D & B

So here is the lowdown of some things as of late:
I was trying to start a band up here at WFU, but things weren't looking so good until I responded to a poster looking for people who could play metal. Only two people responded to the poster, a guitar player and myself. But, I met up with the drummer (the vocalist was out of town for this weekend) today and I must say, it was awesome.

We started off just chilling and looking for a place to practice. For some reason, the band hall won't let private groups (including those made of only students) use the band room...so we scoped out the basement of one of the psychology building. It was quiet, no one studied on the floor above us, and it was as soundproof as we could get it (carpet, spacious enough to diffuse the sound, and underground) and we plan on using it eventually. After looking for other places, though, we ended up chilling and headed over to Scales so D could play drums while I played my EUB (for space reasons, the practice rooms in Scales are tiny. My Ibanez would not do well in the small space).

This was the first time I've done a drum & bass combo. It was, to say the least, interesting and awesome. D was using a kit all the drummers could practice on (he is in jazz band up here), but used his own double bass pedal and sticks. It was interesting, for instead of normally laying out a bassline and providing the foundation for a guitar or singer, we were able to improv. Our playing could be described as providing the foundation, rhythm, and melody at the same time. It was constantly changing and was unlike anything I've done musically. We started off pure metal, then shifted to a metal-jazz fusion, and then into jazz. Finally, we did a quick cover/rendition of Run to the Hills, called it a night, then got Cookout.

What I learned:
It's hard to find people who like the same style of music as you up here. Most people are indie and alternative lovers up here. If not, they can't play guitar and like rap or something. While I enjoy these genres, it's not my primary interest.
D and I mesh well musically. We've both played instruments for 8 years, so we know what we're doing. We are not BSing ourselves into thinking we are amazing for being able to play Sunshine of your Love. It's a good song, but 1) we don't play that kind of music and, 2) frankly, we are so much better.


Great Success.