Started a new band thread

[Iron MikeyJ]

Before someone tries to move this thread, hear me out. The point of this thread is not for me to try and pump or get views for anything "my band" is doing, just a general disscusion on the process of forming your own band, the ups, the downs, whatever stories anyone wants to share. As some of us know, it's not always an easy go, but living the rock n roll dream (even on a small scale) is one hell of a ride.

So anyways after about 6 years of being essentially "bandless" I have started a new one. The main reason why it took so long, was its hard to find the "right" people to play with. When my old band broke up, it was a difficult thing for me personally. I play lead guitar, and finding the right rhythm guitarist is the most important aspect for me. When my old band ended, it was because me and the rhythm guitarist basically started to really dislike each other. Before our last show, I made the comment "what are we supposed to go on stage and pretend to be friends even though we hate each other?" Well we played that last show, and it was good, but it was the end for that band "Circadium Rhythm". Shortly after that show we got offered our biggest gig to date, which I rounded up the drummer and bassisit and played it as a 3 piece. I called us "the Leftovers" for that show, because without the other guitar player I didn't feel right using the old name. The difficulty of playing lead, rhythm, singing, and soloing basically told me that its too much for me to do on a perminate basis. That was 6 years or so ago, and haven't played a show since. (other than a few guest apperances and what not).

I learned a lot from that experience, even on a small level, egos tore that band a part. My relationsip with my old rhythm guitarist has since been healed, but it took a lot of work. We basically started over and had to learn how to be friends again (I'm actually going to his house this saturday) so all is fine, but we will never be in a band together again. Which is sad because we had real good chemistry. I still feel he is the best rhythm guy I have ever played with. He was singer/rhythm player and me on lead, we basically had similiar problems to Axl and Slash, but on a much smaller level obviously.

Well anyways a few months ago I went to a party and met this girl that plays an awesome rhythm guitar and sings really really well. She was blown away by my lead guitar ability, so we started jamming acousticly. We have since rounded up my old bassist, a drummer, a girl back up singer, and another guy acoustic rhythm player, with me on lead of course. We have had a few "plugged in" practices and things are coming together awesomely!!! We even have our first gig lined up, a halloween party at the same place my old band used to play. She is the real star of the band, which the singer should be imo. But going through the things I did with old guys, has helped me to realize that. Besides every time I play a solo, I get my chance to shine. The rest of the time, it's her show.

I have always wanted to be in a band with a girl singer. They usually sound better imo, and its just smart from a marketing stand point. Would you rather look at and hear some dude all night, or an attractive female? The music we are going for is different also, which is cool imo. Basically pop, rock, and rap songs played in a jam band style. We don't want to be just a cover band, so we are working on originals also. But after 6 years out of "the business" it feels great to be back at it!!!!!!

Feel free to share any stories that anyone else might have.