Band Problem

DiG · #1 07-19-2006, 07:40 PM

Hey,
I haven't posted in a while, but I remembered how good of a community this is

and decided to share my band's current problem with anyone who cares to read and/or give advice.

Basically, our lead singer who also plays some guitar & keyboards has somewhat of a case of "lead singer syndrome" , to go into more detail, he doesn't practice anymore, which has caused his singing to suffer (lately when practicing harmonies, me and our guitarist were able to stay on the notes FAR better than him, which worried me) and he is quite a poor guitarist now (he is just a beginner keyboardist, I have 12 years of Classical training for piano) and he is now well below the rest of the band's abilities, as opposed to 4 years ago when we were all near the same level (forgetting my Piano experience).

He also shows a lack of effort in promotion and anything band related, he does however, show up to all the practices, if we give him due notice.

He doesn't seem like a team player, for instance, if we write a song without him, he won't like it for no apparent reason (although we all know it's because he didn't help write it), and he has said things like "I don't show you all my good riffs because those are for me".

We have had many talks with him about this and the band on many different topics, all being about him being a problem in the band. (He has even been kicked out twice in the past)

Currently, we have a gig friday and the following friday, we plan to kick him out after the gig this friday, and hopefully we will be ready for the following friday. We decided today that we will leave him the option to shape up and come back if he feels the band is important enough to him and if he is willing to put in as much effort as the rest of the band.

If anyone wants to listen to our music you can hear it at www.myspace.com/redricksultanband or www.redricksultan.com
If you listen, I would really appreciate if you could let us know if you think his vocals are a large part of our sound, or if you think we can do without him. (Me and the guitarist will take over lead vocal duties.)

Thanks !
-Noah Jordan
www.myspace.com/redricksultanband

anonymous38457747 · #2 07-19-2006, 07:47 PM

hey--

dig the sound. I don't necessarilly think that your current singer is indispensible. But I also don't know what you or your bandmate sound like singing lead. What I can say is this, if you and the rest of the band feel better about your sound and the direction of the band without this guy involved, then I think you have your answer already.

It already sounds as if you feel disappointed in his current efforts, and complacency. Let me warn you this may lead to embarassment in public performance.

Ultimately you have to do what is right for you and your band, and what feels right to you in you heart and mind. You have to live with the decision.

Best of luck

schillzilla

SnoMan · #3 07-19-2006, 08:07 PM

I'd say if you've given him his chances to make his wrongs right, then it's time to drop him.

From the four songs on your MySpace, I would say that finding new singer who can match, if not exceed, your current singer's abilities wouldn't be terribly difficult.

This move may very well take you down a new more prosperous road as a band.

DiG · #4 07-19-2006, 08:10 PM

Something i forgot to mention was that we are all good friends and go to school together and such.
Although, I'm trying to not let this have an effect on the decision.

Thanks for the input so far

RicPlaya · #5 07-19-2006, 10:39 PM

How does he accept criticism? Is he easy or difficult to work and make music with? How is his ego?

Trevor.A · #6 07-19-2006, 10:56 PM

i like the music

friend or not, a band has to work together and if he's not pulling his weight, he has to go. it may not be the easiest decision, but from what i've read he's been given plenty of chances to straighten up and get his act together. buh-bye

SOA_bassist · #7 07-19-2006, 11:03 PM

ive heard much better... he sounds fairly naisly and doesnt sound clear enough. I'd say replace him, even if he wants to contribute more. Your songs are so good until he starts singing through his nose...

ofcourse thats IMO

=-p =-)

WOOFMAN · #8 07-19-2006, 11:20 PM

Obviously he doesn't know who your daddy is!

DiG · #9 07-20-2006, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RicPlaya

How does he accept criticism? Is he easy or difficult to work and make music with? How is his ego?

that's the worst part, if we criticise him, about his singing, or about a part he wrote that we don't like, he becomes moody for the rest of the practice and wants to leave

RicPlaya · #10 07-20-2006, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiG

that's the worst part, if we criticise him, about his singing, or about a part he wrote that we don't like, he becomes moody for the rest of the practice and wants to leave

This dude sound just like an Axle Rose I had in my old band. He was rotated. This chump does not have what it takes to be successful in music. He is not humble, open minded, creative and is driven by his emotions and ego. He is a lost cause! He has his agenda in mind because he is the "lead singer". Lead singer syndrome is right! It is a disease that is not curable. Take him out back of the barn and put him out of his mysery

Trust me on this, you already know what has to be done or you would not have posted this to begin with. Coincidence I knew what to ask after reading your post? Not hardly, and I knew this would be your answer. Lead singer syndrome is also know as the Axle Rose complex..good luck!

WOOFMAN · #11 07-20-2006, 05:49 PM

Seems to me that since your band has booted your singer twice already and not solve any past issue, perhaps your band might look at other possibilities. Perhaps your singer just wants to sing occasionally and not be the lead. I know there is plenty of talent up there in the Fraser Valley area so finding a suitable replacement shouldn't be no big woop. Also, you might want use your current lead as a fill-in singer/guitarist if he is a good frontman. Personally, I'd rather have a good frontman with decent voice and enough motivation to get the deed done.

Good luck!

DiG · #12 07-20-2006, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RicPlaya

This dude sound just like an Axle Rose I had in my old band. He was rotated. This chump does not have what it takes to be successful in music. He is not humble, open minded, creative and is driven by his emotions and ego. He is a lost cause! He has his agenda in mind because he is the "lead singer". Lead singer syndrome is right! It is a disease that is not curable. Take him out back of the barn and put him out of his mysery

Trust me on this, you already know what has to be done or you would not have posted this to begin with. Coincidence I knew what to ask after reading your post? Not hardly, and I knew this would be your answer. Lead singer syndrome is also know as the Axle Rose complex..good luck!

I think you nailed it dead on

We won't be quitting at all, there will be little to no downtime in this change if all goes well, and who knows, he might smarten up and we could give him another chance

**bassman314** · #13 07-20-2006, 09:15 PM

Instrumentally, you guys have a great sound. everything is tight...

On a couple of the songs, the vocals sound less tight than the rest of the band.. If he's going to be an Axl, give him the boot and find someone who can give you the voice to match your groove.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiG

I think you nailed it dead on

We won't be quitting at all, there will be little to no downtime in this change if all goes well, and who knows, he might smarten up and we could give him another chance

If you keep giving him chances he'll never learn..

Better to kick him out... if he learns his lesson and wants back in? Make him prove himself first before bringing him back to the line-up..

vinny · #14 07-21-2006, 09:03 AM

I like the sound of the band & it deserves better vocals than that. If it was me I'd be looking for another singer even without the behavioral issues. Life's harsh.

invader3k · #15 07-21-2006, 10:50 AM

Yeah. I do like the groove you guys have instrumentally, at least on the tracks I heard on your website. The vocals aren't that strong... I don't think they're horrible, but if he's not looking to work and get better, you need to give him the boot.

You said he's been booted twice? What were the issues in the past he had? Ever hear of three strikes, you're out? Sounds like this is a case deserving of that result.

Also, upon further listening...not only does he not sound "in key" on some parts, his enunciation flat out sucks in some parts. I can't really understand what he's saying most of the time.