If you need urgent support, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. To contact our Crisis Messenger (open 24/7) text THEMIX to 85258.
Options
what is it that makes a good band
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
okay so heres the question:
what makes a good alternative /rock/ or even a good punk band?
i was asked this question today and i had no idea how to respond (:D + :rolleyes: + at me) because its a hard thing to describe.
but what would you say makes the difference between a legendary band like U2 for example whose music will probably keep going strong forever, against something like a band which you've never heard of or something like good charlotte - a band which you listen to for a certain sound but which will no doubt be short-lived and fade to nothing in the end...
- what creates the difference in your opinion?
and can you explain it ?
no offense to GC fans :angel:
what makes a good alternative /rock/ or even a good punk band?
i was asked this question today and i had no idea how to respond (:D + :rolleyes: + at me) because its a hard thing to describe.
but what would you say makes the difference between a legendary band like U2 for example whose music will probably keep going strong forever, against something like a band which you've never heard of or something like good charlotte - a band which you listen to for a certain sound but which will no doubt be short-lived and fade to nothing in the end...
- what creates the difference in your opinion?
and can you explain it ?
no offense to GC fans :angel:
Post edited by JustV on
0
Comments
Good guitar solos.
Good bass.
Good singing.
Apart from the obvious like talent.. and good songs.. I think i good band needs;
Witty lyrics.
A mixture of influences.
Energy - especially on stage so they aren't boring to watch live.
Musical tightness - also means they'll be a good live band.
Variety of sounds - i.e It's not JUST always guitar, drums, bass, lead singer - a few other instruments in there - Some brass, strings, electronics.
Variety of ideas - i.e not all songs about one subject, one mood, one sound etc. i.e if they're all big melodic, happy, love songs - however good they are - it's not gonna amuse me.
An icon - An individual/s who you aren't going to forget in your whole fucking life. With a whole lot of talent.
General quirkiness. Something that makes them special. A bit different to the others. But if it's intentional..it works against them.
Unfortunately for a band to get to the status of U2 it usually also means they have to be pretty bland.
I'd say the artists and bands that have longevity are those that write lyrics and have musical styles that resound with more than just one, core group of people. Bands like The Who and singer/songwriters like Dylan (just to take two examples of long-standing and greatly appreciated talents) appealed to previous generations with really timely lyrics and new, eclectic, interesting, ear-catching, awe-inspiring sounds. But then those same sounds also still resonate with - and inspire - the yoof of today. Or at least some of them.
There are some bands and artists of 30/40 years ago that - while "good" - don't have that timeless kind of quality that makes people listen to you once you stop doing constant tours and publicity. Of course, it also helps if you've built up an enormous fanbase that can pass the message of your music on to the next generation and continue to enjoy it themselves!
Styles, gimmicks, snazzy haircuts come in and out of fashion. Great songwriting, good sounds and a genuine affinity for music are a lot harder to find in the music world and when you discover them I don't think many people are just willing to let them fade away with slipping chart positions and all that bollocks.
Long live good music!
That and a touch of talent, a helping of ambition and a shitload of drive.
Oh the quintessential Les Paul/ Marshall stack combo. That helps
Trust me they are :yuck:
Oh sorry, I misread the question. That's what makes a popular one. Heehee.
This is why KISS are one of my fave bands ever! never seen them live unfortunately but from the videos ive seen everyone seems to be having a ace time! the band, the crowd EVERYONE.
god KISS rock.
We Are Scientists.
:yes:
*my 2 pence*
Oh, and the ability to do everything they do in the studio live.
Bad Religion :thumb:
This is why my favourite band is KoRn, the bassist 'Fieldy' is into his hip hop and his own solo hip hop album, and this shows in his bass playing, the drumming is also hip hop influenced, while the rest is heavy metal. One of the first Nu-Metal bands (practically created a genre), use down-tuned 7 string guitars to create that grinding heavy sound. Jon Davis' voice can change from screaming to singing to scatting, they also often feature guest rappers showing their hip hop influence. Finally each korn album is so different with such a different sound, some albums feature use of synths e.t.c. Plus, how many metal bands do you know that feature bagpipes in some songs?
Oh yeah and the lyrics in korn songs are fucking amazing.
AC/DC, The Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly...
To be honest, Korn aren't as influential as all that. If you want to talk about nu-metal and all that jazz, then Faith No More are the band. They were the first ones to fuse rap/the beginnings of hip-hop to metal. I personally find Korn a little dull and derivative of those early rap/metal people. Follow the Leader is a good album though. However, I cannot overstate the awesomeness of Faith No More.
Rancid fecking rule