Frustrated in San Diego...

BigOldHarry · #1 06-21-2011, 12:29 PM

So I've been subbing/showing up/auditioning for dance band after dance band and I'm starting to think that I'm just not a good fit for what I want to do. My key problem, I think, is that I don't sing. I have chops, I have gear... but I don't have vox and for these bands that split $$ very carefully, not singing is a real deficit.

So if you don't sing where DO you gig? My jazz chops are weak at best, but even if they were great San Diego is not a "Jazz Town"...

And I am not content to play in garages...

So I'm frustrated. There. I said it.

Jazzdogg · #2 06-21-2011, 12:39 PM

Singing lessons?

faulknersj · #3 06-21-2011, 12:50 PM

You should start your own project and find players that are a good fit for you. I found half of my 9 piece band on Craigslist. It is not hard to find talented players if you are adept at sorting out the desirables from the not so desirables. You should be holding auditions...not attending them!

NWB · #4 06-21-2011, 01:30 PM

I recently saw a funk band where the bass player didn't sing a bit. He completely drove the music though. Just a killer player.

The band seems to have a pretty good following and the bass parts would be a boat-load of fun to play.

Just a thought.

NWB · #5 06-21-2011, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzdogg

Singing lessons?

I dunno about that. If Harry's at all like me, singing lessons would be a tremendous waste of time and money.

For me anyway, the "lipstick on a pig" adage would apply.

DaveDeVille · #6 06-21-2011, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faulknersj

You should be holding auditions...
not attending them !

... this .

jaywa · #7 06-21-2011, 03:10 PM

So, are you auditioning for these bands, playing a gig or three with them and then they're letting you go? Or are you not even passing the auditions? Or are you doing "sub" gigs that are being represented as a "temp to permanent" situation but the "permanent" part isn't happening and they quit calling you? I don't feel like I have quite the full story here yet.

Irregardless... seems to me you need to try to connect with an outfit that has the vocals totally handled and appreciates the value of a kick-a$$ bassist even if he doesn't sing a lick. I know those bands exist because I just hooked up with one a couple of months ago and I have never been happier -- especially after 5 years in my previous band doing backing vox more or less against my will... and poorly.

Good luck!

gustobassman · #8 06-21-2011, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

So I've been subbing/showing up/auditioning for dance band after dance band and I'm starting to think that I'm just not a good fit for what I want to do. My key problem, I think, is that I don't sing. I have chops, I have gear... but I don't have vox and for these bands that split $$ very carefully, not singing is a real deficit.

So if you don't sing where DO you gig? My jazz chops are weak at best, but even if they were great San Diego is not a "Jazz Town"...

And I am not content to play in garages...

So I'm frustrated. There. I said it.

I am a non-singing bass player in a San Diego band, you can find a project. They are out there. For me my bass playing has always held court so singing was never a big issue. CL is lame, but SD is full of musicians, you should be able to find something. when you say dance acts... covers? originals? established bands? I'm assuming by your username it certainly isn't playing Fluxx or Soma on a weekly basis..hahaha

point added... I should have said if you are aiming for stuff that requires 3,4 or even a 5 part harmony, then i'm guessing learning to sing is the only way around it. If you are aiming down the road of playing Humphrey's and places along those lines then i can see where you may need to sing to fit that vibe.

Jazzdogg · #9 06-21-2011, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWB

I dunno about that. If Harry's at all like me, singing lessons would be a tremendous waste of time and money.

For me anyway, the "lipstick on a pig" adage would apply.

I'm not a natural singer by any means - no one's likely to ask me to sing lead! But, if someone askes me to join several other people providing background vocals, I'll give it my best shot; sometimes, that's all a band really wants or needs.

Playing and singing simultaneously is difficult; I envy those who can do it well.

On the other hand, chosing not to sing or dance on stage doesn't seem to have hurt Rocco's career with Tower of Power!

Octavian · #10 06-21-2011, 05:35 PM

I've rarely found anything to go according to plan or to be that black & white. Do everything everyone suggested above, but try and prioritize.

1) Keep hitting the auditions
2) Learn to sing. I sucked, but I suck less now. It may take another year. So what? Even if it takes five more years. I can choose on whether or not I'll be five years older and not singing or whether I'll be five years older and holding my own on backing or even lead vocals. Either way, I'll be five years older.
3) Hold auditions for your own project.

Work on all three at the same time. You will hit peaks and valleys in each of these.