Are there any compatent singers out there?

xxfaux_punkxx · #1 10-16-2010, 12:20 AM

so I've been on the hunt for a new vocalist for the band. Someone who can hold a note with out their voice cracking or who can perform without sounding like the lead in a snuff film. Started with cl about 4 weeks ago with no replies. Re submitted last week and finally got a call from this country girl. (the add specifically mentions that it's a metal band). Group decision we decide to let her try out. NEVER showed to the interview. Called her and txted about 4 times to see where she was and she never answered my call/responded. After about an hour and half we gave up. Next day I started posting fliers. Few calls. Most were just not what we were looking for (screamers), or they thought they were god's gift. Finally found someone who seemed like a decent fit... NEVER showed up for the interview. Called him twice to see what was up and nothing and he never answered his phone.

We have a gig set-up for feburary next year where we need a set list of 5 originals. We have the lyrics ready for at least 10 originals and the instrumentals done for 3 (would be more but the last singer kept us from progressing) so building the setlist in time isn't a problem. Not to mention we have an arsinal of covers that we can perform for other gigs and semi-pro equipment. So it's not like where not prepared or not going anywhere for a while.

Is finding a vocalist always this difficult?

puddin tame · #2 10-16-2010, 12:21 AM

Well your main problem is that a craigslist ad for a metal band isn't exactly going to bring out the highest calibre of people

behndy · #3 10-16-2010, 12:24 AM

.......... what does compaTANT mean?

maybe if you looked for a competent singer you'd have better luck?

xxfaux_punkxx · #4 10-16-2010, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by behndy

.......... what does compaTANT mean?

maybe if you looked for a competent singer you'd have better luck?

and maybe if you didn't act like a walking dictionary your opinion would matter a little more

genstormbringer · #5 10-16-2010, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by behndy

.......... what does compaTANT mean?

maybe if you looked for a competent singer you'd have better luck?

NICE!!!!!

EAdanikDG · #6 10-16-2010, 12:42 AM

Are there any competent spellers out there? (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

Edit: Beat me to it.

behndy · #7 10-16-2010, 12:45 AM

meh. i could really give a **** if you thought my opinion mattered. and a word like "competent" shouldn't be challenging enough to need a dictionary.

but ON-topic, i have no idea about singers. are you guys going for the two singer thing or just one actual "singer" and no Cookie Monster growling? are there GC's or practice studio's near you to hit up with flyers?

i don't know what the scene is like in Indiana, but we just found a KICK-ass drummer through CL. took 2 misses and about 4 flakes, but they're out there.

do you have a FB or MySpace page with some samples of how you roll musically?

good luck.

SnakeKappele · #8 10-16-2010, 12:50 AM

You mean "competent, arsenal, February, we're?"

Don't get mad, I'm just pointing out that you might attract better people if you put your best foot forward. Be sure everything you do is professional.

As for the singers, there are a lot of flakes out there (people in general at all levels). Not answering phones and not showing up implies they aren't serious. Try asking other bands about singers. If someone is out there trying, someone in a band is going to know about him. Put out feelers and ask at clubs.

I know it's frustrating, but keep looking.

xxfaux_punkxx · #9 10-16-2010, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by behndy

meh. i could really give a **** if you thought my opinion mattered. and a word like "competent" shouldn't be challenging enough to need a dictionary.

but ON-topic, i have no idea about singers. are you guys going for the two singer thing or just one actual "singer" and no Cookie Monster growling? are there GC's or practice studio's near you to hit up with flyers?

i don't know what the scene is like in Indiana, but we just found a KICK-ass drummer through CL. took 2 misses and about 4 flakes, but they're out there.

do you have a FB or MySpace page with some samples of how you roll musically?

good luck.

we've just started recording so I'm hoping to have that up soon.

As far as singer's go we're on the hunt for just one singer and no screaming/growiling nonsense. Which seems to be all we've attracted so far.

I put fliers up at the local stores and before next practice my drummer and I are hitting GC and Samash to put up fliers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnakeKappele

You mean "competent, arsenal, February, we're?"

Don't get mad, I'm just pointing out that you might attract better people if you put your best foot forward. Be sure everything you do is professional.

As for the singers, there are a lot of flakes out there (people in general at all levels). Not answering phones and not showing up implies they aren't serious. Try asking other bands about singers. If someone is out there trying, someone in a band is going to know about him. Put out feelers and ask at clubs.

I know it's frustrating, but keep looking.

Nah, I wouldn't get mad. I'm bad at spelling so if I mix up a word or two it happens. Better to be corrected for your mistakes than to continue making them. Just wanted some friendly teasing with behndy. clubs might work... also an open mic night or singing bar maybe...

behndy · #10 10-16-2010, 01:08 AM

are you guys in contact with other bands in the same scene? we did have luck finding a fill in drummer for awhile through band contacts. lol..... and then you can hear the dirt on somebody before committing to them. always to know somebody's drama level.

singers are an interesting breed of musician. seriously, good luck. i know you have a deadline but if i was you i'd rather play a show instrumental, maybe with some wacked out vocal samples through triggers then get somebody you're not going to be happy with.

