Definition of a Frontman?

[Vocalistman]

Hi SOFTies! I really interested to know what are your definitions of a frontman? I want to explore, be better and further expands this skill coz apparently vocal is what I major at atm, and it is least discussed..haha.. We hear the drummer, the bassist, the guitarist seldom, but vocals?

But here's the issues;
I see many other bands with poor frontmanship? they just play songs after songs without proper intro in gigs?

Pitching and tuning of the vocal too, many of the songs the vocalist sang in gigs are out of pitch? Is this even acceptable? Yes they can yell out loud, but going out-of-tune and they can't recognize it? and the audiences do really applaud? I don't get it... Unless it is really their own invited people to cheer for them, that I don't know

I mean I myself are weak vocalist, but I don't understand how many bands are proud to have their vocalist out-of-tune? What is the process and how you guys actually recruit them?

I'm sure many bands are of friendship relations, that's why they play together but doesn't, let's say the drummer, at least notice his tune isn't good? I am just confused of what the perception of a frontman really is to most bands.

Thank you,
Voxman

 

[van_halen]

a good frontman has to be able to sing well (this is basic for a vocalist, even if he is not a good frontman), have charisma and showmanship, being able to build rapport with the audience.

 

[RudimentalDrummer]

Hi SOFTies! I really interested to know what are your definitions of a frontman?

I'm sure many bands are of friendship relations, that's why they play together but doesn't, let's say the drummer, at least notice his tune isn't good?

I am just confused of what the perception of a frontman really is to most bands.

Thank you,
Voxman

Hi Voxman

I guess in many Bands that plays songs that needs a Vocalist – The most important thing is – The Vocalist must be able to sing that song (and he must feel comfortable and love the song) – because we are not talking about – Instrumental Songs here.

No matter how well a Band can nail a song together – if the Vocalists can’t or do not want to do the Song – There is no point doing it – cause he can be consider a FrontMan here.

But yes – it’s a Fun thing altogether as a Band, where relationship exists – but bear in mind also – That Great Singers are hard to come by really….

If we can have a Singer that has a very very Thick-Face (not shy type) – it good already as he can and he dares to entertain … that’s where the fun comes in.

I mean- seriously – we ourselves are also not Perfect Musicians – why ask so much from our Singer too here …. Afterall many come together to enjoy the Music together here - Unless you are talking about a Professional Band here…then that’s a different story altogether.

 

[voxes]

it depends on what kind of band you are talking about.
if you are talking about a band that just strives for their own originality and image,then forget trying to tell them whether they are out of pitch or not because they won't give a sh*t about it.for them,anything that sounds good, is good music.but bear in mind that it is these musicians who became legendary AND whose covers are being played by 'professional bands'.

but if you are talking about a professional band playing covers in pubs going for perfection,then what you bring up is DEFINITELY an issue.they seem to bother more about sounding 'in tune' than sounding good.it is good because these musicians are the ones who can earn a stable income by playing music.

this is a fact,to me at least,that these two categories of musicians have their own world,and, from experience at least, getting them to sit on the same table is NOT a good idea.

 

[someone]

A frontman (or woman) for a has to have a balance of both vocal quality and showmanship.

Vocal quality would be made up of pitching, tone, and control. Basically, they have to have a voice that people will want to listen to.

Showmanship is a very certain kind of charisma that will help to engage the audience. There also needs to be an awareness of what works for the music the band is playing. Thom Yorke generally just mutters into the mic between songs, but he is so expressive when he sings that it draws the audience in. But imagine that in a pop group? He would be laughed off the stage...

Any prospective vocalist must score at least 5/10 for both of these, and preferably at least 7-8/10 in one or other area.

A third area that may be a plus is song writing/ lyric writing. If a frontman can contribute in this area most bands will be really happy.

 

[Hickey_]

Frontman: the man who stands in front. (Y)

 

[bobby]

When you're about to hold a heist or grand robbery
You ask someone to stand there as a distraction
Pretending to be changing big notes
That's your frontman.
Behind, you take out the gun and hold the people hostage.
That's the forerunner.

That's the definition of a frontman

 

[Vocalistman]

When you're about to hold a heist or grand robbery
You ask someone to stand there as a distraction
Pretending to be changing big notes
That's your frontman.
Behind, you take out the gun and hold the people hostage.
That's the forerunner.

That's the definition of a frontman

I can easily do that. Now what heist should we pull off? hahaha

 

[DeathCubeK]

Doesn't really have to do a lot with good singing. A good frontman, say Ozzy, who is great, isn't considered a good singer. But he suits the band, and he performs a hell of a show. To me I don't really care how good you sing, if you don't sing or yell or scream with your heart, then it's pointless.

 

[idontreallylikepapayas]

Well, it depends on the genre you are playing. Standing with your back against the crowd all the while(Jesus and the Mary Chains), or jumping around like most hardcore bands do, they are both stage antics. So yea it all depends on the genre you play.

 

[Vocalistman]

but wouldn't it be a turn off for the audience when they hear their favorite music outa tune?

 

[voxes]

the audiences also have different perspectives too, just as probably you and i do. that's why as we go along in this business, we will find that you can never ever please every single person, no matter how perfect you try to be. which is why no one is perfect.

 

[shinobi]

but you have to at least please SOME people lah if nobody likes your music then you have a serious problem. and you have to please your boss. if the world doesn't like your music, it's not a problem with the world...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtgSAlclqS8

 

[DeathCubeK]

but you have to at least please SOME people lah if nobody likes your music then you have a serious problem. and you have to please your boss. if the world doesn't like your music, it's not a problem with the world...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtgSAlclqS8

That's nickelback so it's pretty much expected.

 

[Loreal]

You got to JUMP!!! David Lee Roth style