You know, in my experience as a performer, then studio engineer, then live sound engineer, I’ve been around music my whole life. I have some thoughts on what makes a band or a cappella group good, great , and excellent. Now this is just my opinion. You may disagree, you may think I’m right. But either way, maybe you will take away one thought or idea that makes your musical career or hobby just a little better.
First, let’s be honest. If you could assemble the most talented singers or players into one band, would they all have the same goal in music? Would they be at different stages in adult life and not be able to take the chances needed for success? Do they have a family and can’t go on the road touring? Are they too young and not mature enough to handle the life or music of what you are trying to accomplish? We all want to perform and make music with the best in the business, but usually it’s the life issues that prevent that, right? Some groups seek out less accomplished musicians just so they can get dedicated members. That works! But then it takes a lot more determination and work to overcome the musical shortcomings of the less musical members. Unfortunately, I’m pointing out the truth of almost every band out there.
I’ve come up with an idea that possibly fixes most of these issues. I own Sonic Audio. It’s a small recording studio with a small, but dedicated list of clients. We work hard and make sure to personally connect with every client. My Facebook friends list is huge all because I have thousands of friends, true friends, through running my business this way. I like it that way! What I noticed is that individuals would come through the studio recording with their bands of groups and would have a few really talented people in each group. None of which sang together, and some that didn’t even know each other. I had the idea to ask each one if they were interested in doing another musical group if I put one together. Every one of them said yes! So I planned a meeting and we talked about the possibilities. I was the only one who knew the talent of each new member. They were amazed when we started to learn music how amazing everyone was. The eyes were wide with amazement when each voice was perfectly in tune and in time the first run of a song. Wow! Plus each person came knowing their music. I made sure that I chose the most talented people, but also the singers with the best work ethic. How did I know? Because they were the only musicians that came into the studio sessions knowing their music down cold.
Now, here we are! The group is called Urban Method http://urbanmethod.us. We learn music quickly and sing it correctly after one or two tries. We focus on the style of what we are doing and how our creativity will reach the audience. It is truly the most enjoyable musical experience of my life!
So, how does that translate to you? I urge you to contact a recording studio engineer in your area, preferably someone you know. Contact a sound company that mixes a lot of bands that play the music you like. If you don’t know someone, then book some studio time with someone you respect. Urge them to help you find other band mates in your area that fit into your level of musicianship. I know they will love to help because they will enjoy putting together a kick butt group of musicians that can really play. The studio guy or sound equipment owner are in the business because they most likely love music. Tap into that and exploit that for your benefit and theirs and start a new successful band.
Or, call me. I know people that might work well with you!
Tony