The Music or the Money?

[vonnor]

Since my band broke up a couple months ago, I have been keeping an eye open for a new opportunity. There is a local 80's "Hair Rock" band that needs keys and the material is right up my alley. All hits, no fluff. They play bigger clubs and corporate/private parties, wear 80's stage clothes (leather, spandex, wigs, bandannas, etc.), have 13K likes on facebook, draw good crowds, and pack the dancefloor. They go with big lighting, fog, sound guy, the whole nine yards. They even want the full double keyboard stack rig on stage.

 

There's only one problem.

 

The lead singer, who leads the band, doesn't sing that good. He strains to hit the high notes, comes up flat, and is often pitchy even in his range (and that's being generous).

 

Being a bit of a perfectionist on vocal arrangements, I know it would drive me nuts to work with this guy and not nit-pick the performance. (a sample of my stuff)

 

Is it better to hold to your musical principles, or just get out there and do a visual show, take the $$$ and STFU?

 

~ Bill C.

[AnotherScott]

If you're not going to enjoy it, then it's a matter of how much you need the $$$.

[HammondDave]

Since my band broke up a couple months ago, I have been keeping an eye open for a new opportunity. There is a local 80's "Hair Rock" band that needs keys and the material is right up my alley. All hits, no fluff. They play bigger clubs and corporate/private parties, wear 80's stage clothes (leather, spandex, wigs, bandannas, etc.), have 13K likes on facebook, draw good crowds, and pack the dancefloor. They go with big lighting, fog, sound guy, the whole nine yards. They even want the full double keyboard stack rig on stage.

 

There's only one problem.

 

The lead singer, who leads the band, doesn't sing that good. He strains to hit the high notes, comes up flat, and is often pitchy even in his range (and that's being generous).

 

Being a bit of a perfectionist on vocal arrangements, I know it would drive me nuts to work with this guy and not nit-pick the performance. (a sample of my stuff)

 

Is it better to hold to your musical principles, or just get out there and do a visual show, take the $$$ and STFU?

 

~ Bill C.

 

Sounds pretty accurate for an 80's hair band...

 

Seriously, if you are having fun, do it. If not, move on.

[vonnor]

It's frustrating that 90% of the audience can't tell he's off-key.

[Song80s]

Since my band broke up a couple months ago, I have been keeping an eye open for a new opportunity. There is a local 80's "Hair Rock" band that needs keys and the material is right up my alley. All hits, no fluff. They play bigger clubs and corporate/private parties, wear 80's stage clothes (leather, spandex, wigs, bandannas, etc.), have 13K likes on facebook, draw good crowds, and pack the dancefloor. They go with big lighting, fog, sound guy, the whole nine yards. They even want the full double keyboard stack rig on stage.

 

There's only one problem.

 

The lead singer, who leads the band, doesn't sing that good. He strains to hit the high notes, comes up flat, and is often pitchy even in his range (and that's being generous).

 

Being a bit of a perfectionist on vocal arrangements, I know it would drive me nuts to work with this guy and not nit-pick the performance. (a sample of my stuff)

 

Is it better to hold to your musical principles, or just get out there and do a visual show, take the $$$ and STFU?

 

~ Bill C.

 

as you mentioned the singer is the leader.

 

I think its very difficult to drop standards. That gets hard wired into us.

 

If you are broke and this is the only option, then you can try to compartmentalize.

 

Otherwise,I would forget about it. Don't overthink it.

[FJR]

I have seen some horrendous singers, that have a ton of charisma and are brilliant with working audiences! If they hook up with a good band, or one that can smoothly integrate good sounding tracks, it seems like a recipe for success! ($$)

 

 

[MurMan]

..., I know it would drive me nuts to work with this guy and not nit-pick the performance.

I find that any performance issues I might have with another singer/player only get worse over time. Initial nit-picks turn into "I can't stand it anymore" moments. It's better for me to back out early. I do make exceptions for young players that are working hard to improve and deserve a little grace, but that doesn't sound like the case here.

 

If you're like this too, think carefully before you join them.

 

 

[ElmerJFudd]

Life circumstances, my friend. When music is your living, there is always compromise. The dentist and the plumber aren't horribly picky or discriminating about their clients. As a working musician you play what the crowd wants to hear. You can avoid X, but if they call for X you play it because you're there for their entertainment, not your own.

 

So, the real question is, is music your hobby and your escape from your day or job? or is music your bread and butter? If it's your escape, there is absolutely no reason to compromise your joy, none what so ever. If you need the cash, take the gig if it's a good one.

