vmaxblues

I know exactly where you are at, as I was there last year, the band I am in asked me to start backing vocals, and when I first tried it was disaster. But, I perservered, and that for me is the only key, practise and lots of it, now i sing at every gig without even thinking about it. However, they are now asking me to sing harmony lines.........back to practise, practise and more practise It really is the only answer, and it does come, trust me

I am currently considering opening a music shop specialising in guitar and bass for bands, there is a shop in my street which has become vacant and the rent is pretty low. It is only a small establishment. I know this isn't the best time for a start up, but it is an opportunity. I would keep my day job and my friend who would become joint business partner would run the day to day. So, questions: 1) What do you look for in a music shop? 2) What would you ideally like to see in a music shop? 3) How far would you travel? 4) Am I mad to consider this? I have 17 basses currently, plus lots of bits of kit I don't use anymore, my friend has 12 spare electric guitars, we are both capable of setting up the instruments and have contacts in music retail, So initial stock wouldn't be a major issue. I am a Director of a property development company and my potential partner is a painter, so shopfitting won't be an issue. The premises used to be a bookies so it is well alarmed and has steel doors. The two of us are well known locally in the music fraternity. Also the only band related shop that was in town has just closed due to retirement. There are two other music shops in town, one is basically a keyboard shop that does a few guitars, the other is a reasonable establishment that does a bit of everything and would be the only real competition. The fact that the two of us are regular gigging musicians will also help. Anyway, any useful comments would be appreciated.

I think we all need to be sent a copy to make a balanced judgement on this one. [email protected]

Yup, playing at a good local pub, should be a good crowd, will be doing three sets of an hour. Not a great payer, but we all walk away with 100 notes each and hopefully had a lot of fun along the way......

It is all subjective, but on the basis that people dance to the bass and drums, I do a good job, I love seeing a crowded venue, with people enjoying themselves, and if as a band we can achieve that, then we have all done our job. I am often faced with other local bass players watching what I do, which generally isn't technical, but is right for the song, so, again I am doing my job, and enjoyinmg it. I remember one guitarist I worked with who was a supreme musician saying to me, ' I never have to worry about you, you are always there solid in the background', and I took this as a compliment, because often if we are all doing are jobs well, we almost become invisible sonically, punters don't notice because we are locked to bass drums and complimenting harmony lines and supporting the front line, but if we stopped..............................HUGE HOLE. Does that all make sense?