Being in a band/Joining a band/Creating a band...

[Koldov]

This isn't an advert!

 

Unaccustomed as I am to baring my soul on the internet, here I go.... For a long time now I have been looking to create or join a band. I play guitar and have done for a long time, I'm not a flash player, but certainly no beginner (I would say I'm intermediate at best). I've been in a few and created one of my own but nothing has really worked out for a variety of reasons...

 

However, I seem to be coming up against a few hurdles which is starting to leave me a bit despondent about the whole thing. I will admit that there are certain issues which are going to hinder my chances - I'm in my 40's (there are some benefits to this, but also some down-sides too), I'm not a very gregarious person (who'd have guessed, an IT tech that's a loner) so I don't have any friends (a few in the music scene, but not really good friends - just people I've been in bands with in the past) and I'm not sitting down the town's 'rock pub' every weekend either. The other thing is, I want a decent level of musicianship (not people who can only strum one or two chords and that I have to practically teach) and I don't want to be hanging out with 18 year old's (I'm sure the feeling is mutual), I'm looking for those who have had a bit of life experience, a bit of maturity (i.e. not getting drunk/doing drugs, understands commitment) and can put a bit of time and effort into something (I know those are broad brush strokes, I'm not intending to trigger anyone - I've just been there and done it), hopefully with decent gear and transport.

 

There is also the fact that everyone and their dad, brother/uncle/friend of a friend, plays guitar (I haven't been able to find one decent singer though). I don't play covers as I have a fair amout of creativity of my own (and I have a strong sense of my musicality and what a decent band should sound like), I think a little piece of my soul will die if I have to play someone else's music every weekend in a tiny pub in the middle of nowhere to a old man (with flat cap and pint of bitter in hand) and his dog... and finally distance, I would like the band to be locally based, so I'm not driving hours and hours to and from rehearsals and there can be regular song-writing, jamming and general band stuff (going to a gig, or for a pint occasionally and such). I've advertised on a few 'join a band' sites, but mostly get everything I don't want.

 

Well, now that I've typed all that out I can see why I'm probably not in a band (in fact I sound a bit like a snobby muso and that's putting it kindly), on the other hand I know it's all possible... But as I said I've been doing it a long time and I know what I want, that's all.

 

So the questions are (for those that have been/are in a band), what makes it/breaks it for you? What have you found difficult? Do you think it is easier or harder these days to create a band? I know 'live music' venues are closing all around and lots of people are just content staying in more, or just playing/recording at home. Have most people my age given up wanting to be in a band, with jobs, kids, etc... Finally, is rock music dead?

 

Also, any advice?

 

Here's my Youtube (fair warning - varied style, but most of it is heavy(ish) - not Death Metal... but not pop/indie), if it's your kind of music and you dig the vibe (that's what the youngsters say isn't it?), let me know your thoughts. I don't mind constructive critisism either, if you've got a valid point.

 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGmZzu1IbMg4Jo4oRbQYywA

[Patrick]

I know this thread is old, but i listened to your tunes, sounds good man. I'm a new player, about 6/7months, but i'm learning. What equipment are you using?

[Koldov]

Yeah an old thread, but believe it or not I'm still in the same situation!!!!

 

As for my set-up, it depends on what you listened to as the channel has been there for years and I've been through quite a lot of different gear (and styles)...

 

I've unlisted most of the old videos, just newer stuff on there - at the moment I'm playing a Heavy Rock/Stoner/Grunge style so it's:

 

Gibson LP Studio - like this - https://reverb.com/au/price-guide/guide/5244-gibson-les-paul-studio-2000-ebony

Marshall Valvestate 2000 AVT100 Watt - like this - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Marshall-Valvestate-2000-AVT100-Watt-with-4way-Footswitch-Almost-MINT-Condition/173812117304?hash=item2878026f38:g:GEcAAOSwJrpcdEyr

Boss pedals (mainly Boss BD-2 Blues Driver for rhythm and Boss MT-2 Metal Zone for lead)

Dunlop Cry Babay Wah

Marshall Valvestate 2000 AVT100 Watt

 

USB mic into a Mac for Garage Band

Edited March 29, 2019 by Koldov

[Koldov]

In fact here's a quick tour of the spare bedroom... I mean studio! Hahaha!!

 

 

 

Those are old photos, I've got a few more guitars since then...

 

 

 

 

Edited March 29, 2019 by Koldov

[maark]

Most important part of being in a band is having a concept of what you want to sound like and achieve.

You seem to have that in that you want to do original stuff and know what style.

