The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #58392   Message #925505
Posted By: SeanM
03-Apr-03 - 04:35 PM
Thread Name: How to Get Started Singing in a Band
Subject: RE: How to Get Started Singing in a Band
My advice is to define what you're looking for in a band first. How much do you want to perform? Appraise your life honestly, and figure out if you want to be in a touring act, a festival group, bar band or what have you. Don't lie to yourself on this - it will very likely mean the difference between "happy" and "unhappy" in your career.

Second, as advised above, don't be shy about performing in non-band singing sessions. If you fit with what someone's looking for, they're likely to ask you when they're sure of your talent.

Third, and somewhat linked with the above - don't be afraid to start your own group. If you've honestly appraised your aspirations, you can very likely find like-minded musicians to work with once you've "integrated" with the local scene.

Finally, and this is linked with the above, remember that "lead singer" is one of the "dream jobs" a lot of folks out there aspire to. In addition, a LOT of bands form around one strong personality, and that person quite a bit of the time appoints themselves as lead vocals. As such, you might not find as many openings for singer as you will for other aspects of the band. While you may not feel up to lead guitar, you may find many bands more than willing to take on a rhythm guitar player. Then, you can work on your skills while still playing in a band. Eventually, you can either move to more challenging aspects within the group you're already with, or even strike out on your own as a soloist or with another group.

Good luck, in any case. In all of this, the one thing to remember is to always be scrupulously honest with yourself in regards to what you want to do. Don't accept anything that you won't honestly be happy doing.

M