Can you join a band at 40?
Discussion
Having never had the confidence to sing or dance (ever) in front of people, my mid life crisis has kicked in at full speed.
After a couple of enjoyable (for me, and I believe, the audience) karaoke sessions, I find myself feeling like a teenage girl on X-thevoice-got-talent, saying its all they've ever wanted to do.
It genuinely feels like I'm going to burst sometimes if I don't give it some vocal welly. The poor interior of my car has borne the brunt of it, and my kids have heard things no kid should have to hear come out of their father. But I can't stop thinking about it.
I'm keen to see if I could do it with a live band, but don't want to make an even bigger fool of myself than I'm already managing by asking a decent band to listen to a rank amateur wail some dad rock nonsense.
In summary then, is it too late? Will my lack of experience make me a burden to any band willing to have a listen? Is there anything I need to know about before I approach any victims? Is this a normal mid life crisis, or should I just be hunting for a second hand MX5?
Quite happy to endure the usual PH support/p1ss ripping, which I suppose in itself means I must be giving this some serious consideration?
For those about to rock...
After a couple of enjoyable (for me, and I believe, the audience) karaoke sessions, I find myself feeling like a teenage girl on X-thevoice-got-talent, saying its all they've ever wanted to do.
It genuinely feels like I'm going to burst sometimes if I don't give it some vocal welly. The poor interior of my car has borne the brunt of it, and my kids have heard things no kid should have to hear come out of their father. But I can't stop thinking about it.
I'm keen to see if I could do it with a live band, but don't want to make an even bigger fool of myself than I'm already managing by asking a decent band to listen to a rank amateur wail some dad rock nonsense.
In summary then, is it too late? Will my lack of experience make me a burden to any band willing to have a listen? Is there anything I need to know about before I approach any victims? Is this a normal mid life crisis, or should I just be hunting for a second hand MX5?
Quite happy to endure the usual PH support/p1ss ripping, which I suppose in itself means I must be giving this some serious consideration?
For those about to rock...
popegregory said:
Can you sing or not? Record yourself and have a listen.
The 40 thing is irrelevant, bands need singers, and a lot of times you wouldn't really be singing, more "talking with rhythm". It's brill, get in a band.
IME a lot of singers in bands are the singers just because they have the biggest ego. If you can actually, really sing then any proper band would have you regardless of how craggy you are. The 40 thing is irrelevant, bands need singers, and a lot of times you wouldn't really be singing, more "talking with rhythm". It's brill, get in a band.
Do it!
If you can actually sing, go and have a look around. Suggest visiting a local rehearsal studio which often have advertising boards looking for people to join. Bands. Us guitarists are ten a penny, a good singer not so.
I did a gig pub gig at the weekend (guitar n backing vocals) and I was the youngest.in the band.... at 54. Tho I have been doing this type of thing since I was about 17.
Just do it, if it doesn't work out, what have you lost?
Let us know how you get on.
If you can actually sing, go and have a look around. Suggest visiting a local rehearsal studio which often have advertising boards looking for people to join. Bands. Us guitarists are ten a penny, a good singer not so.
I did a gig pub gig at the weekend (guitar n backing vocals) and I was the youngest.in the band.... at 54. Tho I have been doing this type of thing since I was about 17.
Just do it, if it doesn't work out, what have you lost?
Let us know how you get on.
Go for it. Best thing I did fir the first time in my 30's.
I will give you a word of caution. Singing with a band is harder than Kareoke. Be sure you can count (yes really) to a beat, can adapt and change to things are not going to a plan (when everyone forgets the change), dont mind singing things on your own with no backing and can pitch well without any other reference including hearing your own voice (when you cant hear anthing but the drums).
It is the best legal fun you can have in a gang. Write your own stuff and it's even better.
Also, get imunised against LSD.
Yours, a humble bassist who also sings backing vocals.
I will give you a word of caution. Singing with a band is harder than Kareoke. Be sure you can count (yes really) to a beat, can adapt and change to things are not going to a plan (when everyone forgets the change), dont mind singing things on your own with no backing and can pitch well without any other reference including hearing your own voice (when you cant hear anthing but the drums).
It is the best legal fun you can have in a gang. Write your own stuff and it's even better.
Also, get imunised against LSD.
Yours, a humble bassist who also sings backing vocals.
I'm a guitarist at heart ....but started to sing in my current band about 4 years ago ....one little thing that helped my vocals no-end was to wear ear-plugs ......made such a difference, my pitch is better, i don't strain as much and .....crucially.....can hear everything that's going on .....even in a small badly set up rehearsal space .....
I'm a fan of these ones - https://www.allearplugs.com/earplug-suppliers/acs-...
and by the by I am 44 .....age no barrier!! (your back and knees ....well thats a different story!!)
I'm a fan of these ones - https://www.allearplugs.com/earplug-suppliers/acs-...
and by the by I am 44 .....age no barrier!! (your back and knees ....well thats a different story!!)
Haven't abandoned the thread, I'm pursuing options.
Applied for a post in a local band, waiting for the chance to meet up and see how things go.
Reading through the posts, I'm both excited and full of trepidation.
To address one, I've recorded myself once using an Xbox rock band mic and audacity on a PC. To me, it sounded awful, but only because I'm being my own worst critic. Realistically, it sounds better than most of the YouTube efforts of the same song. Early warning symptoms of LSD?
The post about it being a different game between karaoke and a band is relevant. It's one of my significant worries, but also a major driving factor. It's a challenge, one I want to overcome.
More messages of support welcome, I'm going for it, but in a measured way.
Applied for a post in a local band, waiting for the chance to meet up and see how things go.
Reading through the posts, I'm both excited and full of trepidation.
To address one, I've recorded myself once using an Xbox rock band mic and audacity on a PC. To me, it sounded awful, but only because I'm being my own worst critic. Realistically, it sounds better than most of the YouTube efforts of the same song. Early warning symptoms of LSD?
The post about it being a different game between karaoke and a band is relevant. It's one of my significant worries, but also a major driving factor. It's a challenge, one I want to overcome.
More messages of support welcome, I'm going for it, but in a measured way.
I absolutely agree with the sentiment that the mid-life crisis is an opportunity, not an affliction. Mine brought me two Caterhams.
As has been made painfully and explicitly obvious on this forum elsewhere, I used to play in a band, and it was the ability to enjoy making music with others that was the driver, not sitting at home playing along with your record collection.
I have more of an old age crisis nowadays, but I'm sure a mere whippersnapper of middle age has plenty to offer.
As has been made painfully and explicitly obvious on this forum elsewhere, I used to play in a band, and it was the ability to enjoy making music with others that was the driver, not sitting at home playing along with your record collection.
I have more of an old age crisis nowadays, but I'm sure a mere whippersnapper of middle age has plenty to offer.
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