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"We really don't need to practice unless we have a gig coming up."
- Thread starter Stinsok
- Start date
I tend to agree with that statement (I'm in a cover band). If everyone is up to speed with the whole set-list, practices before gigs to brush up on old stuff and rehearse new stuff is pretty sufficient (assuming all band members spend time at home practicing songs). I work a full time office job, and spend weekends gigging, so I appreciate if I don't have to spend unnecessary time practicing.
Yep. Keep moving. Find people who share a passion in the songs you write (assuming you do originals) - when my band doesn't have a gig coming up in the next week or two, we look especially forward to rehearsals because we write together, drink some brews, and have fun!
+1
I'm doing covers as well, and I have no desire to rehearse unless something is on the docket soon. I don't want to rehearse just to "jam" on some cover tunes.
I would still rather rehearse once a week whether there is a gig coming up or not. I'm sure there is something the band could play better or maybe expand the set list. Truth be told a band that doesn't rehearse unless they have a gig coming probably isn't as tight "as they think they are".
I would have to say it depends on the situation, but if you want to go far in music, you are gonna have to rehearse all together more then just when you have a gig coming. If you want more dedicated artists to work with, move along, bassists are in high demand.
The good news is, without having a bunch of rehearsals getting in the way, you've got plenty of time to look!
Fortunately for me, I played a gig with a band last Friday (cold) with only a songlist and a few days to learn. Before the gig, one of the guys said "well....that list will probably go out the window... I'm thinkin' "oh crap!"
They did everything from "I think I'll just stay here and drink" to "Rainy night in Georgia" to "Bennie and The Jets." I did pretty well and it's leading to more gigs with them. I'm not going to stand around and wait for others to get with the program.
They did everything from "I think I'll just stay here and drink" to "Rainy night in Georgia" to "Bennie and The Jets." I did pretty well and it's leading to more gigs with them. I'm not going to stand around and wait for others to get with the program.
We have constant flaking drummers. Our latest one shows up to the gigs, but we only know barely 4 sets with him. We can't rotate in new material because he is always canceling practice - his back hurts, his kids are sick, he's too busy this week, etc. We have a guy who would like to replace him, but I hate having practices with alternating drummers. Oh well, just hate the way people flake on band practice!
- Dec 23, 2008
- 157
- 0
- Disclosures
- Staff Producer / Audio Engineer: Blue Tower Studio, Denver, CO & Mighty Fine Productions, Denver, CO
depends on the band.
my most active band hasn't had a rehearsal in about 4 years and we add new material on almost every gig.
alternately, one of my favorite bands i've ever been in rehearsed twice a week & we gigged about 5 times a year.
my most active band hasn't had a rehearsal in about 4 years and we add new material on almost every gig.
alternately, one of my favorite bands i've ever been in rehearsed twice a week & we gigged about 5 times a year.
My "band" has practiced once or twice a week for about six months, but has never had a paying gig. Needless to say, I'm looking for a better band.
I'm in a cover band (same one for almost 29 years) and we rehearse, upcoming gigs or not:
- to keep vocal harmonies tight
- to add new material
- and because we'd never see each other if we didn't (we've been best friends for 30+ years)
- to keep vocal harmonies tight
- to add new material
- and because we'd never see each other if we didn't (we've been best friends for 30+ years)
My cover band had one rehearsal as a whole band - we play every week and throw new songs in regularly too.
However, the guitarist, drummer and I have just started another cover type band (more corporate stuff) and have had 3 rehearsals (1st gig this weekend) and only so we can get the 3 singers involved in that up to speed on where they need to be. Once they are all fully up to speed and the song list fully sorted then we will be right.
The bonus of playing with the same guys in a couple of bands is you can occassonally look at little things that aren't working in the other band that doesn't have a chance to rehearse much.
However, the guitarist, drummer and I have just started another cover type band (more corporate stuff) and have had 3 rehearsals (1st gig this weekend) and only so we can get the 3 singers involved in that up to speed on where they need to be. Once they are all fully up to speed and the song list fully sorted then we will be right.
The bonus of playing with the same guys in a couple of bands is you can occassonally look at little things that aren't working in the other band that doesn't have a chance to rehearse much.
Unless you are changing arrangements, a cover band should not have to practice. As long as everyone has the same version of the song and learns it in the same key there should not be a problem. If you can't play it all the way through on your own you are not ready to play it on stage.
My bands have always built our relationship on being friends as well as bandmates.
Time spent together is always beneficial, even if you're not playing music.
