On this day 10 months ago, I had a zoom interview with a certain Sam Trevers and the band he was managing; The Great Leslie. 

As someone who was on the hunt for a new and exciting band, this seemed like a great opportunity.

The chat was pretty laid back. We talked about our reasons for playing music, what we would be hoping to achieve as a unit, our past experiences as individuals and our how far we were willing to push our indulgent and romanticised rockstar lifestyles… 

I must be honest and say that the answer to that last one is ever changing. 

It goes without saying that the guys seemed super cool and I was getting excited for my audition! I was about to join a new project where I’d have the time to get to know everyone, be part of the writing process, develop the sound and hang after recording sessions and gigs. This is, in a nutshell, what being a band member is all about. 

Fast forward 10 months and here we are, two weeks before what is possibly our most important gig to date, for a well established promoter, in a sold out industry venue, on a Saturday night and our dearest Ryan has had a bit of bad luck and won’t be able to play! As a result, we’re getting someone in to “be Ryan”. No zoom interview, no audition, just a practice and let’s slay this thing! How crazy for us and yet, totally normal for them. These people are used to having to be Ryan, or Ringo or even Dave from the on a regular basis.  

I’m simultaneously excited and yet terrified to play with this person. This is purely because since being in this band, I’ve only every played with Ryan as a drummer, so to look at him and see someone else is going to be weird, no matter which way I twist it. I can’t tell you their name or that would take away the element of surprise, but they are someone I have played with before and I trust whole heartedly to do an outstanding job! Come to the gig and find out for yourselves. 

A few years ago, this kind of approach was something I was a part of. I occasionally do some session work for various musicians and I should mention that Jay does it quite regularly, but since joining The Great Leslie, I’ve become more of a team player and am really happy about it. It means I get to be myself and write and play the music I want to make. The satisfaction of playing in a band goes from composing music that makes you feel something until the point you can share it with people who want to hear it, either as a recording or a live concert and it’s worth every single minute of work put into it. 

I’m really excited for our upcoming gig on the 6th of November and hope to see you there to share this moment together!

Peace,

Julien aka D.C