Skip navigation
Up to Discussions in Line 6 Lounge
15592 Views 31 Replies Latest reply: Sep 12, 2009 6:14 AM by wardick RSS
stumpsout Just Startin'
stumpsout
891 posts since
Jan 28, 2007
Currently Being Moderated

Mar 18, 2009 12:24 AM

stumpsout's first band in years

I was just noodling around in the music store and an old friend that works there was saying that his band was looking for a lead player....he knew i did a single act before so he didn't think i would be interested....neither did I haha.

 

It sounded like the rest of the band was really easy going and he really liked playing with them. So I said to him, "ya know, i play a little..." He seemed pretty happy about that idea, and suddenly i was wondering...what did I say that for?

 

I liked playing in bands, but I hated when stuff went sour between people...or when it was time to quit. Doing a single act had pluses and minuses, too. The fear of commitment was what came up again right away. I didn't want to get myself in some of the spots I've been in in the past. So i figured I would just jam for fun and see what happened, and be totally honest about where i'm coming from and what i'm looking for.

 

It turns out the band is really cool older guys and a nice chick singer, and want to do some corporate gigs and casinos. That is pretty much the main things i would want in a band at this point. Good people, good paying gigs, someone I know for years in the band, no babysitting and drama, just take care of my end of things and have fun.

 

So it's been coming for a couple months now, lots of delays and anticipation by now. I guess it was actually more of an audition tonight. The other guitar player played a PRS and XTLive for effects with a MarshalI. I took my PRS and X3L with that little black box in the loop out and ran it through the board and a little keyboard amp for my monitor.

 

Man, did it sound good! It was really fun. They are a great bunch, calm (good because i'm a little hyper haha) talented, and they actually applauded after I played the slide stuff on Tush! It all felt pretty good. I think everyone was pretty happy and excited to get going. So far, so good

  • toneman2121 Iknowathingortwo
    toneman2121
    1,597 posts since
    Oct 15, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 18, 2009 3:09 AM (in response to stumpsout)
    Re: stumpsout's first band in years

    right on, right on

  • fiveonethree Just Startin'
    fiveonethree
    175 posts since
    Aug 18, 2008
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 18, 2009 3:14 PM (in response to stumpsout)
    Re: stumpsout's first band in years

    I noted the word fun in there several times. Hope it stays like that!

     

  • DarkZenGuitar Just Startin'
    DarkZenGuitar
    387 posts since
    Apr 10, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 18, 2009 4:01 PM (in response to stumpsout)
    Re: stumpsout's first band in years

    That's excellent!  Being in a band has it's ups and downs, but the magic that happens when everyone is in sync is what makes it all worth while.

    And you'll get well paid!  Being as I have no idea what that's like, I imagine getting money to play music must be pretty cool...

    Good luck, keep having fun and keep us up to date!

  • stumpsout Just Startin'
    stumpsout
    891 posts since
    Jan 28, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 18, 2009 7:05 PM (in response to stumpsout)
    Re: stumpsout's first band in years

    hey guys, thanks alot!

    I hope all goes great for all of you, whatever that may mean

  • Insidian Just Startin'
    Insidian
    349 posts since
    Jan 24, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 20, 2009 8:22 PM (in response to stumpsout)
    Re: stumpsout's first band in years

    Grats man, good luck.

     

     

  • wardick Just Startin'
    wardick
    378 posts since
    Dec 31, 2008
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 21, 2009 4:56 PM (in response to stumpsout)
    Re: stumpsout's first band in years

    Is it a hair band?

     

    Good luck with all that.  Enjoy the ride.

    • stumpsout Just Startin'
      stumpsout
      891 posts since
      Jan 28, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Mar 23, 2009 6:31 PM (in response to wardick)
      Re: stumpsout's first band in years

      thanks guys

      hehe, no not a hair band...a little bit though..i'm working on a new setlist....i know most of the schlock they are doing

      but the whole thing has really got me thinking of a whole lot of stuff and other things that I hadn't thought of in a long time.

       

      I am happy to play and make bucks right now..but it's gonna take a little while because of other bands

      and the dates people are leaving them, and I wonder about the other people's stability.

      Communication is so important and i'm seeing some fluff I have to cut through.

       

      I got a feeling I might be the only one that can be a leader. There doesn't seem to be one that fits that role.

