OT-Whadayathink...

OK, I know how we used to do it, but in today's world, how's it done. I have a good good friend who is producing a cd on his own. Technically he is not a musician of sorts, more like a wannabee. In fact, he is in the business sector and he plays and yutzes (technical term...I know) with songs and recordings as a hobby. He's asked me to lay down a couple of tracks for him now that he knows I'm getting back into this and here's my conundrum.

He's got OK ideas and writes fairly well. But he sings on these tunes as well. Trouble is, he's not quite the songbird he thinks he is. He makes the effort, but he just ain't gettin' it. His pitch is kinda in the neighborhood , but it's a BIG neighborhood... He's a good friend and comrad, he's not going for a grammy, and it's his project and money in the first place. Would you tell him the real deal, or just roll with it and have fun. I'm tending to go the "grin and bear it" route because he's more my friend than record producer, and I value that above all else. He's a nice guy and we've shared many good times together....he's just not...err...uhh...Steve Perry...er for you younger guys...Geoff Tate. He sings more like Grady Tate I'd guess...

Is it worth me saying something at all (even with tact and taste and friendship) or should I just do the session and go out and have a beer with him later and talk about the good times...

Enjoy the beer and have fun with the project.Some things are better left unsaid !

Are we the only two people awake this morning?

Schmooze or lose. Dangerous game for professionals only. I'd tell 'em point blank. Suck reflects on everybody.

Alright not so harsh but there's no getting around it.

If he's a good friend than don't say anything. 2 friends and myself started a band a bunch of years ago. The one singer friend just didn't cut it vocally. He wrote some great lyrics and melodies though. Same situation as you. He tried really hard and didn't think it was a big deal. We even mentioned vocal lessons a bunch of times and he said he'd do it but never did. Got some non friends into the band and we wanted to start playing more than open mic jams. One day we told the singer he was out of the band and why. I lost that friendship for a good 3-5 years. We now occasionally talk, but never hang out like we did before.

Enjoy it and have fun with it and don't rock the boat, it's his gig. Then overdub the vocals or use your stage name on the credits. Didn't you tell me, you use Elmer T. Futz III?

If he can hear it in the recordings,I wouldn't say a thing:thu:

It's his gig and I'll let it pass...I'll just do my part as best as I can and leave it at that...gigs come and go, but at this stage of the game...friends need to be friends...

So... a couple of things. Are you looking to make a career out of your playing? I don't mean playing in local cover bands. I mean, are you looking to make it as a session player, or as a band, or as a professional touring musician? If so, you *may* want to consider it carefully. And if you do decide to play the tracks for him, do the best you can and make sure it's done well. Or just ask him to not put your name one it (if it ends up "teh suck"). Explain to him that you are a professional and you would prefer to control your credits.

If you aren't planning on a a professional future as a player, then just do it. Have fun. Help him learn and just enjoy yourselves.

Second issue.... you know you are OOOOLLLLDDDDD when make a Geoff Tate reference for the "younger guys". Haha!!!

don't kill his buzz. just have fun.

So... a couple of things. Are you looking to make a career out of your playing? I don't mean playing in local cover bands. I mean, are you looking to make it as a session player, or as a band, or as a professional touring musician? If so, you *may* want to consider it carefully. And if you do decide to play the tracks for him, do the best you can and make sure it's done well. Or just ask him to not put your name one it (if it ends up "teh suck"). Explain to him that you are a professional and you would prefer to control your credits. If you aren't planning on a a professional future as a player, then just do it. Have fun. Help him learn and just enjoy yourselves. Second issue.... you know you are OOOOLLLLDDDDD when make a Geoff Tate reference for the "younger guys". Haha!!!

Thanks for the back door slap on the butt...yes I'm old I know. And as far as my career goes, I had one of those for quite a while in this crazy business. Me...I'm looking to just have some fun, and maybe make a little cake on the side. I've had my time in the sun...now I just look for the sunscreen and a beach umbrella...

Sounds like you are in the perfect position to have some fun and make this guy's day.

-Tom

PS. I meant no offense with the OLD comment. I got that Geoff Tate reference, so I guess that means I'm a bit outside of the "spring chicken" category as well

Sounds like you are in the perfect position to have some fun and make this guy's day. -Tom PS. I meant no offense with the OLD comment. I got that Geoff Tate reference, so I guess that means I'm a bit outside of the "spring chicken" category as well

Tom...I took no offense, I'm not THAT thin skinned. In fact, my skin is rather thick unfortunately now, only my hair is rather thin. I'm not gonna hurt John's feelings though...he writes pretty well...and he means well too...I just am not up on the names of the individuals in new groups who can sing the s--t out of a tune like Geoff Tate can....he REALLY impresses me!

I think I know you well enough to know you have a big heart. Let him do his thing and be the best drummer he could ever find. He'll be happy and you'll feel good about making a brother happy.

....I STILL can't find my keys.

but seriously, I agree with the "let things be" mindset.

Here's something else to think about: If he makes it all the way to production stage and manages to get a few copies out there, it may just get viewed as a 'demo' cd, and he might even sell a few of the songs to other artists. It's happened before.

You just never know!