Comments on: Going Solo

By: John Daly

John Daly — Sat, 16 May 2009 18:16:09 +0000

Wow, I can relate totally! I can afford to hire studio musicians, but for live performances it’s a little rough. If I had the money it would be a great thing to have a live band for all performances. I hate solo acoustic! I want to ROCK! Anyway, I feel better about performing with no vox cds (of my music), than with musicians that play your songs half ass because they’re not being paid.

Thanks for this subject!

John

By: Rahshad

Rahshad — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:47:58 +0000

I think your article was great. I too have found being in bands a love hate relationship. I love the music and I love the musicians. I hate the egos clashing, and the desire to relive other musicians lives by performing only covers just for the sake of the ability to work. I don’t understand this mentality, how can you be unique playing someone elses hits who is dead or living, but not attempting to make your own. Who wants to be that guy gal or group that sounds like so and so. I know that we have a limited time on this earth to document our selves. So we should be about the business of striving to be original in our day and time! Let the world enjoy our music when we are gone instead of being nameless and faceless! I use band members as needed when there is a budget and work this works much better for me.

By: "PHUNKPLAYAH"

"PHUNKPLAYAH" — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:42:31 +0000

I know exactly what you mean and how you feel. And this is coming from an “OL Skool” musician that put up a fight against sequencing, but I have seen the light and approach in what I thought was a totally different way until reading your article. I have my sequences in parts for flexibility and everything is fine but I live in fear at times. I am not all that techical and I’m a former drummer (which really kept me out the tech loop). Now I have to know about PA’s….keyboards….mikes etc. So far so good but I just played with a band (with my sequences) recently taping a tv show and I have to say…..something sparked after being happy solo for 4 years. Now I’m torn between the two.
Also I need some help (technically) with my Yamaha Motif ES6. please contact me at PhunkNC@yahoo.com.
For a taste of my show…..go to http://www.bandmix.com/phunkplayah
Everything is live….no overdubs…..even the background vocals……live!!!!
Peace

By: Daniel Warren

Daniel Warren — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:51:15 +0000

Going solo has it’s benefits and liabilities.

Gear can solve some problems certainly, however, it can’t solve the problem of content. Other musicians can bring talent, inspiration, etc… but not without management will the result be an improvement. There is no quick fix, no magic box. Talent, if you posess it, will be evident if you don’t sabotage it’s presentation. Learn to play, learn to write, perform, and so on. Whatever you lack, try to address those concerns. Only then does technology or a synergy with others work.

By: Oleg Merkuriev

Oleg Merkuriev — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:33:26 +0000

I perform solo – playing guitar instrumentals along with backing tracks, which I launch from my laptop using MIDI foot pedalboard. Ableton Live software is the one you need – forget about 90’s era hardware loop-stations. I can turn on/off VST effect or automation can do this for me! Check my web http://www.olmerk.com and watch video clips of me perfoming live.

By: Dudley P Allen

Dudley P Allen — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:07:39 +0000

I too quit, way back in the late 80’s for many of these same reasons. You struggle for 30 yrs and finally land a tour in Europe as well as America,,, and the leader of the band walks out from the pressure… Back then this stuff wasn’t available. Or I might have just gone there. Being almost 60 now puts me out of the picture, although I really miss it. Now I have a child, 16, Tori Allen, that is solo and when her friends want to start a band, I get real nervous. She has mentioned this, that she wants to do this loop thing. She plays 5 instruments and this will work for her! Thanks for the heads-up!

By: Jeff F

Jeff F — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:33:32 +0000

This is a great article Nick.

I too am really kinda frustrated with trying to get everything and everyone on the same page, and am working towards going solo.

I am experiencing the same questions you were asking yourself, too. I love acoustic guitar music and the whole singer songwriter thing, but I am a much better songwriter and performer than a singer.

I have signed up for some music production classes using Ableton Live 7 and am really excited about the possibilities to come.

That’s a great idea to get your audience involved with the process. It really would add a memorable experience to those involved and watching.

Thanks for the article!