Frontman

joltinjeff · Post by **joltinjeff** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 1:52 pm

I was just wondering what do bands really look at when they are looking for a vocalist. Does age come into play? Are looks the most important thing or if a person can sing and none of the above apply?

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:01 pm

Voice is numero uno, because a band is only as good as its vocalist (unless of course, it's an instrumental band). For example, there's a band around here with some incredible players, but their vocalist is very sub-par. When I think of that band, the first thing that comes to my mind is "bad vocals!"

Stage presence and looks are important and anyone who thinks those two things aren't is fooling themself. A front person needs personality, even if they don't MC at all. Charisma is a premium trait, so if you have a cat that has it, you have something special.

DirtySanchez · Post by **DirtySanchez** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:30 pm

bassist_25 wrote:For example, there's a band around here with some incredible players, but their vocalist is very sub-par. When I think of that band, the first thing that comes to my mind is "bad vocals!"

It's okay Paul, You can just say it, but I do have stage PRESENTS........and Blood.

Good topic. I'm heading to a meeting, BRB.

joltinjeff · Post by **joltinjeff** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:41 pm

So if you were looking for a vocalist and was a little older and not the best looking thing, as long as they sang well you would give them a chance

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:03 pm

joltinjeff wrote:So if you were looking for a vocalist and was a little older and not the best looking thing, as long as they sang well you would give them a chance

I guess it comes down to what your goals are. If you just want to jam some tunes once in a while and play down at the local watering hole, then I don't think it's a big deal. However, if you're trying to make a serious go at music, then your front person has to be put together. They don't have to be a super model or anything, but a beer gut and shaggy unwashed hair just isn't going to cut it. I guess what I'm saying is that a front person should look presentable and that really has more to do with how they take care of themself rather than any genetic disposition to attractiveness. Age isn't a factor to me as long as the person takes care of themself. I've almost always played with cats significantly older than myself. I'm the youngest in my band with ten years between the next youngest member and myself.

RobTheDrummer · Post by **RobTheDrummer** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:08 pm

I don't think a frontman has to necessarily look good, but it does help. Has to be able to sing for sure! And it also depends on what kind of show, and what kind of style you play.

DirtySanchez · Post by **DirtySanchez** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:04 pm

If looks mattered these people would be fucked:

Alice Cooper
Lemmy
Mick Jagger
Meatloaf
Lyle Lovett
Bjork
Bob Dylan
Tom Petty
Wynona Judd
Tom Waits
Freddie Mercury
Amy Winehouse
Chino Moreno
The whole band Pink Floyd
And The Fugliest of them all:

Michael Jackson!

It's about ABILITY, ATTITUDE and CONFIDENCE!

joltinjeff · Post by **joltinjeff** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:07 pm

SO if a guy with a shitload of talent comes in and auditions for your band and he has a bit of a paunch you are not going to tell him he is not what you are looking for?

DirtySanchez · Post by **DirtySanchez** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:10 pm

I'm a 300 lb. Gorilla. I don't give a fuck if he has a tail and and 2 teeth, if he's got talent and charisma, go for it!

joltinjeff · Post by **joltinjeff** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:18 pm

Thanks sanchez.

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:33 pm

Again, it has little to do with how traditionally attractive somebody is from a Western concept of beauty. It has to do with the presence that someone conveys and how they present themselves. Sanchez, for instance, is a bigger cat, and he's a good frontman. He doesn't look like a slub. If someone has let themself go and looks like they don't care about their apperance, then yes, I would be hesitant to hire that person as a front. It's indicative of a lack of concern about things if someone can't shave once in a while or put on a shirt without pizza stains. It's something in the selection/hiring process of HR and I-O psychology called criterion validity. You can be bigger and look put together. You can be thin and look like a mess.

I don't know if you want an honest answer to a question or if you just have a confirmation bias and want someone to agree with what's in your head.

Bottom-line: You either jam with people and it clicks or it doesn't. Not every gig is right for every person. If someone doesn't hire you because you don't have the "right look," then it wasn't the right gig for you to begin with.

hicksjd9 · Post by **hicksjd9** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 6:32 pm

If you're not a closet homosexual that doesn't generally play well with others, look elsewhere. It's a requirement for front men.

Looks don't really matter unless you play some form of music that women go ape over. If you're really, really ugly, you can always cover your face up with a hockey mask or wear a funny hat. Lot's of people do that.

Vocal ability is desired, but not required.

Look at me, I've sang for bands that play out pretty much twice a weekend every weekend for the past 6 or 7 years and I can't sing for shit, I'm about 30 lbs overweight, and my sense of fashion involves 12 dollar who flung poo t-shirts from target, cargo shorts, mismatched socks, and 6-year-old tennis shoes.

So, there you go, just keep auditioning until someone gives you a chance. From there, you build a resume and continue to better yourself. It's like anything else in life. It takes a lot of work. If you are willing to work then you just need one person to believe in you and give you a chance. From that point on, it's up to you.

witchhunt · Post by **witchhunt** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 6:58 pm

Listen to DirtySanchez. Bassist_25 is just talking in circles again.

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 7:16 pm

witchhunt wrote:Bassist_25 is just talking in circles again.

Usually because I have to explain a point 10,348 times in 26 different languages for people to get what I usually think is a simple concept.

Would you hire this guy to front your band?

That's all I'm trying to get at.

JackANSI · Post by **JackANSI** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 7:20 pm

Optimus Prime would make a cool frontman.. wtf are you thinking

DirtySanchez · Post by **DirtySanchez** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 7:21 pm

Optimus Past his Prime!

hicksjd9 · Post by **hicksjd9** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 7:27 pm

lol @ optimus past his prime

rickster · Post by **rickster** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 7:52 pm

bassist_25 wrote:
witchhunt wrote:Bassist_25 is just talking in circles again.
Usually because I have to explain a point 10,348 times in 26 different languages for people to get what I usually think is a simple concept.

Would you hire this guy to front your band?

That's all I'm trying to get at.

WHy wouldnt you ?If he has it , he has it...look at jack black, chris farley, better yet,,..what is jack black's side kicks name in that pick of destiny movie;...That dude can front me..he looks like the guy in the picture...kinda

Id go see these guys too..

DirtySanchez · Post by **DirtySanchez** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 7:58 pm

Kyle Gass is The other half of Tenacious D.

I cannot see your pics.

rickster · Post by **rickster** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 8:04 pm

can anyone else see the pics?I see them on my pc...By the way, That last pic ...

Shane Patrick Lysaght MacGowan (born 25 December 1957) is an Irish musician and singer best known as the original singer and songwriter of The Pogues. His voice has been described by Jools Holland as a voice that touches the heart and soul

Killjingle · Post by **Killjingle** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 8:08 pm

For example, there's a band around here with some incredible players, but their vocalist is very sub-par

Im glad we figured out that was u Brian; I was nervous he meant me...

maybe he means when Bushy sings?

DirtySanchez · Post by **DirtySanchez** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 8:15 pm

Chad-lol

Rickster- Shane Mcgowan is the only one I see. It's prolly my computer here @ work.

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 8:18 pm

Bushy sings? How can he do that with his wild ginger hair flailing around everywhere?

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Frontman

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