How to Get Started Singing in a Band

Subject: BS: How to Get Started Singing in a Band
From: GUEST,Megan
Date: 02 Apr 03 - 02:20 AM

this is not really a non-music question, but its definitely something many of you have been asked before...i've always wanted to perform music, whether its backup or lead vocals, i just recently purchased a guitar so thats going to take me awhile to learn and to hopefully master, but in the meantime, are there any helpful resources (i've been looking mainly on the Washington City Paper website) that anyone knows about that could connect me to more people looking for singers, or at least some good chat rooms so i can talk to people in this area about this? i just graduated college recently in Athens, Georgia and the music scene down there was great, but i moved up here to D.C. to get a 9 to 5 job and save money so i could pursue my dream, i just don't feel like i've seen many opportunities in D.C. for folk singers, and i don't play any instruments well (yet!) so i feel like i'm not making any progress. any suggestions?

Subject: RE: How to Get Started Singing in a Band
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Apr 03 - 05:28 AM

Megan, I moved this up to the music area, as it really isn't BS and you'll get more response "up there."

Have you been to the wesbite of the Folklore Society of Greater Washington?. We have several members who belong to it and many, many who teach and attend the Getaway put on by the Society, in the Fall. I'm sure some of them will be along any moment to tell you more of what is available in your area.

Good luck,

kat

Subject: RE: How to Get Started Singing in a Band
From: GUEST,emily b
Date: 02 Apr 03 - 05:00 PM

Megan,
You might try going to the local sessions. This way you can meet musicians and check them out. Maybe you'll like some of them, their personalities and their playing and put a band together. Or maybe you'll meet some other singers. You could start an a cappella band.

Getting out and mixing with the players is the best way. There is the Revels that always is looking for singers (at least in Houston it is). You'll meet a bunch a fun people.

Finding people to do music with is just like finding a significant other. You get out of the house, start talking to people, express your desires, meet their friends, etc.

When I think back on how I got into the various groups I've been in, its amazing all the different connections. I was in a great a cappella group that I heard audition announcements about while singing in a small church choir. Was doing the church choir only to keep my sight reading skills up. Got into another group by way of a folk dancing group I was in.

Kat's idea with the link is a good idea. I've always thought of the DC folk scene as thriving. Surely there is room for another singer. You just may have to make something happen yourself.
Good luck. Keep us posted on your progress.

Emily B

Subject: RE: How to Get Started Singing in a Band
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Apr 03 - 05:31 PM

Wow, thanks for the help! Very kind of you, and motivating too. I'm going to check out that site right away. And you're right Emily, I just need to get out and start talking to people who share similiar interests, go to more shows...thanks again!

Subject: RE: How to Get Started Singing in a Band
From: Pooby
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 11:10 AM

Try this Web site: www.themode.com

It's a nationwide bulletin board for musicians seeking musicians, venues seeking musicians, gear to buy and sell, and more. Best of all, it's sorted by area code, so if you wanted to check the entire Beltway area (however many area codes that entails beyond 202), it's a snap. Caveat emptor: it covers a lot more ground than just folk, so you may have to wade through a lot of metal, hip hop, alt and other stuff to find the folkies. All in all, though, a good site.

Another good site, sortable by music type and zip code, is www.ralphworld.com. Good luck.

Poobs

Subject: RE: How to Get Started Singing in a Band
From: UB Ed
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 11:45 AM

Megan, go to Nanny O'Briens on Monday nights to check out their sessions.

You'll enjoy DC

Ed

Subject: RE: How to Get Started Singing in a Band
From: SeanM
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 04:35 PM

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