Even though my husband is (always) in a bunch of different bands, we've been looking for a project we can do together and I've been responding to ads for bands that need a lead singer. So far, nada.
Responding to Craigslist and Backpage ads is like trying to find a band by tying a message to a helium balloon and setting it free. (See also: placing Craigslist and Backpage ads.)
Most of the ads have deal-breaking parameters for the singers they want, such as "male" and/or "ages 16-20." One particularly offensive ad contained the line, "No chicks, unless you want to hook up." I wanted to reach over the Internet and throat-punch that guy.
Because I have unlimited access to a recording studio, I'm working on making a personal demo CD by singing over karaoke tracks of songs I like. Last night I recorded "Heartbreaker" by Led Zeppelin and "You Got Another Thing Comin'" by Judas Priest. The idea is for me to do a dozen or more and choose the best ones to put on my MySpace page. I don't know how helpful a demo will be for me, but it's one of those "why not?" kinds of projects.
While I was going through old photos last weekend I ran across the set list from a band I was in called White Hot, in 1989 (the height of my blonde, she-mullet days). I showed it to my husband and we started thinking about the possibilities for putting together a "hair metal" cover band with the guitarist from our stalled original project, who already has the perfect look.
Here's a picture of White Hot. You can click to embiggen for the full, grainy detail.
Fun fact about my White Hot days: I went by the stage name B.C. Irons (B.C. stood for "blonde chick" - I was so progressive back then) in the late '80s and early '90s. When I met my husband, he called me "B.C." for the first several months until he got used to my real name.
So anyway, the hair band is one option, and I'm still responding to ads from time to time even though nobody ever contacts me back.
One way or another I'll keep singing - even if my only audience is my husband and the studio cat.
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Update: What do you know? One of the bands actually e-mailed me back. I'll keep you posted on how that goes.
the dude on the end with the digital watch, didn't he go on to front for Alabama?
I still like the idea of a cover band - maybe a little old school Euro-punk mixed in with late 70's rock and 80's hair and metal? What does it matter as long as you like what you are doing and you are being compensated for it (beer, money or otherwise?) If nothing else, you'll be able to throw down at the Red Balloon anytime you want.
Posted by: Greg | July 01, 2009 at 02:59 PM
Great time-warp photo!
I love that your doing a cover of "Heartbreaker"--that cannot be an easy song to sing. Have you ever taken a shot at ""The Immigrant Song"? I once tried to get an acquaintance to sing that at a karaoke bar, and he totally choked.
Posted by: Rozanne | July 01, 2009 at 07:33 PM
Really AJ, you do make me laugh and my stitches still hurt... KP
Posted by: Keith | July 02, 2009 at 05:12 AM
As for the picture, you look like Jenna from Blake's 7 (that was a sci fi show not a band by the way).
Posted by: Keith | July 02, 2009 at 05:13 AM
Oh my. Thanks for the trip back through time.
I think that photo was taken at about the time I was running around in long, flowy dresses (with long underwear under in the winter) and long, dangly earrings.
Hope you find a great band soon. Do keep us posted.
Posted by: laurie | July 02, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Thanks for sharing that story. I hope you find another band soon.
Posted by: LuAnn | July 02, 2009 at 10:15 PM