Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
I don't think I can match their dedication
- Thread starter BKBassDude
- Start date
You are being reasonabe and that is totally, reasonable!
You don't have to burn any bridges. You don't even necessarily have to let them know exactly how you feel. It was your. first. show.
It is all intoxicating, I know. Try to maintain your voice of reason. After a few days and maybe a couple of dead shows, they will re-adjust their short term goals.
Keep playing out. 3 months from now, if you have a following, regularly fill venues, and the band as a whole has been inspired to contribute to more songs or honing existing songs, then re-evaluate. and if you are smart about it, the only thing you may have to sacrifice for now, is free time and a bit of family time.
Also, nowadays you don't necessarily have to exit the gate gunning for a record deal. A lot of deals are probationary anyway. Some of them require selling yourself to the label. You guys seem to know how to get things done to put out very listenable recordings. Start self promoting and selling independently.
Here is the right thing to say, but you're saying it to the wrong persons. Instead of posting it in the thread, say it to the band at a rehearsal.
Listening to some of the songs, I can imagine this being played on radio, fitting the same space as, but not striking me as cookie cutter "corporate alternative." I certainly wouldn't predict "bigger than Metallica!", but somebody or many somebodies will buy albums and tickets...
LOL. I'll be watching Entertainment Tonight for a spot about you doing 120 MPH in your Ferrari through your neighborhood...
I'm just an aging Mid-Western cracker, but here's my thoughts:
While the music has some hook and quality, IMO it definitely does not have super-star potential. I'm not a big fan of the style but a few like it have crossed over into the popular culture. It puts me in mind of Fuel.
I think to reach star level today you need one of two things; a media-packaged look/sound (Bieber/Swift) or something very unique that just happens to hit the public right when they want it (Mumford). You have neither so your success will probably be limited and regional only.
I like your attitude, very level and reasoned. Just tell them the truth.
Good luck.
Give them 6 months and see if they are still gigging.
You will need some live response to get noticed.
You will need some live response to get noticed.
This would be a case where I would advise: do nothing. If you've already invested a few years in this group for a SINGLE gig, then let the dreamers have their fun. Drag your feet and stay grounded on any of their more dramatic ideas, but let them play rockstar for a few weeks. Usually, reality itself will calm these people down a bit.
Remember, when you head is in the clouds, you can't see your feet.
Remember, when you head is in the clouds, you can't see your feet.
Burn was the only track that I could hear on commercial radio as is, but with a little bit of rewrite and working with a producer I could honestly see all 4 of them ending up on the radio. a few riffs seemed too heavy for radio rock, but i dug them, i'm a metal guy.
sounds like the other band mates are taking it a little too seriously, but the parts and pieces for success are all there, you just need a little luck. i'd stick with them if you enjoy the music.
sounds like the other band mates are taking it a little too seriously, but the parts and pieces for success are all there, you just need a little luck. i'd stick with them if you enjoy the music.
Your playing is good and the overall tone (everyone’s) is ok but could be better IMO - for example, the distortion on the guitars is a tad to much thus making them sound a little tinny and thin - did you mic up tube amps or use some kind of pod? The bass tone is a little muddy and the vocal tone and effects are great - but he reaches for a few high notes, but I’m nitpicking. How long in the making were these songs? Anyway, I really like the songs and I'm hearing a lot of potential - but as everyone knows, it takes a tremendous amount of hard work to sell a lot of records. BTW - I’d love to hear some audio clips of your other band too. Have a fantastic weekend.
I have scouted for majors for over 10 years and I don't think this band is headed for stardom as the music is rather dated sounding.
The singer is pretty good though. I'd have fun with it, and try and develop the sound more. Then they would have a shot. If you are dealing with green guys who think they are awesome already, you will probably end up hating it in 3 months.
The singer is pretty good though. I'd have fun with it, and try and develop the sound more. Then they would have a shot. If you are dealing with green guys who think they are awesome already, you will probably end up hating it in 3 months.
This. I am glad someone said it before me.
Band is pretty good overall, but the songs aren't "there" yet, IMO. And I agree with the dated comment. Singer is good, but over emotes HARD, and sounds a bit silly at times doing it. Production is very 90s - split the difference between Disturbed and Fuel and there you go.
Now, it's not all bad. Is there potential? Sure. But there was nothing there that made me say, DAMN! IF I WAS A PRODUCER I WOULD SIGN THESE GUYS!
Try to talk some sense into them and get them to calm down. If it doesn't happen, walk.
Best of luck.
I guess it depends on what your definition of making it is. Is it playing out regularly, with a decent crowd reaction, or is it being a rock star. From what I heard in the clips, the band is really good and has good songs. It's not the music I listen too so can't judge it based on what a fan of this music would get off on, but it sounded like pro musicians and well produced.
I don't know if this type of music will make you a rock star, it sounds like rock music from 15 years ago. You said that the gig wasn't for what you would call your regular crowd. I assume a multiple band bill. Do you think you could captivate a crowd for 2-3 hours several times a week, would that be worth taking it to the next level.
I am sure everyone gets pumped up when you have a good show, I mean that's why we play out right. These are your friends, just tell them that you will play it by ear. I don't know, do you NOT want to be successful? I think everyone will realize whether you are destined for stardom or not. There is nothing wrong with trying to make it, as long as you don't lose perspective.
