Any advice for a new band?

Subject: RE: Any advice for a new band?
From: GUEST,Sam Pirt
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 07:48 AM

Hi

I am a member of a fairly recent band called 422, we set up together in August last year and we are all aged between 17 & 20. We do not do any songs YET, but I can explain how we put our instrumental material together.

1 - The whole band thinks of GOOD tunes that might fit into a band arrangement, but this is done by each individual.

2 - We all come together and then play the tunes, people input ideas on arrangements etc..

3 - Then any tunes which people don't know we teach to them, patience is the key here, but the rewards are great. By doing this the band material is able to go beyond your normal reportair, cos everyone usually has more than a couple of 'special tunes, so utilise these.

My tip on the songs that you don't know how the tunes go, well make up your own tune by doing this you will be making it more your song than a repoduction of someone elses tune and lryics.

Oh and HAVE FUN cos thats what its all about.

Check out our website

www.the-422.co.uk

Cheers, Sam

Subject: RE: Any advice for a new band?
From: Sorcha
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 12:50 AM

Uhhhm, I don't know for sure, but I don't think period RenFaires usually use PA at all, it's usually up close and personal. But you are right, there are other places that use them and it is important. Do you have your own sound, or are you relying on the venue to provide it? If you are relying on venue, it is doubly important to check it!
I am sure when MMario gets back he will have specific suggestions for RenFaires.

Subject: RE: Any advice for a new band?
From: GUEST,John in Brisbane
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 12:23 AM

Just a few giggy rules first:

- Know your instrument and gear. Make sure all your tools are in top shape e.e Fresh strings, spare batteries for tuners or pedals or DI, leads in good condition. Make sure everyone has the appropriate straps, chin rests, picks, rosin, valve oil. Don't borrow an instrument unless you play it all the time - unless the Strad is exactly the same as your Chinese made Lark, stick with what you know when it comes to tools of trade for live performance.

- Pe punctual. Not only is it professional to be ready to play when your client/audience expects, but you should allow time to sound check the PA (do this anyway EVERYTIME regardless of how late things are running). Check that there's enough room on stage for you and all your gear, that there are power outlets for your PA and lighting.

- Arrive clean and sober. This isn't always easy to do at festivals, so please pardon the preaching. I've seen some brilliant performers make idiots of themselves by indulging before a gig.

- Have lots of fun when you're rehearsing, but particularly when you're performing.

As to materials there is so much stuff if you know where to look - and a lot of it right here at the DT. Don'e be phased if you don't know the material: your rendition is more likely to sparkle if you have never heard it before, rather than playing somone else's version. The only thing you may have trouble with are bass lines/chords - there are tens of thousands of tune melodies around in the form of MIDIs - just ask here and people will gladly help.

Regards, John

Subject: RE: Any advice for a new band?
From: InOBU
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 12:17 AM

Good luck, from all the members of the band Sorcha Dorcha.
First advice to a new band... remember to alow the spackle to dry before sanding, and wash the paint brushes well. Keep careful records of the expences because painting is a very low profit long term sort of a biz. And, get the rest of the band to find work in a variety of fields, so that if any one of you is doing poorly, you can bum off the other three.
Oh, practice alot and go busking, you not only get some gelt for practicing that way, you know what your good numbers is by how many coins land in the hat.
Listen to good bands like Sorcha Dorcha
Dont give up
Larry

Subject: RE: Any advice for a new band?
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Mar 00 - 12:04 AM

Hi Keli....In answer to you from another thread, I've been there. I only did one yr...97. Caesar's Creek is a very nice area for the "flatlands." I have friends who are madrigal players but they quit a few years ago. I'm overjoyed to hear about a good young band to carry things on. A lot of us are old farts....We'll see what we can come up with for you.

Can you learn by ear from midis? A lot of the songs in the DT also have a tune in MIDI....check the "Quick Links."

Spaw

Subject: RE: Any advice for a new band?
From: Sorcha
Date: 23 Mar 00 - 11:47 PM

1. Don't expect to be rich and famous.
2.Depending on the rules of the Faire, try to stick with period stuff. Check out Dowland, Playford and low number Child Ballads.
3.Check with each Faire, but in general even if you are getting paid, put out a "salted hat".
4.Always READ contracts.
Have fun and don't sweat the small stuff, it's hot enough in Renn. garb!

Subject: Any advice for a new band?
From: Kelida
Date: 23 Mar 00 - 10:47 PM

My friends and I are getting a band together to play traditional folk music. We hope to play at the Ohio Rennaisance Festival this year, and we're beginning to learn some songs. We have planty of arranged lyrics and enough instrumental stuff to have variety. Unfortunately, we are having a difficult time learning fresh music. A lot of the songs we are learning are ones we have heard at RenFest over the last few years, but we don't want to be like everyone else. The thing is, we've found that although lyrics are readily available, tunes and sheet music are not so easily available for songs we have never heard before. We're not really ready to write our own stuff, and we would really rather play traditional music if we do play at RenFest. I was wondering if anyone has any advice for a bunch of teenagers that are new to the scene?

Thanx- Keli