Band Problems
 

What makes some band members cause rifts within their band? Why is it so common? Is it to do with personality conflicts and big egos? I know drugs and alcohol can play a big part but I'm interested to hear from members here who've been in or are currently in a band. It doesn't seem to make a difference whether a band is super famous or underground, there's always a band around that has problems with one or more artists. Obviously not all bands though.

What makes some bands work well and other ones fall apart? Do you think bands can maintain their image if they lose a big player like a guitarist or vocalist? What is the key ingredient to a band that will last the distance?

I really appreciate your thoughts on the subject.

Never been in a band, but id imagine it's pretty hard to find 3+ other people that have the same aspirations in both the sound they want to create as well as just generally in life.

If I knew how to play any instrument, I'd probably just roll solo. So I could just do whatever the fuck I want.

Yes, that happens

Yes, that happens also

All bands have issues. Some just handle it better than others


(1) Chemistry
(2) Everybody's wants, needs, and goals are all roughly the same
(3 most important) The memberes REALLY DO like - and respect - each other, despite their differences

It depends on the amount of "weight" that was attributed to the departed member in the public eye.

First and foremost is splitting everything monetarily evenly. Even if you were signed to a major label, most of the money is in the songwriting and publishing: bands that have stood the test of time with little or no lineup changes are the ones that divided payroll evenly, even if the songwriting was attributed to one or two people. R.E.M. , U2, and Queen are perfect examples of groups that divided all royalties evenly despite who actually wrote what. Metallica also did this all the way up to the loss of Cliff Burton, in which subsequent bass players are more viewed as "hired employees" although they are photographed as actual members....this trickles all the way down to cover bands playing pubs and clubs.

There are exception

The second thing is make sure you LIKE the people you are playing with - that you actually enjoy their company

The third thing is to remember that conflict isnt always necessarily a bad thing: sometimes the rollercoaster ride is what strengthens the comraderie of band mates...It can also help write songs and even enhance performances...the important thing is to never let the audience/fans know there is a problem

If someone quits and talks **** about you in public, be the bigger person and dont talk smack back.


One last piece of advice and one that was given to me a long time ago that was the best advice I ever got:

Q: Are you a musician and want to have a band do what you want them to do?
A: LEARN HOW TO SING --- become the lead vocalist. Take lessons if need be. For original bands: A vocalist/instrumentalist (especially a lead vocalist/instrumentalist) is what carries the weight in the public-eye -- BECOME THAT GUY...In cover bands, this is an especially excellent trait that will aid you in getting picked in audition over someone that doesnt sing. Learning how to sing harmony as well will put you over the top

Like any band, vocals are as much about sales as it is talent --- An OK singer that can sell what they do will always go over better than an excellent vocalist that cant sell it


Good Luck

It's all about having fun and not being so serious about everything.

There's nothing worse than becoming a frustrated musician.

Most all of your small time cover bands are always on the verge of breaking up. That's just a part of the game you eventually get used to.

I've never been in a band, but I know there are situations in life that could be close to what it's like (sort of like presenting with a group for history class or something). I imagine it's got a lot to do with the vision not being clear within the group as a whole. One member could want something, but another wants something different. And instead of coming to an agreement, there's just this awkward "we'll just do it this way" attitude and it seems to always lead to the downfall. Another part of it is some people just dont know how to have fun and chill with friends without expecting something big to happen. There's been so much put into people's heads that lead them to believe that anybody can be big in one night, and that makes them forget that it needs to take time and patience. I don't know, just my thought.

Some bands just have a shorter shelf life than others.

If I was a musician I wouldn't want to play with the same few people for years and years on end playing the same few songs over and over.
But if I was making a fortune doing it I'm sure I could be persuaded to do it for longer.

I think in a lot of bands after a while, certain members take on roles like songwriter or lead singer or lyricist, and when another member tries to contribute in what the they view as their niche, his creative input is shunned, which results in a schism.

I was in a cover band that separated a few months ago, principally because the bassist/vocalist and myself left. The other three guys never wanted to do anyything different. Now keep in mind, this was a bunch of high school kids ages 14-16 (I was the youngest), who played one paid gig. A school dance.

I've been in a few bands, and the one thing that really got me to want to quit was unprofessionalism. I mean, if I'm gonna spend 30+ years practicing, tons of money on equipment, and sacrifice quite few things in my personal life, I expect the people I'm playing with to have the same pride in the finished product as I do. Whether the finished product is a recorded song or a live set list, if you continually have to ask me how to play something (don't do you homework), or have to spend 20 minutes tuning your instrument between songs (live, and/or at practice), I have no time for you. Being obnoxious and drunk, or hopped up on some kind of goofballs doesn't help either. Other than that, I'm really easy to get along with and will make compromises if needed for the good of the band. I've seen ego's rip bands apart quite a few times as well. Someone that wants/needs full control over setlists, band members, etc. will have me walking away and not looking back. Their needs to be not just a chemistry, but a team effort. A lot of people can't even grasp the concept of a team of talented people that make the necessary decisions that will help them reach an ultimate goal. That goes for other life situations, not just a band.

I'm probably done with being in bands though. Their's just too little of a payoff for all the work involved. However, I do want to seriously go get my busking license, and do my one man show thing downtown here in Chi-Town. I've seen quite a few really good artists make a decent living doing just that. Making music at home, and throwing it out there on the intenets is also satisfying too.

Hope I shed a bit of light on this for you 'Niller.

It's very tough to find a group of people that:

Want to play similar music
Want to play the same number of gigs
Grow together and continue to want to play the same kind of music
Are able to put ego aside and not be the alpha dog at all times
Don't care that the singer is getting all the girls

Chemistry is a lot, as well as dedication. My group has two very dedicated members including myself and were also best friends so that helps a lot. Spending enough time with most anyone will cause you to notice things about their personality that's below the surface, and that pushes some bands to split when they can't handle seeing the other side of their bandmates. Ideally my group plays in a democratic fashion since we play free improvisation, but sometimes I feel I have to take the reins and toss some guidance out there. I think that communication is key too because if my taking over bothered someone and they didn't tell me (not that this is the case since we've discussed it) I would keep doing it because I wouldn't be aware of the other players' resentment. That resentment can build and the sound suffers as a result. Just don't be *******s to account for any of these things.

And Plank, I didn't know you needed a license for busking. The laws may be different out there but I busk all the time by grocery stores, beaches, and around my campus an I've never had any issues. It's a lot of fun and a good way to meet other musicians.