Band member Advice

smoggy11

Hey.

I'm a drummer in a wee start-up covers band. Got asked by my mate Stephen to come along to a practice, and I was asked to join. Anyways, I just figured it'd fill the time and be fun.

There are now five people in the band - Stephen on vocals, me on drums, two guitarists, and my girlfriend Aine on backing vocals.

Problem is... Stephen is rotten as a singer, whereas Aine is an accomplished singer. But Stephen has a HUGE ego, and makes sure she's always doing backing vocals, as well as trying to sing over her.

Problem is if we go on stage with Stephen singing, we'll be booed off the stage. He's terrible. Ideally, Aine would take over vocals completely. But I'd even settle for Stephen doing a few songs that he can struggle through, and leave most of them for Aine.

But I don't know how close Stephen is to the other guitarists, or exactly what they think. Any ideas on how to approach this?

JustAddWater

make a recording at a rehearsal session, then play it back as a group.

It'll be bound to come up then in group topic and you can discuss it as a band. Way less arkward. If you notice it the others prob do do but don't want to say anything

Captain Iggy

Honesty and communication are ESSENTIAL for a band not to be a nightmare.

You must suck it up and ask the guitarists what they honestly think. If they agree, approach him as a group.

You must say to him that you think he's a ****e singer - do it as politely as you can. It may give him the push to take lessons or practice more. you mentioned you were starting up, so give it time, he will improve with practice.

You could also suggest that he and your gf could share vocal duties. You have to speak up EVERY time he tries to hog anything when you practice such songs.

If he's a good frontman (which has very little to do with being a good singer), you have to give him some room to express himself and come to the front. I don't think I'm being out of order when I say that a someone who can get a crowd going and into your stuff is often more effective and valuable than a great singer vocally - Just look at Punk. If your gf can do both, kick him out of the band lol.

Have all members develop their role. Take up new instruments, even if its just percussion stuff, tambourines, shakers etc. Take turns, Revolve, Experiment.

All the very best with the band man, remember to be honest always.

Hope this helps you in some way

This is

dont be intimidated by his ego. Just record the rehersal and say "do you like that?" to him.

then when he asks if you liked it say..

"it was way outta tune man. im sorry but i dunno if you can do this. dont take it personally its just some people cant sing and i know you really want2 do this but d 4 of us cant hear what we want to hear"

then say to everyone..."am i right?"

best of luck...oh n bring a weapon in case he flips out haha na im only kidding!!

rachel_123

smoggy11 wrote: »

Hey.

I'm a drummer in a wee start-up covers band. Got asked by my mate Stephen to come along to a practice, and I was asked to join. Anyways, I just figured it'd fill the time and be fun.

There are now five people in the band - Stephen on vocals, me on drums, two guitarists, and my girlfriend Aine on backing vocals.

Problem is... Stephen is rotten as a singer, whereas Aine is an accomplished singer. But Stephen has a HUGE ego, and makes sure she's always doing backing vocals, as well as trying to sing over her.

Problem is if we go on stage with Stephen singing, we'll be booed off the stage. He's terrible. Ideally, Aine would take over vocals completely. But I'd even settle for Stephen doing a few songs that he can struggle through, and leave most of them for Aine.

But I don't know how close Stephen is to the other guitarists, or exactly what they think. Any ideas on how to approach this?

just be honest, its for the good of the band!

KevLeppard

smoggy11 wrote: »

But Stephen has a HUGE ego, and makes sure she's always doing backing vocals, as well as trying to sing over her.

Think you just answered your own question there mate. If the guy has an ego, the sooner you get rid of him the better. Chances are the other members are also pissed off with him but no one is afraid to break the ice on raising their concerns. If you hang onto him, the whole thing will fall apart. Everyone will start to dread rehearsals.

Doesnt really matter about his singing abilities if the guy has an ego. Get rid of him, get in someone else (Aine or whoever) and only then will you start to enjoy playing with the band.

Let us know how you get on.