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What is the difference between Solo artist and band leader in a band?

Asked by niki (714points) April 15th, 2010

(I know I’ve asked similar question in the past, but this is just to clarify furthermore):
what is the most prominent differences between a solo artist and a band leader in a band?
example: what is really the main differences (or the main determinants of the differences) between, say, Jason Mraz, and a “band” like Muse, where we all know the ‘leader’ of the band obviously is Matthew Bellamy (he wrote all the songs, even seemingly take full control of ALL the instrument’s arrangements from bass, guitar, etc..correct me if i’m wrong though) ?

as I’ve mentioned in the the past few months,
I want to start forming two music projects of mine.
One is going to be an entirely “Solo” project, ie: Solo acoustic piano ‘orchestral’ project (I will sing too).
and the other one is the electrorchestra pop/jazz project.
the latter is where I’m still confused, and mainly it’s this:

1. I am still currently one individual, and right NOW, I am actually capable of making the whole compositions and arrangements until they’re finished. So should I just upload (or “released”) it first on the Net (ie: Myspace, Reverbnation, Facebook, etc)?
or should I better wait until I’ve found other musicians, for the LIVE performance?
(I’ll be the first to admit that I can’t deny there is some “ego” part in me that wants my FULL and complete control in my music & its concept to get recognized the most for its worth (it’s quite normal,..isn’t it?), this is why i’m asking this question: what should I act as? Solo or band?)

2. if I can do all the stuff by myself, how important is it to have to find other musicians? is LIVE performance really, really essential?
what if I just immediately create the project, and self-release my music (a “promo”, and media-ready) online, like on iTunes, CDbaby, WITHOUT having to wait or search for completed musicians/band members? or, to think about those later on?

3. most important question perhaps:
then should I better act as a “Solo artist” (& telling my other musicians firsthand that they’re going to play exactly like I want, and perhaps if they want, only contribute very little bit), or in this case, is it better for me to just form as a “Band”, where I’ll become the band leader?

I figure this is going to be a very important, crucial information,
as I try to not get a wrong start anymore this time.
also I figure this would surely important in terms of “legal, music business” stuff perhaps, such as the copyright, royalty issues.
please help me solve this musical predicament.
thanks!

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