So having done a great deal of boasting about some local musicians, it feels appropriate to step back and reminise on my earlier days as a young drummer starting out. Every musician has to start somewhere, and one mustn't ever forget their roots.
How to Start a Band
Step 1: Practice your instrument! It's crucial to find a good teacher early on who can not only instill passion and drive, but one who can teach you proper technique. In doing so, you can explore your talent and won't be at great risk of injury.
Step 2: Get involved locally! No matter your age, go meet musicians or music enthusiasts. Go to shows. Go be as social as possible, get some names and numbers, and build a network!
Step 3: Hopefully by now you've established yourself in the local music vein. If you've reached a point of confidence in your instrument, call up some friends to jam! Discuss your musical styles, find common ground, and if it permits then begin composing some songs.
Step 4: If you hit it off with a willing member or two, solidify the group and discuss the notion of playing more seriously. Continue composing and learning songs, and practice practice PRACTICE!
Step 5: Get out there and be heard! At this point your group is rehearsed and confident, and you realize that you deserve more. Begin to utilize tools like social media and create pages, make connections, build press kits, get your music recorded, and begin booking local shows.
Step 6: Play play play! Continue playing shows, give people the time of their lives and word will spread that you're a musical force to be reckoned with.
Step 7: Repeat step 6, and enjoy the ride!
Closing
Well there you have it, a little friendly advice on starting a band from yours truly. Any accomplished musician can attest to a variation of steps, some going as planned and some throwing in curve balls. Even legendary bands have had their struggles. Perhaps the most valuable advice I can offer an aspiring musician, though, is this: Practice, and always play from the heart.
Although I have never been a musician myself, aside from the occasional singing, I have witnessed firsthand the steps of forming and maintaining a band. It's not all sunshine and daisies, it is HARD work! But the biggest and most important part that you mentioned is the getting out and being heard. This is precisely why setting up gigs at cool venues is so essential.
ReplyDeleteI would never start a band personally unless I was playing an instrument like the triangle or something. haha. But this was great advice for more musically inclined folks!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to start a band, it's just finding the other members that trips me up!
ReplyDeleteIt is all about dedication and I love that you are doing it. I hope to manage a band one day. I think that would be very cool.
ReplyDeleteMarrisa I'll teach you how to play drums! Starting a band is so much fun.
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