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Starting a Prog Rock Band
- Thread starter amusicalperson
- Start date
They were pretty heavy for that time. Funnily enough, "In The Court of the Crimson King" just came on the radio.
@amusicalperson @BlueAliceOasis - Ok, it's 3:00 AM where I am - and I've got to be out the door by 6:00 and in NYC by no later than 7:30, so I'm gonna wrap it for tonite - or this morning. Whatever. . Catch you later
2:00 AM over here. Bout to head to bed myself, it was a pleasure talking with you 40Hz!
My band is pretty prog rock (not the best song choice, but some are more loose with structure:
We started gigging in february, got 3, then 3 more in March, 2 more scheduled in April, and so far we have turned down 3 or 4 gigs (with stuff planned out to may and June). The band recorded before I got there, so just being able to show a club you have something helps. And call or talk in person (even better) with local bars, clubs, places you never went or go, and youd be surprised how many restaurants or bars or bowling alleys or house parties or wharehouae parties are out there. Be flexible and don't expect to get rich right away (but don't play for free, unless it's a favor, helping out, or you live the venue that much). Oh I also don't do the main booking for my band, but, that's what folks do.
We started gigging in february, got 3, then 3 more in March, 2 more scheduled in April, and so far we have turned down 3 or 4 gigs (with stuff planned out to may and June). The band recorded before I got there, so just being able to show a club you have something helps. And call or talk in person (even better) with local bars, clubs, places you never went or go, and youd be surprised how many restaurants or bars or bowling alleys or house parties or wharehouae parties are out there. Be flexible and don't expect to get rich right away (but don't play for free, unless it's a favor, helping out, or you live the venue that much). Oh I also don't do the main booking for my band, but, that's what folks do.
I'll be selling my double neck shortly. PM me if interested. I already sold my cape....I think it's mandatory for myself to get a double-neck as well.
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I say go for it. If that is what calls you, you should do it.
I hope you write originals and record them. If you really love prog you'll probably have more fun doing that than trying to get five people to play Siberian Khatru together correctly.
Also, there are lots of different flavors of Prog. You're interested in the old school stuff, but there are expressions and other members of the band may want to lean that way. I'm currently working with a drummer who loves Dream Theater and Tool. I like them, but I've never tried to play one of their songs. His musical background is influencing me, but mine is now influencing him. We're writing some prog numbers that are now winding up somewhere between his style and mine and we're both inspired by the result. Definitely a collaboration.
Good Luck!
I hope you write originals and record them. If you really love prog you'll probably have more fun doing that than trying to get five people to play Siberian Khatru together correctly.
Also, there are lots of different flavors of Prog. You're interested in the old school stuff, but there are expressions and other members of the band may want to lean that way. I'm currently working with a drummer who loves Dream Theater and Tool. I like them, but I've never tried to play one of their songs. His musical background is influencing me, but mine is now influencing him. We're writing some prog numbers that are now winding up somewhere between his style and mine and we're both inspired by the result. Definitely a collaboration.
Good Luck!
I've been in a 6-piece "prog" band recently. Not the flashy kind - think late Pink Floyd, Archive, Anathema.
We've had some success locally, packing 300-400 places venues on occasions. A well-promoted album release party in a good open-minded venue kickstarted it - there's more of an audience than I would have thought and some were very enthusiastic.
Parted ways with them after about 3 years since some members were trying too hard to make marketable music instead of enjoying the creative freedom I associate with progressive music.
I've since started working on a solo project (with guests) as an outlet for my odd ideas. Studio-only project for now though I may do tiny acoustic shows. Not ruling out the possibility of it eventually becoming a band thing.
We've had some success locally, packing 300-400 places venues on occasions. A well-promoted album release party in a good open-minded venue kickstarted it - there's more of an audience than I would have thought and some were very enthusiastic.
Parted ways with them after about 3 years since some members were trying too hard to make marketable music instead of enjoying the creative freedom I associate with progressive music.
I've since started working on a solo project (with guests) as an outlet for my odd ideas. Studio-only project for now though I may do tiny acoustic shows. Not ruling out the possibility of it eventually becoming a band thing.
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I am so happy for your slight sucess, I wish you all the best. Thanks for sharing!
Bonus points for this: "If you really love prog you'll probably have more fun doing that than trying to get five people to play Siberian Khatru together correctly."
