbenfranklins.bandcamp.com) and listen to some of our music. No two songs sound exactly alike; we cover a lot of musical ground and have a fun time doing it. Then email us or call us and let’s set up an audition!