Band Leader

[PrincessNic]

The thread that talked about this got closed before I could reply...so I hope this is ok to talk about...if not I am sorry.

It was mentioned that Chris was emerging as more of the band leader, but I don't think so.

I thought it was always Sean who was more of the leader when they were young (only because he is older), but now I think they are all even. Chris may seem like he is the leader only because he talks the most. Sara, and especially Sean, are quieter and allow Chris to be the spokesperson.

[scarlett_fox]

I don't really think there is a distiguished leader in NC, they kinda make descisions and come to comprimises as a group (at least that's what I've seen).

An 'all for one and one for all' kinda thing.

[Meghan Narser]

I got to post in the other thread so I won't repeat it, but I concur with the above.

[Adyn]

I just have to say I find it funny that people get all defensive of Chris being called the leader :D (as if that somehow takes anything away from the others?)

If you've ever seen the band live, that has got to be your impression, wouldn't you say? During shows, Chris does the majority of the yappin, is always center stage, and generally the most energetic, attention-attracting member.

In interviews, Chris tends to be the spokesman, very consistantly.

As far as how that actually eqautes to the band off stage and in the studio, they certainly don't mean the same thing. The song writing is collaborative, and the lead singing is spread out among the 3.

In determining sound and direction, they go in the direction the band evolves in... which, is something that, yes, there are signs of in Deceiver. But I think there are also signs of 26 miles in their writing direction. And who knows what' we'd hear if Sara would get an album out there? ;)

Likely, it's more accurate to say, the the influences on Chris, in writing and producing his last album, have also influenced the bands work.

I love Chris's work (duh) [lolol] and I like Deceiver as an album. But I still feel very strongly that his best vocal work is with the Creek. They mesh together to form a whole that is stronger than the sum of it's parts, and that is still VERY clear at least to me, on this album.

[buttermuffin4]

Originally posted by Meghan Narser
I got to post in the other thread so I won't repeat it, but I concur with the above.
Copy and Paste ;) .
Is there really ever a 'band leader'? The only place there actually is a band leader is in the studio, and we have no idea what goes on in there.
And as far as interviews and one talking more than another one, maybe they're just shy.
I've notice in just about all the interviews I've seen Sean never talks. [think har

[PrincessNic]

Sean doesn't ever talk in intereviews. I am not sure why. Maybe he is shy...or it could be because no one can get a word in when Chris talks!

But I definately think that in the studio, song selections, and the general direction of the band that there is no leader. Everyone has an equal say.

Even if he isn't the official leader of the group, Chris is the natural spokesperson because he is the most comfortable in that role. He likes to talk.

[matt the fiddler]

Sean likes to lay back a little more.. it is more his style, not that he doesn't have anything to say.

[Sneezy II]

My brother believes Sean is the heart of the band. It may be that Chris is their leader and for other big reasons - he is the best singer, player and innovator.

I love them all. It's possible Chris may lead them into dangerous territory so I hope he listens to his heart.
[think]

[Meghan Narser]

I think Sean is more of a layed back, I agree. He always seems kinda... I dunno, stretched out almost? he always looks relaxed.

[e-rock2]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sneezy

It's possible Chris may lead them into dangerous territory so I hope he listens to his heart.




I don't think there is any such thing as dangerous territory when it comes to music of this nature.

[Sneezy II]

Originally posted by e-rock2
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sneezy

It's possible Chris may lead them into dangerous territory so I hope he listens to his heart.

I don't think there is any such thing as dangerous territory when it comes to music of this nature.

I think there is dangerous territory when it comes to getting their music recorded. The music business isn't friendly and appreciative of artistry, only the bottom line. It may be that they'll want to leave Sugar Hill. Where will they go?

Maybe not dangerous, but treacherous territory is all around.

[e-rock2]

I like to think that they are not worried about selling millions of records. Nowadays you can always go to a indie-label and release music or if you do it right, you can start your own label and get distribution. I think that Sugar Hill has given them the artistic freedom to do what they want. As long as they stay true to what they want to do and not listen to trends, they will continue to make interesting music and also push boundaries which I think is a really good thing.

[Sneezy II]

Of course I hope you're right about Sugar Hill continuing to support them.

I like to think that they are not worried about selling millions of records.

Who's talking about millions of records? I'm talking about having a record label who will stand by them when the venture off into areas beyond the label's best interests.

But this thread is about a band leader. It's an awfully small group to be lead by one. I know they all have vital roles and hope that continues.

[e-rock2]

It sure seems like they have given them artistic freedom. I can't imagine that they haven't. They have been the top seller on the label(as far as I know) and their reputation in the business would easily get them a spot on another label. Plus, many bands are starting their own labels. I'm sure Sugar Hill is behind them 100%.

[matt the fiddler]

heaven help us if an artist gets creative for once, and produces beyond the music label box, and we don't have a good spot to file their music. [in a store or in our head]


Heck, it reminds me what Bill Monroe did only a couple decades ago.

