EdwardofHuncote
I Still Dream of Jeannie
- Aug 21, 2013
- 6,669
- 2
- 16,480
- Disclosures
- I privately own and operate a local musical instument repair shop.
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Oy. People are weird.
- Thread starter two fingers
- Start date
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
You have a band with talent, vocals, and gigs on the near horizon. You should be able to find another drummer. Ask the drummer from your other band if he wants to play with a GREAT bassist in another project.
The possibility existed that issues could have fixed with some open, honest discussion. sadly, E-Mail and the more gutless texting have put a damper on many peoples ability to communicate effectively.
Please note: fire the drummer is generally the best solution.
Please note: fire the drummer is generally the best solution.
Admit it, the reason you're upset is you lost a chance to fire a drummer.
Obvious approach: Fire the drummer in the other band.
Obvious approach: Fire the drummer in the other band.
Not really I agree with the drummer. Perfection is the enemy of the good. Your project is what I consider a "practice bland".So, my second band has been coming together nicely.
Good female lead singer. Toral pro. She not only sings lead well, but can harmonize with a fence post.
Good guitar playet. Super versatile. Great gear. Fantastic chops. No ego. Not too loud.
Me on bass, backups and some lead vocals.
Drummer. Super cool redneck. Practice spot at his house. Good timing. Good gear. Good harmonies and low lead vocals.
We had done two rehearsals. Everything great. We really clicked. We all liked the music. We all liked the three part harmonies. We were even talking about bringing on a keys player who can sing his butt off too. Now we're talking FOUR part harmonies and all good players.
I had agreed to join another band at about the same time. I was totally up front with everyone in both. All parties were fine. Neither band would play more than a show or two a month so conflicts would be minimal anyway.
First band got a show before the second band. It came up kind of quickly. I asked the second band (the one described above) if it would be OK if I took a couple of weeks to finish out my kids' school year, attend rehearsals and performances of their dance recitals, and finish off the first band's setlist for that show. Every one of the second band said "Sure man. No problem."
That show was this past Saturday with the first band. All went well.
Second band had set up rehearsal for this coming Wednesday. We had been texting back and forth for days to make sure we all knew the set for rehearsal with keys and vocal assignments. All texts were cheerful. All members had participated in the aforementioned texts.
Then today....
The rest of us get a text from (of course) the drummer. *sigh*
Paraphrasing....
"Guys, I'm done with this project. There's just too much distance in this band. I have lost interest. Never mind that I'm not playing a show in just over a month with a band that can't get it together amd is ill prepared."
*sigh*
I have done dozens of gigs where I got the set on Tuesday. I learned the songs that week. I met the band for the first time in the parking lot of the venue where we were playing. We went inside and did the dang thing.
Never mind that this guy had been all about this project up until this morning.
Of course, he won't return any of our phone calls or texts. (I never bothered. Screw him.)
People are dumb.
I also don't have any time for bands that want to rehearse for months before playing a gig. ANd in all honesty, unless your CSN&Y the audience doesn't really care that much about 3 and 4-part harmonies IME.
I've had several "practice bands" that could have easily gigged, but just kept rehearsing because the singer felt it "Wasn't quite there yet"--- naturally the more serious band members like myself walked once they recognized this.
Your last three words say it all.So, my second band has been coming together nicely.
Good female lead singer. Toral pro. She not only sings lead well, but can harmonize with a fence post.
Good guitar playet. Super versatile. Great gear. Fantastic chops. No ego. Not too loud.
Me on bass, backups and some lead vocals.
Drummer. Super cool redneck. Practice spot at his house. Good timing. Good gear. Good harmonies and low lead vocals.
We had done two rehearsals. Everything great. We really clicked. We all liked the music. We all liked the three part harmonies. We were even talking about bringing on a keys player who can sing his butt off too. Now we're talking FOUR part harmonies and all good players.
I had agreed to join another band at about the same time. I was totally up front with everyone in both. All parties were fine. Neither band would play more than a show or two a month so conflicts would be minimal anyway.
First band got a show before the second band. It came up kind of quickly. I asked the second band (the one described above) if it would be OK if I took a couple of weeks to finish out my kids' school year, attend rehearsals and performances of their dance recitals, and finish off the first band's setlist for that show. Every one of the second band said "Sure man. No problem."
That show was this past Saturday with the first band. All went well.
Second band had set up rehearsal for this coming Wednesday. We had been texting back and forth for days to make sure we all knew the set for rehearsal with keys and vocal assignments. All texts were cheerful. All members had participated in the aforementioned texts.
Then today....
The rest of us get a text from (of course) the drummer. *sigh*
Paraphrasing....
"Guys, I'm done with this project. There's just too much distance in this band. I have lost interest. Never mind that I'm not playing a show in just over a month with a band that can't get it together amd is ill prepared."
*sigh*
I have done dozens of gigs where I got the set on Tuesday. I learned the songs that week. I met the band for the first time in the parking lot of the venue where we were playing. We went inside and did the dang thing.
Never mind that this guy had been all about this project up until this morning.
