What did I get myself into?

TimboSlice87 · #1 12-27-2010, 11:40 AM

I recently joined a 3 piece band, starring a female lead guitarist/vocalist. They play both originals and cover songs. We have our first gig coming up soon. Recently she's asked me if I would be able to sing back up vocals. I am self conscience about singing. I don't feel that I have a "natural talent", it's something that requires alot of focus an effort to get anything that sounds decent. I have no experience singing live (besides drunken karaoke/open mic...lol). She gave me 3 songs she wants backup vocals/harmonies on. 2 are her originals, 1 is Sunday Morning by No Doubt. I'm having a hard time because these female voices sing pretty damn high (at times) and if i try to sing lower i feel like it just sounds like im talking, and i cant project as well. I told her I would try singing, but Im having some anxiety about it now because I dont wanna sound like ****. Im worried if I dont sing ill be kicked from the band. I would understand though, being in a trio i need to "pull my own weight". Anyone have any good advice for me? I would appreciate it.

lunarpollen · #2 12-27-2010, 11:43 AM

I would have immediately told her that I'm not really able to sing and play at the same time.

electracoyote · #3 12-27-2010, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunarpollen

I would have immediately told her that I'm not really able to sing and play at the same time.

+1

It's not too late. Let her know you're not comfortable and it's just going to sound horrible, mess with your bass playing, or both.

And if you auditioned without singing, it would be terribly unfair for her to fire you because you're not comfortable singing.

TimboSlice87 · #4 12-27-2010, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electracoyote

+1

It's not too late. Let her know you're not comfortable and it's just going to sound horrible, mess with your bass playing, or both.

And if you auditioned without singing, it would be terribly unfair for her to fire you because you're not comfortable singing.

Yeah, I auditioned for bass playing. They announced on Facebook that I'm the new bass player and all my family and friends are telling me they are proud of me and looking forward to the show. It would really blow to get booted from the band, and having to explain it to everbody.

lethargytartare · #5 12-27-2010, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunarpollen

I would have immediately told her that I'm not really able to sing and play at the same time.

And to add: by letting them know asap, you give them the chance to cancel the gig, get a temp backup singer, replace you, etc. It would suck to lose the gig, but if you handle it in an adult manner, and help them sort it out as best as you can, you'll keep them as contacts...and give them another reason (professionalism) to keep you.

electracoyote · #6 12-27-2010, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimboSlice87

Yeah, I auditioned for bass playing. They announced on Facebook that I'm the new bass player and all my family and friends are telling me they are proud of me and looking forward to the show. It would really blow to get booted from the band, and having to explain it to everbody.

Yeah, lay it on the line. If they like you, they'll keep you and work on a Plan B.

If they boot you, those are not the kind of musicians you want to play with.

**pacojas** · #7 12-27-2010, 11:58 AM

make the drummer sing,.. (it's way easier to play drums and sing).

Captain_Arrrg · #8 12-27-2010, 11:59 AM

Give it a try, you may end up being really good.

plangentmusic · #9 12-27-2010, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunarpollen

I would have immediately told her that I'm not really able to sing and play at the same time.

Wrong answer.

The right answer is that you'd be glad to add some vocals where possible. No one can be expected to sing beyond their register. Start with some easy stuff. You'll get better and the band will appreciate that you're trying.

MNAirHead · #10 12-27-2010, 12:05 PM

start singing now.. it will pay off in quality and number of gigs.. playing bass players earn more.

To sing backing you don't have to be a rawkstar... just willing to hum some padding.

throughthefire · #11 12-27-2010, 12:10 PM

Explain to her that you're not very good, but you'll give it a go at rehersal, and the decision will be hers.

You might think you're bad at singing, but she might be perfectly happy with it.

Pete.

OmnitzGarima · #12 12-27-2010, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunarpollen

I would have immediately told her that I'm not really able to sing and play at the same time.

Yep. Me, too. I can sing and play guitar, I can not sing and play bass.

Rudreax · #13 12-27-2010, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain_Arrrg

Give it a try, you may end up being really good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by plangentmusic

Wrong answer.

