Opinions needed

Hey guys


So basically, I've had these thoughts and dreams of me getting into performing (singing) for years. It's something I have always whinged about wanting to do but never gotten around to doing it due to mainly laziness. I've pictured it in my head and dreamed about it.

I have tried finding other musicians but I have been unsuccesful.

But I may have discovered something that *could* work.

Today I discovered a site that has instrumental music files! But actually decent ones (They aren't the dodgy MIDI/Polyphonic rubbish I have heard in the past) They have a huge variety and they sound fantastic. They are up to date, in key songs ranging from upbeat rock to folky melodies. They are accurate and the best thing about them is they come with harmonies! Proper, beautiful back vocals. AND you can adjust the key higher or lower to suit your voice too.

They cost US$2.99 (so about 5-6 AUD) each.

I have pulled out and dusted off my guitar and I'm getting into that again. I'm not that great so I am planning to get some lessons happening and I'll get some more singing lessons to improve...I stopped having lessons about 3 years ago.

So the question is...if I was to get into performing at weddings or something, or at nice loungey type pub, are people going to enjoy having someone singing with music that isn't being physically played? Or are they going to think I'm tacky/lame and not talented, and lazy? Because I don't want to get into performing if people are going to think I'm crap cause I don't have a full band behind me. What do you think?

I've been to a few functions where there has been a woman and back up tracks. I quite enjoyed it and I didn't think she was lazy/stupid/tacky cause of it? Maybe it's just me.

There would be songs that I would play my guitar to with as well though...and maybe I could brush up my piano skills and get a little keyboard or something?

Would it really be that bad?
Honestly?

Well, I know of a few people here in RSA who do live concerts like that. I dislike it for that, but for smaller functions I see no problem. Maybe if you play the guitar as well?

I say go for it. If you get the gigs and people like it, it is fine.

Roar - could you please post up the link to the site you found? It's difficult to give an opinion on what it may sound like unless you do!

You said that you've "tried finding other musicians but I have been unsuccessful". This is probably because, if you're not having any lessons and if your friends aren't particularly performance inclined either, you're out of the loop. I've done gigs from playing in small bands at garden parties to huge orchestras accompanying very well renowned choral and solo singers, through my own flute teacher and friends who study music academically. As you said, start having lessons again and see who you meet. If you can find a choir who sing in a style you like, join up.
(An advantage you do have is that you should be likely find a teacher who can offer singing, guitar and piano).

One of the complications could be that you'd have to adapt to whatever's available in terms in energy supply, setup and available techs - if any! without which you'd have to improvise with something on your own means - all of which you may be asked to share if there are others also playing your venue. Isn't there anyone you know who could simply accompany you on the far more versatile and portable acoustic guitar?

Personally, I'd prefer fully live performers at any function of mine, but I wouldn't count out any singer if their demo was good enough. If you concentrate on developing a strong voice in your own style, the backing will matter less

http://www.karaoke-version.com/en/

Thanks for your input so far guys. I really appreciate it. The ultimate goal is to get a bit of band thing happening, but for now I'm just looking for something minor. I was just thinking of giving this a go to get me started. But who knows!

Another issue is, I have had to change the key (I sing low-ish) on some of the previews from the site to sing along to it effectively. And if I decided to get it and play guitar over it...it would be a hell of a lot of hassle and effort transposing the songs to suit the guitar or keyboard if I get that going and constantly tuning it to each song too. Hmm...

oooh well, first up; best of luck and well done for doing something to try and realise your dreams, steph. I've wanted to do exactly what you're contemplating for a long time, but have procrastinated my way away from it, also.

as to the "canned" backing music; I don't think it'll present you any problems at all for smaller gigs. weddings, parties, little club gigs. you'll be more compact and less expensive than a full band and you're still providing live music; I'd definitely be looking to play your guitar along with it all, though.

for the transposition, just use a capo. apart from giving you a quick and easy key change, you can shift any song to a position where the chords are easier, as your skills improve.

You're right, they're not bad!

The only other concern I can think of is that they're at a set tempo. For example, let's say you're singing "At Last" at a wedding. Listening to the sample, it does seem a little too slow, even compared to the original. Songs like that, as simple as they sound, aren't easy to sing as it is, so you'll need to make sure that whatever you're choosing really suits your singing speed as well as your pitch