Tips On Starting A Band

 

 
Once you're confident enough with your talent to actually form a band, start looking for people who'd be willing to join you. Ask friends and have them spread the word that you're looking for bandmates. If this doesn't reap any results, place an ad in the newspaper or on billboards at local colleges (if you don't mind young members).
There has to be harmony in a band — both when it comes to the genre of music you want to play and personal relationships. Remember that your bandmates will be with you through thick and thin so they should be people you trust, creatively and personally. As well, a band needs a good leader, and although that role is oftentimes assumed by the singer, this rule isn't carved in stone.
Upon the formation of the band, discuss with your partners what kind of goals you have with this venture and make sure that everybody agrees. Do you want the band to be nothing more than a Sunday afternoon distraction? Do you want to make a record and hit the charts someday? Are you planning on staying local or do you want to tour the country? As long as everyone has the same aspirations, fun will be had by all.
It's time to recruit...

Hold auditions
To make your selection, don't simply rely on a person's word when it comes to their proficiency. Hold auditions and see whether they're talented enough to join you. Make sure they have their own instruments and a way to get to the rehearsal location. Being in a band involves much more than simply playing music. There has to be rehearsals, equipment must be carried from one place to another, and there may be fees linked to promotion and transport. You must be punctual and willing to sacrifice time and money if you want your band to work. Surround yourself with people who will do the same.

Choose your music
At this stage, your band must come together and decide on its musical direction. Firstly, will you cover other people's songs or will you write your own? Then, you must make a decision as to the type of music you're going to play. Once everyone's in agreement, establish a repertoire of the songs you will play.

  Name your band
This may sound like an obvious point, but naming your band is, in fact, critical for your band's success. The name should reflect the kind of music you play and the kind of people you are. Think of a cool name like Wicked Delinquents, if you're into Goth rock, or Cherry Bubbles, if you're opting to delve into pop music.

  Have respectable gear
If putting a band together is solely a hobby and you have no intention whatsoever of playing professionally or performing live, then second-rate equipment will do just fine. On the other hand, if you have ambitions of doing concerts, investing in top-notch amplifiers, instruments and microphones will make you sound professional, even if you're not.

  Find a rehearsal space
Before you get to open for the Rolling Stones, you need to practice. But prior to that, you must find a place to do so. It's not something you can do on a third floor apartment; not only is it inconvenient to carry the instruments up, but the noise won't delight the neighbors. Garage bands are called "garage bands" for a reason; a garage is the perfect spot since it's somewhat detached from the house and the door, if closed, keeps you from waking up the neighborhood. Basements aren't bad either if the house is empty.
 
Growing Musically
Now that your band is ready to commit to the music, let's see what you can do to hone your skills to the point where you become the next MTV staple.
7- Practice
Whether you're planning on a professional music career or simply playing for the fun of it, practicing will occupy the bulk of your band's activities. You must practice every chance you get, and find the right arrangements for each song. Also, this rehearsal period is the perfect time to work out the kinks. For example, if you realize that the lead singer has difficulty hitting the higher notes, you might want to steer clear of Guns N' Roses songs.
Listen? Can you hear that? I think... I think I hear the groupies...


8- Record a demo

When you feel you've reached the level of a qualified musician, make a demo. A demo is a recording of a few of your songs, usually around three, that will serve as a calling card for your band. You can always record it yourself with basic equipment, especially if you don't have lofty aspirations, but a professionally made demo will be much more impressive.



You can rent studio time and, depending on how many instruments you use, it will cost you between $500 and $1,500; this price usually includes rehearsal time, professional sound mixing, help with your arrangements, and, of course, the finished product.
making it

Your band is formed, you have your equipment, and you sound like you were born to perform at the Grammys. Read on to learn what steps to take to sell millions of albums and decorate your walls with platinum records.


9- Get a manager

Now begins the hard part: A manager is a person who will find venues in which you can perform, make your career go forward, and get a commission all the way. In the music industry, everyone and their brother is trying to get a manager, so, as a newbie, your chances are slim.



