a warning of things to come

dreadheadbass · #1 01-04-2008, 06:45 PM

ok i've been with a new band for about 3 months now and we are were off to a flying start we have good songs, good times and big venues booked however

there is friction deveolping between the drummer and the singer
1st off a little info on our drummer: he's a top lad and really "fits in" with the band he's a cracking character and a fantastic "i love you man" drunk however he has problems with some timings (usually when we go from 4:4 to a faster tempo his fills can be a bit off too) he does put the hours in to practice and he is getting better but...

our singer is growing imaptient and last night it boiled over and we nearly had a scrap on our hands fotrunatly after 5 min and a hug they were best of friends again but i'm starting to think this is a preview of things to come our singer is quite a big lad and has a bit of a "bully boy" attitude it doesnt scare me or anyone else in the band as far as i'm aware but every argument between the two of them seems to have the same script...

singer: jesus man your out of ******g time again can you not count or something

drummer: shut up i'm not in the mood

singer: dont tell me to shut up or i'll knock you out

now ok we all have our rants and ok our drummer is out of time but i'm not happy with the way the singer seems to want to threaten violence against him all the time

the lineup we have works amazingly its the key to our success so far it has the right amount of "chi" and "zen" i'd rather resolve this issue now while its young and keep both members than wait for it to explode and lose a member of a perfect lineup

anyone got any advice for calming down hotheaded singers and any good drummer websites to give to our drummer to help him improve??

Fassa Albrecht · #2 01-04-2008, 06:58 PM

The best site I can think of drumming wise is Drummerworld.com. It's a combination of a forum, and online magazine so not only can your drummer learn more drumming technique and theory, there's also a forum similar to this one so if he does have any issue or problems, or wants simply to chat with other drummers he can.
Also encourage him to read something like 'Rhythm' magazine or 'Modern Drummer'...it can be incredibly useful to have properly informed articles (many writers are pros/tutors) and official tabs and reviews to read as well.

As for your singer, talk to him. It's the only thing you can do and it might help bring out some issues that can then be solved. Although to be perfectly honest, it sounds like this sounds like a case of personality and he is unlikely to change.

If the worst comes to the worst I'd rather look for a new singer and stick with your keen and young drummer than deal with bullying.

doktorfeelgood · #3 01-04-2008, 07:09 PM

Sounds like a recipe for disaster to me... If the singer is that much of a hot head and wants things his way and has very little patience, seems to me you're gonna have a big problem on your hands sooner or later. If it ever does comes down to the singer punching out the drummer, you can kiss that drummer good-bye. Unless he hangs around just to get even. Bigger problem. If you're good friends with the singer, take him aside or call him up when you guys aren't at practice and tell him you know the drummer is working on getting his **** down, and ask him if he can have a little more patience. If he's that impatient, maybe you need another singer. You gotta know that there's a distinct possiblity that the drummer's never gonna get that problem solved. What his problem is isn't related to learning but basic timing. And with a drummer, either you got it or you ain't. I worked with a drummer that had GRADUATED from Berkely and had the same kinds of problems for the almost 2 years that I played with him. Now your situation and your drummer could turn out for the better, but my experience tells me that it won't. The only real way to cover your ass is just make sure you have some phone numbers for good singers and drummers in case the **** comes down hard and one or the other has to go. )-(

Gasman · #4 01-04-2008, 07:13 PM

Wow. A hot-headed singer. What a shock.