You will have to accept you won't earn much money and will find it hard to get gigs as it is mainly covers/tribute acts nowadays on the circuit.

Try to recruit some like minded members through whatever means e.g. social media - if you can start with bass/drums/keys - whatever line up you have in mind.

You can then jam and see what you come up with.

Finding a singer/frontperson is a lot harder because they quite often want to do stuff they like/are suited to.

[Koldov]

Yeah, it's absolutely not for money (or fame), would just really like to get out there and play to appreciative crowd (even if it's small).

 

I know it's a very niche genre in the grand scheme of things, but there are a few venues that cater for heavy/alternative music in Beds/Herts - just makes finding other musicians who are into it a little more difficult.

 

There's no reason rock bands can't make it big, but honestly I'd be happy with even a support gig every couple of months.

 

Agree with you on the cover/tribute bands thing, it's really not something I'm keen on, but each to their own (it does make money and keeps the drunks at the bar happy and something they know to sing along to)... Personally I like to create, not live off someones else creation. If you get a cheer at the end of the song I'd want it to be because they liked my music, not because I played someone else's...

 

As for advertising I really only know one site called 'Join My Band' - other than that it's a bit difficult trying to find the right people, especially if they don't know about that site.

 

I've got another guitarist and a bassist so far and I know a couple of drummers, there's at least 4 or 5 songs written and waiting to go (the ones on my Youtube).

 

Finding a singer/frontperson is a lot harder because they quite often want to do stuff they like/are suited to.

 

Singers.... bane of my life... last 2 bands failed because we couldn't find anyone decent, or that could actually sing, or could get to rehearsals (most didn't even own a microphone - guess they just thought they sounded good in the shower so hey... join a band) or they were good, but complete divas etc... Unfortunately, good ones are like gold dust and as you say, mostly want to join a fully formed/regularly gigging (and earning) band or one that does what they want...

 

Trouble is I've been doing this a long time, I guess I'm a little bit jaded now, don't want to settle for anything less and really want to play my own songs...

[Patrick]

That pedal collection! Seriously nice setup going on. I'm currently on a Roland Microcube which i think i've now outgrown, a behringer distortion pedal and a Fender Strat. Although the Strat is made in china, i looked up the serial number and it is genuine. I didn't know they made any in china. I'm now looking into the dizzying world of amps. No idea what to go for next. Edited March 29, 2019 by Patrick

[Koldov]

Hard to know what's real and what's fake honestly... Although there's certain dead giveaways, everybody has got a different opinion when it comes to big name brands like Fender and Gibson, they can fake a serial number as easily as a headstock decal, the only thing I would say is that traditionally there would be no point in faking something and then putting 'made in' or 'crafted in' China as it's usually only worth trying to fake the USA ones.

 

As for moving on to better gear, it really depends what you want to do... If you want to gig, you need decent gear - but if you're happy jamming in your bedroom until you're ready that's ok. Sometimes poor equipment will hinder your progress, but yours sounds fine.

 

The other thing that will dictate your choices will be what you want to sound like - for example, very few heavy/rock bands would use a standard Fender strat (most use serious modification) and Behringer pedals are cheap (I know - I bought pretty much all of mine for the price of 1 Boss pedal), so I'm not sure if they are reliable enough to stand up to serious abuse like gigging and I'm not sure if the sound quality would be there for playing at gig volume (I've never tried though)...

 

Although I'm no expert and there's loads of brands of guitars/amps/pedals I haven't played - I keep buying them hoping it will make me a better player (hasn't worked yet though)...

Edited March 29, 2019 by Koldov

[Patrick]

I'm a huge Nirvana fan, and i'm playing a lot of them. I know he used a mustang/jag and others but i'm not willing to buy a new guitar just yet. I'll play a mixture of all different types and try not to sound too horrible. I'm thinking of getting the BOSS DS-1, have you got that pedal? i'm wondering if it's a major difference in sound between the behringer pedals.

[jinnantonnixx]

Being in a real band can be great - don't get me wrong, but I remember the travelling, the arguments, the wasted time, etc.

 

I've collected some nice gear over the years (an '85 Strat and a '74 Marshall stack) but I moved to digital amp modellers years ago.

 

About 18 months ago I discovered Bandlab. I've done more on Bandlab that I did when I was in real bands.

Bandlab has a phone app (which I don't really get on with), and a web-based DAW. It's quite rudimentary, but capable of surprisingly good results.

I tend to record and mix on a DAW then upload the stems to Bandlab for 'forking' (publishing with modification allowed)

 

http://bandlab.com

 

PM me if you want my Bandlab handle to listen to some of my collaborations.

