JTUK Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 (edited) New project with new gtr and vox...and the idea is 4 piece with the view to augment when required. I have a couple of cool gig options for the summer and the budget to put quite a gig together, by taking the band upto a 7 or 8 piece and sharing lead vox duties. So...now we get to talking about the set and one or two nasties popped up whilst we are trying to get a feel for what we are going to play. There are a couple of GREAT choices that will go down a storm but there are one or two that were put forward that it will be hard to get rid off...and I really REALLY didn't want to get stuck into the classic rock 80's... as there are too many bands round here that do that. It isn't so much that we will pick the same numbers and set, but it is more the style I am having trouble with.. Without given the entire set away, I think we have a classic 80's whizz gtr thing going on against my penchant for good songs bundled up in the way the band will do them and get a core band sound... but not 80's widdle-whazz gtr..!!!! For example, one of the numbers offered that is too firmly entrenched in the 80's vibe is Nik Kershaw's 'wouldn't it be good'..!! Great number way back then...but the anti of a modern song, IMO and I am having trouble getting my head around an update sound for it... So, my point is... how much thought for your set do you give it.... There are some numbers that just WOULDN'T be on my radar for a festival type gig where the ages will be from early 20's onwards. As in..how do ppl who get into numbers that were hits before they were born n sufficient numbers to work..?? This age group do not turn out in big enough numbers in general pub gigs ... but do form the larger part of festival type gigs as they have no problem spending £50-100 on a drinking session at a festival.. like it or not, this is a key demographic, IME.. How do target your audience or do you even try..?? For pubs ...they get what we want to play, but that is a different set anyway.. Edited December 24, 2014 by JTUK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twincam Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 I think if you sound good, playing with passion etc then you can play pretty much anything in reason and younger people will enjoy it. Ok stay away from the overplayed stuff. But its good to have a mixture. Im out of my 20s now but i do know that you would be surprised at what people in there 20s will like. If i heard a Nik Kershaw tune i would love it. Although swap out, Wouldn't it be good with Wide boy. People will then think your being retro or something rather than 80s tastic. Its cheesy stuff you want to stay away from, but then again people when drunk love a bit of cheese. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 It's impossible to say what works and what doesn't. I've played Neil Diamond's 'Caroline' a hundred times in my life; sometimes the place goes crazy and sometimes everyone goes outside for a fag. You'll never be able to please everyone all the time, but as long as the band enjoy playing it and sound good while they're playing it then you can't lose. Truckstop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted December 24, 2014 Author Share Posted December 24, 2014 Well, there was also a Duran number thrown in ...which I quite liked but since the gtr needs to cover the keys part of that song..which he is very capable of doing, we might not be able to keep that one as the singer's range might struggle..and the parts needs THAT key. I am hoping the style of the band will transcend the numbers - which is one reason why we aren't going to use keys to start with.. as that will take the band back to 80's synth parts and I want piano more than keys. In fact, I'll tell the keys, no midi sounds, only paino, electric piano, hammond and one or two synth sounds and that's it.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 Problem with restricting keyboard player to piano sounds means that everything sounds like boogie woogie! Truckstop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted December 24, 2014 Author Share Posted December 24, 2014 [quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1419436983' post='2639976'] Problem with restricting keyboard player to piano sounds means that everything sounds like boogie woogie! Truckstop [/quote] Since he wont be a core member, he will be given ideas and instruction... I don't want him to go away and work on those parts...he will need busk the song that work for the most part. I don't want the song ripped... I want it to evolve.. No rehashes... which I feel is the only way I can get past some dodgy song choices by being out voted.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 [quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1419436722' post='2639971'] It's impossible to say what works and what doesn't. I've played Neil Diamond's 'Caroline' a hundred times in my life; sometimes the place goes crazy and sometimes everyone goes outside for a fag. You'll never be able to please everyone all the time, but as long as the band enjoy playing it and sound good while they're playing it then you can't lose. Truckstop [/quote] ^The man speaks the truth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted December 24, 2014 Author Share Posted December 24, 2014 Not that sure about the song in the first place..more because I don't feel it sits in the set the way I envisage it. I'll have to hear it in context but I also hope this isn't the shape of things to come, in terms of stagnant song choices and styles... Maybe it is more THAT issue than the song itself..?