What determines a band's sound?

[nkossnar]

I was listening to Mars Volta today and I thought to myself, "You would know this was Mars Volta even if you didn't know this song." I'm in a band and I want to be able to develop our own sound and I was just wondering what exactly gives bands a specific sound?

[aurian4parker]

The reason I think the mars volta is like that is because:
1.polyrhythm
2.cedric



Alot of bands are like that actually. It's basically just something that happens. I dont know how you can create it, unless it is something that is completely different from what else is out there. i.e.muse(you know them by the powerful music in the back with the smooth easy voice on top. and the russian big muff used in many of their songs.

coheed and cambria, catchy melodies, and of course claudio's naturally high pitched voice.

In my opinion some bands dont really have a certain sound though. as mainstream as they may be. for example 3 doors down. ? haha. i cant tell them apart from many other bands on the radio.

[funkydanbass]

Instrumentation, and a combination of each musicians personality and the interaction between musicians in the band.

[fretlessguy]

I think that, besides the instrumentration and how they jell together, what music they listen to can have a major impact. People are the summation of all their experiances.

[Parabolic Box]

The producer. (Since this IS in Recordings.)

If you don't buy that, then there's a lot of other factors. The lead singer's voice, styles of playing, type of music, sonic balances/qualities between instruments, etc.

[StyleOverShow]

Got to go with the 'organic' mixture theory. Band's grow, at first they find their sound, and then develop it, usually around one or two players. Recent thread about Peter Cetera was a good example of a developing artist within the context of previous era.

One of the things that I like best about playing is the communication on stage. Take it to the bridge, repeat and fade out, I'm taking a solo - kind of thing.

[funkydanbass]

I don't know if I agree about the producer statement. Dave Matthews Band sounds like Dave Matthews Band whether Lillywhite or Batson is producing them. Their production ideals are VERY different but there is no mistaking who the music was written by.

[black_labb]

Originally Posted by funkydanbass

I don't know if I agree about the producer statement. Dave Matthews Band sounds like Dave Matthews Band whether Lillywhite or Batson is producing them. Their production ideals are VERY different but there is no mistaking who the music was written by.

the producer can effect the sound a fair bit, but you should be able to know who the band is. their job is to complement it. different producers have different views on this of course. some like to effect the sound alot and lace it with their influence, some like to present exactly what is there and be more of a tech who gets the equipment to do what the band likes. i find too much of the first type can be bad, but some bands probably need that.

i agree that mars volta is very unique. i like the music but dont listen to it much as i dont enjoy cedrics voice. good musicians though.

[jollygiantchris]

The singer and the guitar player have the most influence on the overall sound in most forms of popular music.

TMV would be a good example as Omar is the principle songwriter and Cedric has such a unique voice. Get rid of either one and it isn't the same band as much as we all like Juan Alderete he isn't an integral part of the band in that sense.

[sarcastro83]

Originally Posted by funkydanbass

I don't know if I agree about the producer statement. Dave Matthews Band sounds like Dave Matthews Band whether Lillywhite or Batson is producing them. Their production ideals are VERY different but there is no mistaking who the music was written by.

I think I agree with the producer thing to an extent. There are a lot of people out there. Joy Division and their relationship with Martin Hannett come to mind.