The right answer is that you'd be glad to add some vocals where possible. No one can be expected to sing beyond their register. Start with some easy stuff. You'll get better and the band will appreciate that you're trying.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

start singing now.. it will pay off in quality and number of gigs.. playing bass players earn more.

To sing backing you don't have to be a rawkstar... just willing to hum some padding.

Quote:

Originally Posted by throughthefire

Explain to her that you're not very good, but you'll give it a go at rehersal, and the decision will be hers.

You might think you're bad at singing, but she might be perfectly happy with it.

Pete.

I'd follow all of these. Just do it, and be creative to make it work. Nothing's a better motivator than having a real deadline and having to work to make something by that deadline.

Buzzi · #14 12-27-2010, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pacojas

make the drummer sing,.. (it's way easier to play drums and sing).

hehehe... I think if it was that easy we would see that much more

Quote:

Originally Posted by plangentmusic

The right answer is that you'd be glad to add some vocals where possible. No one can be expected to sing beyond their register. Start with some easy stuff. You'll get better and the band will appreciate that you're trying.

Agree! I have started playing and singing while I was about 14. It was terrible at the beginning and required me some singing lessons e much practice singing and playing.

It is not difficult, but requires time and, as I see, you do not have much

cableguy · #15 12-27-2010, 12:23 PM

Give it a try at practice but maybe ask for a vocal practice before hand. Have the singer help you with the parts she wants. Explain you've never sang backing vocals before but are willing to give it a try to help the bands sound. After working with you she'll know whether it will work or not. She may say no for right now but work with you so it will be possible in the future. You didn't say whether the drummer sang or not. It may be better to pick songs in your vocal range to start as well. Singing female back-ups (No Doubt) is tough for a good male singer let alone someone just starting.
Good luck.

sobie18 · #16 12-27-2010, 12:29 PM

I echo some of the above posts. I would definitely give it a try.

Let her hear what you are singing; ask for feedback. Use your ears and see where you can blend and support the meoldy. Almost like playing bass...

You can do it!

dalconthenovice · #17 12-27-2010, 04:37 PM

as far as this goes i can't sing to save my life, i can sing in key but i have such a bad singing tone its not even worth trying so i never work in an act that needs me to sing, usually it doesn't cause no guff

Plookie · #18 12-27-2010, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plangentmusic

Wrong answer.

The right answer is that you'd be glad to add some vocals where possible. No one can be expected to sing beyond their register. Start with some easy stuff. You'll get better and the band will appreciate that you're trying.

+ 1

rodl2005 · #19 12-27-2010, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudreax

I'd follow all of these. Just do it, and be creative to make it work. Nothing's a better motivator than having a real deadline and having to work to make something by that deadline.

+1 give it a shot. You ARE doing BACK UPS just TRY singing along with -either THE songs you gotta do or/and others & sing the HARMONY rather than the main melody. Once ya get the 3rd & 5th-main harmonies- into your brain, it does start to come pretty easy.

I was in the same boat once- now I sing lead on a few songs(tho I don't like the tone/sound of MY voice

) & back ups on virtually everything.
Once you are able to get the harmonies. Make sure you got the bassline down-pat then sing along with it-playing bass... slow the tempo down-so ya can do it IN TIME & correctly- then gradually get up to speed.
Takes time, but even being 'thrown in the deep end' is good for us IMO, I feel you'll handle it.
Like myself- it did(& still does) feel a bit wierd, & I STILL can't sing & play SOME basslines(heavily syncopated ones/real funky basslines & where the voc's are a different feel totally) as well as if I am not singing.... but- hey you're in a band- if it helps......

Good luck

Jim Campbell · #20 12-27-2010, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimboSlice87

Yeah, I auditioned for bass playing. They announced on Facebook that I'm the new bass player and all my family and friends are telling me they are proud of me and looking forward to the show. It would really blow to get booted from the band, and having to explain it to everbody.

well give it the old school try,(at home in the woodshed),tape the results and see how you do.....if it sounds like crap,at least you gave it a shot