So you’re interested in starting a band. Well it isn’t going to be easy. A lot of people form bands, but to form a good band takes a lot of time and a considerable amount of effort. However for those of us who truly live and breathe music it’s more than worth it to get up on that stage and get your music heard. If you’re truly dedicated to getting a band together from scratch then here are a few tips to help you on your way.

Band Members

A band isn’t going to be getting up to much without members, and one man bands aren’t really in demand. The first thing to do is to get in touch with like-minded individuals. A lot of people want to put a band together with their mates, and this is great if it works. However, more often than not a band of close friends doesn’t create the best environment. Often some members aren’t quite as committed as others, resulting in those who are really into-it getting frustrated with the lack of dedication.

The key is to find musically like-minded individuals, and there are a variety of ways to do this. Social networking is really good for putting yourself out there and aside from the obvious like Twitter and Facebook there are a multitude of music forums and networking sites dedicated to forming new bands. Furthermore, it’s useful to put up fliers in places, they’re likely to attract interest such as in music shops and at recording studios. These techniques are just as relevant if you have the core of a band and are just looking for specialists such as a bassist.

Laying the Foundations

Obviously you’re not going to jump straight into playing gigs, no matter how well trained you all are. It just doesn’t work like that. The best bands out there are the best because they are all working in the same direction and practice together constantly.

First and foremost you all have to be aware of what kind of music you’re going to be playing. If you’ve been prudent in recruiting members then you’ll most likely have similar tastes and will know what direction you’re taking you’re music in. Creative differences should be sorted out early on as they can become a bigger problem later on.

Practice, Practice then Repeat

As I’ve said already, practice is crucial. Even the most talented musicians need to get a feel for each other’s style and develop their bands style together. Practicing as much as possible will not only allow the band to develop a rapport, but will help you improve you timing and synchronicity.

Recording studios are quite expensive but invaluable for your band, so be as professional and organised as you can to maximise your bands use of such facilities. Practicing in your own time will also be critical, but ensure that you practice often with a metronome so that you are all working to the same rhythm.

Spending all this time together will make your sets flow easily and you’re less likely to have any upsets when on stage. Playing together will give you a confidence in your band members and them in you that will vastly improve your ability to play off each other while on stage.

Get Yourself Out There

Once you’re fairly confident in your ability to play together you’ll want to promote yourself. You’re not going to play many gigs if no one knows who you are, so get your bands name out there in any way possible.
The internet has become a fantastically useful tool for start-up bands as there are so many ways you can use it to promote yourself at next to no cost. Social networking is always vital so get yourself on as many of the popular sites as possible.

Also record a demo. By now you should have a repertoire of songs, so put a few of your best on a disc to give out after gigs and also as part of your application for future gigs. Building a website for your band or even just a Bebo page will let people see what you do and possible get you gigs, while a video on YouTube will get you more exposure.

Finally and most importantly – enjoy yourself. Music isn’t like a business commodity that comes pre-packaged. Music is an art and should be enjoyed whether you’re making it or listening to it. So don’t get carried away with the details of ‘making it big’. If it happens then that’s great, but roaring success doesn’t come to everyone. Just remember that you got into the band to make music and not money.