SKF NOTE: Les DeMerle‘s interview appears in the October 1984 Modern Drummer. The back story is here:

Scott K Fish: What are some of the common questions you’re asked at clinics?

Les DeMerle: One of the questions I’m asked a lot is, “How did you get your break?” That’s a good question.

You really have to be interested in music first. Alot of guys will spend nine hours a day writing their resume and an hour a day practicing. Do your musical homework first. Have your credentials right. Have a good tape. Be on top of the auditions. Show up on time. Look as well as you can.

It’s unbelievable. I hire many musicians to work as sidemen. And no matter how well they play as musicians, if they come to the gig dressed sloppily, it still bugs me. I come from the school where, if you take a Saturday night gig, and you’re going to hit at nine o’clock and be paid well, you should show up on time and look right.

A lot of this has to do with the attitude of playing.

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