Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,738
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,738
Hi,

I placed some ads in my local area for vocalists. One or two have responded that can not sing.

I am looking for kind ways to tell them thanks but no thanks.

Any good ideas?

Also, how would you look for a vocalist in your local area?

I need someone who can actually sing and can work face to face or at least over zoom.

Billy

Last edited by Planobilly; 11/01/21 03:23 AM.

“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig?
“Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876
J
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
J
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876
Just say something like "Thank you for submitting your vocal track. I've decided to go in a different direction so I won't be able to use your track. Thanks again for your interest."

Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,032
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,032
Billy, be firm and direct without saying anything that could be construed as derogatory or insulting. Mention that you have found a suitable solution elsewhere, and thank them for their time and effort. No need to go into further detail than that (don't dig a hole for yourself).


BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Off-Topic
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,727
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,727
Ghosting and no reply to their messages seems to work well.

Or you can simply be honest....That was horrible... Don't quit your day job.... or ... That reminded me of the banshees in the Golden Voyage of Sinbad..... You should do a duet with William Hung, or Yoko Ono.

Or, you can be tactful and tell them thanks but that project was put on hold for now. If it becomes active again, I'll be in touch. Thanks for submitting your track.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,738
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,738
Thanks guys for all the good ideas.

I just got a call from a young girl who is very theatrically inclined with a good voice.

on the face of it, a perfect match-up. Her boyfriend plays bass and she is up for both recording and live work.

Could just be my lucky day.

Billy


“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig?
“Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,462
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,462
That’s the ‘different direction’ you can go in.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,979
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,979
So folks that “can’t sing” responded? Bad singers, not so good singers - yeah … but it’s hard to imagine somebody having such a total lack of self awareness sans years of feedback. Our weird music world.

Bud


Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.
If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks!
Our Videos
Off-Topic
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
So folks that “can’t sing” responded? Bad singers, not so good singers - yeah … but it’s hard to imagine somebody having such a total lack of self awareness sans years of feedback. Our weird music world.

Bud



I've been singing 'badly' for years. Never held me back. grin

Regards,

Bob

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,979
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,979
Originally Posted By: 90 dB
Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
So folks that “can’t sing” responded? Bad singers, not so good singers - yeah … but it’s hard to imagine somebody having such a total lack of self awareness sans years of feedback. Our weird music world.

Bud



I've been singing 'badly' for years. Never held me back. grin

Regards,

Bob


If I could sing “badly” I’d be a happy man. Badly? You? Hahahahaha.


Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.
If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks!
Our Videos
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,738
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,738
Originally Posted By: 90 dB
Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
So folks that “can’t sing” responded? Bad singers, not so good singers - yeah … but it’s hard to imagine somebody having such a total lack of self awareness sans years of feedback. Our weird music world.

Bud



I've been singing 'badly' for years. Never held me back. grin

Regards,

Bob


Bob was that you who called...just kidding...lol

Bud, the first guy said he was living with a heroin addict and could not get in the house. He sent me a youtube video link. It was, let's just say not something I could use or deal with. There are plenty of lost soles out there grasping for any straw. Only has a phone. I told him the truth. I have four doctor's appointments tomorrow and I don't know when I will be able to talk again.

The young lady Jenn Dunn who said she was 30 and I got along from the first second. A second fellow named Everett has some Hip HOP skills and some piano skills among other vocal skills want to meet next week.

So...at least my $10 dollar ad looks like it may produce results.

A ton of work to do on my end.

Billy


“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig?
“Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,738
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,738
IF you really need to hear "badly" go listen to my stuff...lol Why do you think I am looking for a vocalist?...lol

Well...as bad as it may sound I can sing on pitch for the most part. I can sing in time. I have at least a five-note range...lol Who needs more than that? I don't change key every measure and sing in the cracks. Well...not very much...

My one claim to fame...absolutely no one sounds like me...lol

Back to the subject thanks to all of you for good ideas.

Cheers,

Billy


“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig?
“Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,318
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,318
Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud


If I could sing “badly” I’d be a happy man. Badly? You? Hahahahaha.


When I try to sing my pitch correction software tells me to shut my pie hole and to never quit my day job!


I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia.
She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,466
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,466
You don't have to tell one of them; I read the thread smile


I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
I’d probably go to the same place I put the word out that I was looking for a singer and simply say something like “Thanks to the large number of singers that responded. We were overwhelmed by the number of respondents. After some deliberation we have someone that seems to fill our needs. Thanks yet again to all”.