My 2 cents, as a guy who started in prog rock in the '70s...
"Progressive rock" has changed. ELP / Genesis / Floyd - fine old bands, but that's not what it's about now. Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree - I'd even say The Decemberists - that's where Prog has gone. If you just want to do ELP / Yes / Floyd music, you will need to recruit old guys like me who want to play it; If you're willing to be a bit more current... you'll have more luck, I think.
Me, I want to be in a prog-rock funk band - anyone know of one hiring?
"Progressive rock" has changed. ELP / Genesis / Floyd - fine old bands, but that's not what it's about now. Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree - I'd even say The Decemberists - that's where Prog has gone. If you just want to do ELP / Yes / Floyd music, you will need to recruit old guys like me who want to play it; If you're willing to be a bit more current... you'll have more luck, I think.
Me, I want to be in a prog-rock funk band - anyone know of one hiring?
I can't help with sharing experience. I love prog, but have never had the good fortune to play in a prog band. What there are around here are only of the prog-metal variety, which is not what I would be interested in.
But a couple of thoughts, if they're helpful.
Total +1000 to @40Hz 's post - write SONGS and focus on the music, not being pretentious. That's why so many post-70s prog bands are so dull - lots of technique and no musicality.
I don't think you necessarily need a very high male vocalist (hard to find!) unless this is a cover band. I had the impression you were talking about writing originals. If you look at a band like Spock's Beard, Porcupine Tree or Godsticks, they sing in a much more normal male vocal range.
I think the biggest obstacle is going to be getting musicians with the needed skill levels. This would be hard to put together with Craigslist bar-band guys (I say that as a Craigslist bar-band guy). Most new prog bands seem to come together out of music school classmates. You said you're a flautist - playing in an orchestra? Maybe put the word out around the orchestra about what you want to do. You're probably not the only multi-instrumentalist there and a classical music background would certainly help. See about tapping jazz musicians too. How about music teachers? Church organists/pianists?
But a couple of thoughts, if they're helpful.
Total +1000 to @40Hz 's post - write SONGS and focus on the music, not being pretentious. That's why so many post-70s prog bands are so dull - lots of technique and no musicality.
I don't think you necessarily need a very high male vocalist (hard to find!) unless this is a cover band. I had the impression you were talking about writing originals. If you look at a band like Spock's Beard, Porcupine Tree or Godsticks, they sing in a much more normal male vocal range.
I think the biggest obstacle is going to be getting musicians with the needed skill levels. This would be hard to put together with Craigslist bar-band guys (I say that as a Craigslist bar-band guy). Most new prog bands seem to come together out of music school classmates. You said you're a flautist - playing in an orchestra? Maybe put the word out around the orchestra about what you want to do. You're probably not the only multi-instrumentalist there and a classical music background would certainly help. See about tapping jazz musicians too. How about music teachers? Church organists/pianists?
In modern prog I only dig some parts of some songs, probably mainly because I am a musician myself.
It is nothing like the old prog which as indeed about music more then about the ability to play intricate stuff.
That said, I'd like to be in a progressive jazzpunk band with funk influences. Get my point?
Don't overthink stuff. We play music because we want to, not just to have a big as possible audience.
Enjoying playing is more important then anything else in music imo. It is an art not an industry.
It is nothing like the old prog which as indeed about music more then about the ability to play intricate stuff.
That said, I'd like to be in a progressive jazzpunk band with funk influences. Get my point?
Don't overthink stuff. We play music because we want to, not just to have a big as possible audience.
Enjoying playing is more important then anything else in music imo. It is an art not an industry.
For all the people who say "prog" has no market... Dream Theater? Queensryche? RUSH?
You forgot:
4. A drummer with a strong jazz background.
They'll need to be able to float through time changes like clouds on the wind.
4. A drummer with a strong jazz background.
They'll need to be able to float through time changes like clouds on the wind.
Good luck! This thread is a breath of fresh air. Too many people on TB seem to think that the only reason for playing is to make money.
Nothing wrong with making money, but it seems like every time someone talks about making music they get shouted down.
Nothing wrong with making money, but it seems like every time someone talks about making music they get shouted down.
So did this band ever get going?
Are they defying those that said nay?
Having fun yet?
Are they defying those that said nay?
Having fun yet?