I don't know if this type of music will make you a rock star, it sounds like rock music from 15 years ago. You said that the gig wasn't for what you would call your regular crowd. I assume a multiple band bill. Do you think you could captivate a crowd for 2-3 hours several times a week, would that be worth taking it to the next level.
I am sure everyone gets pumped up when you have a good show, I mean that's why we play out right. These are your friends, just tell them that you will play it by ear. I don't know, do you NOT want to be successful? I think everyone will realize whether you are destined for stardom or not. There is nothing wrong with trying to make it, as long as you don't lose perspective.
If you are going to stay, and go with it, remain the voice of reason.
The initial post doesn't sound, to me, like a matter of dedication, so much as everyone else getting caught up in the moment, and maybe getting carried away by it. Often a natural reaction to some positive attention and recognition. But there does also need to be some realism and grounding. If you do stay, even for now, try to provide that by keeping the balanced perspective.
The initial post doesn't sound, to me, like a matter of dedication, so much as everyone else getting caught up in the moment, and maybe getting carried away by it. Often a natural reaction to some positive attention and recognition. But there does also need to be some realism and grounding. If you do stay, even for now, try to provide that by keeping the balanced perspective.
- Apr 19, 2004
- 808
- 42
- 48
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Conklin Guitars (Basses)
If they are serious, Get a real manager with real connections. This album sounds really well produced and the songs are catchy.
Why not let them take it where they want? Support them, and bow out if it really becomes a problem. Right now i think you are getting a bit too skittish over just some hype.
Why not let them take it where they want? Support them, and bow out if it really becomes a problem. Right now i think you are getting a bit too skittish over just some hype.
I agree. And I assume this is all self-produced? A self-contained effort where the band does their own writing, arranging, and performing?
To investors, this represents a lot of initiative. The less the investor has to do, the better. If you guys can sell it live, that's the icing on the cake for the deep-pockets crowd.
And this is only four songs. Often, bands have to write and record many more to find a few true gems that are undeniably marketable. I can only imagine how good this band will sound after they've recorded, say, twenty songs.
You're fortunate to be playing in such a good-sounding band. I'm 41and never got to play in anything this good.
That said, these songs sound like other songs I've already heard years ago. And rock radio is pretty much dead. So I don't think it's likely that anybody else will feel it's marketable enough to invest in.
I'd stick around and wait to see if the bandmates settle into a more realistic mindset. It'd be a shame to ditch this prematurely because you folks really have something.
That said, these songs sound like other songs I've already heard years ago. And rock radio is pretty much dead. So I don't think it's likely that anybody else will feel it's marketable enough to invest in.
I'd stick around and wait to see if the bandmates settle into a more realistic mindset. It'd be a shame to ditch this prematurely because you folks really have something.
IGotGas pretty much sums up what I was thinking as well. So Ill just add one thing; I've been through two projects in the past that had all kinds of talent, potential and even enjoyed a small degree of regional success. For the most part, we loved and believed in what we were doing and poured a large amount of our time and finances into those bands. Did we "Make it"? No... Do I regret the time I put into them? Heck no! Given the chance to go back in time, would I do it again? I sure would.
Despite the outcomes, I got to go places, meet people and experience things that I probably wouldn't have gained the opportunity for if I hadn't committed.
FWIW. The thing that finally drug down the better of those two bands? The guitar player who; despite the success we enjoyed, loving the music and even getting to meet some of his hero's... just couldn't commit the same level of dedication as the rest of us.
Oh... Great writing, playing and tone BTW.
Oops... A bit more than one thing but, well, you get the point.
Whatever your decision is, good luck.
+1 on music sounding pretty good.
Im not sure I saw what these guys are actually asking you for (as far as commitment).. other than the $$.. I mean like practicing 8 nights a week?.. (maybe i just read it too fast).
sounds good though..I'd steal some songs off the net to listen to em.
Im not sure I saw what these guys are actually asking you for (as far as commitment).. other than the $$.. I mean like practicing 8 nights a week?.. (maybe i just read it too fast).
sounds good though..I'd steal some songs off the net to listen to em.
With praise like that in a situation you described either two things happened:
1) they are on drugs.
2) somehow, they want your money.
1) they are on drugs.
2) somehow, they want your money.
if your singer dresses well and looks good, who knows, you might have a chance ... i'd go with: sticking with the band.
that is some good music you have there, a bit dated, but still good. you have to post a video if you ever get to making one
that is some good music you have there, a bit dated, but still good. you have to post a video if you ever get to making one
I gotta say, the music is way better than I expected.
I guess it's a bit "dated" as some have said, but the quality is pretty ridiculous overall, and I think that gives it the potential to "transcend" the genre if you guys have a good live show.
I'm not sure what the other guys are aiming for in your band goal wise, I'd say that "rock stardom" is probably way too dependent on things you can't control, but general success is well within your capability.
You definitely have huge potential to at least make a go of it, I would be patient, let them be excited about it, and see where it goes.
The overall tone of the recordings is great, what equipment did you guys use to record?
I guess it's a bit "dated" as some have said, but the quality is pretty ridiculous overall, and I think that gives it the potential to "transcend" the genre if you guys have a good live show.
I'm not sure what the other guys are aiming for in your band goal wise, I'd say that "rock stardom" is probably way too dependent on things you can't control, but general success is well within your capability.
You definitely have huge potential to at least make a go of it, I would be patient, let them be excited about it, and see where it goes.
The overall tone of the recordings is great, what equipment did you guys use to record?
