The 5 holy steps to start a band
You have always dreamt about it: turning your passion for music into a professional job and being able to do what you love doing while making a living. But where do you start when you want to start your own band?
The following steps will give you some ideas on where you can start building your dream and having fun whilst doing it..
Step 1 – Find musicians
You can decide to form the band on your own, but sharing is caring, right? So why not find some other musicians to share your passion with, have fun with and also be each others motivator when you don’t get the Albert Hall filled up in your first year 😉 …
- What type of musicians you need all depends on the type of band you want to be. You can decide this yourself beforehand, or you can focus on finding the right people first and then decide what music you prefer (first the who and then the what works the best according to Jim Collins).
- You can search for people using Facebook, Linkedin, but also look on the website Join My Band (Link: https://www.joinmyband.co.uk/). Post adverts at your local record shop, pub, where you know musicians hang out.
Step 2 – Find out your genre and direction
Once you have found the right people, discover together while jamming what the best direction is for your band. This step is an important one and it is advised to take your time for it since it gives you as new-formed band the time to get to know each other both informally and musically. And then at some point an exciting thing will happen: you will discover your band’s sound!
Step 3 – Decide on your image & looks
Some love this, some hate this…but as a band it is important to have a unified look. It is the challenge to be able to be yourself and together form a whole. This makes it easier for your audience to “get” you as a band and to identify with you. It will also help you to get gigs, because venues will be able to assess easier if you suit them.
Step 4 – Practice makes perfect
Rehearsals will help your band develop and become better. Therefore it is important that all band members put in the same effort and energy, since you are dependent on each other for good practice. Some bands decide to make a “band agreement”. If one of you is never able to practice this can destroy the band. This “band contract” will offer some protection for things like your band’s name, payment, ownership of songs, equipment, etc., if/when he/she leaves the band. Practice needs to be taken seriously by everybody!
Step 5 – Promote, Play & Party
After you feel that you are ready to perform, start promoting your band:
- Get the word out, get a manager, become visible online, make your YouTube (link Youtube) movie, get up on Soundcloud (link Soundcloud) and of course get your Whatbands page to get your band out there and easily keep a record of your bookings.
- Look in your network who might be able to help you to get your first gig. Maybe a performance at a family wedding can give you a platform!
And Step 6….Never give up!
Regular gigs is not easy and will come with ups-and-downs. Be there for each other as a band when somebody is having motivational issues or doubts. It will make you stronger!
For more information and more steps look at: http://www.wikihow.com/Form-a-Band or https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/news/blog/how-to-form-a-band