Slice of Life (Day Two): Searching for a Singer in the Band

(This is for the Slice of Life challenge, hosted by Two Writing Teachers. We write all through March, every day, about the small moments in the larger perspective … or is that the larger perspective in the smaller moments? You write, too.)

Last night, we auditioned another singer for our rock and roll band. It’s been quite a journey for the past 18 months, after our band dissembled on a night when the singer left and the bass player, whose house we used for practice, said he was calling it quits. In the past six months, we finally added an outstanding new bass player, and have been bringing in singers. Last night’s Voice was about the seventh singer we have tried out.

There has been a wide range of talent. From the young 20-year-old kid who never sang with a band, ever (and that was clear from the first song) to another whose tenor-bass blues voice was interesting but forced us to change the key of every song to another who brought a friend who really wanted to sing, too, (eh, no) to another who just didn’t have the range or endurance (we already have that in a singer – that’s me). The Voice last night had some range and experience, and projected a rocking stage presence (he has played with other bands), and now we need to mull over the intangible: personality mix.

Band, Hanging Out After Practice

We’re going bring him back for another round next week, and try to get a better sense. Putting together a band is tricky. It’s a mix of musical tastes, personalities, musical chops and the strange unknown of working creatively with a bunch of people. In our group, three of us have been making music together for nearly 20 years now.

That reminds me of this satire site I once created:

boy band thimble

We’re hoping to get a singer in place and get gigging again in the next year. We’ll see where we end up from here …

Peace (sounds like),
Kevin

 

15 Comments
  1. Personality mix is so important. I see this everywhere, especially in my everyday life at school: personality mix when the kids are collaborating on project work, or book club, or playing during recess. The personality seems to be able to make or break a situation. Good luck!!

  2. Creating a band is a production. Like any creative endeavor, you need to share a few foundational beliefs, yet leave room for the “strange unknown” so the creativity can grow. I like how you referred to the singer as the “Voice.” Good luck!

  3. Without a musical atom in my body, I have been lucky enough to enjoy the music of many bands of friends. I know the chemistry really has to be just right. I hope you find the recipe soon!

  4. Building a band is like creating a teaching team. You want variety, but you also have to “click”. I hope this singer really clicks with you.

  5. I love that you still make music and play in a band! Your endless passion for all things creative is such an inspiration to me. Record a track and let us hear this new singer : )

  6. I always wanted to be a singer in a rock and roll band. I practiced with my hair brush in hand as a kid and these days find me motoring down the highway each morning singing along when I actually have music on in the car. Alas, those dreams came to a halting crash the first time I heard my actual voice singing on a tape and I cringed. Yes, cringed. In my mind I sounded so much better.

    Good luck with the search.

  7. I restrict my singing to the shower and empty car; however, I admire your dedication to your craft! Can’t wait to hear clips of the “new” band.

  8. I know so little about creating a band, but do know creating a writing group has also had its ups and downs. Personalities do matter a lot, and with you all, it seems that the ‘new” person must feel comfortable in her or his own skin enough to join those of you who’ve been together a long time, and love the coming experience! Best wishes for the notes!

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