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Has anyone ever done it? Would be interested in hearing some real world feedback.
Ive been in bands for years and done Ok. Always been the singer however last year I completely lost my voice. In fairness Ive never been much of a decent singer, I shout and sometimes its in tune but that has always gone with the sort of indie bands Ive been in. In fairness it worked quite well! However this leads me to my first issue - Im not sure I can "dial back" what little voice I have left in order for that to translate to a solo set. Im even considering taking singing lessons but probably wont wind up doing that!
My thought process is this. I dont really fancy the full band thing again but I'd like to do something at weekends again and could do with earning a little cash. I reckon I could get some different gig venues? Maybe more bars, cafes etc? The pub scene around our way is dead now - theres a few still doing well but they are very much classic rock orientated which I have zero intention of doing!
Anyways Im balbbering. give me a shout if youve tried it!
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Manchester based original indie band Random White:
https://www.facebook.com/RandomWhite
https://twitter.com/randomwhite1
There was a chap who used to sing at my FIL's care home. Did a nice job, came across well, would dance with an old lady if they wanted. I think he got £500 for a couple of sets in an afternoon. There's a chap I've met who does a solo or a duo doing ska stuff, not sure his guitar is even plugged in and the singing is dire. However, he does all the dressing up and banter and gets two or three gigs week in and out, some of which through an agency I've had band bookings through so I know they are about £300.
I think there is money in it but sorting out the right set list, decent sounding backing tracks through a portable PA and having the banter all seem more important than musical talent. Up the corner of a coffee shop playing for tips might be less onerous but not much money in it.
Manchester based original indie band Random White:
https://www.facebook.com/RandomWhite
https://twitter.com/randomwhite1
hmmmm a bit to think about, thanks guys. I think I might test the waters at some jam nights before I go any further with it. My only issue with that is Ive been to jam nights and seen people that are truly shocking go down well! I find it hard to trust the judgement of drunk people b ut I guess at the end of the day thats the audience so maybe Im being too picky!!!
Would also be interested to hear anyones advice on a small, portable, reasonably priced PA that one short person would be able to lift around as I guess thats one of the advantages of a band that Im going to lose!
I chose the 'naked' route because I'm not a fan of backing tracks (each to their own) but after years of lugging tons of gear around, which I still do for occasional band gigs, the thought of turning up at venues carrying no more than a quality acoustic guitar, with the PA often supplied by the venue, really appealed. There's not so much money in it but loads of enjoyment. Depends what you want really.
Just as a p.s. - The thing I found hardest at first was being the guy in the spotlight. After years of playing guitar in bands and adding just backing vocals I suddenly found that I was now the 'frontman' with nowhere to hide. It takes some getting used to.
My YouTube Channel
soundcloud.com/thecolourbox-1
youtube.com/@TheColourboxMusic
(formerly miserneil)
The thing I miss most with the solo gigs is the camaraderie with other band members or to be able to tip them the nod and say "cor, look at her!" Etc ;-)
(formerly miserneil)
I sing about 4 or 5 songs in the sets I do with one of my bands but it tends to be things like Town called Malice, Dekota, Parklife etc ... stuff that's not particular taxing or pitch critical. Your certainly right about the better performance in a loud live situation than at home, I can't sing quietly at all, I have to do it quite loud to get the pitch