      I've done it before, but I learned my lessons and won't make the same mistakes.

      But I'm not trying to go in there and take over...it seems like someone has to though.

      It's a little weird because one band is ending, there's this other sort of band, this guy is really close friends with her, etc...

       

      So I talked with them a bit, and I think I'm learning what the 'inventory' is and what the 'components' are, in a people sense.

      It's like being a general manager or coach of a football team.....taking honest inventory of what you've got, don't got, and need.

      And where you want to get to.

       

      Except in football everyone is meat. I gotta be nice AND do inventory

      The good thing is that they were very happy that I could cut the gig and seemed a good enough guy (so they said, hehe)

      But there is some uncertainty as to what and when stuff's really gonna go.

      I knew that...sort of.

      • Insidian Just Startin'
        Insidian
        349 posts since
        Jan 24, 2007
        Currently Being Moderated
        Mar 23, 2009 6:50 PM (in response to stumpsout)
        Re: stumpsout's first band in years

        The "feeling out" process is tricky sometimes, aint it. Sometimes it takes several months to really find out what other band members are about, and by that time you've already learned all their songs and even written a few new ones. Makes it that much harder to leave once you've finally figured out that half of them are asses or lazy, or something else that's holding the band back. But hell, it's all for the love of music, right? It's worth it. I can't imagine not playing shows anymore, I love it too much.

         

         

      • DarkZenGuitar Just Startin'
        DarkZenGuitar
        387 posts since
        Apr 10, 2007
        Currently Being Moderated
        Mar 24, 2009 9:09 AM (in response to stumpsout)
        Re: stumpsout's first band in years

        Stump, take control.   There has got to be a leader.  Do it nice, ask opinions, treat everyone fairly, but make the decisions.

        Tell the band that you are going to have a band meeting to discuss what needs to be done to get the band on stage.  Ask them all to think about it for the next practice.  Prepare a list yourself.  A NICE list-nothing like "Well, first, we have to not suck and Joe here needs to shower."  More of a 'We've got these 6 songs down, we need these 10 others." 

        The deal is without a leader, the band's progress will be glacially slow.  Someone has to be the decision maker and sometime *****.  Delegate responsibility.

        That way you'll also see who's willing to work for the band.  There's a ton of stuff to do in a band-book show, book practice, advertise, up keep of the internet site, make flyers etc etc.  Don't take this all on yourself.  It's a band-a group.  Everyone has to pull their weight.

        It doesn't have to be too serious, but these things need to get worked out.  It will lessen your workload and show who's capable of doing what.

        Good luck!

        • stumpsout Just Startin'
          stumpsout
          891 posts since
          Jan 28, 2007
          Currently Being Moderated
          Mar 24, 2009 11:34 AM (in response to DarkZenGuitar)
          Re: stumpsout's first band in years

          hehe, great words, Darkman

          that's pretty much exactly what I have begun doing.

          I think they are actually happy to hear it. I know  they are...it's gotta be a relief compared to so much confusion.

          I really appreciate the confidence boost that I'm on the right track.

           

          it's kind of funny prefacing things with the statement of nicety, "I'm not trying to be arrogant, or mean, or anything, .."

          and then proceeding to turn into a pitbull and seeing right through any bullcrap and calling things pretty bluntly what they are

          i just keep checking every so often that they can take what I'm saying, and that I'm really only trying to get clear so real progress can be made.

           

          Delegating is about to go up another notch, i needed to hear that!

          • DarkZenGuitar Just Startin'
            DarkZenGuitar
            387 posts since
            Apr 10, 2007
            Currently Being Moderated
            Mar 27, 2009 9:06 PM (in response to stumpsout)
            Re: stumpsout's first band in years

            Oh, man, you've got to delegate!  For a number of reasons.  First, so you don't go nuts and get mad that you're doing all the work.  Second, that they don't get mad that you're a control freak and doing all the work.  Explain all the work that needs to get done, ask who can do what and make sure everyone is cool with it.

            My band is in the process of that right now.  The way it used to work was the main writer and I did all the work.  It builds up resentment pretty damn quick when your carrying gear up 3 flights of stairs at 2 in the morning.  He arranged practice, booked shows, did the smoozing and I did all the equipment setup, maintenance (basically if it used electricity I took care of it) artwork, flyers and transportation.  The other people just showed up for practice and shows....well, that only works for a while and you get pretty tired of it.

