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Joined: Apr 2004
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Hey again,
One more post that I definitely need advice on. I am an R&B/Pop artist, and generally, need the production of full backing tracks when I am performing live. Is performing live look at "to each his/her own", and it doesn't matter whether I have a band or not? Or is having a band, or at least some backing musicians, a plus? I've heard some people say that just singing to track is like Karaoke, but if I can put on a great show, and it is original material, is that ok?
I do not play guitar or piano, but I've been told I write great songs, and I do not want my inability to play instruments to hinder my chances at performing. I want to do college shows, fairs, festivals, and grand openings for stores (clubs up here prefer major artists, or big rock bands, so that's mostly out).
Again, any advice or insight would be appreciated.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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Jared, just my opinions, 'kay?
I do perform solo and with a band. One reason I write mostly country music is it *can* be performed okay either solo or with a band; not many genres have that flexibility (blues does, though). I try to write most of my stuff so it can be performed either solo or with a band.
I have seen people who perform music (usually rock) to backing tracks, and it always bothered mea little--probably just a personal preference (I insist on playing without props). I did run into one guy, though, who had one of these miniature on-the fly recorders, and knew how to use it; he'd start off playing a basic rhythm track, record a stanza or two of it, then play it and add a second guitar track, then a bass track--talking to and making eye contact with the audience the whole time--and then launch into the song, playing lead to what he'd recorded. *That* was fascinating to watch. Bet it took a lot of practice.
Joe
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Joined: Apr 2004
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Cool. I appreciate the story. Was the guy who played to backing tracks not engaging enough? Because I would assume you need to be twice as engaging if you had backing tracks than you would if you played with a band. And do you pay your band??
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Joined: Feb 2008
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Jared I know where you're coming from. Putting a full band together is time consuming and costly and if you're mainly a writer/producer/singer you probably want to spend your energies doing what you do best. Plus if you do get a band together then you have to suply charts and arrangements, practise space, and pizza and beer when you practise.
I think with your style of urban R&B, singing in front of backing tracks is more accepted than say rock, country, jazz etc. One of the things I have seen artists similar to you do is add one complimentary live player like a sax or trumpet, maybe even bass or hand drums. That one live player adds energy to your live performance and usually the horn players can improvise around what you are doing without much practise or sheet music. If its bass or guitar they can learn the parts from what you have already created and just remove those tracks when you do a gig.
You have some good stuff, best of luck to you
John
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Joined: Nov 2006
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Well I sing live to backing tracks as a one man show and I also perform with a band....mostly covers in both cases..... cause that is what people want. I prefer working with a band...BUT..the pay is better as a solo performer and few places can afoord 5 pircr bands nowadays. As long as it is music and I get paid I do not mind what I do....it beats flipping burgers.
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John, I appreciate the feedback and encouragement bro. That is a great idea, to just add one, or even two live people in addition to backing tracks. I'm gonna find one or two people who are devoted, have the time, and not just worried about being paid. Of course they will get paid if I do, but like you know, I'm gonna have to play many free gigs before I get the nod to get paid.
Also checked out your site, how's Broadjam doing for you? I'm thinking about joining when I get the cash.
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Good point Big Jim. People do enjoy covers. I plan on putting 3 or 4 into my set of originals. How do you go about getting your gigs?
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Joined: May 2006
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IMHO - karaoke, however what I think doesn't matter. It is the person booking the shows you wish to do that counts. Here in the tourist areas of Florida, many musicians use backing tracks (in addition to their own guitar usually), because nobody will pay them enough for a band. The audience rarely cares where all those horn sounds are coming from - they just listen.
So do a market survey - ask the show promoters if they will book you with or without a band.
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Thank Colin. And ironically a friend of mine put a bug in my ear about moving down to Florida. I've been researching a bit, but my wife thinks it's too hot.
I definitely appreciate you sharing the info with me. It is encouraging.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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Jared, these are all good suggestions. Having one accompanist--ideally, one who can be a Lead Instrument--is a great idea. You can sometimes generate the feel of a full band without necessarily having one.
As far as me goes, if the band does a paying gig, we split the money equally--I insist on it. We do a number of benefits--I think the bass player and drummer like those best (but of course, they have day jobs). The benefits definitely get you more notoriety, and are (hop0efully) a ticket to paying gigs later.
The way I minimize the need for practice is to give everybody in the band CDs with the songs on the setlist in order, in the style and tempo they'll be played at the gig. (I have recording capability. I can do this. it's easy.) Then they can listen to them, or play around with them, at their leisure. It helps that the guys in the band are really good, but we've rarely had to get together more than twice to practice for a 2-hour show.
Lots of luck.
Joe
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Also checked out your site, how's Broadjam doing for you? I'm thinking about joining when I get the cash.
I'm ok with BJ. I wish I could afford me own design but that's another story! they've got an easy, quick package for web hosting that looks pretty good and that's mainly what I use them for. you get a ton of upload content and it's all you without a bunch of banners flying around. They recently upgraded the licensing submittal process with some cool feature, but the inital ranking is still done on a peer basis which drives me crazy. I think Taxi is still a better licensing source than BJ If you do sign up with them use Mozilla for browsing. I have problems when I try to upload using Explorer
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Joined: Sep 2007
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Hey Jared,
The way I see it, it all comes down to how good you pull off your show. I don't care if people call it karaoke or not, if it's great entertainment, it will fly.