Still, you can get a friend who has sales abilities to act as a manager. Someone who's eager to make it in this business can be just as efficient. Keep in mind that legitimate agents and managers take a 10 to 15% commission of the money you earn; if they ask to be paid in advance, run away.


10- Get gigs

Now all you need is professional experience. Using your demo, offer to play in bars and nightclubs, or at parties, regional festivities, sporting events, and weddings. If none of these venues pan out, sign up for amateur night at a local dive so that you can get stage practice, as well as showcase your talent and music. Maybe you'll receive offers after that; you never know who's in the audience...


11- Send out your demo

Having performed at a few minor venues, it's time to jump into the big time. Send your demo to clubs that you know have launched the careers of other bands. Contrary to the other places you've played before, these clubs are usually music savvy and quite busy. Your demo will let them know with just one song if you're worth their time.


12- Contact small labels
The next step in your career consists of making an album. Of course, this is easier said than done. There are only a handful of multinational corporations controlling the majority of the music we hear every day and they are usually too busy developing sure things like Bazooka 'N Tulips to take a chance on unknown talent.



But there's still hope. Contact small independent labels that put music before commerce and send them your demo. Find out what the company's submission policy is and follow their guidelines to the letter so as to put chance on your side. 
Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Depends how dedicated you are

Here's How:
Find some other people who make music -- or want to. Most bands have a guitar player, a bassist, a drummer and a singer of some sort, but you don't have to follow that formula. You can have two bass players, a keyboardist, even a tuba or a computer DJ. Decide together what style of music you want to play. You don't have to stick to one style, but it's helpful to agree upon what kind of music you're going to make when you get things started.
Alternatively, you may want to pick the style of music first and then find other people who are into that style. Know a bunch of people who are into emo or punk but don't play instruments? Here's a great opportunity to learn. In fact, lots of famous bands have done it this way. Find a place to practice. (This is a biggie.) Does someone have a soundproof garage or parents who are hard of hearing? Can you practice at your school or at a local youth center, church or YMCA? Get creative.
If you don't have instruments already, you'll need to buy or rent 'em. Same goes for pedals, amps and other necessities. See if you can get your parents to pitch in or consider pooling money with your bandmates to buy items that you can all share. Start playing music together. A little jam session can go a long way, even if you're not a superstar yet. Use your first few get-togethers to come up with some song ideas and be sure to write them down.
Write some music. Use your ideas from the jam sessions to help you get started. Find someone who's great at writing lyrics, too. Get together at somebody's house or the local coffee shop and work out your ideas. Then pick a few songs to try out at the next band practice. Set a regular time to practice. Once you've got some material to practice, get everyone to agree to a regular time to get together.
Write, write, write. Practice, practice, practice.
When your band can play a few songs, spread the word. Tell people at school about it, as well as people you know from other places (work, church, the neighborhood, etc.). When everyone in the band feels ready, let your music be heard. Enter a battle of the bands contest, rock the cafeteria after school's out (with permission, of course) or play a friend's birthday party.
When you have a good roster of tunes, record some of your favorites. Make them into mp3s and/or put them on a CD, upload some samples on MySpace or another website that lets bands promote themselves, then encourage your friends to check it out. Consider handing out copies of your music at your live shows, too.

Don't forget to keep practicing and coming up with new material. Your fans will thank you for it!

Tips:
Try to make band decisions based on consensus. If some members feel their voices aren't being heard or that their opinions don't matter, things can get ugly.
It's usually easiest to choose one leader for the band. Make sure everyone knows how to get in touch with this person.
In fact, it's good for everyone to exchange contact information in case practice gets rescheduled or you have ideas you want to share.
Deal with ego problems early on: It's no fun if someone is a drama queen, a stage hog or a self-centered jerk. If someone is behaving this way, find a tactful way of mentioning that everyone needs to work together.
Awesome bands don't just happen overnight. The more you practice, the better you're likely to be.

What You Need:
A love of music
instruments and sound equipment
other people who love music as much as you do
a place to practice
a way of getting your gear to practice and gigs
lots of ideas for songs and lyrics
 
So basically if you want to start a band it is possible.. Just be sure to really know your niche and play within it! All the while learning and growing as a musician.

-Ben Jammin Kraft