Backing vocals

[Mickeyboro]

So, if you do them how much latitude are you allowed?

 

I have, out of the blue, received an email from our lead singer basically telling me he is ‘happy’ for me to contribute backing vocals to one song, but would prefer me not to contribute to others (unspecified) as he has ‘sung them that way for the past x years’ and presumably doesn’t like what I add.

 

Apart from being incandescent that he didn’t say anything face to face, I wonder whose decision it is - his or the band’s? I have suggested vocal rehearsals but he has never taken me up on it.

I know you have no idea of the quality or appropriateness of what I’m singing, but I do several lead vocals in the set so can’t be tuneless. It’s more the principle of the thing I struggle to deal with. Are they his songs or ours?

Edited July 16, 2024 by Mickeyboro

[Doctor J]

If he wrote the songs, then I say he's got leeway to say what he does or doesn't like in his songs.  If they're covers then... red flags are flying.

 

Either way, communicating something like that by email suggests you've got bigger problems to address in your group than backing vocals.

[Cat Burrito]

Email is a really low ball way of communicating feedback on aspects of your performance. Vocal rehearsals are essential and the fact he's sidestepped these would annoy me too. I struggle with singing (& doing so whilst playing) and I have had some really helpful band mates who have helped me raise my game and confidence. I'm with Doctor J in the above post 100%. I'm reading this too and wondering what other issues he causes. Good luck with it. 

[Mykesbass]

I'm with the above two posts. As with Cat Burrito, I struggled with singing and playing, mostly around rhythms. Couldn't get the "rolling" response in Proud Mary, so singer suggested we flip, me doing the call, him the response. Sounds like your fellow is not a team player.

[Lozz196]

After years of being “advised” on what to do with backing vocals I’ll now sing what I think is appropriate and if it’s not liked I’ll stay quiet. Having listened to the band I no longer play for and their backing vocals I’ve reached an understanding of what not to do - which is listen to the advice.

[Woodinblack]

I would just keep doing them until he asks in person or has vocal rehursals!

[Happy Jack]

Without audio, this topic is meaningless.

 

🤣

[Mickeyboro]

11 minutes ago, Happy Jack said:

Without audio, this topic is meaningless.

 

🤣

I’d happily send you my Linda McCartney files … 

[acidbass]

It sounds like it could be a reasonable request from someone who maybe doesn't like confrontation.  Without knowing the dynamics of the band, it's impossible to say more.  Is he the band leader/musical director?

[Cat Burrito]

3 hours ago, Mykesbass said:

I'm with the above two posts. As with Cat Burrito, I struggled with singing and playing, mostly around rhythms. Couldn't get the "rolling" response in Proud Mary, so singer suggested we flip, me doing the call, him the response. Sounds like your fellow is not a team player.

Great advice. I think sometimes people try to copy roles on a recording when the reality is the non-lead singer in the band will be the one who needs the easiest part. I was in a CCR tribute for 6yrs and I am pretty sure we did the same. 

[Mickeyboro]

2 hours ago, acidbass said:

.  Is he the band leader/musical director?

No, just someone who does what he wants (which is, nearly always, sing songs exactly the way he has always done).

Anything I’ve added has been, IMO of course, in an effort to progress. 🙄

[RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE]

When I used to do the band thing  we'd have a 10 -15 minute break in rehearsals discussing the best way forward etc ,whether it's suggestions for new songs or things like this . 
Depending on the band , things were also discussed in the pub briefly over soft drinks if band members  driving . 
 

Emails were used to confirm said discussions .  It does seem  bad form to  email suggestions without previous discussion.

 

One potential red flag imho is  if other band members agreed to email being sent,  and  you got it as a surprise .

 

Agree with all above ...

 

[mep]

I do what I can based on the original song. Some parts and keys are easier than others. Our singer will have the final word, but rarely tells me to not do a part.

[diskwave]

Interesting thread. Thing is there's backing vox where you all sing in the same key and then theres Harmony singing.. two different animals. 

