The Admiral Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 (edited) Interesting question I've been asked by a friend who plays guitar in a function/pub band (currently about 30/70 split in favour of functions to pubs), but they are trying to swap that around, as it would pay better, and I'm really interested in getting some other opinions. Simple dilemma - they are looking to recruit a new female lead singer, and have two candidates who everyone in the band has pros and cons for: Singer 1 - late 30s, experienced, lots of previous Social Club work and duos etc. very good singer, and single, no kids. Looking at the band as a serious endeavour, and keen to make some money from it, and ideally give up the day job. Singer 2 - mid 20s, not much experience, been in one previous band with an ex boyfriend, good singer, but the weaker of the two, single, no kids. Looking at the band as a serious hobby, but no interest in going fully pro, as she has a really well paid job as a sales rep. So what's the complication? Singer 1 is a chunky size 18 brunette, but has good stage presence, whilst singer 2 is a perfect size 10, 5 foot 9 inch blonde, and very pretty, but lacks experience. Both seem very reliable, organised, well prepared for the audition, and can cover a lot of styles well ( I've heard the recordings of the auditions, without seeing the singers prior). The band - all '40 something' married, with kids type guys, can't agree on who to go for, and the two schools of thought are : We should go for the better singer - that's what will get us the reputation and the better gigs, and We should go for the better looking girl, even if she's not quite as good, and a bit green, as she's stunning to look at, and that's what will get us the reputation and the corporate gigs. She'll gain the experience as we go. I'll not share my thoughts straight out of the gate, but I'm really interested in what other's thoughts are. Edited September 9, 2015 by The Admiral Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobbayne Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Singer 1 of course! It's a no brainer!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykesbass Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 What do the rest of the band look like? Personally I'd think that the older singer with the stage presence would beat the inexperienced younger singer in this situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprocketflup Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 "go for the one with the nicest t*ts" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gafbass02 Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Number one absolutely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyTravis Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 The one who's the better singer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Is it worth considering taking on both of 'em..? Wide scope there for repertoire, cracking backing vocals and even more prestigious gigs, maybe..? May need a bigger tour bus, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_5 Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Number 1 without a doubt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyTravis Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1441838417' post='2862307'] Is it worth considering taking on both of 'em..? Wide scope there for repertoire, cracking backing vocals and even more prestigious gigs, maybe..? May need a bigger tour bus, though. [/quote] We have two female leads, works wonderfully Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norris Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 Either number 1 or both Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FuNkShUi Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 Number 1. No brainer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oopsdabassist Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 Hack the computer, rewrite the programme so singer No1 is a 5 ft 9 stunning blonde....WIN!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geek99 Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 Number 1 or both if possible Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leftybassman392 Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 I've worked a lot with female singers in acoustic duos, and I'd go for the better singer every time. If you can't have both (which as others have said would be an interesting option if it could be made to work), then you'll have better long-term prospects with the option 1. If you chose number two you'd be forever working around her limitations and availability, especially if she gets promoted in her job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoRhino Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 Think of it this way. Would you hire Adele or Cheryl Cole? (If that's how you spell it) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nuf Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 I'd go for number 1 if not possible to have the 2 of them on the band. If both agree to being part of the band, it might actually make an incredible duo. But you have to make sure that each singer gets her good solo parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassfunk Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 I have two female leads in one of my bands (we have two regulars and plenty of deps) for smaller paid gigs we go out as a 4 piece with one singer, but we can go up to a 9 piece with brass section. Clients like choice. Take them both on and offer a budget and premium option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul h Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 First of all, there will be just as many people in the audience that find singer 1 as attractive as singer 2, regardless of what a bunch of sad old musicians think. Secondly, if they go for singer 2 based on something as stupid as looks/size then they should sack the fattest member of their band to prove some kind of point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toneknob Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 Both. How do you know their respective dress sizes by the way? And would you want to be in a band that checked your BMI at audition? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Admiral Posted September 10, 2015 Author Share Posted September 10, 2015 [quote name='toneknob' timestamp='1441871945' post='2862409'] Both. How do you know their respective dress sizes by the way? And would you want to be in a band that checked your BMI at audition? [/quote] I'll pick up on this, but thanks for all the replies. The dress size thing was part just of the conversation I had with the guitarist, who doesn't care about it all - he's all about the skills. That said, there are plenty of situations I'm sure where of 2 good male musician auditionees, the band won't take the fat guy. As Simon Cowell famously advised the Take That manager in their very early days, "they might do okay, but get rid of the fat lad" (Gary Barlow). As I suspected, most of the comments on here bear out my thoughts - it should be about the best singer, not who fits the narrow view of what is 'hot' image wise. We actually already talked about taking both girls, and he thinks that's a great idea, and they probably would be up for it he believes. It gives them the option of still going out as a band when singer 2 can't make it too, and as long as both singers get a share of the limelight, swapping lead and BV it could be great. It also opens up some great material for the function band - Abba for example, and Dancing Queen is a bit of a banker at the corporate gigs. Regarding the guys in the band, none of them are an oil painting, and if they sacked off the biggest lad, they'd need a new bass player : he's definitely an 8x10, as opposed to a 1x12 if you see what I mean! I suspect the 'let's take the blonde' is being driven by the keys player, who I know a little, and he's on wife number 3 so far - and he's got form, as the current Mrs Keys was the singer in his old band, and he was married to someone else at that stage. She pretty fierce too, so if she gets wind of this situation, it won't even be a question I would think - she'll effectively veto it, but I dont think it will get to that, as it's going to be both or singer 1. And finally, just for the benefit of Sprocketflup, they've both got nice t*ts apparently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lw. Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 Looks of a singer/front person can have an impact - if the band were a group of guys in their 20's/early 30's, playing originals & wanting to make a career of it I'd say they should probably think about number 2, the world is shallow out there & the ratio between stereo-typically attractive vs not-so-much is very clear to see. But it sounds like that's not the case; a group of 40+ guys using a little blonde's looks to get them through the door is going to look a bit desperate at best but more likely bordering on pervy. Sounds like number 1 would fit in more with the band both sound wise & in looks. She seems like the obvious choice to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheddatom Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 [quote name='paul h' timestamp='1441870306' post='2862399'] First of all, there will be just as many people in the audience that find singer 1 as attractive as singer 2, regardless of what a bunch of sad old musicians think... [/quote] Yep! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrevorR Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 It strikes me that none of the supposed commercial downsides of No 1 will ever actually happen... More gigs with a prettier singer? As a function band you'll get most gigs from your website/promo materials so just make sure that you choose flattering shots. The other gigs will come from word of mouth or people seeing you at a function and giving a kicking performance is what will win those gigs not a comparison against a singer that the potential client has never seen anyway! Go for the better singer and the more pro attitude and then ask No 2 if she might be willing to dep on gigs that No 1 can't make or where you want to go for a bigger, harmony sound. That might suit a serious hobby singer better anyway! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huge Hands Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 In the past, I've been "let go" by a band because as a 6'3" ginger fat b*****d, I didn't fit their "image". I couldn't believe it, I even have nice t*ts too..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonesthebass Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 I've worked for agents that purposefully don't put hot girls up front as it intimidates and upstages brides!!! Also worked with guys that have green eyed wives who would get funny about a hot 20 something in the band. Me.... No.1 everytime. If she sings well. Has a great stage presence then she's in. The 20 something can go and find a pub band to learn her craft. Functions and weddings pay better cos you're supposed to be polished and professional.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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