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 If you're the person arranging and driving this with a clear and workable vision of where this new project is going, then my advice would be to take control of it on day one. It's lovely to have a democratic band, but sometimes they need to be told what the right decision is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 If doing covers in a specific genre/era, then adding things in from outside that can either sound fresh, or odd. I`d stick with the specific area originally decided. That said, if just doing a range of covers from all over, with no specific direction then that isn`t a bad song to include. I`ve been in bands where we`ve played some songs that I don`t like, but as they`ve always gone down well I`ve said nothing about dropping them. However if they`d a history of not going down well, well I`d have seized the opportunity to ditch them. I think it` s like anything, some songs work, some don`t, and some only work for certain audiences/venues, the only way to find out is give them a try. Our drummers other band is a punk/new-wave covers band - just guitar/bass/drums - yet one of the songs that goes down best is Cut a Long Story Short by Spandau Ballet. They do it punkily and the audiences love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted December 24, 2014 Author Share Posted December 24, 2014 them[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1419439546' post='2640014'] If you're the person arranging and driving this with a clear and workable vision of where this new project is going, then my advice would be to take control of it on day one. It's lovely to have a democratic band, but sometimes they need to be told what the right decision is. [/quote] Too late for that.. I didn't and don't want to drive everything so welcome others getting their hands dirty.. I just didn't see the 80's songs coming in such numbers... It is not so much the songs..altho one or two are marginal, IMO....it is more that they epitomise a very very dated sound.. There is a world of difference between 'The Voice' and Thompson Twins, for example...the latter of which will really make me VETO .. You can see where this is going.. I don't think the Thompson Twins are an issue..I am sure it is a wind-up..!! but both gtr and singer mentioned them.. I nearly spat the dummy there and then.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted December 24, 2014 Author Share Posted December 24, 2014 [quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1419439598' post='2640015'] I hear ya....only one thing for it, we need to see the set :-) [/quote] Only got as far as 10 numbers... so I'll try and give a spead of the 'picks' rather than the finals...but I expect most of them to make it as we have determined whether the keys suit.. Off the top of my head.. The Voice, John Farnham... Wouldn't it be nice, Kershaw. Dancing on the ceiling Lionel R Suspicious minds, Elvis.. Ordinary world... Duran D.. All night long AC/DC The list look more shocking than I thought, but a long as we moderised them..or rather get rid of the 80's 'stench'' which most will lend to, they'll be ok-ish... but the NK number needs a LOT of thought... So... yes, my vision is struggling with some of them :lol; Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1419442500' post='2640048'] them Too late for that.. I didn't and don't want to drive everything so welcome others getting their hands dirty.. I just didn't see the 80's songs coming in such numbers... It is not so much the songs..altho one or two are marginal, IMO....it is more that they epitomise a very very dated sound.. There is a world of difference between 'The Voice' and Thompson Twins, for example...the latter of which will really make me VETO .. You can see where this is going.. I don't think the Thompson Twins are an issue..I am sure it is a wind-up..!! but both gtr and singer mentioned them.. I nearly spat the dummy there and then.. [/quote] I guess the success (or otherwise) of it is really down to the predominant age group of your audience. It's certainly not my personal cup of tea, but 80's music [b]was[/b] quite erm... 'distinctive' . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger2611 Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 From a covers band doing The Jam, Green Day,Mighty Lemonheads and a bit of the Cult, the recent selections have been Counting Stars by One Republic, some song by John Numan (who doesn't appear to be Gary Numan's son) an INXS song and the Verve's Lucky Man.....I am feeling like I ought to be taking some puppies and sweeties to future gigs to try and woo what appears to be our future target audience.....I am also feeling that my days in the band may be numbered! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted December 24, 2014 Author Share Posted December 24, 2014 And I don't get the chance to demo these songs in pubs for long to see how they work... I need to hit the ground running and put the band in the festival slots that I retain 'options' for so it is no place for a 'feeler' type band thing.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimR Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1419436869' post='2639975'] ... I want piano more than keys. In fact, I'll tell the keys, no midi sounds, only paino, electric piano, hammond and one or two synth sounds and that's it.. [/quote] Yes. Soft strings is about it. Anything else just sounds like you've tried too hard and missed. Personally I think you can take any tune with a good hook, strong melody and good lyrics and rhythm and play it in your own style. It'll still be instantly recognisable. If you're sticking to 80s number then you're sticking to 35-45 age range audience. Unless you start playing ABBA or tunes from Disney films. The danger with 80s tunes is taking yourselves too seriously. I lived through the 80s as a teenager and it was real cheese for the most part. If you accept it's cheesy you'll do well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted December 24, 2014 Author Share Posted December 24, 2014 Am in between the Placebo version..too twee... and an acoustic version which at least has a groove that can be worked on and get a bit funky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted December 24, 2014 Author Share Posted December 24, 2014 [quote name='TimR' timestamp='1419443394' post='2640067'] Yes. Soft strings is about it. Anything else just sounds like you've tried too hard and missed. Personally I think you can take any tune with a good hook, strong melody and good lyrics and rhythm and play it in your own style. It'll still be instantly recognisable. If you're sticking to 80s number then you're sticking to 35-45 age range audience. Unless you start playing ABBA or tunes from Disney films. The danger with 80s