General Music Chat

Ahem...Moving on from the current drama that has filled our beloved forum lately...


I'm developing a new band which seems destined to have at least three individual songwriters-and that leads to a few new questions (at least new to me):

*How willing would you be to re-arrange your pre-band material?

*How open would you be to suggestions from the other songwriters, regarding material that you've previously written, recorded and/or performed live?

*Would you be open to someone other than yourself doing vocal work on songs already established vocals (your own)?

*What about this: You've got three people who are all lyricists, and you've just jammed on some new musical ideas. How do you decide who writes the lyrics?

*Those same people have varied musical backgrounds. How do you maintain a creative balance-so that the "band" doesn't end up sounding like one person's work?

I don't know if these questions make sense, and I'd be glad to clarify...I'm sure I'll be adding a few more to this list, but in the meantime...What'cha think, folks?

For one, you're blessed to have so much talent at your fingertips. Let them know how much you appreciate their specific talents.WHat I would do is "visualize" the style of the lyrics that you want to use. Then go to the writer that seems to have the best grasp on that genre. Encourage their individuality so that they don't try to sound like on or the other band member. Use their individual talents in songwriting.

In the words of the late, great Harry Carey..."HOLY COW!". So many fantastic responses! I hadn't been on here for a little bit, and just came back on and... .

Thanks, everyone! I guess the biggest issue of all I'm dealing with is just waiting for it to happen and SEE what happens. Excited? Yep. Impatient? A little...

It's true that I have concerns-those irritating "previous experiences" that resulted in bruised ego and lessons learned... The failed democracies that were NEVER democracies...the rare chances to perform my ideas-as long as they were made to fit someone else's ideals...etc. etc.

I am over-analyzing it right now. Rick and I have discussed everything from band leadership to marketing to performance to songwriting...and even though we have varied tastes, we agree perfectly on nearly everything. Part of my nervous reaction comes from the fact that I've never had to deal with "myself" before! I know it sounds funny, but he and I think VERY similarly...
The bottom line is that I'm a pretty easy going guy-more than willing to compromise when the time comes...but I still want to ensure that this is MY band as well as Ricks' or anybody elses'. I'm excited to see this project go somewhere, but I have to know that it's in my best interest.
If we develop this, and six months down the road I realize that I'm nothing but a backup musician for one guy, I'll leave. It wasn't what I signed on for...then again, it could be that, six months from now, this band is exactly what I've been looking for...I guess I'll have to wait and see.

Leave the baggage at the door...

Check your ego at the door and remember that "the song is more important that any member". If you all work together to deliver whatever the song requires you all win.

Some songs come to you complete and some need help... allow other artists to help.

I've always written a good majority of the riffs and lyrics, with usually one member adding to the song to complete it. Things have always just worked out that way.

I've never had any disagreements about songwriting, but I've felt jealousy from certain members of the band. Funny thing is, the door was always open for them to contribute.

Whats the final product, Zeppe? You cant fret over the project until you know what the final product is sounding like.