            So now, we've got the bassist arranging practices and doing some of the artwork for flyers, the singer will be going to local shows and smooze the other bands, and we can concentrate more on the actual music.  Everyone is going to be responsible for their own equipment.  Makes things much less stressful at shows.

            Just remember to keep asking their opinions, keep them on track with whatever jobs they have in the band and every once in a while have a band meeting to discuss issues-you'd be surprised what comes up.  A lot of things people don't consider a big deal can be a huge issue with others.

            Good luck!   Keep us appraised on what's going on.

            • stumpsout Just Startin'
              stumpsout
              891 posts since
              Jan 28, 2007
              Currently Being Moderated
              Sep 9, 2009 7:42 AM (in response to DarkZenGuitar)
              Re: stumpsout's first band in years

              well finally we are happening..there was a long period of uncertainty but it's on now.

               

              We have our first official gig this weekend..we played a big mansion party last weekend with the full PA as a test run and it was great, except for the very first set.

              I had to adjust to the shock of thundering acoustic rock drums and a couple tunes that I forgot what key they were 

               

              I have been using my Pod for practise, but got a tube amp and some stomps for live..I'm glad I did! It's easier for me..even though I've used modelling since 93 when I sold my Marshall stack because of my back and neck injury. I listened to the real pros on this forum and decided to try an amp again for live use. I still know my X3L or Pod 2.0 will be great if I need them for a backup.

               

              The amp I got is a new 50 watt Traynor 2 channel with a 12" Celestion in it. It has automatic bias adjusting for when that issue comes up. I talked to a bud at the music store that has toured arenas for years and retired from the road. I asked him what he used and he told me. So I picked up a Zvex Box Of Rock (sounds like a cranked marshall and best when used with a nice warm clean amp sound), a Boss OD-3, and an MXR boost. I also use a compressor and a whammy pedal that I had. Oh, and of course, he raved about the Line 6 M13..so I have that in my amp's effects loop. I must say..the sound is mouth-watering!!! (if there is such a sound lol)

               

              The people in the band are great and very talented, they have been together 3-4 years already with 2 other guitar players as a 5-piece. We are just 4 piece, but it seems pretty full with the bass player using a fatter processd sound on guitar solos, and me basically standing on my head to cover parts haha. It sure felt good rockin the snot out of the people last weekend. This weekend is for real. A lot of people are waiting to see us and other places are interested to see if they can book us in their clubs..there's not many new bands around that can cut it. We're giving it everything we got!!

               

              We have a Facebook group, the band's name is Cliffhanger and we are workin on the website...

               

              edited the gear info

              • wardick Just Startin'
                wardick
                378 posts since
                Dec 31, 2008
                Currently Being Moderated
                Aug 20, 2009 7:35 AM (in response to stumpsout)
                Re: stumpsout's first band in years

                Good luck with the gig.

              • Insidian Just Startin'
                Insidian
                349 posts since
                Jan 24, 2007
                Currently Being Moderated
                Aug 22, 2009 8:44 AM (in response to stumpsout)
                Re: stumpsout's first band in years

                Awesome man. Good luck with your first show!!

                 

                 

                • stumpsout Just Startin'
                  stumpsout
                  891 posts since
                  Jan 28, 2007
                  Currently Being Moderated
                  Aug 25, 2009 1:59 PM (in response to Insidian)
                  Re: stumpsout's first band in years

                  thanks Sid

                   

                  It was cool, I went wild like a bull bursting out of the chute LOL

                  That was a looong time comin'!!!!!

                   

                  It went over really well...I was getting embarassed by all the compliments hahaha

                   

                  The fact is IMO I've really underachieved, I basically came out of retirement to do this....so hopefully this run willl go somewhere further

                  Either way...it was like a load of rocks off my back...it's just in my blood, the need to do it..no use denying it!

                  Can't wait to do it again...

                   

                   

                  Border Snag 1.jpg

                  • spaceatl Expert Line 6 User
                    spaceatl
                    3,963 posts since
                    Jan 24, 2007
                    Currently Being Moderated
                    Aug 25, 2009 2:29 PM (in response to stumpsout)
                    Re: stumpsout's first band in years

                    Welcome back man! Congrats and all that stuff!

