If you have a love for music and performing on stage but aren’t quite sure if you want to be up there on your own, it may make sense to start your own band. Having members either side of you when you’re rocking out on stage can boost your confidence and really bring your music to life. While the thought of starting a band may be exciting, thinking and actually doing are two completely different things.
For those who are serious about starting a band, it’s time to put the wheels in motion. Whatever genre of music you play or how much experience you have, here are some key tips that will turn your dream into a successful reality.
Find the Right Bandmates
If you put out an advert for bandmates, the chances are you’ll be inundated with musicians looking to join your clan. However, just because you’ll get a ton of replies, doesn’t mean they’ll be the right fit for your band. You want to pick people whose dreams and passions align with your own, otherwise, arguments and disputes can soon arise, which no one wants to deal with. Picking people who have excellent time management skills is a must. This is so that everyone arrives on time for rehearsals, and most importantly, the gig!
There are lots of ways in which you can look for band members, such as by networking, visiting rehearsal rooms and studios, and advertising online. Make sure you stay persistent in your search, as you’ll soon find band members who are the perfect fit.
Perfect Your Sound
You should have a good idea of the kind of music you enjoy writing and playing. However, you’ll need a little bit more to make your band stand out from others. For instance, if you’re a rock fanatic, you’ll be aware that there are millions of similar bands out there. It’s best to come up with your own signature sound that is unique. That way, you will be in your own lane and get your own army of loyal fans. It pays to experiment with your sound, so if you use an instrument, why not push yourself out of your comfort zone and try something different? You may find that, after some rehearsals, your sound evolves for the better!
Practice, Practice, Practice
Once you’ve got your band together and established your niche, it’s time to find a place to practice. Of course, you’re going to need lots of time to gel together and create magic, so finding a zone to rock out in is essential. You don’t want to be dealing with noise complaints every night, so some obvious spots to choose include basements and garages.
If you outgrow these spots and have some cash together, why not see if you can rehearse in your local church, or in a music venue before they open their doors? Once you find the right rehearsal space, you can play all night long and really get your sound together.
Pick a Unique Name
Once you’re in the full swing of practicing and getting your sound together, it’s time to come up with a name for the band. Make sure everyone gets a say in the decision process, as remember, you’re a unit now. You’ll want your band name to be memorable and stick in people’s minds. Pirate have a guide on how to come up with a band name which should make the process easier. As well as how to choose a band name, Pirate has rehearsal spaces and recording studios your band can use to get started on your musical journey. Whatever you do, make sure your band name isn’t offensive as this may turn your audience off.
Get a Demo Ready
Before you can even think of playing live gigs, you need to have a well-crafted demo in place. This will help get your music heard by those that matter. When it comes to getting booked for gigs, you can hand over demos to venue owners who will find out more about you and your sound, and whether they want to hire you or not. You only get one shot at making a good first impression, so ensure your demo begins with your best song. Make sure you use high-quality equipment, so your songs stand out for all the right reasons.
Establish a Social Media Presence
No up-and-coming band in 2021 can neglect the importance of social media. Whatever your niche is, or who you’re trying to target, know that billions of people all over the world log onto Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram every day. This means it’s very likely your target audience will be social media users. Now is the time to set up a business page on Facebook which can be used to promote your band and interact with fans. You need to consistently post content on your social media channels, as this will keep fans updated with what you’re up to. As well as social media, it’s important to create a website for your band, and have links to your streaming platform profiles.
Start Gigging
Once you have your social media profiles in place, it’s time to start gigging. As a brand-new band, you’re not going to be playing huge arenas and stadiums to begin with. Instead, you’ll be lucky to be booked in a small, intimate club. All the greatest bands that you idolize had to start somewhere, and in many cases, in the same environments you’re starting out in!
As you start to gig and gain experience, not only will your confidence be lifted, but you should also notice your fanbase grow. After all, the more people who witness you live, the better chance you have of turning them into loyal followers. Try and gig anywhere you can, as the more shows you have under your belt, the better.
Once you put your all into forming your own band, as long as you follow the tips above, everything should fall into place naturally. Before long, you’ll have your bandmates in tow, and be ready to hit the stage and perform like your life depends on it.