Edited March 29, 2019 by jinnantonnixx

[Koldov]

Yeah I've got that one...

 

 

I find it a bit harsh for my style these days, but it's a classic and you can dial in a variety of sounds.

 

I'd say the quality is better, but for what you are using for at the moment I don't think it's worth it.

[Koldov]

Being in a real band can be great - don't get me wrong, but I remember the travelling, the arguments, the wasted time, etc.

 

About 18 months ago I discovered a Bandlab. I've done more on Bandlab that I did when I was in real bands.

 

http://bandlab.com

 

PM me if you want my Bandlab handle to listen to some of the collaborations.

 

I did try Wikiloops which I think is similar:

 

https://www.wikiloops.com/backingtrack.php

 

But although a couple of good collaborations came out of it, most of it was dire....

 

I also signed up to Drooble, but never got round to doing anything on there.

 

Also, concerned me that you give up certain rights to your music putting it on sites like that - so I never put my best stuff up there.

[Koldov]

I've collected some nice gear over the years (an '85 Strat and a '74 Marshall stack) but I moved to digital amp modellers years ago..

 

Nice!

 

I have often wondered about going digital, rack effects, amp modellers (kemper etc), easier than stomping on three pedals just before a solo (and again when you need to go back to rhythm playing)!!!!

 

I guess they've come along way since the started, but I also just really like the organic/anolouge sound.

 

Just don't know if I can justify the expense as I'm not gigging...

Edited March 29, 2019 by Koldov

[jinnantonnixx]

Nice!

 

I have often wondered about going digital, rack effects, amp modellers (kemper etc), easier than stomping on three pedals just before a solo (and again when you need to go back to rhythm playing)!!!!

 

I guess they've come along way since the started, but I also just really like the organic/anolouge sound.

 

Just don't know if I can justify the expense as I'm not gigging...

 

Ironically, you can get a more valve-like sound with modern digital effects than with analogue effects. The software adds the correct harmonics, the analogue pedals can't do that without a real valve.

 

I've tried software plugins like LePou guitar stack VSTs, but the latency always throws me. I use a Digitech RP pedal (with cabinet modelling switched on) or a Roland Cube's line-out into an Alesis IO2 interface with variable direct monitoring. This way there's zero latency. Reverb and echos are added during mixing; I never bake them in to the recorded sound.

[Bagpuss66]

Nice!

 

I have often wondered about going digital, rack effects, amp modellers (kemper etc), easier than stomping on three pedals just before a solo (and again when you need to go back to rhythm playing)!!!!

 

I guess they've come along way since the started, but I also just really like the organic/anolouge sound.

 

Just don't know if I can justify the expense as I'm not gigging...

I had a Kemper for about two years, excellent piece of kit. And then I sold it as I wasn't playing live and was using Cubase with plugins on my home studio setup.

My friend was selling a Blackstar 60-HT so I bought that off him with the view of starting a band as I've not played in one for about 7 years due to kids!

I wished I'd kept the Kemper as recently my old Thrash metal band from 30 years ago have reformed and after a few rehearsals trying to lift the Blackstar which is a ton weight I regret selling it!

Recently theother guitarist turned up with one of these https://voxamps.com/MV50HighGain

I was shocked! 50 watts of power through the studio 4 x 12 sounded as good as any amp I've used.

I've picked one up for the sake of my back!!

[Koldov]

Actually almost managed to get a band going!

 

Another guitarist, bassist and drummer (for 2 whole rehearsals)!

 

Still can't find a decent rock vocalist though so its all fallen a bit flat again...

 

Anyway, one of the rehearsals the guitarist turned up with an Orange Micro Terror! He only played it through a 2x12, but it kept up with the drums and I'm sure it would handle a reasonably sized pub/club gig.

[MrBitey]

Actually almost managed to get a band going!

 

Another guitarist, bassist and drummer (for 2 whole rehearsals)!

 

Still can't find a decent rock vocalist though so its all fallen a bit flat again...

 

Anyway, one of the rehearsals the guitarist turned up with an Orange Micro Terror! He only played it through a 2x12, but it kept up with the drums and I'm sure it would handle a reasonably sized pub/club gig.

Totally with the original poster on being a 40 something musician in IT. I have played in bands in the past and love writing/recording/publishing my own stuff. I have been trying to get something new together but it's increasingly hard to find folks to play with in my age range who have free time. I am in Brighton and like alt/indie/surf/instrumental rock if anyone is interested...