tunes is taking yourselves too seriously. I lived through the 80s as a teenager and it was real cheese for the most part. If you accept it's cheesy you'll do well. [/quote] Good songs is always my start point... I wont really know how the band will sound until we get these to rehearsal..but I am pretty sure the gtr has some preconceived ideas. I REALLY didn't want to be stuck in the 80's at all.. and if your age range audience is correct then that is too limiting. Maybe that is why 80's bands don't do too well out of pubs round here. And by that I mean, they still charge pub sort of money to do parties.. I like the band to be a bit more than a selction of the most popular numbers it can play... so yes, I'll take it a bit more seriously. I think this can be rescued IF the guys in the band can pull off some original takes of a popular song..but it will be short lived if we are just a copy band...which is one reason why I resisted keys and I am glad I did...altho they will feature for the bigger better gigs when the band goes to 7-8 piece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted December 24, 2014 Author Share Posted December 24, 2014 [quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1419445636' post='2640098'] That's a selection of songs you don't see put together that often! Not that it matters, but I'm assuming that's "You Shook Me All Night Long" rather than the Rainbow song? Personally speaking, I wouldn't go near The Voice WIBN = Great song DOTC = Never played that, but would love to have a crack at it SM = No brainer OW = Fantastic song....for a Duran Duran tribute band ANL & YSMANL = Where do I sign? [/quote] We have the singer for 'The Voice' altho not that ( Farnham's ) key...but he has the quality and range to pull it off... and I wanted a crowd singer-song for a festival.. Yes... YSMANL....but a cover of a cover, not the AC/DC vocal. I was heartened when the 80's guy at least picked good vocals to go along with the chummy picks, but yes, picking songs and sets fascinates me... and how they work with crowds. Here you go... this is a poss..?? but not the 80's gtr style. [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkqnOibZSTk"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkqnOibZSTk[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimR Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1419444065' post='2640077'] Good songs is always my start point... I wont really know how the band will sound until we get these to rehearsal..but I am pretty sure the gtr has some preconceived ideas. I REALLY didn't want to be stuck in the 80's at all.. and if your age range audience is correct then that is too limiting. Maybe that is why 80's bands don't do too well out of pubs round here. And by that I mean, they still charge pub sort of money to do parties.. I like the band to be a bit more than a selction of the most popular numbers it can play... so yes, I'll take it a bit more seriously. I think this can be rescued IF the guys in the band can pull off some original takes of a popular song..but it will be short lived if we are just a copy band...which is one reason why I resisted keys and I am glad I did...altho they will feature for the bigger better gigs when the band goes to 7-8 piece. [/quote] The function bands that I've playing in do one set of 80s at most. 60-70s go down a storm with all ages and the under 30s and 35-40s go mad for 00-10s. What you have to realise is that 'most' people in the age range 30-40 are home with kids or at each other's dinner parties. Getting this age group out of the house is quite a challenge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted December 24, 2014 Author Share Posted December 24, 2014 Yes... he does Coverdale better than Coverdale... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted December 24, 2014 Author Share Posted December 24, 2014 [quote name='TimR' timestamp='1419447395' post='2640125'] The function bands that I've playing in do one set of 80s at most. 60-70s go down a storm with all ages and the under 30s and 35-40s go mad for 00-10s. What you have to realise is that 'most' people in the age range 30-40 are home with kids or at each other's dinner parties. Getting this age group out of the house is quite a challenge. [/quote] Which is why I want the band to be all inclusive acorss the ages 25-60-ish... and our focus is parties and festivals so I think if we do a few pub dates, we will need 3 sets. Tears for Fears Live are a band that transcend their period very well... but I am not hearing that with regards to Nik K's songs.. The other thing about picking a set is that you can't do it without hearing what the vocals can do.. Changing te vocalist can completely change the band and set. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twincam Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1419443051' post='2640060'] The Voice, John Farnham... Wouldn't it be nice, Kershaw. Dancing on the ceiling Lionel R Suspicious minds, Elvis.. Ordinary world... Duran D.. All night long AC/DC [/quote] All those are decent tunes but they look odd put together. Well Elvis and AC/DC does anyhow the rest i guess fit nicely. Why is Elvis in there?, its looks like a total random song and doesn't go with the feeling of the rest. Take out Elvis and put Elvis Costello, pump it up in there lol. Then ordinary world switch places with all night long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted December 24, 2014 Author Share Posted December 24, 2014 Pump up is in there as well..just didn't list it. Bare in mind there are just 10 songs so far so any links and good bedfellows aren't obvious as yet. Agree, I don't see Elvis P either but the idea of how to play the song and what we do with it was interesting enough to consider. I agree it looks odd atm..but then so do a few others as well, to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 I like a jumble up as long as they are good songs so do most people, its OK doing a great Motown* set in a Motown* venue or justa few Motown* songs in a set but try it at a party and 90% of the room will hate Motown* *insert genre of choice here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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