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Dear John

Solo or join a band?

First published 26th October 2006

Question:
I am torn between a solo singing career and joining a band - I enjoy both kinds of work but which of the two should I focus on for long-term success?

Answer:
Not only is there no one right answer to this question but it is a question which could also apply to comedians, writers and magicians. In fact there are very few forms of performance or creativity which don't offer the option of working alone or working with other people. However, there are even fewer forms of entertainment where any one choice in this matter will lead to that elusive 'perfect' set up. It's probably obvious that working with other artists will involve a certain degree of tolerance on all sides but working solo can also involve compromise. There is certainly a greater degree of freedom when you make your own decisions as a solo act and of course you don't need to share the spotlight with anyone else. But on the inevitable nights when shows don't go as well as expected or an audience is looking for a focal point for dissatisfaction, being on stage by yourself can be one of the loneliest places in the world. It's also true that when a band or other showbusiness collective clicks, the end result is usually bigger and better than any of the individual members could generate on their own. Ultimately it is going to be your own personality - and more to the point, how well you get on with other people, which determines the area you choose to focus on. If you get the chance to try both types of work - even if you already have a leaning towards one or the other - it can help you make an informed decision. I'd also point out that if your first solo gig or first band experience isn't the happiest it doesn't necessarily mean approaching either activity from another angle won't yield better results. Here are two singers with experience of both options.

What the experts say:

ReDD

Currently making major waves on the British music scene as a member of 'phunk rock' band Cherry Blackstone, I hope it doesn't damage ReDD's street cred too much to say that I have been fortunate enough to work with her at various stages of a career which has included stints as a girl group leader, solo recording artist and much in demand backing vocalist for major stadium acts. A graduate of the BRIT School, ReDD has also worked as a songwriter and in artist development for other music acts.

"When I moved to a solo career after my time as part of a group, I have to admit that, yes, it did feel a bit strange to be out on stage by myself. I have always been a team player - something that is obviously important both for working with a group and also for work as a backing or session vocalist but I also really enjoyed the freedom to be myself on stage and to take complete responsibility for entertaining the audience. I think whichever decision you make, whether it is going solo, joining a band or perhaps leaving a band to go out on your own, you will always have times when you wonder if you should have taken the other path. The key thing I think is to focus on what your goal was when you made your decision and commit to giving your all to whichever decision you made.

"When I joined the group Cherry Blackstone, it wasn't because I didn't enjoy solo work but because it was a chance to work with other musicians I knew well and shared a vision with - and I think the experiences that I gained as a solo singer not only helped me to clarify that vision but gave me extra elements of my own to contribute to our unique mix of influences."

Shirley Ann Scott

Shirley Ann Scott has been working as a solo vocalist for 15 years. Shirley Ann first started performing in amateur dramatics and prior to going solo was a member of a successful country band. Shirley Ann's work includes cabaret, summer season and cruise bookings as well as both theatrical and corporate events.

"One of the key things about being a solo act rather than working with a band is that you not only have to be responsible for every aspect of your show on stage, you also have to know at least a little bit about each backstage element, from music to lights to finding directions from one place to another whereas in a band that work is often divided up depending on what each member is good at.

"Just because you are a solo act doesn't mean you work on your own all the time of course - as well as working to my own tracks, I love working with live musicians and being able to connect with and create a great show with other performers that you may not have met before the rehearsal involves people skills as much as musical ones.

"You also have to do a lot of travelling, which can be quite lonely if you are doing it on your own.

A really important consideration is that unlike in a band, where if one member is a bit under the weather, the others are able to compensate, as a solo singer there's no place to hide on stage so you have to make sure you stay in top condition at all times. That means it is up to you to do your vocal exercises and practise your routines regularly - there are no other people around to keep reminding you.

"Having said that, I really enjoy having the freedom to make my own decisions on what to include in my act. For instance although as a professional vocalist I can sing any kind of song the bookers want me to, I can also include songs which I personally like, either because the lyrics mean a lot to me or because they show off my strong vocal range. Fortunately those numbers get a very good response from my audiences also."

John sums up

Shirley Ann's point that working solo doesn't usually mean your work is not dependent on other people is one ReDD made also, so having that 'team player' element is as much a factor for solo performers as it is for band members. Like most skills, it may or may not come naturally but it can be learnt. I certainly recommend that even if you are solidly set on a solo career, it is good to get as much experience as you can working and harmonising with other singers and musicians. There will inevitably be the day when your backing track doesn't work or the song you planned to do doesn't fit the bill or - on a more positive note - a 'name' act needs someone to duet with, and the key factor in how much good that does your career will not be how good you sound, as how good you can make the combined effort sound. And if you are not used to it, sharing a stage properly can be just as challenging as filling it all by yourself.

* Cherry Blackstone can be seen weekly at 10pm on Channel 4's Bo' in the USA at 10pm every Friday until November 10. Full gig and band details and sound samples may be found at www.cherryblackstone.co.uk

* Shirley Ann Scott is featured in Showcall and available for bookings on 01977 559 145 or via Gordon Kellett Entertainment on 01132 708 5622

* Feedback/queries are welcome to dearjohn@thestage.co.uk

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