New Band auditioning singers....advice appreciated

[hammersig]

I have this tread on another forum, so sorry for the redundancy, just trying to get as much advice as possible before Thursday.

So my new band has been on a quest to find a lead singer. We've had a few come out and give it a shot, nothing really spectacular yet. I guess I'm sort of the "leader" of the band, but I value all of their opinions. This isn't my first band, nor my first lead singer auditions, but I just wanted to see what tips could be offered to maybe help the process along.

We're an all original band, all of us are 25 and have a modern classic rock sound. We're looking for a dynamic frontman who could take control of the stage and audience, but can also match our level of intrumentation with vocals (i.e. equally as good live as in studio.) Nothing crazy or unique I guess, just a solid vocal with stage presence.

We have a couple of guys lined up right now, one of which is coming Thursday. i've had a very pleasant conversations with him. and I was able to hear him through myspace with a previous band. I liked what I heard, but his previous band was little more funk, where we're a little more punk (which he said he was looking for more aggressive and melodic.)

Anyway, I just wanted to give a good background on the situation, and ask for some opinions on how to provide a comfortable audition for him, and for us; and maybe some ideas of what to look at when evaluating him, and others.

First thread here! Really excited to see the responses!

[stflbn]

In my opinion:

A distinctive voice is better than a technically good voice... especially for original work.

Decide ahead of time what's most important to you. Voice, Look, Attitude, Charisma, because they will all come into play when deciding.

Try find a vocalist that most naturally does what you're looking for. Pushing your voice into a style never comes off as well as someone with that natural preference for a style.


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[bassbully]

Originally Posted by hammersig

Anyway, I just wanted to give a good background on the situation, and ask for some opinions on how to provide a comfortable audition for him, and for us; and maybe some ideas of what to look at when evaluating him, and others.

First thread here! Really excited to see the responses!

This caught my eye. Remember the singer is auditioning the band as much as you are auditioning him. He/she needs to come in knowing somewhat what you are going to go over. Did you send them recorded songs etc? Some singers need the key changed. Can the band do this? Adapting to a new singer can be strange at first. I had it happen twice. Once in a classic rock band we had the drummer build us up to a singer who was really good and had cut a national metal record in the 80's. The guy came to 1 practice and the band blew it. We sucked and he was like...ummm no thanks. The other was a better cover and originals band who we sent a few songs to each singer. When they came in we only did those songs and kept it simple. We then showed the singers our setlists and if they wanted to pick out a song they new they sang it. The one who did the best and nailed the songs got the gig.

[bluewine]

I have seen a lot in the last few months and worked with different front people (and thats what I will call them, not singers)

I really think you need an entertainer more than solid vocals.A guy that has personality and conect and work a show all night is going to get you a lot further than a guy that has a great voice but has no personality.

[hammersig]

Originally Posted by bassbully

This caught my eye. Remember the singer is auditioning the band as much as you are auditioning him. He/she needs to come in knowing somewhat what you are going to go over. Did you send them recorded songs etc? Some singers need the key changed. Can the band do this? Adapting to a new singer can be strange at first. I had it happen twice. Once in a classic rock band we had the drummer build us up to a singer who was really good and had cut a national metal record in the 80's. The guy came to 1 practice and the band blew it. We sucked and he was like...ummm no thanks. The other was a better cover and originals band who we sent a few songs to each singer. When they came in we only did those songs and kept it simple. We then showed the singers our setlists and if they wanted to pick out a song they new they sang it. The one who did the best and nailed the songs got the gig.

Great response, this is kind of why I posted in the first place. I really just want to create a comfortable, conducive audition so as not to waste our time, or theirs. I try to be somewhat buisness-like in this kind of stuff, so I try to give as much info and courtesy upfront. Keep'em coming!

[Stumbo]

You might find some useful info in the the following TB threads:

~Auditioning
1 For new band
2
Getting back in the game

1 New member
2

Red flag stories
Hilarious/Bizarre audition stories
"Never got to audition"

[hammersig]

una vez mas bump

[AlembicPlayer]

Originally Posted by hammersig

Great response, this is kind of why I posted in the first place. I really just want to create a comfortable, conducive audition so as not to waste our time, or theirs. I try to be somewhat buisness-like in this kind of stuff, so I try to give as much info and courtesy upfront. Keep'em coming!

I agree with bassbully, they are auditioning you as well.
I appreciate your "somewhat business-like" approach, however when I'm looking at taking on a new project (auditioning)..I look for excellent musicianship(as we all do) as one third of the equation..the next third is ..do they have their business together? I am at the point where I do not invest in someones music career unless there is adequate compensation. So I look at their business model and decide if it will work for me.

The last third is personal dynamics ...can I live on a bus with these folks for 6 weeks at a time? very important stuff IMO.
It's just something else to consider besides the usual band audition stuff.
good luck on your mission!