My band has finally started giging again

[Manuel101]

Originally Posted by boristhespider9

As to the first song, I wasn't sure what I was listening to at first also, but when the guitar really kicked in and got funky, I thought it was really groovin'. The drummer didn't really bother me much. The second song was interesting. I thought the bass tone could be a bit thicker and deeper. In this tune, the drummer was more bothersome.

I think your singer could work on her appearance. I mean she is your front-person and all. How about ditching the hospital scrub pants and lounge-around-the-house tank and dress the part a bit more? Perhaps do the hair and makeup thing also. I mean that's not too conformist, is it?

Our goal when writing our songs is to create music that other musicians and the crowd find interesting. Our secondary goal is for the music to create a certain mood (that's what we were aiming for with the second song).

[Manuel101]

Originally Posted by bluewine

I was listening to the clip without the female front.


Blue

what did you think of the new videos

[Manuel101]

Originally Posted by bluewine

No, I'm saying I don't understand the music. Appeal is not an issue.

I listened to what you use to sound like.

btw, I'm from Montclair, what part of Jersey are you guys from?

Blue

west orange

[seanm]

Originally Posted by Manuel101

Honestly guys maybe i am clueless but i don't think the drum part is bad at all. Maybe if I were to hear another drum version to compare it to i might see what you guys mean. Maybe he does do too much (fills maybe) but I think his main groove works with my bass line .

I only listened to the start of "Far Away". If you like the drums, and the rest of the band likes the drums, then we are just missing the point.

The only important thing is how are the audiences reacting?

[Manuel101]

Originally Posted by seanm

I only listened to the start of "Far Away". If you like the drums, and the rest of the band likes the drums, then we are just missing the point.

The only important thing is how are the audiences reacting?

we have other songs but the crowd seems to really and I mean really like far away. So it sort of caught me off guard when you guys mentioned that the drumming was off. I never noticed it I'll listen to it again carefully (maybe i am missing the point) to see if i can pick up on what you guys are saying.

[Manuel101]

Another thing is we usually get compliments from the crowd and the other bands as well after every show on our musicianship (i don't mean to brag) so I am having a hard time picking up on what is wrong with the drums.

[Gougedeye]

Interesting sound and style. I believe your drummer is too busy and his playing is overpowering the bass and guitar. I'm not sure about either of the singers...but I think I like the woman better. I'll give it another listen later. Good luck and congrats on gigging.

[Manuel101]

Originally Posted by Gougedeye

Interesting sound and style. I believe your drummer is too busy and his playing is overpowering the bass and guitar. I'm not sure about either of the singers...but I think I like the woman better. I'll give it another listen later. Good luck and congrats on gigging.

Hi, do you mean volume wise he is overpowering us or is it his busyness?

[Manuel101]

Originally Posted by seanm

I only listened to the start of "Far Away". If you like the drums, and the rest of the band likes the drums, then we are just missing the point.

The only important thing is how are the audiences reacting?

Hi, seanm. What i am trying to figure out is if you guys don't like it because you are not used to it or if I like it because he is the only drummer I ever played with rock with?

[Manuel101]

I want to thank you guys for the input. We are really working hard to make good music and hopefully get signed and live off our music, we know its very unlikely but we have to try.

[Gougedeye]

Originally Posted by Manuel101

Hi, do you mean volume wise he is overpowering us or is it his busyness?

I think a bit of both, but the drums are definitely up front in the mix. Don't get me wrong, he sounds like a skilled drummer, but you and he don't seem to lock into a groove.

[Manuel101]

Originally Posted by Gougedeye

I think a bit of both, but the drums are definitely up front in the mix. Don't get me wrong, he sounds like a skilled drummer, but you and he don't seem to lock into a groove.

well should i then change my bass line to accommodate? you know since i figure it falls on me to lock up with him not the other way around. although i think the bass line helps the song stand out a bit. Also which video did you watch?

[Manuel101]

Originally Posted by Gougedeye

I think a bit of both, but the drums are definitely up front in the mix. Don't get me wrong, he sounds like a skilled drummer, but you and he don't seem to lock into a groove.

not to play devil's advocate and what not but could locking in with him in this case be detrimental to the song? I ask because many times we develop, follow and promote a particular mantra, in this case "lock in with the drummer". I want you guys to understand that this is our most popular song and people really like it so I am having doubts about making changes to it because of that.

