The Song Fight Bulletin Board

QotD: Which do you prefer- being a solo artist or being a part of a band?

QotD: I much prefer being in a band. I like the camaraderie and the experience of performing in a group. One of my favorite musical experiences was when I played in a really big ensemble for Jonathan Mann's 1000th song-a-day song concert. I actually would really like to be in a big 10+ piece band, as I think so many people making music together really amplifies the experience both for the performers and the audience.

This is the only video I know of that has been posted from the show. This was the song of the day that day so it's one that didn't really get rehearsed and maybe isn't the best one from the set, but it was still fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTZiwiCx_DI

I definitely prefer working in a band, but I think I write better music as a solo artist. Having a band for group stuff and then the ability to do a solo set with that same band backing me would be ideal. Lots of bands work that way nowadays (Radiohead/Thom Yorke, Bird and the Bee/Obi Best/Inara George, etc.), and I keep on hoping that Spud and Maddog find the time to start Octothorpe back up. Hopefully we can find an actual drummer at some point.

A band for sure. I also love to collaborate for the same reason. It gives me and people I work with a chance to see other perspectives on an idea.
I also enjoy getting in the zone solo and creating music with every detail exactly to my design. I'm a particular kind of person and create well if I'm not bothered. When I can dive down deep and let my imagination go, I get a real feeling of relief and accomplishment.
I used to be a good lyricist, but I became too content in my life. It's no longer on the tip of my tongue. The only thing on the tip of my tongue these days is sarcasm and basic human desires, lol. If I want to write anything of substance, I have to get intoxicated and let myself back into the deep crevices of my heart soul and mind that I sealed shut years ago.

Billy's Little Trip wrote:I used to be a good lyricist, but I became too content in my life. It's no longer on the tip of my tongue. The only thing on the tip of my tongue these days is sarcasm and basic human desires, lol. If I want to write anything of substance, I have to get intoxicated and let myself back into the deep crevices of my heart soul and mind that I sealed shut years ago.

That is the deepest thing I have ever heard you say. wow.


I figured that most people would answer that it's better to be in a band but after doing all these SF:TR cards, I was beginning to wonder. There are so many solo projects in Songfight. I keep finding myself marveling at the ones who have full bands.

I think both have benefit. It is great to share the work and have people to bounce ideas off of. Look at all the great collaborations over time, Lennon/McCartney for example. Both the collaboration and the rivalry fueled some of the greatest music ever. However, being a solo artist allows you full reign. You don't have to make compromises and you don't have to find a shared vision with anyone. You just follow your muse.

I tend to seek out both venues. I really enjoy collaborating. It is really fun to work with others. I am also glad that I don't need to have other people's help to make music.

I interviewed Zach Smith from Pinback many years ago. At the time both he and Rob Crow had released solo records that sounded a lot like Pinback to me. I asked him why that was and he just said that sometimes you don't want to have to compromise and you just want to be able to do your own thing.

I played in a band in my late teens/early 20s - then did nothing for a long time, but now regularly play solo.

I prefer solo. It is nice to not have to think about what other people are doing. And I just walk in with a guitar, play, and go home. Far less hardware to worry about

I often play on stage in 'jam bands' with other local musos - which is always a lot of fun. But generally - I feel more comfortable with just me on stage (and no one else to steal my limelight).

for instrumentals, i like both. sometimes i want to do my own thing, sometimes other people's ideas can be inspiring.
but for songs with vocals, bands, so i can make somebody else sing. singing is not my forte.
-bill

let myself back into the deep crevices of my heart soul and mind that I sealed shut years ago.--------------- good lyric billy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=p ... C-e5vs6NeY

billy maybe this make you feel better

I liked being in a band 'cos it could be inspiring to hear how other people interpret the same source material, and do something with it you never would. Also the 'gang' mentality helped alleviate / share out the stage fright / nerves / kept the interminable wait from soundcheck to performing from ever get too boring.

I didn't like being in a band because I am a control freak. These are my songs, these are how they need to be played. No, I don't want to hear the b-side you've written about exploding tv sets. No, I don't appreciate this pop song being turned into a thrash song because you can only keep time if you play at breakneck pace. The downside of solo stuff - the extreme attention (F**k it up on your own and you're on your own. No-one to hide behind) and the boredom. However, god forbid a solo gig goes right, but when it does you don't have to share that fleeting "adulation" with anyone else.

I find in retrospect the best solution to this thorny problem ito be not performing live any more. Though I miss it more and more. Go figure.

j$

I sit in with a band once every two months. Used to be couple times a week. It's covers, or somebody else's music. I'm usually bass and bgvs. Also done local musical theater.

What I like about being in a band - the huge amounts of talent and creative ideas other people have. Guitarists who can shred. Keyboardists who can play thousands of times better than I. Powerful singers who can actually remember lyrics. Real drummers.

I've never done the solo music thing. Insert long list of excuses.

Right now I have time to record on my own, play out a bit with band... I'm having a lot of fun with both. Who knows what the future will bring?