Now, I don't understand this comment..

The music business isn't friendly and appreciative of artistry, only the bottom line. and then referenced chris leading them to this dangerous places

are you worried about thier artistry be dangerous, because people might stop buying records?

think about a quote from chris that says something like the second some one writes a song to sell a record is about the point in time they should stop writing




FWIW IMHO this record is closer tobeing like This Side, than This Side was to Nickel Creek

[Adyn]

Originally posted by Sneezy II
It's possible Chris may lead them into dangerous territory so I hope he listens to his heart.
[think]

Ok... I'll bite on this one [lolol]

What the HECK are you talkin about? LOL

If you're making a personal judgement call, keep in mind that while you may some of the band members personalities in what they present to the public, you certainly don't know them as individuals well enough to make that kind of a statement (and I mean all 3 of them).

And if somehow you are buddies and I just don't know it then I'll hush up on that haha.

If you're using Chris's last release as a reason for concern... I suppose that is more grounded at least if you don't like it... and there is the oh so traumatic swearing :p

I just can't fathom why someone would say that, it's pretty harsh about a third of this trio... without Chris there IS no Nickel Creek (and I'd argue the same about Sean and Sara) so any direction they go in as a band IS Nickel Creek.

Sean & Sara are also big kids... give 'em a little credit for not being drawn by the nose any direction they don't want to go ;)

[e-rock2]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Adyn

I just can't fathom why someone would say that, it's pretty harsh about a third of this trio... without Chris there IS no Nickel Creek (and I'd argue the same about Sean and Sara) so any direction they go in as a band IS Nickel Creek.

Sean & Sara are also big kids... give 'em a little credit for not being drawn by the nose any direction they don't want to go




I couldn't agree more that they are equally important in Nickel Creek. Yes, they get to put out their solo CD's, but when they come back together they are united as one voice in Nickel Creek. I certainly don't think that Chris has any more influence or pull over what gets released. It seems as democratic as a band can get.

[Meghan Narser]

I find myself wondering what would happen if one day they are delayed for a plane, and instead of writing us a lovely journal entry like Sara did, they decide to come read some of the stuff we've put here :)

[matt the fiddler]

then they complain to me... =Þ

[it has happened before]

[Sneezy II]

I was commenting on the topic of this thread Band Leader. I thought more about this as I tend to obsess and think as a group Chris is their head, Sara their soul and Sean their heart. It works for me if not for anybody else.


As for this rather harsh accusation: Adyn Wrote: I just can't fathom why someone would say that, it's pretty harsh about a third of this trio... I LOVE CHRIS!!! He's my avatar for heaven's sake!! I don't know them personally other than to have chatted briefly after concerts. I just read alot of what they say and I personally hear Chris expound on his desires more than Sean or Sara do. Read Scatterbrained and you see we have a rather unusual fellow in our midst. Plus Not All Who Wander Are Lost is my favorite CD in the world. And that title sums up my vision of Chris's goals.

So when I say dangerous or treacherous I mean swaying from the path that brought them success to this point. I want them to go all the way in any direction they choose because I believe they are brilliant musicians, dedicated artists and hope they don't lose their love and respect for one another as they grow and develop. You never know with artists - Look at what happened with John Lennon and Paul McCartney.:(

I'm in the music business and I know it has changed in bad ways over the years. Particularly recently. Matt the Fiddler said it best.

NC is courageous and adventurous and my money is on them succeeding and reaching a wider audience to become the soundtrack of our lives. There's a goal!!! :cool:

[Sneezy II]

mtf wrote:are you worried about thier artistry be dangerous, because people might stop buying records?

It hasn't up til now. Hope it won't. I'm probably older and just don't appreciate some of their influences of today. I love that they love Bach and the Beatles. I'm reading books on the changing music industry Who Killed Classical Music? and Renee Fleming's The Inner Voice. The business is bottom line oriented and hopefully they will be happy with what their quest brings them.

I recall Vince Gill commenting on them in the first CMT profile done on them. I think he knew they were going it the hardest route possible.

Speaking of. Just saw March of the Penguins. See that film for inspiration on a dangerous and treacherous journey. The point is it's worth it if that is what you love.

[Adyn]

Originally posted by Sneezy II
As for this rather harsh accusation: [B]Adyn Wrote...

Hmmm, I am sorry if you felt that my saying your comment was harsh was itself a harsh accusation (that's confusing haha) To me, it was a pretty strange thing to say, and yeah... I understand your general meaning now, but the comment itself is, I think... a bit insulting.

Now, if you had said something like... I am concerned about the direction Chris could take the band in because I feel like he is pulling them more in a rock/pop direction and away from their roots... or whatever. Then, cool. I don't agree (we don't have to ;) ) but that's at least not an accusation.

