Band direction disagreement

[Neil_G]

So I'm in a 5 piece band with a guitar player, a drummer, a singer, and singer/keyboard player and me, the bass player.

Now for the problem. The guitar player, the drummer, and I want to play some originals, some covers, real shows and develop musically. The keyboard player/singer, however, only wants to play high school parties (we're in high school), and play covers. This was brought up as he went to a sweet 16 party, and thought the band was amazing because they played pop music covers. He also doesn't show up to a band practice he absolutely knew without a doubt was happening to hang out with a girl. Tonight, he said he'd leave the band because of what we want to do vs. what he wants to do.

I'm trying to talk to him about it, and he's being okay, but then suggested we play Hinder (who no one likes anymore), pop, and nu-metal, which absolutely everyone in the band hates but him when prompted to choose music he wants to sing, and doesn't seem to want to play ANY originals.

We want him in the band, because he's a good piano player, great singer, and a good friend, but none of us would be in the band if we did what he wanted

So should we let him leave, or just go along with him for a bit and try to get him to think about it?

 

[Papayas?]

In my opinion, I would let him leave. There's no sense in having him in the band if he's the only one that wants to go in a certain direction.

 

[walker rosewood]

let him leave. If the band goes in any direction other then his, he will leave eventually anyway. It's like dating, better to break it off as soon as you know it ain't workin, rather then stringing things along.

 

[Neil_G]

Thanks for the input guys. I think that we can work it out, and I'd hate to see him go because he's our keyboard player and sings co-lead vocals (it just works. I don't know), as well as being a good friend.

 

[southshoreconor]

ah, to be in high school again.

 

[Drop-the-One]

Tell him he'll get more chicks with original songs... especially when you get a video on MTV

 

[Papayas?]

Tell him he'll get more chicks with original songs... especially when you get a video on MTV

+1

 

[newbold]

if he's a good friend then you'll hang around outside of the band environment.

let him go. you're in highschool and unless you can make everything work, gig, tour, etc. you'll probably get regular jobs after college/trade school.

If you can jam all night and people LOVE it then don't sweat just playing covers.

 

[jetlaggemini]

About 6 years ago something like this happened with a guy in our band. We went from a 5 piece to a 4 and 6 years later, 3 albums and 3 music videos, and him and the drummer go out and try to get laid every night haha. He was pissed when we kicked him out then, there were bad feelings for a while but he got over it and realized he didn't care about the band as much as us so he couldn't be mad anymore. We were all about your age most likely. Now is the time to commit to being in a band for your whole life and try to do it. If everyone is not on the same page then you'll fail before you even get started.

 

[Neil_G]

About 6 years ago something like this happened with a guy in our band. We went from a 5 piece to a 4 and 6 years later, 3 albums and 3 music videos, and him and the drummer go out and try to get laid every night haha. He was pissed when we kicked him out then, there were bad feelings for a while but he got over it and realized he didn't care about the band as much as us so he couldn't be mad anymore. We were all about your age most likely. Now is the time to commit to being in a band for your whole life and try to do it. If everyone is not on the same page then you'll fail before you even get started.

Advice is always nice from a real musician, especially a successful one. I don't think he'd be pissed, and he'll probably come around, considering no one else he knows can play an instrument worth a ****. I think I heard you guys on on the Atticus IV compilation. Pretty catchy stuff.

 

[jetlaggemini]

Advice is always nice from a real musician, especially a successful one. I don't think he'd be pissed, and he'll probably come around, considering no one else he knows can play an instrument worth a ****. I think I heard you guys on on the Atticus IV compilation. Pretty catchy stuff.

Thanks man! New stuff is way cooler. We're getting ready for another record and I really upped the bass in the new one. Got into effects, wayyyy more technical parts and just better bass line writing all together. Not going to lie, TB helped haha.

 

[Jason P Bass]

If people want to go in different directions, no matter what, that's what's going to happen.

If you try to fight it, or try to change other people, it builds friction and tension.

And they'll still end up going in a different direction.

So it's best to just let it happen and stay on good terms.

 

[Decedo]

Dude you're in High School. Just play music. You'll have years of band politics ahead of you that you can worry about. If you can work it out, just play and develope the passion now.

 

[Auzzie-Phoenix]

MTV still shows videos?

 

[steveksux]

Never going to find guys 100% on the same page. You have to find guys that are the right combination of close enough in goals and flexible enough in attitude to make up the difference.

Sounds like this keyboard guy fails on both counts.

Randy

 

[s_mcsleazy]

ive had this 1000x

basicly if the meber wants to go in a diffrent direction then say "we will try it our way...and stick by it"

 

[logicman69]

MTV still shows videos?

Not that I knew of.. I think the new thing is now trying to get "Big on YouTube"

 

[jaywa]

As long as he doesn't own all the P.A. or is the band's sole source of transportation or something like that, let him walk. Sounds like there is a definite 4 vs. 1 thing going on as far as the scope of vision for the band and he has significant potential to hold the rest of the band back.

If you're a good enough band you don't need a stinkin' keyboard player anyway and will do just fine as a 4-piece.