Just beware of those backing tracks...they just don't listen. I remember trying it way back in '85 playing live guitar and singing with a cassette tape of myself on harmony and piano. I lost my monitor at one point and completely effed it up.
Good luck!
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Joined: May 2001
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Personally I am not a fan of backing tracks in live situations. However, it does seem to be that a good percentage of acts these days adopt it. As with everything there are pros and cons. The obvious pros of backing tracks are that they are cost effective, easy set up and minimal amount of equipment and no band split due to musical differences and the bassist stays sober (usually).
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Joined: Apr 2004
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That's cool Joe. I began putting together a database of musicians around the area, and their availability, and I hope to share it with other artists around this area. But I have three guitarists who are my friends, that hopefully if their schedule permits (because some work retail, not too many with set 9-5s), hopefully we can get that goin.
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LOL Mark. Thankfully these days we have MP3, and apple computers to play our stuff. But you're right, one malfunction could mess stuff up quick.. I'll be sure to bring backup!
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Good point Nigel, many pros. I'm feeling more comfortable with going that route so thank you for the response.
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Jared, I did that both in Eastern Oregon and southern Oregon 9my last two out-of-town jobs). I had gotten to know some very good musicians who were familiar with my stuff and were willing and available to be "Joe's band" when the need happened. Worked well, since we were all busy people. I still utilize 'em; when the local PBS affiliate in Ashland (OR) wanted to do two half-hour shows of my music, all I had to do was make a couple of phone calls.
Here on the Coast, our band want to stay together and play together. I'm comfortable with that. They are *really* good. We've been doing on average a concert a month, plus working on the album.
Joe
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So all consensus is, it is okay to perform live with backing tracks, especially since my genre works well with it, but adding one or two live elements will enhance the show tremendously. Great! Thank you for all the comments, and feedback.
Now for deciding with equipment to buy....
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Joined: Nov 2006
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Hi Jared there is a tech forum and over the years there have been loads of threads on equip. I am sure if you post a question there you will get lots of help and advice.
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I'm not a fan of backing tracks when I pay to see a live performance.m...however, I don't play well enough muself to do without one, so I wouldn't down the effort. I think what type of goal should be your biggest lead...if you are a vocal artist...I don't think folks would mind it so much for R&B, as long as you have good music and good vocals...so be sure you put on a good show..also, the venue would probably be the better decision maker, you can't always fit a 5 pc. Band where you may play, so possibly building on those smaller, more intimate venues to build a fan base, move onto larger venues with another live person, or two. Whatever you do, realize that the space behind you needs to look like it's housing the max for the listeners enjoyment, it's amazing how visual fullness affects the hearing and satisfaction.
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Jared,
MAB here. Just a note from the "Nashville side' which is not applicable to all other areas. This town is known for a pure song, guitar or keyboard and vocals. Works on all writer's nights, open mics and most situations here. Karaoke tracks are frowned on because it comes off manufactured and "Vegassy." Kind of like the bad "Bill Murry" Character of the lounge lizard singer on Saturday Night Live in the 70's. Kind of a characature of everything superficial in the music business. But it always depends on your venue. If you have the kind of crowd that is used to that sort of thing, you should do it and do it great. In a smaller venue, it would be worth your money to hire a guitar player and keyboard player and do it as live as you can.
My two cents.
MAB
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I'm with Marc on this one. I'm pretty much a snob/purist when it comes to playing solo. If I can't pull it off with with guitar/voice/ harmonica/ &"charm', I won't bother, but thats me. Whatever works for you, more power to ya! I'm one of the few solo acts in my town that still resists using loop pedals/ sequencers/drum macines ect. I also disdain people that prop lyric sheets and music stands in front of them, or use set lists. Once again, just me. Whatever keeps you from digging ditches, have at it! {P.S, God bless Nashville}
Last edited by Bob Cushing; 11/03/09 06:24 PM.
bc
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You cannot beat winging it with a real live band......no set list and playing anything that is asked.....I love it and whenever I get the chance I am up for it, however in my area there is no living to be made doing it and very little demand for original bands to make any money so you have to compromise to make a living as a pro. That means, covers, set lists and singing solo to backing tracks. Not perfect but I stll get a buzz and a living performing.
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Wow, everyone is posting some real good stuff...when I do start performing, I will be sure to post a video so you all can see how it's going. I'm about to contact a guitar friend of mine to see his availability. In this day and age though, jobs are always changing, and people's obligations are constantly changing. I guess I could always have two or three guitarists who know my material on call. But I am so self-reliant. I want to be able to commit to a show, and know exactly what I'm doing...not have to wait and see who is available for me.
In that right, I truly appreciate everyone (Bob, Big Jim, Marc, Caroline), and everyone else above who mentioned whatever works best for me is what I should do.
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"If one man can do it, any man can do it. It is true. But the real question is, if one man did it, are you willing to do what it takes to do it as well?" –Brian Austin Whitney
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