                    • stumpsout Just Startin'
                      stumpsout
                      891 posts since
                      Jan 28, 2007
                      Currently Being Moderated
                      Aug 25, 2009 11:56 PM (in response to spaceatl)
                      Re: stumpsout's first band in years

                      thanks Spacedude

                       

                      Lookin forward to hearin your band's CD...you're way ahead of us in that department....hope to catch up on that one day though!

                       

                      I know some people slag on this new forum and all that..but I'm sure that I learned a helll of a lot of things around here over the last few years from some great minds that I got to read posts from and hear clips from, etc... and it made me far more informed on my tone than I was before.

                       

                      That is a huge benefit in my books!

                       

                      Thanks to all the posters that helped me learn things from you by sharing your experience, insights, and opinions!!!!

                      • spaceatl Expert Line 6 User
                        spaceatl
                        3,963 posts since
                        Jan 24, 2007
                        Currently Being Moderated
                        Aug 26, 2009 5:35 AM (in response to stumpsout)
                        Re: stumpsout's first band in years

                        Well, your welcome and thanks for the support man...I can't wait until it is out...Get to it man...It will take a little while...

                         

                        We did not have anything like this forum when I was coming up...No internet...4 Track cassette demos...Trading tabs with other players..."Guitar For the Practicing Musician" was the rag of choice...Books, word of mouth...It was different time and everything moved a little bit slower...Now, there is so much information out there...I have learned so much from so many different people...

                  • fiveonethree Just Startin'
                    fiveonethree
                    175 posts since
                    Aug 18, 2008
                    Currently Being Moderated
                    Aug 30, 2009 12:53 AM (in response to stumpsout)
                    Re: stumpsout's first band in years

                    Great pic Stumps! Was that a rocket or a rock it? 

                    • stumpsout Just Startin'
                      stumpsout
                      891 posts since
                      Jan 28, 2007
                      Currently Being Moderated
                      Aug 30, 2009 8:33 AM (in response to fiveonethree)
                      Re: stumpsout's first band in years

                      i think it was both

                       

                      Unfortunately there has been a problem...just when it seemed we had a good thing going

                       

                      It's pretty soap operaish..what a drag. The singer had a really bitchy attitude last week and is already much harder to work with than the other guys when it comes to material, harmonies, and other stuff. She is also eventually going in a much different direction musically (country singer), and we have all been trying to look past that and compromise.

                       

                      I have been through alot of BS in life, so I know when I'm getting needled, manipulated, and it's being taken for granted that someone figures they can crap on me and I'm supposed to take it. Much different than joking around. Such a drag. The other guys are pretty easy to get along with. No anger trips.

                       

                      And, hey, I'm know I'm not perfect..if I mess up, I know that once I realise it I need to take responsibility that I did it...then apologise and that means not doing it again. She made excuses justified what happened instead..that tells me I'm supposed to accept it and expect it.

                       

                      So I don't know what's gonna happen now. Drag. I guess I'd rather find out sooner than later. I've backed way off and am keeping my options open. I've been in these situations before and it sucks getting held hostage or being trapped, so I'm not going there again. Man it was so much fun just a litttle while ago! I hate having to stand my ground, but I know when I have to..or it will be worse later.

                       

                      Peace guys!

                      • spaceatl Expert Line 6 User
                        spaceatl
                        3,963 posts since
                        Jan 24, 2007
                        Currently Being Moderated
                        Aug 30, 2009 12:48 PM (in response to stumpsout)
                        Re: stumpsout's first band in years

                        It's healthy to have some disputes every now and then...figuring out the best approach to deal with them takes some time to figure out...Everyone comes from different places and has different ideas. Finding the magic concencus point is really easy sometimes...Other times it can be a pain in the arse...But just the notion that folks give a sh^t enough to argue, *****, laugh or cry over some issue within a musical group is a good thing...A lot of energy there...Some amount of psychological Kung Fu is needed to deal with it...

                         

                        Maybe she needs some amount of emotional turmoil...I have often wondered about that with singers...I hope it turns out to be one of those little bumps in the road...

                        • stumpsout Just Startin'
                          stumpsout
                          891 posts since
                          Jan 28, 2007
                          Currently Being Moderated
                          Aug 30, 2009 3:43 PM (in response to spaceatl)
                          Re: stumpsout's first band in years

                          man, you said it, Spaceman!