[Gougedeye]

I played with a drummer for about a year and we simply could not lock together. I was forced to play simply and stripped down. This guy refused to listen or collaborate on what might be best for the songs. It was miserable! My advise is that you two guys need to work together. There is a time to push and to pull, but mostly you two need to lock into the groove to propel the song, especially with your guitarist playing so sparsely. I'm in a blues/funk/rock band and our current drummer and I are in constant communication with each other. Not only during practice, but also during our shows. I guess I subscribe to that old adage, "the kick and bass have got to lock." Best of luck to you.

[seanm]

Originally Posted by Manuel101

Hi, seanm. What i am trying to figure out is if you guys don't like it because you are not used to it or if I like it because he is the only drummer I ever played with rock with?

Originally Posted by Manuel101

not to play devil's advocate and what not but could locking in with him in this case be detrimental to the song? I ask because many times we develop, follow and promote a particular mantra, in this case "lock in with the drummer". I want you guys to understand that this is our most popular song and people really like it so I am having doubts about making changes to it because of that.

I have a feeling that I am just not getting it. I am probably older than your audience, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. If the audience loves it.... then I wouldn't mess with it.

I understand you are trying to get input to get better... that is good. But you also don't want to water down your creativity.

[Gougedeye]

Please don't doubt yourself because a few people here on TB are critical. You guys got your thing and if the audiences you play for dig you, that's all that matters.

[Troph]

I listened to the new lineup's "Far Away", and I think the main point of emphasis for your rehearsals should be vocals.

The harmonizing part at the beginning of the song (first verse) was pretty off... one or both of you were off key.

Furthermore, the new singer was flat several times, but she was excruciatingly flat on the high B at the very end of the "Far Away" chorus, both times. She more or less hits the preceding A fine, but she doesn't quite make it up to the B. Unfortunately, because she's belting it out at this point, and this is kind of the resolution note of the chorus, it kind of sticks out there...

I actually didn't mind the drums at all. The drums and the guitar player were providing good energy.

The recording made it difficult to hear the bass very well, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume it was solid.

[oniman7]

Honestly, my criticisms of the drummer (coming from a lover of progressive music like Opeth where the drummer plays something different half the time anyways).

The drummer is being confusing. I think some of subdivisions need to have more purpose, and he definitely needs to tighten up. When he's playing tight 16th notes, the drum line sounds much better. I think he's just kind of sloppy with his timing. Sometimes he also hits bad accents. The business in his playing is fine but could probably use a little more thought. This is Far Away that I'm listening to right now.

In the second song, somebody seems lost on the timing in the slow part, and I think it's also the drummer here. However, I am a big fan of everything that happens when it picks up. I think a rhythm guitar would help fill that part out a little bit.

I say these critiques as I have this paused: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoNQhKmgVRs So know that I say this in full support of experimentation. A little work with a metronome would take you guys a long way since you all have the chops.

Good song writing and fun to listen to. I'm just being super critical

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by Manuel101

Another thing is we usually get compliments from the crowd and the other bands as well after every show on our musicianship (i don't mean to brag) so I am having a hard time picking up on what is wrong with the drums.

My band receives the same compliments, however it's not anything we use as a benchmark.

Blue

[Manuel101]

Originally Posted by Troph

I listened to the new lineup's "Far Away", and I think the main point of emphasis for your rehearsals should be vocals.

The harmonizing part at the beginning of the song (first verse) was pretty off... one or both of you were off key.

Furthermore, the new singer was flat several times, but she was excruciatingly flat on the high B at the very end of the "Far Away" chorus, both times. She more or less hits the preceding A fine, but she doesn't quite make it up to the B. Unfortunately, because she's belting it out at this point, and this is kind of the resolution note of the chorus, it kind of sticks out there...

I actually didn't mind the drums at all. The drums and the guitar player were providing good energy.

The recording made it difficult to hear the bass very well, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume it was solid.

I'll take the blame and say it was probably me. I couldn't hear myself to well though (bad excuse). In all honesty this wasn't our best show and that was the first thing we said to each other after the show. Got to work on a few things for next show. The best show we had so far was the one before this one, we were much tighter.