I snagged this from somewhere. Didn't write it, but I like it.




1. The Control Freak

The Control Freak assumes the band is "their" band and behaves accordingly. They assume the role of the Leader, but without the positive leadership traits. A typical Control Freak insists that things must be done their way, as their way is the right way. They usually don't welcome artistic input from the other band members, unless it directly benefits them in some way, because they are of the opinion they can do everything themselves, and only they can do it right. They don't tolerate differing opinions very well, and compromising is something they have difficulty with. The Control Freak sets up an atmosphere of restricted artistic freedom, which is a recipe for disaster. Most musicians become musicians because they want to express themselves artistically. If they aren't allowed that freedom, they don't tend to stick around for very long. So the Control Freak finds themselves in a revolving door of ever-changing band members. Each time this happens the band goes nowhere. So unless they want to stay stuck in one place like a broken record, musicians need to stay clear of the Control Freak's domineering ways. The Control Freak's keyword is EGOTISM.


2. The Dictator

Kissing cousin to the Control Freak, the Dictator tells the other band members what to do, what they should or shouldn't say on stage, how they should look, et cetera. Usually the lead singer takes on this role. They dictate all actions that the band should follow and don't typically consult the other members on band decisions. Like the Control Freak, their way is the only way. They have no problem dishing out negative criticism, but have trouble taking it. Underneath their domineering personality is a small, insecure person desperately wanting to feel powerful and in control. If you don't mind being belittled or undermined, you'll have no problem working with the Dictator. However, musicians with self-respect will heed this warning and stay far away. The keyword of the Dictator is INSECURITY.


3. The Pessimist

The Pessimist has every reason in the world why the band won't succeed. They'll say they're too old, don't have the right look, don't have the right sound, don't know the right people. Some of that could very well be true in any band, but the Pessimist refuses to change what they perceive to be wrong. No band is perfect, but the Pessimist can't understand that and refuses to believe in themselves or the band. They can't accept and appreciate what they have. Their negative attitude, dreary outlook and resistance to growth devalues the other member's efforts and will drag any band down in the dumps. The keyword of the Pessimist is DOUBT.


4. The Hanger-On

Without dreams and goals of their own, the Hanger-On hopes to achieve success through the efforts of others. They may be supportive and enthusiastic, but only because they know that if they want a piece of the pie they have to play the game right. Selfish and somewhat egotistical, the Hanger-On just wants fame, fortune, money and girls. They aren't really in it for the love of music, but for the perks, which they hope to get through no effort of their own. They may be songwriters but rarely contribute material to the band, preferring to save it for themselves or their own projects. Beware the Hanger-On, because when the band starts making money, they'll be the first in line to collect, palm out. But you won't want to pay someone who only contributed a fraction of what the other members contributed. If they are paid the same amount as everyone else, for doing less work, watch out for the exploding fireworks. Besides this obvious dilemma, the Hanger-On can be emotionally draining too, as most self-centred people are. The keyword for the Hanger-On is SELFISHNESS.


5. The Slacker

The Slacker is your typical unreliable musician-showing up late for gigs and rehearsals, cancelling practices for dumb reasons, not putting in a solid effort in anything they do. They'll show up for a gig wearing clothes that scream "laundry day". They are typically quite slothful, don't keep their chops up and won't work very hard for the band. Another soul-sucking personality, the Slacker will drain the band's energies and resources. Kick this lazy bum to the curb before their ineptitude rubs off and drags the rest of the band down with them. The Slacker's keyword is APATHY.

-----

Though no band or band member is perfect, it is always beneficial to be able to spot a positive or negative personality type as early in the game as possible. Writing songs, getting tight and putting together a killer show takes a lot of time and hard work, and you don't want someone in the band who isn't going to give as much as everyone else, delay the process longer than necessary or hold you back from achieving your dreams. It is always a team effort. You may find that most people have a combination of any of the above-listed positive and negative traits, but you should always consider what personality trait is dominant, and how the band member manages their faults. That often speaks louder than the positive face they put forward.


Written by Emma-O, Feb 19, 2008 at http://www.musicouch.com