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How to start a band: pros, cons and 9 easy steps to follow

You've developed your abilities to the point that you want to begin playing live shows with a band. The simplest approach to getting started quickly with the chance to perform in front of an audience that has already developed a following is to join a band.

However, it could be challenging to find a band that shares your interests and plays the music you appreciate. Does it make more sense to try to join an established band, or should you just start your own band? Let's look at each option's benefits and drawbacks to help you make your decision.

The advantages of joining a band

There are advantages to joining a band. You might get to collaborate with musicians you aspire to if you join a band. You might develop relationships with seasoned experts who motivate you to improve your craft.

Not to mention, joining a well-known band improves the likelihood that you'll start playing shows sooner, more frequently, and with better stage presence.

The advantages of joining a band

Established bands are more likely to be in a position to secure better gigs since they have connections with managers of venues and booking agencies.

The disadvantages of joining a band

On the other hand, when you join a band, you have little creative freedom. You're entering a setting where the band members may have developed a close-knit group as a result of their shared past. Learn how to blend in; that is your responsibility.

You probably won't have a lot of say in the song choice, practice procedure, or rehearsal and performance schedule as a new member.

The advantages of forming a band

The best course of action may be to start a band if you want greater creative freedom and the certainty that you'll be performing at venues you like. You can choose players with the skill set you want and those you think you'll get along with by recruiting your own members.

The advantages of forming a band

You oversee the artistic direction as the band's creator. The band's size, song selection, image, ideal venues, and rehearsal and performance schedule are all in your control.

The disadvantages of forming a band

You will be responsible for overseeing the band's duties as a founding member until you hand them off to others. This implies that you might be required to cover the band's initial startup fees and serve as their manager, booker, and publicist.

This includes acquiring gigs, negotiating bookings, marketing performances, and managing the personalities within the band, if needed. When you schedule a gig, it is your responsibility to make sure the band adheres to its contractual responsibilities.

How to start a band: step by step

Find Band Members

Making posters is one method of finding bandmates. Create an easy-to-read poster that describes your sound and the instruments you're seeking. Include many rippable pieces with your name and phone number at the bottom and place them in as many pubs, venues, and music-related environments as possible.

Find Band Members

Social media is another option. It's an effective technique for communication when you're attempting to connect with new people. Put your original poster on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Once you find someone, get together and jam with them before deciding to add them to the band. Check to see if they have any talent and whether their style fits with your own, and most importantly, make sure you get along together!

Find your sound

Finding your sound would be the next step and, of course, this develops gradually over time. But if you're methodical about it, you can get a very good idea right away.

Share your influences during the first band meeting. Which musicians are your favorites? What music have you guys been listening to lately? Are there any genres that you both enjoy?

Jam a little bit together. What natural sound emerges? You should choose a genre for your writing that all of your band members can relate to. One crucial point: make sure to select a genre in which your singer excels.

Find your sound

Find a place where you can practice

You can think beyond the box to find a place where you can gather and shout. Just be sure it won't land you in legal troubles. If you continue to practice there after a few noise complaints to the authorities, you'll face some significant fines.

Start writing your songs

It may seem unimportant, but it's crucial: before you begin writing, you should make sure that your group has mastered the art of playing well together.

Enter the writing process properly once you've figured out how to get along with one another. Prompts for songwriting are a terrific way to start writing new tunes.

Start writing your songs

You'll need at least twelve songs to be the main act in any given show. Your initial objective should be to achieve that. But don't compromise quality for quantity. Six outstanding songs are more significant than twelve mediocre ones. Take your time. Up until you've composed the required number of songs, you can always do opening shows (or covers).

Choose a band name

You need to come up with a band name before you can play shows. Therefore, brainstorm with your bandmates as you write tunes. Many outstanding band names are allusions to the music they enjoy. Consider choosing a name that is based on a song you enjoy. The music community will consider it original if it is somewhat unknown.

Choose names that are short and easy to spell. Google your potential names to see what comes up in the results. It is ideal if little shows up, and this is a great indication that the choice of the name was a wise one.

Additionally, confirm that any proposed band name's URL is accessible. You don't want to invest everything in a name only to discover that you can't have any sort of online presence.

Record a demo

The next stage, if you have the technology, is to record one or more demos. When seeking for gigs, you should have something that you can submit to venues. If you ever want them to give you a chance, they need to be able to hear how you sound.

Record a demo

Choose your look

You may not realize how crucial your appearance is. Simply put, the band as a whole needs to have a similar "vibe.” When the time comes to create your own merchandise, having a consistent aesthetic will also be useful.

Accept whatever decision you make. Make a commitment to the roles you want to play!

Find gigs

To do that, you'll need to persuade the venue's owners to let you perform there. Creating an electronic press kit, or EPK, is the first step. This is essentially a band's music business CV. Be sure to include the following:

- Yor music
- Some photos
- Your artist bio
- Music video
- Links to your social channels
- Past Press releases
- Your contact info

Get the word out

Once you've found a gig to perform at, it's time to begin self-promotion. You must spread the word to your friends, distribute flyers, and organize events on social media. Tell your friends to tell their friends.

Get the word out

You want as many people as possible to attend your first gig ever. That will convince the owner of the venue that you can generate some revenue, and they'll likely invite you back. Furthermore, you'll have the energy you need to put on a fantastic performance with a crowd around you!

Conclusion

Despite the fact that it appears to involve numerous steps, this is a straightforward procedure. You should form a band right away if you haven't already. Make some music out there and enjoy it!

We hope you enjoyed reading this post, and if you'd want more career-related guidance, on our blog section, there are many more beneficial articles, advice, and recommendations to be found.

You are undoubtedly here because you love music, so please take advantage of the chance to listen to it while interacting with other users via webcams in CalypsoRoom.

Are you a music artist or label and do you want to give your music a further dimension? Do you own or co-own the master and publishing rights to your music? Consider to post it on CalypsoRoom listening to it together with your super fans, at the same time, connected by webcams.

Thanks for reading,
CalypsoRoom Team



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Written by CalypsoRoom Editorial Team
The CalypsoRoom Editorial Team is a skilled and diverse group of writers, researchers, and industry specialists who have access to Calypso's data and information in order to give you broad knowledge about the music industry as well as helpful advice to help you manage your music and dancing career.

Updated January 2023


Could be challenging to find bandmates that shares your music interests. Follow these 9 steps and learn how to start a band.

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