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What do you think about my band's singer?

altarsofmadness

altarsofmadness

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Jul 21, 2014
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#1
Well, my band just finished recording its first album and well, I love it (who doesn't love its band's first album?). However, a lot of people say that our singer is not that good. I really like his vocals, but I know this could be an acquired taste. I should add that he is also our main lyricist and our keyboard player.
So, what do you think?
 
#3
altarsofmadness said:
However, a lot of people say that our singer is not that good.
Click to expand...
Post like this are very difficult to respond to. No one wants to crush anyone's dreams. With that said, I guess it boils down to what your band's goals are. Is it just a project you are doing for fun or are you trying to make the big time? Sounds to my ear like your chord progression for the whole song is Am, G, F, G with no chorus or bridge. The singer is definitely struggling to stay in key and hit the melody notes. I, myself find his voice very distracting and only listened to the complete song because you asked for it to be critiqued. Also, I kept waiting for a chord change to go to a chorus that never happened.
Since this is your first album please consider it an experience to learn from. A lot of us have gone thru similar experiences. Wishing you good fortune in your future.
 
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#4
I have an opinon :).

If he completely owns it, takes it over the top, and is a great performer - it could be awesome.

If he's on the fence about it and not sure about himself, find another singer.

If he worked on his pitch (not sure how one does that), it would be very beneficial.

I remember watching a documentary on the Talking Heads. From day one they were told to ditch the singer. He was too weird, and he sucked. They didn't listen. They had faith in him, and he had faith in himself. I'm sure Lou Reed and Mick Jagger felt the same. Anthony Keidis too... izzz a long list of singers who were less than perfect in their ability, yet it didn't hinder them.
 
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#5
I've heard popular singers in some genres that have that kind of pitch, so it's not unheard of. But it doesn't appeal to me. He also seems to be yelling rather than singing, again, possibly fine in some genres, but not my cup of tea. His over-the-top delivery might work, he certainly seems emotionally committed to the song. It almost seems ironic in its delivery, but I suspect he is serious. Of course I didn't like Jim Morrison either, and lots of people love him.
 
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#20
When you record a song, your imperfections stand out. It's much different than playing live, where a flub or a mistake can just be glossed over, as long as the energy is there and the crowd is into it.

I myself am a HORRIBLE singer. People pay me to not sing. I'm not going to bash someone else's singing because of this. However, I think your singer would greatly benefit from taking singing lessons. If he's offended or uncomfortable, just let him know it's in the band's best interest for everyone to do whatever it takes to improve.

I comemend you for putting this out here. It takes guts to take your recordings public, and even more to straight up ask for criticism and advice. I hope you get some good advice from the TB community.
 
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