I was talking to a singer mate of mine this week about doing gigs together using backing tracking
On the plus side it would solve the problems trying to complete a band line up - usual difficulties looking for keys and bass players. It would be quick and easy to get sorted, plenty of gigs out there.
The downsides are that's it's more fun working in a full band and there are fewer "cool" gigs - becomes more like a job, but we wouldn't want to be out every week so we can afford to pick and choose.
Anyone here doing something similar?
Could we make it work with a rock or rock/blues theme? - most acts I know doing this end up with cheesy pop and that's fine but not us.
Comments
what I would recommend is keep it simple, don't use tracks but really work on how to make the songs you want to do significantly different and interesting using what you've got. If it's any good word will soon get round
If the singer doesn't play, consider a third band member - trios are a great way forward, I've been in one for two years.
I don't love it, but if I'm free I'll do it and it can be fun but cheating. Make more money than out with full band too.
But there seems to be to be a real shortage of good local bass player. Even I'm picking up a fair amount of dep work on bass.
So the next alternative while looking for someone might be a duo.
I do a bit of the acoustic stuff and work with a few acts but my harmonies are no where near good enough to gig with one acoustic and one lead singer imo.
Sounds like a similar approach to what I had in mind. Occasional gigs to fill the diary that can be very last minute.
What sort of material do you do? I was debating some rock related theme - highway to hell/living on a prayer/sweet child type stuff that would show off her vocals and have plenty of guitar.
also you have to really know the backing tracks. There's no letting the riff cycle around once more before coming in with the verse because you missed your cue.
my question would be : is there a market for it in the Rock and Blues genre? My guess is that those kinds of crowds expect a live band, not backing tracks.
The last point about whether there is a market market is a good one though and one of the reasons I asked to see if anyone was doing anything similar and how it worked.
I might sort a few tracks, try them in a rehearsal room rather than just at home and see what it feels like, then maybe do a couple of test gigs - there are loads of multi act gigs this summer I could jump into and do a half hour spot to test the reaction.
As I played acoustic and he sung vocals it was so easy to get around to venues, as there were no massive amps to lug about and most had a PA. Relying on everyone to turn up on time wasn't an issue as there were only 2 of us.
I don't like backing tracks and find them too impersonal, especially as when there's an instrument player there. I can see how they can work for a lone singer but nah. Not for me. Now I've no problem with a looper or harmoniser.
is it crazy how saying sentences backwards creates backwards sentences saying how crazy it is?
I think there's also something about being confident about engaging with an audience, if you are in a duo with backing tapes and are stood still and don't say anything then they might as well get a DJ.
I did it for 2 years, I played guitar, the lead singer played bass and I had the drums and keys on minidisk which is a robust format for this line of work. I didn't like it, it is fake, but the money was better than the 4 piece band I had come from
The key of a track shouldn't be am issue as you normally get the track as a midi file then mute the bits you don''t want and transpose it into any key you want ... then you midi out to a good sound module or keyboard and record the audio from that. Full on backing tracks with everything are more for Karaoke
These days I still play gigs as a duo \ trio or quartet but there's no backing it's all real and to be honest most good songs come across just fine with no drums or bass. Also with backing tracks the set may as well be laminated .. your tied to it. With 2 guitars you can take requests and just wing it ... that's the bit I love, the excitement of doing it on the spot
Find the balance of songs we enjoy they people know and take it from there. Try not to be too serious but sound good.
I've used minidisc in the past to cover keyboard parts - what is everyone using now? I could do I with my phone or an iPod but are there any good apps/software and controllers for starting songs?