[police squad]

covers or originals?

I wish more people would learn to do BVs, they really fill the sound if (if they're good obviously)

 

[Dan Dare]

2 hours ago, diskwave said:

Interesting thread. Thing is there's backing vox where you all sing in the same key and then theres Harmony singing.. two different animals. 

 

This. Many peoples' idea of BVs appears to be bellowing along to the melody in the background. BVs are tricky. All the consonants have to happen simultaneously and, crucially, the intonation has to be spot on for it not to sound like a bunch of lads chanting at the footie.

[Mickeyboro]

8 minutes ago, police squad said:

covers or originals?

I wish more people would learn to do BVs, they really fill the sound if (if they're good obviously)

 

All blues standards (ie covers).

 

I try to harmonise but his pitching is erratic.  Could be part of the problem! I am tuneful (IMO) but no great character to my voice. Him vv. 

 

 

[police squad]

15 minutes ago, Mickeyboro said:

All blues standards (ie covers).

 

I try to harmonise but his pitching is erratic.  Could be part of the problem! I am tuneful (IMO) but no great character to my voice. Him vv. 

 

 

you cant sing harmonies to off pitch singing, I was in  a band like that. It's an art to actually sing along with a singer, especially if they change the phrasing from the original

[Acebassmusic]

I'm in agreement that he should have spoken face to face with you about this. It's easier to understand each other and work out a solution. My 2p worth is maybe he is aware of whats happening but doesnt want to admit to the real issues. Sometimes its easier to point to someone else than up your own game 🤷‍♂️ (Yes, I know....I'm guilty as charged M'lud 🤣🤣)

 

There's some good points being made about unison / harmony etc. If you are singing the harmonies on key and he's going off piste then its going to draw attention to his pitching problem. As others have mentioned vocal rehearsals are essential. Doesnt have to be a seperate rehearsal but integrated into your regular band one. Too many bands view backing / harmonies as an afterthought. They tend to work on the guitar, keys, drum parts to get them tight but not spend any time on what most of the audience are listening to!

 

I was in a band where the lead singer (very good voice) couldnt initially sing lead if someone else was doing harmonies. It would confuse them and they would end up singing the harmonies in unison. Took a bit of practice but we got it sorted. Maybe your singer has this problem?

 

Edited July 18, 2024 by Acebassmusic

[Mickeyboro]

I think these last two responses are pretty close to the truth.
 

Thanks to all of you who pitched in (see what I did there!)🙏

[Guest]

4 hours ago, Dan Dare said:

BVs are tricky. All the consonants have to happen simultaneously and, crucially, the intonation has to be spot on

 

Note how Dee Dee self-effacingly lowers his vocal abilities to match Joey:

 

 

 

[Happy Jack]

Depending on whether you'd prefer to fix the underlying problem, or address the vocalist's absent communication skills, one option would be to run his voice (not yours) through a Mic Mechanic.

 

A bit of subtle autocorrect would cure his pitchy issues and simultaneously make your BVs sound better.

 

BVs don't need "character", they need to fit.

[chris_b]

Just get out there and sing. Do as much as you can, you'll get better at it.

 

I lost a few good gigs because I don't sing!

[casapete]

2 hours ago, chris_b said:

I lost a few good gigs because I don't sing!

Conversely I’ve got some gigs because I do!
 

2 hours ago, Happy Jack said:

BVs don't need "character", they need to fit.

You’ve described my BVs exactly - a characterless voice that does seem to complement others.

 

[police squad]

On 19/07/2024 at 16:09, Happy Jack said:

Depending on whether you'd prefer to fix the underlying problem, or address the vocalist's absent communication skills, one option would be to run his voice (not yours) through a Mic Mechanic.

 

A bit of subtle autocorrect would cure his pitchy issues and simultaneously make your BVs sound better.

 

BVs don't need "character", they need to fit.

do you have a mic mechanic? I'm curious now