Bad Singer? I don't think so. Do you?

gb2 · #1 07-22-2008, 05:49 AM

Well, I've posted this video before in the recording-section, but now I've got a different question.

My band exists since one year, all originals, doing quite well; a lot of shows, much respect and love from everyone.

Now we got a tape of one song we played at our latest show, which was quite big (~900 pl.) and after we saw the tape we were blown away by ourselves. Didn't expect to be that far. Was even elected as "Best Bassist" afterwards, out of 13 bands.

Sounds fine, right?

Here's the clue: I had so many people after the show, or after I showed them the video, telling me that we should change our singer. And I don't understand it AT ALL. I love his voice, I love his lyrics, I love the feelings and emotions he's able to transfer. I would never replace him.

But I've got too much of an inside view on the band, so I'd like to know:
What do you think? Do you think his voice fits to the music (which is everything that counts)? Possible musical reference points: Joy Division and the Cure

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fu...deoid=38887262

Kraken · #2 07-22-2008, 06:04 AM

Where I am I can't view the video (Damn Work security policy) But Robert Smith of the cure was hardly ever the worlds greatest vocalist.

if you are having people turn up to gigs and enjoy the show. I wouldn't worry about it.

I'll have a look at the video later and let you know what I think.

BobaFret · #3 07-22-2008, 06:11 AM

I think he fits in with the music just fine. The most important thing is do YOU like it ( unless of course you want to make tons of money ).

therex · #4 07-22-2008, 01:19 PM

if you like it the why change it
music is not about pleasing everyone, music is abour pleasing youself

also he is a good singer

wld3 · #5 07-22-2008, 01:30 PM

Not really my style but I don't see the problem.

"This above all: to thine own self be true" - William Shakespeare

Kraken · #6 07-22-2008, 06:44 PM

Having now watched the video, I'd stick with him. seems pretty good to me. I'll also add you guys as a friend on Myspace.

steve66 · #7 07-22-2008, 06:50 PM

I dug your bands performance. Keep the band as is. Looks like the crowd is enjoying your show...

ErebusBass · #8 07-22-2008, 06:53 PM

The recording has pretty bad sound quality.

Adam Bomb · #9 07-22-2008, 08:05 PM

He fits the music. He can sing. Maybe the problem is that he doesn't sound enough like someone else (e.g., Robert Smith). People want the familiar. For example, I was hoping that he was going to open his mouth and sound like that dude in Rammstein. But he's good and he fits and you are doing well. I wouldn't worry any more about it. You will never, ever please everybody. A few hundred at a time is good enough!

You guys should open for Rammstein.

--Bomb

Vincent P · #10 07-22-2008, 08:09 PM

I'm thinking its just the video quality more than the singers voice.

Chickencha · #11 07-22-2008, 08:11 PM

I'm sorry, but I have to be honest: I don't care for the vocals. They just didn't sound like I expected them to, having listened to the beginning of the song. He might have great lyrics, but I can't understand any of them. (Might just be the recording.) That part doesn't bother me so much, but you specifically mentioned liking his lyrics, so I thought I'd mention it.

That said, I mostly agree with those above me. If you like him and you're just in this to have a good time, then absolutely stick with him. If you're in it for more than a good time, then perhaps you have a choice to make. But get lots of other opinions first, 'cause I definitely don't represent everyone.

EDIT: Okay, I just realized you're from Germany. Perhaps that's why I didn't understand the lyrics. :P

Jorgemele894 · #12 07-22-2008, 08:16 PM

To me he sings fine, it’s a live show and most times the singer’s voice is affect by the quantities of show they have to sing.

Munjibunga · #13 07-23-2008, 01:16 AM

I suppose he's OK, but I wouldn't pay money to hear him.

51m0n · #14 07-23-2008, 04:28 AM

Well he hits the pitches well enough.

More importantly he has a voice with some character. If you guys 'made it' I think he has a distinctive enough voice to be like Marmite. People will fall into one of the hate it or love it camps, and before anyone says thats bad it really isn't - Morrisey's entire carrer is built around great lyrics and a voice like marmite

Defintely keep him if it works for you!

Qvist · #15 07-23-2008, 04:48 AM

He's average, but he really gets into it so I'd say he should just practice some more

And gb2, dude, your bass sound is AWESOME!

bocasfx · #16 07-23-2008, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Bomb

Maybe the problem is that he doesn't sound enough like someone else (e.g., Robert Smith).

I think I disagree. To me he sounds a LOT like Paul Banks from Interpol. Actually the whole song reminds me of Interpol... and of course all the bands before Interpol that inspired them, e.g. The Cure, Joy Division, etc.

I liked it.

neuromancer · #17 07-23-2008, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gb2

Here's the clue: I had so many people after the show, or after I showed them the video, telling me that we should change our singer. And I don't understand it AT ALL. I love his voice, I love his lyrics, I love the feelings and emotions he's able to transfer. I would never replace him.

I haven't heard the singer yet, although based on what you've said above you've already made half a case for keeping him. Is he reliable? Does he work well with the band? 2 more important questions that would settle it (for me) right there.

I don't care how good the singer is, someone somewhere is always going to dislike him/her. I myself would take a less than stellar singer who fits the band - that I know is going to be there over a better singer who is going to flake out and leave.

Most of my favorite singers don't have platinum albums, and I hear boatloads of singers I can't stand who sell like crazy. Unless there's a really good reason to get rid of the singer, I say keep him. What's the rest of the band think?

TimWilson · #18 07-23-2008, 08:02 AM

He's pretty up and down on the pitches: sometimes on, sometimes off. But that's not a real big issue: Most singers are. His problem is the level at which he engages the audience. I get the feeling that he'd look/perform/move exactly the same way in rehearsal. You gotta make your crowd feel like you REALLY appreciate them, ESPECIALLY the singer (and especially a great crowd like that one!). You both look a little distant and distracted to me.

But I liked the song, and I agree - even without hearing the other bands - that you were probably the best bassist of the 13. Very cool, hooky bass lines. Nice bass tone (even on this rough recording).

ric1312 · #19 07-23-2008, 08:16 AM

Not the worst I heard. But...........he did go off key on several places in the song.

I realize that the guy he's trying to impersonate has the kind of voice that sounds purposely like it's breaking all the time, but you can do that and still stay in key.

Also, hard to understand any of his lyrics. I realize that could be because of the soundguy and too much reverb, but I also noticed he needs work on his mic technique. Keeping right on the mic will make him sound better.

Does he just sing at practice? If he sing and plays his songs at home 3-4 more times a week, he'll be much improved at practice and performance.

Alan Vorse · #20 07-23-2008, 08:49 AM

I thought the vocals were fine. Kind of like a more baritone David Byrne.