[drawback]

I've done lots of gigs where the lead singer /leader wasn't the greatest, but to compensate always had the best players available on stage. Luckily there were backup singers so I didn't have to sing with him. He could be pulled out of the monitor mix and I had a blast playing tight with the band. One of the best reasons to go personal mixer & IEMs.

[BluesKeys]

Tough call, I find any musician that is not up to par, or thinks they are stars, get in my nerves and take the fun out of it. I do not suffer fools well.

[vonnor]

So, the real question is, is music your hobby and your escape from your day or job? or is music your bread and butter?

It is the former at this point in my life. My day job pays the bills. I do enjoy performing though and seeing the audience get into the show, and the cash doesn't hurt.

...If you're like this too, think carefully before you join them.

I am like that too, MurMan. I will give it some thought before I jump on this.

 

Thanks guys. Always appreciate your input.

 

~ BC

[mate stubb]

Multiple musical projects for multiple purposes.

 

Perhaps a working band to satisfy the performing and money making itch, and a recording / occasional gigging band for satisfying the artistic itch. I find I can tolerate less musical aspects in one situation if I have other outlets.

 

Nobody I know around here is in only one band.

[Bill H.]

If the vocals aren't right, the band usually doesn't work much. I'm amazed they're gigging all the time - even if they're bringing the whole package.

 

An audience can forgive a lot when it comes the playing limitations of individual band members, but good vocals from the front have just got to be there. If you do this (for right now maybe?) I wouldn't commit to anything long term.

[timwat]

Every gig has to give you some measure of:

 

1) Adequate compensation

2) Musical growth

3) Enjoyment and satisfaction

 

I'd guess most of us who gig regularly for money have at least one band / project we're involved in where #1 is the only reason we're there.

 

It is wonderful when you can get #1, #2 and #3 from the same project - but that's rare, infrequent, and a reason to be REALLY grateful for the short time you can enjoy it.

 

I've hung on too long in projects where #1 or #3 (and inertia) were the only reasons I was still there.

 

#2 can be unpleasant (if you're getting your butt kicked regularly), but like dental work is often the best long term thing for us. But open wide, this is going to sting just a little...

[MotiDave]

the gig sounded like a blast right in my personal wheelhouse until you got to the front guy isn't very good. i play in bands with great front guys and great lead guitarists, those are the two positions that "make" most hard rock bands imo. everything else can be competent journeymen.

 

thats a tough one, I can't advise. does his stage show overall come off as rockstar? that type of band needs an oversized persona to work well. thats the point of the spandex, big hair, smoke, ... create the illusion of a rock show.

[RABid]

http://tascam.com/content/images/universal/products/546/main.jpg

[mcgoo]

Try to assess why the singer's pitch isn't good. The best singers can suck with a loud stage volume and poor vocal monitors. Perhaps having the band tune down a half step and going to in ears would go a long way toward improving his pitch and ability to hit the notes. For a band that appears to be doing well, the latter shouldn't be cost prohibitive. If the issue can be fixed, it could be a good gig to have.

[Song80s]

Try to assess why the singer's pitch isn't good. The best singers can suck with a loud stage volume and poor vocal monitors. Perhaps having the band tune down a half step and going to in ears would go a long way toward improving his pitch and ability to hit the notes. For a band that appears to be doing well, the latter shouldn't be cost prohibitive. If the issue can be fixed, it could be a good gig to have.

 

Here's something to consider.

 

The leader who is a lead singer typically has something called an ego. And if its a sizable ego he is not going to be receptive to the new guy on keys talking about it.

 

That really has to be sized before going there.

 

Maybe Von can address this ( off key lead singer) off line with another person in the band.

 

The band is likely aware of it. And we don't know why the prior keyboardist left.

[CowboyNQ]

Lots of great advice on this thread.

 

Ultimately it probably depends on where your own priorities lie.

 

One of the bands I play in has a vocalist who is not "amazing", but he is a great guy, works hard at improving, takes direction and is compensated for by a ridiculously good guitarist. We draw good crowds much like the band you're contemplating, and we're going to help him out with a bit of additional BV to fatten things up.

 

I'm not the world's greatest keys player either, I just rattle along doing my best and am happy to help our singer where I can. I'm very happy in this band but I can see how others might not put up with it.

 

I'm sure with a bit of reflection on what suits you best you'll make the right call, Bill.

[Synthoid]

The leader who is a lead singer typically has something called an ego. And if its a sizable ego he is not going to be receptive to the new guy on keys talking about it.