HOW DARE YOU TEASE BACK??!? THIS IS A ONE WAY STREET GOD-)**(-IT!!!

yeah... i was just playing too.

woot. feel the love.

iri5hpunk21 · #11 10-16-2010, 01:20 AM

I'm feelin' you on having a tough time finding singers. we've been looking for nigh on 2 years for "the one"

recently however, we've found that going to open mic nights are a good way to go. lots of solo artists, you can approach only the ones you feel are good, and you don't have the whole "I dont have any demos to show, but i think I'm a pretty good singer" followed by out of tune awkward auditions...

not sure how well the open mic night setting would work if you're looking for metal singers however..

taphappy · #12 10-16-2010, 01:26 AM

Yes.

If you have any sort of expectations other than a singer who shows up, drinks your beer, doesn't even own a mic, and somehow hits on your girlfriend and your sister in the same breath...you've got a serious hunt on.

My last band, took months to find the guy. It was crazy stuff, but out of at least 40 singers who, after insistence that it was rough stuff to sing over, touted "I can sing over anything" - mysteriously disappeared, or came back with, "...I can't sing over that." The ones who tried...let's say, it wasn't pretty. Got to the point where we gave one guy two weeks to work on a song.

Finally found our guy off a New Times post who had never really done it before. Gave him a CD on Thursday, he had three songs mind-blowingly ready by Saturday. Unreal stage presence. Even eventually bought his own PA, mics, vocal processor, keyboard, recording rig. Dreamy.

Leave no stone unturned. And, I would be really careful about planning any gigs at this point unless you had a backup plan.

Souperman08 · #13 10-16-2010, 02:05 AM

Become an instrumental band, singers are just a pain to deal with anyways : P

But in all seriousness, I find that word of mouth and trying to find someone through people you know works the best in the long run (though it's not always an option, or an option that hasn't already been exhausted).

pnut166 · #14 10-16-2010, 02:06 AM

I have the prefect venue here in B`ham. There is a local band that plays all over town doing...rock Karaoke ! They have no singer; a setlist of about 100 songs, mostly `80s - current rock / metal, plus some classic standards. People pick a tune and jump onstage. They`re quite popular around town. Do you have anything like that locally ? If so, THAT`S where I`d go to look for a singer. See who has the look, stage presence, and chops that you`re looking for - all from the audience while sippin` a brew. See someone you like, buy `em a beer and tell` em to have a seat and talk about joining your band. If your city doesn`t have an act like this.... that could be your calling !

pklima · #15 10-16-2010, 04:42 AM

Most singers who can actually sing are women. If you play music few women like, it's gonna be tough.

But then again finding a bassist is tough also, and your band has one, so it doesn't mean "impossible". Just keep hammering away - ads, karaoke, open mics, maybe go to a choral performance and ask around if any of them like metal etc.

uglymutt · #16 10-16-2010, 05:47 AM

Perhaps you need to talk to this guy....
http://www.youtube.com/user/GriffinN.../0/KL2EmtFFqfs

Oren Hudson · #17 10-16-2010, 06:46 AM

It's a tough look - I've been through it many times. CL has some potential, but other avenues that I've used are = post a notice in nearby music stores - check out karaoke places - list needs on Bandmix and Bandtastic. I think that these are both national sites with areas to search for musicians. Here's another less known one. I discovered my last lead singer in my church's choir! I'm a pretty good singer myself and I'm in the choir. Noticed that one particular soporano was really really good, and as a bonus, a very good attractive stacked female. It took a little while to get her out of choir made for the band, but before long, she was doing great.

Zoa · #18 10-16-2010, 01:40 PM

just sayin' . . .

No pics, no very good attractive stacked female.

Frohman · #19 10-16-2010, 01:53 PM

I'm a competent singer.

Too bad I live a 12 hour flight away from you.

faulknersj · #20 10-16-2010, 02:14 PM

Props to taphappy...he is a TOP notch player. Based on the post, one issue might be what the band brings to the table in the eyes of potential vocalists. Your band has 3 instrumentals to offer, a 5 song gig in february, and lyrics for 10 originals. If I was a great metal singer in your town, this would not be all that enticing. I would want to write my own lyrics. I would most likely already be in a good band, so I would be looking to upgrade to a more established band. What exactly does your band bring to the table in terms of being an attractive option to a gifted singer? I would rewrite the posting and rather than listing your needs and wants, I would create a post that conveys why a killer metal singer might want to choose to play with your band.