I'm not sure if this is the best place to ask this or not, but I want to know what the instrumentalists in a band expect of a vocalist. I've never been in a band before, but I sing and write songs and have been thinking of trying to either start or join a band, but I don't really know what the musicians in a band expect of a vocalist, are they expected to have equipment, like a mike or something, and in general, if you are an instrumentalist in a band, what are you looking for in a vocalist?
:)Portia
There are two absolutely vital parts:
-Proper voice. If you constantly sing out of tune, there is nothing that will save you.
-Character. No matter how well you sing, the band must LIKE you. A good singer who fits right in is much more apreciated then a perfect singer who is constantly fighting over things.
If you can sing reasonably well, and can get along with the band, you should be set. Things like own equipment and ways of transportation are great additional plusses, but won't make up if the first two things are wrong.
So true but another element that'll get you kicked right out is lack of timing. Not knowing you I don't know whether this applies or not, so don't take it wrong, but make absolutely sure you can follow the timing right. Practice with a metronome or drum beat: it's easy to get used to following a melody, but you don't always here that in the live setting while you'll always hear the drums or will have to count.
OK Gang - it's time to escape the snow and head to Portia's place. I hear she's starting a band!
Well, it does matter a bit on whether it's your band, or you are joining an existing band.
Remember to practice at home; learn all the lyrics, timing (per A-J above) etc.
If you want the band to learn a new song (yours or a cover) be sure to bring copies of the chart (words and chords are usually enough) and be willing to lead/teach the song.
I know of some vocalists who have a specific mic that they like, and it's good to bring one (and a long cable). Plus there are "hygenic" advantages...
It never hurts to learn how to run a mix board. Usually your hands are free during rehearsals, so you can adjust the levels and EQ.
Last, always be willing to haul gear. I have seen vocalists head for the bar while everyone else is coiling cables and schlepping amps to the truck. This is not OK. If you find a group that you are comfortable with, find a task to claim as your own.
Good Luck!
Laz
every1s covered most things but try this, for stage presence practice in front of a mirror, i do it when im practicing occasionally (although that may be because im vain). ull probably feel like a prat at first but it might help. oh an dif u have a mic stant DONT decorate it with scarves, i will have to hunt u down and kill u if u do ;)
k well gd luck
-Az
This signature is a forgery.
Decorate the mic stand with scarves and head to the bar while everyone else hauls gear- ok got it ;) ;D
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm pretty good at staying in tune, and of course I think my character's pretty good ;D As far as timing, I've never sang with a live band before - mostly taped music, live piano, live orchestra, etc. it never would have occured to me that I wouldn't necessarily be able to hear much besides the drums. I'll have to try practicing with a metronome or something. As for mics, I've always sung with whatever mic was provided, and I really don't know anything about them outside of how to sing into one. If I wanted to get a mic, does anyone have any idea how I would pick one or how much that would run me?
:)Portia
a decent mic can cost loads! on the other hand you can get a cheap one for £10 it depends on you. Im getting an instrument mic for my acoustic (and i know the cost is mainly coz its specialist) bt its setting me back £150!!!! :ojust look around in instrument shops... they should be able to help.
This signature is a forgery.
Hehe, thats good question, Portia:)
I'm a vocalist in my own band, so i can say, that all i want from my band is to be serious!! And i guess, what they expect from me is to follow the beat right - thats probably the most important thing, if you're a vocalist, you know what im talking about. If you have never sang in the band before, don't panic, cause it's not so hard to sing right, you know, but you must bring some new elements into "the game". And you should develope some friendly relationsheep with the the band, thats important, cause you need to feel welcome. If you're not singing right on a few rehearsals, it's cause you need to develope the feeling first, and the feeling WILL come pratcise.
Whatever you do, don't give up, be serious and try to sing your own songs eventually, and don't worry, it's easy!
P.S. sorry for my spelling.
Marc
God is a concept, by which we measure our pain - J.L.
I don't know if every band expects this, but ones that want to make money certainly will... you need to approach the music as your profession.
I've been in bands where one member was a gifted musician, but blew off rehearsals, showed up stoned for gigs, etc. I'm sure he thought it was part of the 'creative musical image' or some such BS... but if I'm making my living off playing, I can't waste my time working with someone who doesn't treat it like what it is: a job!
Guitar teacher offering lessons in Plainfield IL
I don't know if every band expects this, but ones that want to make money certainly will... you need to approach the music as your profession.
I think this would be good advice for any band, even the amateur ones.
Drunkenness and lack of punctuality is not appreciated.
--
Helgi Briem
hbriem AT gmail DOT com
Note to self:
I can't join a band until I fix two things. Â ;)
"Nothing...can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts."
Unless of course, you hold practice at your house. Then you are never late, and don't have to drive home...
The biggest note I ever wrote myself was always to work clean - hit the beers at the after show party by all means, but make sure you are stone cold sober and not under the influence of anything else when you walk out on that stage. I've worked with some producers who would sack you on the spot if you'd had one drink on the day of the gig before you went on.
I stuck to it, too.
A :-)
"Be good at what you can do" - Fingerbanger"
I have always felt that it is better to do what is beautiful than what is 'right'" - Eliot Fisk
Wedding music and guitar lessons in Essex. Listen at: http://www.rollmopmusic.co.uk
All this advice is good stuff, but what about passion?
You and your band have to have passion for what your doing or its not woth doing in the first place. Yes its a job and you have to work hard to make it pay - nobody said it was easy, but all to many bands only have their eyes on the money or the fame and there music suffers for it - i would rather work hard for a couple of years(if thats what it takes) perfect my music and style aswell as keeping a good relationship with my band, producing good music that people want to hear for years to come, rather than be a one hit wonder who disappears having not achieved much at all.