This is polite way of saying thanks but no thanks.

Tony

Last edited by Teunis; 11/01/21 11:18 AM.

HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,738
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,738
Thanks, Tony, I got a lot of good ideas for future ads.

Rharv...lol

Billy


“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig?
“Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 253
R
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
R
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 253
Man, how times have changed.

Years ago I was hired to sing a number of jingles in Dallas TX...on one occasion the guy from the ad agency who was "producing" had me sing his 30 second spot over and over and over....this went on for like two hours straight. I tried everything I could think of, different approaches, etc. Finally, the recording engineer (who was a friend and had recommended me) said to the guy "Could you tell us exactly what you're looking for?" and the ad guy responded with "Yes....something that doesn't suck."

I'm probably really old school (or just old), but I kind of feel like if you put yourself out there as a professional vocalist for hire, you need to be prepared for the critiques that come with it, as harsh or terse as they may be. I probably would say something to the effect of "I appreciate your taking the time & effort on this, but I don't feel that your vocal is a good fit for this particular recording. Thanks anyway."

** Disclaimer, I'm the kind of person who likes hearing the truth, regardless of how tough it can be to hear it. Most people probably aren't that way.

Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,032
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,032
When I sing, the neighbors throw a brick through my window so they can hear me better grin


BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Off-Topic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,404
Expert
Online Confused
Expert
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,404
Just be honest, and don't waste anyone's time...


Bandcamp
Win-11; BiaB-2026 Audiophile (latest version)
Cakewalk Sonar; Melodyne-5; Scaler 3; NI Komplete:
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20



Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,148
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,148
Originally Posted By: Planobilly
I placed some ads in my local area for vocalists. One or two have responded that can not sing.

I am looking for kind ways to tell them thanks but no thanks.

Any good ideas?

All you need to say is, "Thanks for responding, but you don't have the sound I'm looking for."

If they press for details, then by all means, be honest. But that's probably not going to happen.

I was watching a video the other day , and Stan Lee was talking about how he would encounter artists at comic conventions that would show him terrible drawings and ask about getting a job as a comics artist.

He said he didn't know what to say to those people, because if you're intending to be a professional in a field, it's critical that you have the ability to evaluate how good (or not good) you were. And these people had no clue how bad they were.

So he'd end up suggesting something like "Maybe you should practice drawing shoulders a bit more" or something similarly anodyne (hey, I finally get a chance to use that word!).

Similarly, if the singer doesn't know how bad they sound, critical feedback is probably going to fall on (tone) deaf ears.


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,471
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,471
I would thank them for responding but tell them that you are looking for something very specific, and although you are capable, you're not what this particular project needs.

I've been in bands for decades, and auditioning singers is the worst.

Way too many people who are not good singers, and think they are, want the gig. The only singing some of them have done is with the radio. Many come completely unprepared with no songs, no keys to sing them in, and/or no charts. Ask them what they want to sing and in what key, and you get something vague like "Maybe a Carly Simon song, do you know any?" (I've actually had that happen.)

Too many don't even know how to breathe with their diaphragms - they will never get good breath support that way.

But occasionally you get lucky, with someone trained, talented and prepared. Then it's worth the effort.

It was so frustrating at times, I learned to sing myself.

Singing is the hardest instrument I've learned so far. With most instruments, you just put your fingers in the right place and the note comes out. Sure, you need refinement after that, but it's a good start.

Fortunately, being a trained wind player, I had the breathing thing down. Then it was the muscle tone, muscle control, and the shaping of my throat and oral cavity. I've become an adequate singer. I'll never become a great singer, I just wasn't blessed with a good instrument, but I can get by.

Then I met a great singer who was in another band. We became great friends, eventually got in the same band, and I married her. I don't have to look for a good singer anymore, I've got one in the family.

She plays guitar and synth too. And we're very best friends. How lucky can a guy get? Not much luckier than this.

Notes ♫


Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.

Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe

This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®

With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!

These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!

This Free Bonus PAK includes:

  • The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
  • MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
  • Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
  • Playable RealTracks Set 5
  • RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
  • SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
  • Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)

Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:


  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
  • Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
  • RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
  • SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,792
Posts796,192
Members39,959
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Rohde, Dobrnjac, MaxxFV, jwagner51, thecabinfever
39,959 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 182
Noel96 121
DC Ron 109
rsdean 105
dcuny 102
DrDan 94
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5