Singing Live, 1st Time in 8 Years

I was always the lead singer in bands--people seemed to like it. But anxiety made me flee to the shadows of bass playing. I liked being the guy most people had no interest in. I was anonymous. I did my job well on the bass, literally standing away from the spotlights. And yet, I miss playing and singing. So I've entered a songwriting contest. I don't care if I win. Some country song will win out. I have the music completed for 3 new songs, a month to finish them up an get ready to perform. One is a waltz, one a quiet rocker that gets heavy and loud by the end, and the third a balls out heavy rocker. If I'm limited to one song, it'll be the waltz. I'm proud of it because it's got a sophistication that I've never been able to achieve in my writing. When I record it, it'll have an orchestral arrangement. Describing a song is like telling a dream--it's boring to anyone who hasn't seen or heard it themselves.

Anxiety might hold me back. I'm just going to be so prepared that I could sing the song while asleep. This is a huge deal for me.

Share your story and progress with us here, Willie. I found that doing so when I first dared to take the stage was a great relief to me. We can share your frustrations and successes, and you don't have to keep them internalized.

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Originally Posted by ch willie

I was always the lead singer in bands--people seemed to like it. But anxiety made me flee to the shadows of bass playing.

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Hmmmm, I’ve never found playing bass to make me a non-singing musician in the shadows on stage.

There's been a lot of bassists who fronted many popular bands......like Peter Cetera (Chicago), Jack Bruce (Cream), and Felix Pappalardi (Mountain).

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Originally Posted by phantomman

There's been a lot of bassists who fronted many popular bands......like Peter Cetera (Chicago), Jack Bruce (Cream), and Felix Pappalardi (Mountain).

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And those are fantastic frontmen. I've fronted a few bands as a bassist. Got pretty good at playing complex lines while singing--years and years of practice. I refused to sing in the last band I was in, no background, nothing. I loved loved playing live but just stuck to the shadows, which took off much pressure and allowed me to have fun. I figure the contest will be three or few songs and then, finito.

To add to the list: Sting, Phil Lynott, Greg Lake, John Weston, Geddy Lee, and so on.

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Originally Posted by Laker

Hmmmm, I’ve never found playing bass to make me a non-singing musician in the shadows on stage.

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Didn’t hamper Sting at all

While we're at it: Sir Paul.

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Originally Posted by Laker

Hmmmm, I’ve never found playing bass to make me a non-singing musician in the shadows on stage.

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“Make me” is the wrong term. I should rather say “allowed”” me to play in the shadows. Bass playing doesn’t have to be anonymous. It let me be anonymous. Also, I was in a band that did basic “classic” rock stuff. I knew my chops and played them well; just didn’t want to be noticed.

Just to add another bassist/lead singer. Phil Lynott

I’m pretty sure you’ll do it well, brother!

You got this.