9 tips for starting a band and keeping it together
Posted by staff / October 21, 2013
Tired of strumming solo, and ready to get a band together?
It isn’t always as easy as finding four or five perfect people hanging around the halls in high school, and if you’re of a certain age, it’s probably illegal, too, so Beginner Guitarist Academy has nine tips for not only starting, but building a successful band that will stand the test of time and maybe even make a buck or two.
PREPARE TO BE BROKE I’ve banhed on before about the hardships of living a life as a professional musician- it sucks. You will constantly be spending your fleeting currency on replacing strings, upgrading equipment, renting spaces and generally doing anything. Low-level gigs don’t pay much- if anything at all. It is highly advisable to find a manageable part-time or freelance job. Maybe even a full-time job if you’re hardcore! Financial backing of some kind is a must- anyway.
YOU HAVE TO THINK BUSINESS It may not exactly be Rock ‘n Roll, but you have to be realistic and think of your band in terms of a musical business. You cement a unique sound/style, you brand yourself with your logos and designs, and you generally have a Unique Selling Point about you. If crowds aren’t responding to certain songs then consider scrapping or re-writing them. That is unless you’re extremely dedicated to a niche genre and you really believe in it!
DON’T FALL INTO THE “NICE GUY” TRAP Your bandmates are musicians- first and foremost. They are there to make music with you and play it well. Them being your friend should come second. Of course you can’t have everyone in a band hating each other, but keeping a sub-standard musician in because they’re a: “Nice Guy” is counterproductive.
Full story at Beginner Guitarist Academy.
Photo credit: Fotolia
I think this advice is good for any kind of business. An entrepreneur must hope for the best, but he must always be prepared to be broke.
Being broke is never permanent, anyway.