#1689264 - 03/11/06 09:50 AM
What to do now?
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DangerousDave86
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Registered: 12/28/05
Posts: 64
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I'm a guitarist, and have been jamming with two friends, a guitarist and a bassist for a good year or two now. We have recently aquired a singer, and have a friend who would like to drum. i'm trying to think of where to go from here. Were all either in full-time education, or employment. We've got some cool instrumentals, and our singer has been working on lyrics and melodies. We've also actually started to write with lyrics in mind.
My question to you all is, where do we go from here? Our schedules can be tight, but we're all up for this. We have rehearsed, but not really progressed yet.
Thanks all!
-- Dave
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#1689265 - 03/11/06 11:25 AM
Re: What to do now?
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EddiePlaysBass
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Registered: 06/24/04
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Loc: Belgium
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Make sure the progression gets there then  Set goals, achievements.
Like X minutes worth of material. And after that, X time to prepare for a gig (do not forget to book said gig).
Stuff like that.
_________________________
http://www.myspace.com/thedapperdansAfter the various bands you've been in, and the headaches you've seen, you figure having TWO bands at once will be better? - Tom Capasso
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#1689266 - 03/11/06 02:41 PM
Re: What to do now?
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Jeff Klopmeyer
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Registered: 10/13/00
Posts: 16923
Loc: Redondo Beach,CA,UNITED STATES
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Originally posted by DangerousDave86:
My question to you all is, where do we go from here? Our schedules can be tight, but we're all up for this. We have rehearsed, but not really progressed yet.
Here's some very general advice...
1. Continue to develop these original songs you're working out. that means the songs should be complete, with finished lyrics, structure and so on.
2. Spend more time rehearsing these finished versions of the songs until you're all extremely comfortable playing them. None of you should have to rely on lyric sheets or charts at that point.
3. Put together an actual set list... perhaps 7-10 of these songs, or fill out your own originals with some covers. Play through the entire set list a few times during rehearsals.
4. Try and find a place where your band can perform in front of people. Don't worry about getting paid right away. Your main goal for the benefit of your band's development is to gain the experience of playing out. The type of place I'd advise you to play will vary based on the style of music you play.
It's really not a complicated process. If there's some more specific advice I can give you, let me know!
- Jeff
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#1689267 - 03/11/06 03:57 PM
Re: What to do now?
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DangerousDave86
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Thanks guys! X amount of minutes and a set list is a damn good idea. Whenever Ive thought of targets, I've thought more in terms of an album or something, but a set list would be better as were more likely to play before recording. Cheers!
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#1689268 - 03/11/06 09:21 PM
Re: What to do now?
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Jeff Klopmeyer
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My pleasure. Here's an addendum...
There are two directions that you can take a band (usually simultaneously, for an original-music band): your live performance, and the recording of your music.
The reason I recommend focusing on the live aspect is twofold: first, being able to perform live makes you much tighter as a unit, even if you planned on recording each part individually as overdubs. Second, after you do get something recorded, the best way to go about selling it (assuming you want to do that) is to develop a following, and that's only done by playing in front of people.
Some types of music lend itself better to live performance than others. But I would say that playing live onstage in front of a crowd is one of the more fun things you can do as a musician, so try it out!
- Jeff
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#1689269 - 03/14/06 07:06 PM
Re: What to do now?
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DangerousDave86
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Registered: 12/28/05
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Thanks for that addition. I've just freed up my wednesdays from work commitments so that we can rehearse and work on material during the afternoon/evening. Hopefully the ball can move a little quicker now toward getting a set together and perhaps making a small demo. Cheers!
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#1689270 - 03/14/06 07:43 PM
Re: What to do now?
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Jeff Klopmeyer
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All the best of luck to you, and feel free to keep us updated on how it's going!
- Jeff
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