I can also see where you gather information from interviews & such... but again... Sean doesn't really talk, by choice, in those. So you don't know (and I don't know) what his postion is on their direction. I think it's unfair to assume that because you don't hear him talk much, that Sean wants to stay the same and Chris wants change.

I can completely understand your position about not wanting them to evolve into a more modern, shall we call it, sound. But, to emulate our fearless leader on the board, I'll bring up Chris's quote again...

the second some one writes a song to sell a record is about the point in time they should stop writing

For them to do anything else is to take away what NC is, what makes them unique and a BIG part of what makes me a fan.

(as a total aside and out of curiosity... how do you like 26 miles?)

[matt the fiddler]

Hey, classical music lives on!

[Meghan Narser]

Classical music is the music I listen to on the radio because I'm to afraid to move through all the stuff I really don't like in order to find something I do (Just to have to change channels after that particular song). Classical is a safe haven for me, not my favourite but... it just feels right for me.

[Sneezy II]

Adyn: You are very sweet and clearly know your NC. I feel bad that I ruffled you.

(as a total aside and out of curiosity... how do you like 26 miles?)

I bought it, listened repeatedly and like much of it. Not All Who Wander Are Lost just jumps off as absolutely marvellous in every possible way. But, I LOVE Sean's songs with NC!

I apologize for being so cavalier with my remarks. I meant them as an essay writer might intend. I believe dangerous and treacherous are colorful, evocative words which describe the path fairly accurately from my perspective. But as you say I don't know them. For all we know Sean is cracking the whip. I doubt that though. :D

Just know my concerns are for their complete well being and freedom to create as they wish. They've come so far and I'm thrilled they want to put out a new album every year. That would make us all very happy. - except for those poor Bluegrass/Country fans who feel betrayed. I think it would also free them up to compose thematically if they choose anf possibly keep each album into a more limited number of genres. I found a review on the NET yesterday which points to this. I'll try to find it and drag it in here. It was lengthy, with well thought out criticsm IMHO.

Otherwise, there's always the I-Pod for putting together one's own NC album. [noise]

[Adyn]

Originally posted by Sneezy II
Adyn: You are very sweet and clearly know your NC. I feel bad that I ruffled you.

Oh gosh, thanks :o ... I can be a real pain as well (can't we all?? heheh) No worries!

Thanks for taking the time to elaborate, obviously I took your word choice differently than you intended... which probably explains why I was baffled ;)

So, that being wrapped up... [lolol]


Just know my concerns are for their complete well being and freedom to create as they wish...


We are definately on the same page with that... I think we are all in for an intersting ride along with them, especially if the do crank up record production to one a year. I'm not sure that I'd rather see less genre hopping though... I can see where that may make for a more cohesive album & also easier for fans who prefer one style to others... But all in all, I like the mix, and the nods to all of their influences (& whims LOL) I also think it's GREAT for getting the younger generations into music they may not listen to or otherwise be exposed to. Though, arguably I suppose that's not a reason to mix genres.

I do like the analogy of genre soup as opposed to stew. A band I think is very much in the stewstage is the Duhks. I really like this band, but it's a bit too jumpy for me, combining & hopping genres that aren't always cohesive. I think the Creek has, through the years, finally accomplished this. The influences are in there... but as enriching flavors & textures that help make that NC sound.

Wow... I'm rambling... Haha. You can tell it's more fun than working (even while listening to live Creek [lolol] )

Back to work for me, and thanks again for your thoughts... nice to see some well thought out discussion on a band that is very deserving of such depth :)

[lethal12005]

Originally posted by matt the fiddler
[it has happened before]
Really?

The second someone writes something that might hurt NC's feelings is the time they should shut up - me.

Duh, it takes all three to be Nickel Creek. If Chris is anything, he's the one that does the interviews, or most of them. Sara writes really exceptional journal entries, and Sean doesn't say much (by his choice or otherwise) and leaves you speechless with his songs.

[PrincessNic]

Originally posted by lethal12005

it takes all three to be Nickel Creek. If Chris is anything, he's the one that does the interviews, or most of them. Sara writes really exceptional journal entries, and Sean doesn't say much (by his choice or otherwise) and leaves you speechless with his songs.

Well said! That statement summed up the entire thread. There is no band leader at all.

[chickzilla]

well i OBVIOUSLY missed something by doing the stupid thing, and going on vacation.
to add my humble two cents to the discussion, i have never found anything wrong with Chris doing all of the talking, Sara wearing all of the cute shoes and singing amazingly and being fantastic, and Sean being quite, and taking in everything around him like he could minutely recreate it sometime else. its as simple as three people who spend tons of time together, still managing to have their own personalities. i wouldn't expect it any other way.
and besides, if Sean started doing all the talking, the things he said would seem more like speechs and less like that one fortune cookie fortune you keep in your wallet for ages cause it was amazing and hit home.

[Meghan Narser]

Fortune cookies never seem to have fortunes in them for me. Most of the time they say things like You are very outgoing