Of course, he won't return any of our phone calls or texts. (I never bothered. Screw him.)
People are dumb.
The "Grammer" Police referred your post to me. They requested that I point out to you that it should be "Fingers" and "grammar".2-finners, the grammer police are gonna be all over you in a minute, just sayin'.
Sorry to hear this.
Raz
Sincerely,
The Spelling Police
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
Good female lead singer. Toral pro. She not only sings lead well, but can harmonize with a fence post.
No one I know or will ever know, myself included, has ever used that word, or ever would use that word except to try be funny. Try to be funny and have it fall flat. With a splat.
SirMjac28
Patiently Waiting For The Next British Invasion
Offer him a fine can of sardines and some imported cigarettes this will surely break the tension and allow you to freely discuss any difficulties.
I wouldn't bother trying to find out the whys and wherefore. Flakes gonna flake. Might as well do it now and get it out of the way. Consider it a kindness.
The English Police referred this post to me. The correct form to close the above missive would be "Yours Faithfully" rather than "Sincerely" although I believe that you Colonial chappies sometimes substitute "Yours Truly," which would have been acceptable. Also, I find it incumbent upon me to point out that the word "Sincerely," alone, would not be good English, even in a situation where that form of address was correct and should be written using the whole phrase, "Yours sincerely," although, once again I understand that in the Colonies a reverse version, to whit "Sincerely yours," is also acceptable.
I thank you for your attention.
Later Dude.
Don't ever give that drummer a second chance...
or, feed his head to your cat.
or, feed his head to your cat.
'I had agreed to join another band at about the same time. I was totally up front with everyone in both. All parties were fine. Neither band would play more than a show or two a month so conflicts would be minimal anyway.So, my second band has been coming together nicely.
Good female lead singer. Toral pro. She not only sings lead well, but can harmonize with a fence post.
Good guitar playet. Super versatile. Great gear. Fantastic chops. No ego. Not too loud.
Me on bass, backups and some lead vocals.
Drummer. Super cool redneck. Practice spot at his house. Good timing. Good gear. Good harmonies and low lead vocals.
We had done two rehearsals. Everything great. We really clicked. We all liked the music. We all liked the three part harmonies. We were even talking about bringing on a keys player who can sing his butt off too. Now we're talking FOUR part harmonies and all good players.
I had agreed to join another band at about the same time. I was totally up front with everyone in both. All parties were fine. Neither band would play more than a show or two a month so conflicts would be minimal anyway.
First band got a show before the second band. It came up kind of quickly. I asked the second band (the one described above) if it would be OK if I took a couple of weeks to finish out my kids' school year, attend rehearsals and performances of their dance recitals, and finish off the first band's setlist for that show. Every one of the second band said "Sure man. No problem."
That show was this past Saturday with the first band. All went well.
Second band had set up rehearsal for this coming Wednesday. We had been texting back and forth for days to make sure we all knew the set for rehearsal with keys and vocal assignments. All texts were cheerful. All members had participated in the aforementioned texts.
Then today....
The rest of us get a text from (of course) the drummer. *sigh*
Paraphrasing....
"Guys, I'm done with this project. There's just too much distance in this band. I have lost interest. Never mind that I'm not playing a show in just over a month with a band that can't get it together amd is ill prepared."
*sigh*
I have done dozens of gigs where I got the set on Tuesday. I learned the songs that week. I met the band for the first time in the parking lot of the venue where we were playing. We went inside and did the dang thing.
Never mind that this guy had been all about this project up until this morning.
Of course, he won't return any of our phone calls or texts. (I never bothered. Screw him.)
People are dumb.
First band got a show before the second band. It came up kind of quickly. I asked the second band (the one described above) if it would be OK if I took a couple of weeks to finish out my kids' school year, attend rehearsals and performances of their dance recitals, and finish off the first band's setlist for that show. Every one of the second band said "Sure man. No problem."'
Sounds like everyone was on the same page, agreed that the pace of the band was fine, you were actively trying to get a gig, and just hadn't locked one down yet. And you'll probably never know the real reason unless they vent on Facebook or something later on. Yeah, people are weird.
We have a single word for situations like this on my job - things that defy common sense, are asinine, idiotic, etc. It's this: "Huh." And we echo in agreement when someone says it and go get coffee in the break room.
Hope you find a new drummer.
Raz
"Sincerely yours," is "weak". What do you mean by "yours"? We do enjoy the English Garden, howeverThe English Police referred this post to me. The correct form to close the above missive would be "Yours Faithfully" rather than "Sincerely" although I believe that you Colonial chappies sometimes substitute "Yours Truly," which would have been acceptable. Also, I find it incumbent upon me to point out that the word "Sincerely," alone, would not be good English, even in a situation where that form of address was correct and should be written using the whole phrase, "Yours sincerely," although, once again I understand that in the Colonies a reverse version, to whit "Sincerely yours," is also acceptable.
I thank you for your attention.
Later Dude.