 

I would suggest recording a performance. Then play it back for all the band members and ask, "How can we improve our sound?"

[AnotherScott]

http://www.tc-helicon.com/en/products/mic-mechanic/

 

[Devnor]

You'll starve if your gig is impressing other musicians. Paying customers hear with their eyes too. Primarily they want to be entertained otherwise they could just stay home listening to old records.

[DulceLabs.com]

http://tascam.com/content/images/universal/products/546/main.jpg

 

LOL - I was thinking the same thing. The Voice Live Touch 2 is nice as well. Changes my voice from an injured yak into a slightly less injured yak.. but hey, it's an improvement!

[bennyray]

The leader who is a lead singer typically has something called an ego. And if its a sizable ego he is not going to be receptive to the new guy on keys talking about it.

 

I would suggest recording a performance. Then play it back for all the band members and ask, "How can we improve our sound?"

 

I did that once a few years ago with a band and it didn't go over to well. The band thought i was being too picky and needless to say i quit soon after that. I think the band probably knows their limitations. Having said that how many bands do you see live that the lead singer struggles some to hit high notes especially 80's bands. If you like the music and need the money i would go for it. Being a new member from my experience it's best to stay low key for awhile about critiquing the band. I played with a band in the 80's similar to what you are describing and we had a blast but i was 22 years old then. Singers were really good though. I say do the Steve Miller Take the Money and Run.

[David Emm]

Quite some time back, I saw Rick Wakeman do his U.S. Journey To The Center Of The Earth tour. It was largely great fun, especially when he did a ragtime bit while a dozen girls in green spandex did a hoochie-coo dance. The one spider on the wedding cake was the lead singer, who was clearly trying to sing an octave above his range in several places. Listening to him crack and struggle made me want to howl like a dog. Its not as if Rick couldn't hire whomever he pleased, but I think you'd want to be sure your lead guy could reach the notes. Its a small mystery of life that a certain number of singers, even some famous ones, have the pitch of someone three drinks past their coherent limit. Sorry, but the King IS naked and spotty to boot. I've always maintained this funny idea that experimental moments aside, you were SUPPOSED to be on pitch. Singing in H# is for 70+-year-old church grannies, not the stage.

[RABid]

I remember years ago there was a show on VH1 called Divas Live. I watched an episode that paired Gladys Knight with Joss Stone and it was wonderful.

 

[video:youtube]

 

Unfortunately the same episode had Debbie Harry. All I could think was "Someone PLEASE tell her that the voice is gone!" It was awful, but she got paid and most people cheered. Thing is, I'm not most people, and neither are you. I could not sit through that night after night. If I am going to get paid for being miserable, pay me more than musician wages.

 

[video:youtube]

 

[16251]

Quite some time back, I saw Rick Wakeman do his U.S. Journey To The Center Of The Earth tour. It was largely great fun, especially when he did a ragtime bit while a dozen girls in green spandex did a hoochie-coo dance. The one spider on the wedding cake was the lead singer, who was clearly trying to sing an octave above his range in several places. Listening to him crack and struggle made me want to howl like a dog. Its not as if Rick couldn't hire whomever he pleased, but I think you'd want to be sure your lead guy could reach the notes. Its a small mystery of life that a certain number of singers, even some famous ones, have the pitch of someone three drinks past their coherent limit. Sorry, but the King IS naked and spotty to boot. I've always maintained this funny idea that experimental moments aside, you were SUPPOSED to be on pitch. Singing in H# is for 70+-year-old church grannies, not the stage.

 

Were they just going for that original sound from the original released album?

[DanL]

I wouldn't be able to hack a singer who was off key. It's probably my biggest pet peeve with bands. The accompanying pet peeve is that bands with these singers get work.

[Hoochie]

Judging by the $$ part it's likely that this a primary source of income

for a lot of these people.

Paying gigs in the upper reaches of big weddings and Corps are being

done by a select few bands in that region.

Once your out of club it's a huge waiting game to get back in.

 

They're not going to rock the gravy train and shoot themselves in the foot.

They know what's going on and deal.

If you can deal and it's a fun hang gets yourself in and watch for opportunities.

It might be a blast.

It sure sounds like fun.

Full production. Green rooms. Band riders. Great treatment. Great crowds.

Great pay.

And you get to channel all those songs you already know in full costume.

It's a great opportunity to work on showmanship.

I would jump on it.

 

Oops. I said Jump.

You'll have to deal with that too.

 

 

John

[Synthoid]

Oops. I said Jump.

 

 

[video:youtube]