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So, we all suck...

#61
Charlzm said:
What are these "open mics" that people often refer to? AFAIK, they don't exist here in Los Angeles and I never encountered one growing up in Florida, either.
Well, I have heard of open mics for singers or duos, of course, but never for a full band.
Is this really a thing, where a full band can play just a song or two?
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Most times the only way a full band gets to play at one of these open nights is if the band belongs to the guy or girl hosting the evening.

I've seen a lot of "open" mic/jam nights where it's captive audience hour while the host's band plays a full set (sometimes more) before the first audience musician even gets asked up onstage.

Totally jive move AFAIC. But when you're running the event, you get to make those calls.

That's one of the reasons I stopped going to "open" jam and mic nights.

Note: Where I am, if it's billed as an open mic night, it almost always means just that. If you want to step up to the microphone, that's what it's all about. But the backup band is usually set in advance for those. Many times they're doing it in hopes of finding a new singer without being too obvious about it. Open jams, on the other hand, mean instrumentalists are also welcome. But the host's backing lineup still holds the stage throughout the evening. They don't often quit the stage and have a complete band take over for awhile.

It may be different in other places - so take the above for what it's worth.
 
#62
RedHatter said:
I read on here some time ago that starting bassists/singers will often times keep their eyes locked on their fret hand while singing - that this helps to keep time. So far when I've tried it hasn't been easy, but as I do it more I am finding that it isn't as difficult as it once was.
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That's great to hear not everyone can do it . I think the person who does it the best is Geddy Lee the basslines to Rush songs can be difficult to pull off well. I started by playing early Beatles songs and you'll notice in the early days when they were touring the basslines were pretty simple and really any 50's or 60's Rock will help you as far as modern Rock goes Foo Fighters, Blink 182, Sting and U2 all have songs with great basslines for lead singers.
 
#64
Never underestimate how much better you sound when you're well-rehearsed. It's one of those things you don't notice until it's gone, but it's real. Rehearse consistently, even if you don't have anything "new" to add, and you will sound noticeably better than the average local band.
 
#66
RedHatter said:
... As we're just starting together, I am looking for any tips/suggestions that those who play out on a regular basis can pass along.
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Not a tip, but some experiences you are likely to eventually encounter...

1) You will most likely have a weak link at some point in time, that is, someone that hasn't learned the difference between practice (on own) and rehearsal (with band).

2) You will likely play in a band where one member simply isn't up to snuff with the rest of you.

Both will hold back progress....
 
#67
baileyboy said:
Not a tip, but some experiences you are likely to eventually encounter...

1) You will most likely have a weak link at some point in time, that is, someone that hasn't learned the difference between practice (on own) and rehearsal (with band).

2) You will likely play in a band where one member simply isn't up to snuff with the rest of you.

Both will hold back progress....
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We've experienced this (I think) with one member already and we booted him. Our rhythm guy, actually. He was a good guy, basically, but he would constantly show up not knowing anything that we were working on. Due to the fact that he was a good guy we'd work with him (in the beginning) but then it started getting worse. Then he started complaining about 'being a cover band' constantly and that we needed to start 'writing out own material'. My drummer and I took him aside and explained, politely and patiently, that if he wasn't up to it to learn cover songs, how in the hell did he expect to write his own material.
 
#68
Charlzm said:
What are these "open mics" that people often refer to? AFAIK, they don't exist here in Los Angeles and I never encountered one growing up in Florida, either.
Well, I have heard of open mics for singers or duos, of course, but never for a full band.
Is this really a thing, where a full band can play just a song or two?
Click to expand...
apparently not in your neck of the woods. Your market for short variety sets is run by pay to play. Other places don't have that cancer.
 
#70
I read through, and might have missed it, but....determine who's in charge, and support him/her. Bands don't progress well as a democracy,(for the most part), as compared to having a leader that can listen, understand, communicate, and make decisions that apply to everyone. That doesn't mean everyone losses their say in decisions, it means everyone is on the same page when the BL makes a decision for the band, and is supportive, rather than upset. I'm not talking about a dictator, I'm talking about things like.....determining a set list final decision, getting everyone on the same page for a song that can be done several ways, supporting each member through difficulties, band related. This idea works very well in a pro band, even in a weekend warrior thing, it's a good idea, it saves a lot of time, and makes learning together more productive. This idea has been successful using any member with leadership skills, it could be a lead singer, a bass player, or a drummer, ...or even a guitar player :)...My current band's rhythm guitar player does this job, things go pretty smooth with it.
 
