I am starting this blog to create discussion around the practice of fronting a band and hoping to learn more about this skill.
I have searched here and there to find out if anyone else is writing about fronting a band but (in blog terms) have come up short.
Before we go into too much detail it might be useful to provide a definition of what fronting a band is.
So what does Fronting a Band mean?
- it is in relation to a live music performance by more than one person to an audience (though solo performers will share many traits/facets with the person fronting the band)
- it is the person within the musical group who, amongst his/her bandmates, interacts with the audience the most during the performance.
The goal of the person fronting a band is to enhance for the audience (and sometimes bandmates) the live musical performance. To do this the frontperson can do a number of things that are musically related (sing, play an instrument), or things that have nothing to do with music (dance, talk with the audience, (call and response), use gimmicks).
Fronting a band is a weird and wonderful thing. For me I think getting really good at is a fine art balancing lots of the aspects mentioned above. Plus being able to do your job musically in the band is just as important as fronting the band.
There are a few general definitions out there that are pretty good too. See here and here. I am always open to change what my definition is (and being in rock and roll rules are made to be broken!)
Rock on peeps
September 2, 2007 at 10:53 pm
Hi there,
I think this is a really great idea for a blog! I don’t have much experience fronting a band (after the age of about 7) so I am really keen to hear about what is involved from you personal perpective.
cheers
Deb (as Robyn)
Frontguy sez – Thanks Deb
No one has really written about it very much on the internet so I figure I may as well. Also I want to see what other people think about it because the more I do it the more I realise I have heaps to learn.
Tell your buddies about the blog I would like to hear what they have to say about it.
And why did your frontgal experience end at the age of 7?
September 3, 2007 at 2:52 pm
I am so glad to have come upon your blog! I, too, have had trouble finding information on the subject or people who can (or will) share their experience and insight. I realize that fronting is a very personal thing, and everyone has their own personality and style. The thing I’m finding though, is that, you want to have fun with it; but, like any craft, it takes practice and effort to do well. I am new to fronting and need all the help I can get so I appreciate whatever insights you and others care to share. Thank you.
Frontguy sez – Thanks Terry. I hope I can give you some good ideas. Feel free to share any experiences as I don’t think I have all (or any) definite answers.