If you have a couple of minutes, I need some advice

[KeithStevens]

I've always just loved playing, but I haven't been in a real band for decades. I want to work in an original music band and get something started, but I'd like some advice on what to put up as a sort of calling card.

The problem is I'm really self-critical, so there's always something I want to improve or do differently, so I resolved to just hit the record button when I practice and just kind of go with it.

So I started this soundcloud account some time ago and have been adding an pruning here and there. I have pretty varied interests, so I wanted it to have some breadth.

I've typically been a backup singer, but have been working on improving that ability, but well, you'll see. Anyway, any advice on what should stay or go or adding something else would be much appreciated.

Anyway, thanks in advance if you feel like having a listen. My amp collection sounds good at least!

http://soundcloud.com/keithstevens

[Gibsonman63]

Every band is a sum of the players. When you start playing with others again, it will effect your playing and if you are lucky, your writing as well. I hear no problem with starting with what you have now, so I am not sure what you are looking for in terms of a "calling card". You will want to make more recordings later anyway when you have bandmates. Band chemistry can be hard to find, so there is not time like the present to start looking.

For singing, an impassioned performance trumps perfect technique every time so relax and don't sweat it. Concentrate more on putting the emotion into the track. It is much easier to put your heart into a rock song when you have a drummer and bass player pushing you to your limit.

[lyman]

I agree with what Gibsonman63 said.

I recently went through a similar thing. Had been away from playing out/gigging for a few years, except a handful of shows as a sideman, and I wanted to get back to doing my own stuff.

Long story short, I decided to follow through with my plans - picked out a bunch of songs, found some like-minded musicians, and recorded an album. So now we're getting a couple sets worth of material together and will hopefully play out before long.

The catalyst to this happening was just letting go of my insecurities, realizing that things are what they are, and trying to be confident with what I do. That's a huge part of playing out - people will see right through you if you don't really believe in yourself.

Like you, I would never have called myself a singer. But I've worked on it, picked up a few basic tips on technique, and just went for it. Going through my music collection, I realized that a LOT of the bands/artists I really like are NOT the best singers. If they can do it, why not me? Oh yeah, because I had convinced myself that I couldn't.

Good luck.

[Sonny ReVerb]

I've never tried to be a singer, but I always thought if guys like Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, and Neil Young could do it...???

[Gibsonman63]

I have been cursed with knowing all the words, which made me have to sing be default.

[rsalinger]

I've never tried to be a singer, but I always thought if guys like Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, and Neil Young could do it...???

Joe Cocker is one of my all time favourite vocalists... him and Janis.

Rob

[tubeswell]

I've typically been a backup singer, but have been working on improving that ability, but well, you'll see. Anyway, any advice on what should stay or go or adding something else would be much appreciated.

Hi Keith - like you I do better as a backup singer. After years of playing music in bands I finally took some lessons from a professional singing teacher a couple of years ago and she sent me these tips as part of the lessons. Don't know if these are much use to you without the actual lessons, but a lot of the control in singing is in the breathing. And its not simply a matter of filling your chest up with air - in order to sustain long notes in pitch without your voicebox crapping out, you've got to use your diaphragm to suck the air down into the back of your lungs - its easier said than done. Anyway that's just all 2CW. Keep up the good work - Pete