Finding a singer

[Technotitclan]

Keeping this simple, I'm in an original band. Our singer has drastically gone down hill in the quality department. We tried to work with him on it and he went prima donna on us. So bottom line, we/re looking for a singer.

My question to the greatness that is TB is how to look for a singer. We live in Rochester, NY and have tried Facebook, Craigslist and Band Mix but have only found talentless newbs looking to join there first band or a couple people who are great but looking for a different style. Can any one recommend other options for finding members?

[JakeF]

Don't play originals

Honestly I would recommend going to shows were similarly minded originals acts play. Then ask around. A person you meet in person is going to be a bit more confident than someone searching for a band from the safety of their computer.

[Technotitclan]

That thought has occurred to me and I've tried but most of the acts around here with similar style are painful to listen too and almost rather stay home and wait it out. We have been asking audiences for singers at the past few gigs we played at.

[mellowinman]

Finding a good singer is, by far, the hardest part about being in a band.

[Technotitclan]

So I've noticed. I have started putting a less detailed ad up. My thinking is most singers probably don't have the attention span to read my whole ad. So far I've got 50% more responses. Probably just 50% more crazies though.

[the yeti]

hit up some open mics, maybe team up with a singer/songwriter type.

[tangentmusic]

Have a go at doing the vocals yourself..

[Technotitclan]

Originally Posted by tangentmusic

Have a go at doing the vocals yourself..

LOL, trust me, I have tried. We are all pretty bad at it. The best one thinks hes good but he really isn't.

[Biggbass]

In all my years of playing and singing I've found that singers tend to sing songs they have written or co written with the band. And finding a singer to sing someone elses original material is difficult. Especially finding someone who can interpret another's song as if it were his/her own.
Keep looking, expand your criteria to maybe include songwriter,guitarist, etc.
and hold auditions.

[Technotitclan]

Originally Posted by Biggbass

In all my years of playing and singing I've found that singers tend to sing songs they have written or co written with the band. And finding a singer to sing someone elses original material is difficult. Especially finding someone who can interpret another's song as if it were his/her own.
Keep looking, expand your criteria to maybe include songwriter,guitarist, etc.
and hold auditions.

This really helps. Our old singer didn't leave us with any material and he liked to improvise (one of the reasons he was fired). I will put in the ad that almost all out material needs new lyrics written.

Thanks!

[Thor]

Originally Posted by mellowinman

Finding a good singer is, by far, the hardest part about being in a band.

I concur. Going through that right now and we are all avoiding beginning the auditions.

Originally Posted by Technotitclan

This really helps. Our old singer didn't leave us with any material and he liked to improvise (one of the reasons he was fired). I will put in the ad that almost all out material needs new lyrics written.

Thanks!

That's a pretty good idea.

[the yeti]

Originally Posted by Thor

That's a pretty good idea.

yeah a singer/guitarist who writes lyrics is probably a lot better idea than a singer songwriter.

[Volpe25]

Try and get to as many open mic nights as you can, you can sometimes find some pretty talented people looking to get out there who would be willing to join a band

[the yeti]

Originally Posted by Volpe25

Try and get to as many open mic nights as you can, you can sometimes find some pretty talented people looking to get out there who would be willing to join a band

also a good idea.

[NYCbassist]

Originally Posted by mellowinman

Finding a good singer is, by far, the hardest part about being in a band.

+1000

[Technotitclan]

Originally Posted by Volpe25

Try and get to as many open mic nights as you can, you can sometimes find some pretty talented people looking to get out there who would be willing to join a band

This is something I will do. I just hate open mic cuz I really hate bad singers and I know there will be lots. It makes me want to die.

[the yeti]

here's a super easy way to find a new singer: find a gigging band that needs bass. bam! new singer.

[Technotitclan]

Originally Posted by the yeti

here's a super easy way to find a new singer: find a gigging band that needs bass. bam! new singer.

LOL!!!

[ForSix]

Try your local theater types.

[Technotitclan]

Originally Posted by ForSix

Try your local theater types.

Hmmm. Theres a University with a not to shabby theater department. That gives me some ideas. Thanks.