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#71
Growlmonkee said:
I read through, and might have missed it, but....determine who's in charge, and support him/her. Bands don't progress well as a democracy,(for the most part), as compared to having a leader that can listen, understand, communicate, and make decisions that apply to everyone. That doesn't mean everyone losses their say in decisions, it means everyone is on the same page when the BL makes a decision for the band, and is supportive, rather than upset. I'm not talking about a dictator, I'm talking about things like.....determining a set list final decision, getting everyone on the same page for a song that can be done several ways, supporting each member through difficulties, band related. This idea works very well in a pro band, even in a weekend warrior thing, it's a good idea, it saves a lot of time, and makes learning together more productive. This idea has been successful using any member with leadership skills, it could be a lead singer, a bass player, or a drummer, ...or even a guitar player :)
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I agree wholeheartedly.

These guys had been playing together for a bit before I entered the picture and they were all over the place. Good intentions, but basically no direction. Once I joined I waited a bit in the background and just watched and listened to what was going on. Finally having enough of the chaos, just a couple of weeks ago actually, I waited until everyone showed up and before the guys could even begin getting ready I stopped everyone for a short conversation. In essence I told them what I had seen others talking about here on these forums - a sense direction being one of the most important things. I was glad that each of them agreed with what I had to say and from then things immediately started to turn around. So, I guess you could say that I am the BL (not that I really know what I'm doing though haha!), but in my short time in the role I have done my best to listen to feedback/suggestions and work with what others want to do.
 
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#72
RedHatter said:
I agree wholeheartedly.

These guys had been playing together for a bit before I entered the picture and they were all over the place. Good intentions, but basically no direction. Once I joined I waited a bit in the background and just watched and listened to what was going on. Finally having enough of the chaos, just a couple of weeks ago actually, I waited until everyone showed up and before the guys could even begin getting ready I stopped everyone for a short conversation. In essence I told them what I had seen others talking about here on these forums - a sense direction being one of the most important things. I was glad that each of them agreed with what I had to say and from then things immediately started to turn around. So, I guess you could say that I am the BL (not that I really know what I'm doing though haha!), but in my short time in the role I have done my best to listen to feedback/suggestions and work with what others want to do.
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classic leader leading from the front. Carry on the good work.
 
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#76
Downunderwonder said:
apparently not in your neck of the woods. Your market for short variety sets is run by pay to play. Other places don't have that cancer.
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"My market" would be the United States, based on a couple of other responders who have chimed in so far up the thread.

So, how does it work in New Zealand with open mics where entire bands set up and tear down for just a couple of songs? Is there a lot of down time between sets? Do they have to use a common backline? What kinds of venues typically host these events? Truly curious, as "short variety sets" are a bit of an alien concept over here.
 
#78
Charlzm said:
"My market" would be the United States, based on a couple of other responders who have chimed in so far up the thread.

So, how does it work in New Zealand with open mics where entire bands set up and tear down for just a couple of songs? Is there a lot of down time between sets? Do they have to use a common backline? What kinds of venues typically host these events? Truly curious, as "short variety sets" are a bit of an alien concept over here.
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same as what others in US call open jam. You either go along as a spare or pair or your full band. House band or just a host with basic backline and vocal PA. Generally very relaxed attitudes. I have been to same deal on holiday in Aussie.

If it's organised ahead of time who is on the bill it is called a showcase. Not to be confused with P2P, no presales, no advertising headliners or whatever, but the promotor might be making out ok on the door. Not usually any jamming at those.
 
#79
To the OP. All the REAL practice should be done at home if they are covers. If I was in a new cover band, I'd give the whole band 2 months to learn 4 full sets tops. 40 songs. And no more time than that. The true practice is done at home. Come to practice prepared to play them like if you were at a gig or playing a set. I personally now see gigs as my practice time, and it's at home where I get the new stuff and develop as a player and for the band.
 
#80
Downunderwonder said:
same as what others in US call open jam. You either go along as a spare or pair or your full band. House band or just a host with basic backline and vocal PA. Generally very relaxed attitudes. I have been to same deal on holiday in Aussie.

If it's organised ahead of time who is on the bill it is called a showcase. Not to be confused with P2P, no presales, no advertising headliners or whatever, but the promotor might be making out ok on the door. Not usually any jamming at those.
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Can't say I have seen or heard of an "open jam" out here in LA. Or in Florida, where I am from. Sounds like a great time if the bands and individual musicians are good, though.
A quick Google perusal reveals some blues open jams, but I don't see any rock after looking at several pages of results.
Lots of open mics for vocalists (singers, rappers, poets etc...), though.
 

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