How Many People Do I Need?

Sure, many songwriters are their own one-man band. Give them a computer or even just a guitar or piano and they will write anything you want, and many will even arrange it with choral backup harmonies or a full orchestra if you like. Many of us, however, prefer to work in a band. The human dynamics of doing so, though, and the fact that the money may have to be split multiple ways still makes many musicians wish to keep the number of bandmates as low as possible. Here are a few configurations you might consider.

ME, MYSELF AND I

One person can really do it all solo, providing one has the know-how and equipment. If you don't, and don't want to include others, I suggest you get at least a simple sequencer that you can take and program one note into at a time until you get the sound you want, and accompany yourself singing against it. You can even perform this way-Howard Jones comes to mind, as do several DJs. I did several of my own demos by programming a simple 8-track sequencer with keyboard and drum parts, then added bass on that or live with my own guitar and voice. You save a lot of studio time this way, and can even perform with yourself if you like-just patch the sequencer into a channel of your amp and give yourself a count-in to give you time to get in place to perform after hitting the button. You don't need a soundman, the instruments are always properly balanced, and you never end the night with a sore throat because the others were playing too loud.

IF IT TAKES TWO

With two people, you can really work off each other's strengths. You now have someone to harmonize with if you are playing live, too, and play a lead guitar to your rhythm or maybe a bass guitar, percussion, or keyboards if that would flesh out the sound better. In many folk duets, sometimes just one person plays the guitar while the other just sings, and this is a really quick and easy way for two folks to get out and start playing the coffeehouses, at least, and get your songs heard. Many torch singer venues commonly feature only a singer and a pianist/keyboardist. As bare bones as this might sound to some people, there are a lot of groups out now even opening for larger acts that are no more than this. Just like a solo artist with no backup, even this is enough for you to get started, even if it isn't the full sound you may want live. I had one pair of gals I knew a few years back that did this as a hard rock act-a sequencer was manually turned on that was linked to a drum machine by the guitarist/backup singer, while the lead singer/tambourinist held down the bulk of the vocal gymnastics. They had a good run in our local clubs and even got slots in local festivals a few years back. With a little ingenuity, even two can get a big sound.

Go To Page: 1 2 3