Welcome to Band Psych 101!

thedude77md · #5 01-04-2008, 07:15 PM

I don't know man, as Fassa said, talk to your singer. It may just be personality or maybe you can suggest he make comments to your drummer in a different manner. He may be so into the music that he doesn't realize how obnoxious he's coming across.

dreadheadbass · #6 01-05-2008, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedude77md

I don't know man, as Fassa said, talk to your singer. It may just be personality or maybe you can suggest he make comments to your drummer in a different manner. He may be so into the music that he doesn't realize how obnoxious he's coming across.

he is big into the music he wants the band to succeed i think he just gets wound up because the guitarists tend to be lazy every now and then so when poor old john gets a beat wrong it throws the match in the powder keg

i talked to the drummer today gonna ring the singer tonight methinks and tell him to calm down or i'll kick his fat ass accross the room

Depth_Charge · #7 01-05-2008, 08:21 PM

Threatening the singer with violence will only strengthen his belief that it is acceptable to make such threats himself. Yes, I know, he started it...

You said he wants the band to succeed right? So he wants the band to produce a good product, and to be treated with respect, right? Then surely he must also want the band to show professionalism, right?

So he needs to show these qualities as well, and lead by example.

I bet yelling at and abusing the drummer hasn't solved the timing issues, right. So why will threatening the singer solve his outburst issues?

**Vorago** · #8 01-06-2008, 02:49 AM

Fully mask your profanity people

**Howlin' Hanson** · #9 01-06-2008, 12:04 PM

If drummer literally said "shut up," that obviously set the other guy off. Yep, he over-reacted, but they both have issues.

Drummer can't take criticism--though the criticism should have been presented better.

Singer sounds dangerous. Be careful.

BassBus · #10 01-06-2008, 12:17 PM

If the singer is as much of a bully as you make out then if the drummer goes he will eventually start on someone else. He needs "stamping" on right now so he doesn't see he can get away with it. You are a band of musicians. No one member is bigger than that band. Draw the singer into line imediately.

TheDarkReaver · #11 01-06-2008, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

The best site I can think of drumming wise is Drummerworld.com. It's a combination of a forum, and online magazine so not only can your drummer learn more drumming technique and theory, there's also a forum similar to this one so if he does have any issue or problems, or wants simply to chat with other drummers he can.
Also encourage him to read something like 'Rhythm' magazine or 'Modern Drummer'...it can be incredibly useful to have properly informed articles (many writers are pros/tutors) and official tabs and reviews to read as well.

As for your singer, talk to him. It's the only thing you can do and it might help bring out some issues that can then be solved. Although to be perfectly honest, it sounds like this sounds like a case of personality and he is unlikely to change.

If the worst comes to the worst I'd rather look for a new singer and stick with your keen and young drummer than deal with bullying.

wow, someone else from heaton!

you could always do a metallica and call in a councellor

Mike Shevlin · #12 01-06-2008, 12:35 PM

In my VERY HUMBLE OPINION. Your singer have the same right to get as hot as everyone else if he.....
1) Actually plays an instrument (OR can sing his butt off)
2) Owns the P.A. & mic that he is using. At age 41, I have yet to meet a singer who comes complete with a P.A. (I did however ONCE meet a female vocalist who owned her own mic).
3) Knows all the lyrics, all the time, without having to take cues from other bandmembers.
4) Shows up and leaves with everyone else & does his share to move equiptment.
5) Does not think that he is musical director.

Have him read this. If he meets all five conditions, he can politely express discontent at the end of the practice or gig while buying the rest of the band drinks.
If he doesn't go for this, keep a tazer in your guitar case when he does finally decide to hurl himself at the drummer.

sethlow3 · #13 01-06-2008, 12:42 PM

I hate to say it, but BAND MEETING!

You ALL should make timing a number one priority PERIOD in a band. If someone is slacking up and its causing problems, then a meeting to talk about it may put his mind in a different state. He needs to know it bothers everyone. Those kind of things make a diff in a band. If a week or so goes by and no changes you have to give the drummer an ultimatum. During the ultimatum phase someone should meet up with other drummers secretly to scout a replacement. Then at the rehearsal he should be let known he can be replaced. If he can't change then hire another one.

The lead singer needs to be told this too. Also to mellow out when anyone messes up. He has lead singers disease like so many do, but the band should be a democracy. You guys should talk about it 1st instead of letting things go and practicing anyways.