                           

                          I talked it all out with the band,

                           

                          The main thing for me is to be honest about my part in any problem, instead of trying to cover my tracks and look good if i made a mistake.

                          I made a contribution of a mistake in misunderstanding something in all this and didn't realise it...as soon as I did, I admitted it and made it right as best as I can..can't do more than that. When other people are honest about their part in things, too..there's much hope to work it all out.

                           

                          Thank God..that sucked for a while..it seems good now.

                           

                          FWIW...this is kinda embarrassing....I've had a couple really serious head injuries over the years, and I'm quite concerned about it recently. I seem to have a problem with memory that is worsening..and also something else I'm too embarassed to admit right now...also with my head (brain). I'm going to see a doctor and probably a shrink of some sort to get it assessed.

                           

                          Crazy in the good way is fine and fun...crazy in the bad way can be very bad.

                          • spaceatl Expert Line 6 User
                            spaceatl
                            3,963 posts since
                            Jan 24, 2007
                            Currently Being Moderated
                            Aug 31, 2009 7:44 AM (in response to stumpsout)
                            Re: stumpsout's first band in years

                            That's good news about the band Stumps! I got fingers crossed for that and the doc visit...Stay positive bro...

                          • Insidian Just Startin'
                            Insidian
                            349 posts since
                            Jan 24, 2007
                            Currently Being Moderated
                            Sep 6, 2009 5:10 PM (in response to stumpsout)
                            Re: stumpsout's first band in years

                            Good luck man, hope everything is ok.

                             

                             

                            • stumpsout Just Startin'
                              stumpsout
                              891 posts since
                              Jan 28, 2007
                              Currently Being Moderated
                              Sep 8, 2009 8:35 PM (in response to Insidian)
                              Re: stumpsout's first band in years

                              thanks, eh. I guess a person really can't take anything for granted...just gotta be grateful for every good day, and know that so many things can change in a flash.

                              Those bumps on the head can be a lot of trouble sometimes..I found some other stuff out about my brain that is very interesting and seems to be an important part of what has been happening occasionally to me. You guys might have heard of NLP...I did some stuff last week with it and it seemed to fix a couple things already. That brain is one funky organ!! It can associate things in illogical ways without our conscious knowledge sometimes, though.

                               

                              Last weekend's gig was unreal...it's the first time that the people that were paying us said "you guys are worth ALOT more"

                              ...as they were paying us. I think they were happy LOL! They had to call in extra staff both nights...the place was wilder than it had been for as long as anyone could remember..there was people rockin and dancing evcery song..all night, both nights.

                               

                              It really helped IMO making some key changes to our setlist..

                               

                              1) songs must be recogniseable and DANCEABLE (we're a cover tunes bar band...so we are as good as our booze sales numbers say we are)

                               

                              2) the most important songs of the set are the very first one, and the very last one. By opening with a bang..instead of 'warming up first'..we grabbed the attention of everyone right away..then we had momentum for the rest of the set. We also didn't take for granted that people would stay for a while until we got to some stronger songs. The last song had to be really strong, too..with a good ending so people would;

                               

                              a) know that the set is over and it is time to clap and scream

                              b) want to stick around for the next set

                               

                              3) cut out 'dead air' between songs..go quickly into the next song...go ahead and tell a joke..but we aren't comedians so keep it short! There was way more flow and momentum to our sets..and the whole night. The result was clear..it was hard for anyone to leave!!

                  • Insidian Just Startin'
                    Insidian
                    349 posts since
                    Jan 24, 2007
                    Currently Being Moderated
                    Sep 6, 2009 5:09 PM (in response to stumpsout)
                    Re: stumpsout's first band in years

                    Awesome man, looks like you were having a blast!

                     

                     

  • galbavy Just Startin'
    galbavy
    5 posts since
    Jul 28, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Sep 6, 2009 4:39 PM (in response to stumpsout)
    Re: stumpsout's first band in years

    thats awesome stumps! do ya getta wear your spandex? haha. anyway its to bad it had ta have some trippin moments. but thats usually what happens. its awesome ya getta spank some stage though.

More Like This

  • Retrieving data ...

Bookmarked By (0)