New band... maybe...

[Dkerwood]

So I responded to a CL ad for a classic rock/blues band that needed a bass player. Played with them tonight for the first time tonight- couple of killer guitarists, solid drummer... bit of a flaky singer though, who's not even a good singer.

Despite it all, a great jam, and I have 2 brand new blisters to show for the 2 hours of solid playing. I know most of the material already, and can fake my way through the rest. That means I won't have to do much practicing (aside from getting my chops built back up- I started hurting after 60 minutes).

If we could replace the singer, we'd probably have one of the top three bands in town- these other dudes are that good, and I'm no bass playing slouch.

I still have to decide if I want to commit, though. Decisions, decisions...

[Rudreax]

Is the singer one of the original members? If he is you're screwed.

Trying playing with them for a good while to get better, and then when you think you know the other members enough start a side project with them and see how that goes.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by Rudreax

Is the singer one of the original members? If he is you're screwed.

Trying playing with them for a good while to get better, and then when you think you know the other members enough start a side project with them and see how that goes.

Sometimes singers are different in rehearsals then at a gig.If it's a gigging band I would give it a try.

[jmattbassplaya]

Most people can tell by the end of one practice whether or not they want to be in a band. You having to think about it isn`t a great sign... I`d give it one more practice/rehearsal to see how things fit. If you`re still questioning yourself about joining after that, then that should be a sign to hit the road.

[Marko5657]

Find out what grip the singer has on the Band; what else, if anything, he provides.

Then at least you could determine how replaceable he is.

If he’s too locked in, that could be bad, since as we all know, a poor lead singer pretty much kills an otherwise-good band.

I guess it’s possible, as bluewine suggested, that he’s better live.

[Dkerwood]

Well, the other band members and I chatted after the practice, and the singer is a placeholder at best. They're not happy with him, but they're keeping him until they find someone else- the Craigslist ad is already up for a new singer. He provides nothing but being late, slightly flaky, and stinky cigarette smoke (which I'm allergic to).

I will admit, though, he knew the lyrics COLD to every song we played. I often can't do that with songs that I wrote!

I don't know. Like I said, the BAND is killer. I think I'm just questioning because I've never been in a band that wasn't mine and wasn't Christian. This does look like a lot of fun, though, and a great opportunity for me to play and get my endurance back up.

Jury's still out. We'll figure it out soon enough, though...

[DeluxeRed]

Just knowing the lyrics is the worst reason to keep a singer, fwiw.

Aside from that, what do you have to lose? If it doesn't work out, walk--they're not pushing a contract on you, are they? You get to spend some time honing your chops with some decent musicians, which beats practicing alone.

Watch that word "commit". You're not committed to anything (again, unless there's a binding contract), and don't forget, neither are they.

[Stumbo]

Originally Posted by Dkerwood

I think I'm just questioning because I've never been in a band that wasn't mine and wasn't Christian.

It seems that great music may not be enough to overcome your personal beliefs, especially if you apply them to everyone you meet. Also, since you're used to being in charge of your own band, having to work with others as the "new guy" may not fit your need to be in control.

You might want to check out the following thread(if you haven't already) for some good TB info on auditioning: Questions to ask before auditioning or joining a new band.

Good luck!