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Am I doing the right thing? (singer issue)

#21
The other band members are aware of the problem but not doing anything about it. One is willing to give the singer more time to improve. The other says "do what you need to do." The singer is also the venue owner and the one with the enthusiastic fans who come out to hear him sing. And you, the new guy, want to fire him.

I'm not saying you shouldn't do it. If the gig isn't fun, you owe it to yourself to either try to improve things, or move on to a new band. I'm just saying that it doesn't sound like you're going to get a lot of support in this situation, so be prepared to walk.

Many a mediocre band member has been tolerated because they owned the van... or the PA system... or the venue... or whatever. This guy sounds like one of those. If he goes, the band not only has to find a new singer, but also a new rehearsal space and gig venue... and maybe a new audience... just saying.
 
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#23
The way to fix this is ear training. There are web sites and apps for it. He needs to do this daily - singing and identifying intervals. Practicing the songs with a crappy ear will not help. Sending the mic through a tuner won't work - response time is too slow, and every bend and bit of vibrato will of course be out of tune.

If ear training does not work, this person is tone deaf, and simply cannot be a competent singer. There's slim to no chance of that being the case, though.

Truth is all musicians should do ear training. But it has to be sung, aloud - PERFECT FIIIIIFTH!!!! and etc.

Then, there are some tricks to learning so-called "head voice" that will greatly expand the range, but first things first. It's going to take a while, a good 8-10 weeks, preferably with a teacher.
 
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#24
I lived the same situation a couple years back. Great guy with great gear and a good frontman. But really a poor singer. We really knew things were going sour when a couple bartenders at one of our favorite clubs said he was not all that good. We thought time would improve him but it just didn't. Things fell apart eventually and no one fought to keep it together

I wouldn't do it again. It's just bow out. I'm lucky to be in a number of bands and often I'm offered new projects and sub work. I no longer have patience for below avg performance, drama, or crappy drummers
 
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#26
tpaul said:
Many a mediocre band member has been tolerated because they owned the van... or the PA system... or the venue... or whatever. This guy sounds like one of those. If he goes, the band not only has to find a new singer, but also a new rehearsal space and gig venue... and maybe a new audience... just saying.
Click to expand...

LOL, didn't van halen keep DLR in the group just because he owned a PA system?? As much as I don't like mediocrity, in that case it seemed to work out pretty well... Not saying OP should settle though, no point in sticking with a group if your focal point(the singer) is also the weak link, but id be more prepared to walk than expect improvement from him
 
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#29
Cover Bands live and die by the sound of their lead singer.

I have been in bands that were really tight musically, but we got fired off gigs because the lead singer wasn't up to it.

So unless he is putting on a David Lee Roth level show, he has to go.
 
#32
I was in a band last year doing some covers and originals and the singer turned me off so much I quit.
I knew the guy for 4 months and heard every story at least 5 times and they were not funny or good ones either.
we canned our first singer, and went a few months working on songs and auditioning singers here and there.
I took off some time for a few weeks and came back to him as our singer. he wasn't that good at first , but he did get "a little" better, but his constant talking and dumb white trash stories did it. after we played shows we had lined up and no more booked, I quit.
it was fun, but he ruined it.
I say can the guy and find a new one, its never fun when you know you can be better with out the baggage.
 
#33
Fletz said:
So ... Interesting question. He actually owns the bar where we've played all summer. We used his location to prep for later gigs. Everyone there loves him cuz they love HIM. It's like he's singing for friends and family. Never a bad review. But the recordings say otherwise.
Click to expand...

He owns the only venue you play in? He draws the audience? He pays you? Sounds like you are in his band.

If it doesn't meet your needs, quit. I have a feeling that if it comes to him or you, you'll be looking for a new band.
 
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#40
"dudes, I practice all the time."

Yeah, but at what? Does he record himself and listen to his voice? Does he sing scales along with a piano to pitch match? Does he play the melodies to the songs you guys play, and sing along with that? Does he sing alone, to see if he can stay on key and pitch?
The guy needs a sit -down: get some vocal lessons. There are a lot of major rock bands that invested in vocal coaches to improve their singing. He should, too. Not only will it improve his pitch, it will strengthen his voice, give him more power and range.

If he is a good guy to work with and you like him personally, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Your approach is what I call pushing a chain, and it will backfire on you. Unless you have a better singer waiting in the wings, line the guy up with a vocal coach, and give him some time to take a few lessons.
 
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