Last edited:
Same deal, get a gig on the books and then fill the slots. Good players come out of the woodwork. Lay off rehearsing until the next gig -- set it two months out so there is time, and if you can, limit it to 2 hours so it's not a burden to build repertoire.
I now start bands with this formula:
a) Paid gig (if possible) on the books, hopefully no longer than an hour.
b) Fill the slots in the band with musicians -- prepare an hour.
c) Play the gig and record it. Use the best as your band marketing materials.
d) Book another gig for 2 hours a month or more out.
e) Get the same players as in b) if possible, if not, get subs or new players. They learn the first set of tunes off the recording or youtube playlist.
f) Play the 2 hour gig and record the new material.
g) Book another gig that is 3 hours long,
h) Fill the slots with musicians,
i) Play the gig and record it so peeps can learn the tunes -- now you have 3 hours and momentum. 3 Gigs and you didn't even have full repertoire until now!
This is for rock and dance music, by the way, not jazz only.
The question everyone asks is "how do you book a gig with no repertoire and no marketing materials?". I once just gave video of the singer from an old band she was in. Same style of music. Only two songs. That was enough. Another time I got a call for a jazz gig, 3 hours. It was our third year there. And I know that the three year itch happens with event planners -- they are happy with you, but bored and want a new concept. I suggested 2 hours of jazz over networking and then an hour of dance music. They bought it. Instant gig, no materials required because they trusted me. And we only had to do an hour.
In a pinch, pitch it as a starter gig to the band for no pay just to get the video together and the marketing materials -- and just an hour. Sometimes I pay the band out of my own pocket and get it back on future gigs.
Another strategy is rehearse 3 songs and do a good video on that. Everyone goes dormant until you book your first gig off the 3 songs. Book the gig 2 months out so everyone has time to learn the tunes. You'd be amazed how efficient you get when there is a gig on the table. People buy equipment, they show up more prepared, and you don't get the stagflation that makes everyone discouraged.
Sale comes first, then the work. Without sales, nothing happens and people get sick of the rehearsal grind. Gotta create faith in the concept and in your cred as a BL and it goes fabulous.
I now start bands with this formula:
a) Paid gig (if possible) on the books, hopefully no longer than an hour.
b) Fill the slots in the band with musicians -- prepare an hour.
c) Play the gig and record it. Use the best as your band marketing materials.
d) Book another gig for 2 hours a month or more out.
e) Get the same players as in b) if possible, if not, get subs or new players. They learn the first set of tunes off the recording or youtube playlist.
f) Play the 2 hour gig and record the new material.
g) Book another gig that is 3 hours long,
h) Fill the slots with musicians,
i) Play the gig and record it so peeps can learn the tunes -- now you have 3 hours and momentum. 3 Gigs and you didn't even have full repertoire until now!
This is for rock and dance music, by the way, not jazz only.
The question everyone asks is "how do you book a gig with no repertoire and no marketing materials?". I once just gave video of the singer from an old band she was in. Same style of music. Only two songs. That was enough. Another time I got a call for a jazz gig, 3 hours. It was our third year there. And I know that the three year itch happens with event planners -- they are happy with you, but bored and want a new concept. I suggested 2 hours of jazz over networking and then an hour of dance music. They bought it. Instant gig, no materials required because they trusted me. And we only had to do an hour.
In a pinch, pitch it as a starter gig to the band for no pay just to get the video together and the marketing materials -- and just an hour. Sometimes I pay the band out of my own pocket and get it back on future gigs.
Another strategy is rehearse 3 songs and do a good video on that. Everyone goes dormant until you book your first gig off the 3 songs. Book the gig 2 months out so everyone has time to learn the tunes. You'd be amazed how efficient you get when there is a gig on the table. People buy equipment, they show up more prepared, and you don't get the stagflation that makes everyone discouraged.
Sale comes first, then the work. Without sales, nothing happens and people get sick of the rehearsal grind. Gotta create faith in the concept and in your cred as a BL and it goes fabulous.
This is what happens when you get soft and stop using corporal punishment. Spare the rod, spoil the drummer.
Ha ha!! Touche'. But ya' know, I "sincerely" don't give a crap...The English Police referred this post to me. The correct form to close the above missive would be "Yours Faithfully" rather than "Sincerely" although I believe that you Colonial chappies sometimes substitute "Yours Truly," which would have been acceptable. Also, I find it incumbent upon me to point out that the word "Sincerely," alone, would not be good English, even in a situation where that form of address was correct and should be written using the whole phrase, "Yours sincerely," although, once again I understand that in the Colonies a reverse version, to whit "Sincerely yours," is also acceptable.
I thank you for your attention.
Later Dude.
(I THINK I used "sincerely" in the proper context this time, right?) 
Uggh! Why couldn't buddy just pick up the phone and talk if he was unhappy with the situation?
I would try to talk to the guy, but I wouldn't waste too much time chasing him down.
I think vocal harmonies are worth the effort. They can be worked out in "sectional" rehearsals though.
I would try to talk to the guy, but I wouldn't waste too much time chasing him down.
I think vocal harmonies are worth the effort. They can be worked out in "sectional" rehearsals though.
