Question:
So my band started up a few weeks ago... And we've had one practice . Not good. We don't really have a main leader, I suppose you could say, but, if there was one, I'd say it'd be me and the male vocalist together, as we had the idea to start... Well, technically, I had the idea to start, but he and I did it together and so on.
So, now, our drummer, behind our backs, without consulting anyone, and without even discussing if we need another player yet, asked another person (Male lead vocalist's best friend) if he would be interested in playing bass for us... She didn't ask him to join, but said that, if he was interested, she'd talk to us. How do I know this if she didn't tell me? She Myspace messaged him, and I randomly checked our Myspace, saw the new message, and read it. I logged on today, and found she deleted it... Not cool. She's being sneaky about this, and I don't like it... First off, I have no idea if the guy's any good at bass. None of us know. Second, it seems like a poor idea to add another member when we've only had one practice, and we have trouble with scheduling as it is... And, third, I don't like that she, when she didn't even ask us, asked him if he was interested.
I don't really know what to do. I've decided I'll wait 'till she says something about it, then go from there. But what leadership should we set up? Should there be some sort of leadership at all? It's almost chaos right now... We have nothing set up, no guidelines, no charters, etc. We only have a broad main goal: To glorify God. Please help me out. I don't know what we should do... Should I (I suppose it'd have to be me, as, originally, I asked everyone to join) figure something out, or what? I'm open to any suggestions.
Answer:
First off, i would say don't wait until she says something. If you're going to be in a group, you need to act like a group. As for not having a leader, step up and take some action. Talk through it with your drummer (nicely) and bass player, and see whats going on. There may very well be details that you don't know and you might be making it out to more than it is. They may not be sneaking around at all. Assumptions can cause more grief than anything. And if a conflict does arise, keep your head on straight and work it out. Good luck
Adam
Answer:
She wants to have a four-way call with the whole band tonight, so I'm assuming it's about that... Bleh. I dunno if I'm overreacting. I do that a lot. I have a history of it, so I'm trying not to overreact, possibly resulting in wimpy/no action. Gah! Why must I be so confused?
By the way, how would I "step up and take action" on the lack of leadership? I'd be willing, though I know it'd be a pain in the butt... I don't want to come across as just being power-hungry and junk.
Answer:
Hey man....is your band a worship band....I'm guessing it is....cause of your goal ....but asking for clarification.....but I think you do need a leader especially in a youth band otherwise there is no organization and if you have one you guys will be twice as good....so talk to the band about having a leader....
Answer:
It's sort of a worship band. I think we'll do both worship songs and non-worship songs. We don't have a genre yet . I don't mean leader like singer + instrument, I just mean someone who handles the issues with the band and stuff.
Answer:
I know what you mean...if you guys are just starting up I recommend you guys designate someone to lead the songs and stuff and to organize it...you guys will be twice as good...I just wish my youth band did that a while back....
Answer:
well, first of all, don't make a big deal out of the whole bassist issue.
I have been in a few bands, and I will tell ya something: keep the relationship with your bandmates as friends first and bandmates second. If oyu come together as friends and enjoy each others company then it will make it a lot easier to play together.
ALso, with my experience, a leader is big trouble. I mean a esignated leader. it is okay fro you to get on the ir cases if they are goofing of, but practicing comes first.
need any advice then ask me, I am a ban dguy... I know what it is like to play in a lot of bands... I ma on my third ad may be starting a new one...
Answer:
Originally Posted by DaGeek We only have a broad main goal: To glorify God. And therein lies your problem. A bad bassist can still glorify God. If that's your only goal, then you have no reason to worry. Obviously, that's not your only goal. You'd also like to have a good-sounding band that is serious about their music. This goal needs to be voiced (by you) and agreed on (by the others). If you never made it clear that that was your goal, there is nothing wrong with the other band members looking for other people to play with. They're perfectly in line with your defined goal. I think your friend probably assumed the band was just a fun sort of thing and that, therefore, there was no reason to worry about auditioning or agreeing to let someone join, but rather it was ok to just invite other people to play. Maybe she should have asked first, but you also should make your goals clearer.
Answer:
Well, having a big headed egotistical leader is one thing...
But having someone that actively tries to organize practices, and is the person that other members can go to lay down the schedule is somehting entirely different. Leadership doesn't have to mean one sole leader of the band, it can also mean delegating responsibility for who does what. If I were you, Paul, I'd create a list of band responsibilities, and try putting together a list of what people are in charge of.
If you're trying to find a bassist, then just meet, and talk it through with the other members of the band. If there are objections, work it out as a team, that's what a band is, a team.
Answer:
We had a four-way phone call today, and we got some stuff worked out, hallelujah, heh. We're gonna hold off on the extra member thing for a few practices, at least, and the lead male vocalist and I are gonna switch off organizing practices and such. More to figure out, but I think we're practicing on Wednesday, w00t
Answer:
Originally Posted by DaGeek We had a four-way phone call today, and we got some stuff worked out, hallelujah, heh. We're gonna hold off on the extra member thing for a few practices, at least, and the lead male vocalist and I are gonna switch off organizing practices and such. More to figure out, but I think we're practicing on Wednesday, w00t
sweet....rock on...