Getting started

So you want to be in a band or have already formed one. then read on....

Now this may seem glaringly obvious but being able to play your instruments to a reasonable level is the first hurdle to pass.  As much as the concept of being in a band and all the glitz and glamour that comes with it is appealing, the chances are that unless you are gifted musicians you won't end up as the next bright young things.  And  you can be sure of one thing.  Unless you are extremely fortunate it will be incredibly hard work, initially for very little, or more likely, no gain whatsoever.
Strange as it may seem, 4 or 5 friends in a band can be a recipe for disaster.  Music is famous for people falling out sometimes over almost insignificant things.  You have to gel musically, friends or not.  There is also the factor of democracy in a band. As politically correct as this may be, it can be a nightmare for a band.  It can become a case of too much input and instead of heading in one particular direction, the band is pulled left, right and centre by its members and ends up as the musical equivalent of a headless chicken.  As much as band members need to be at least able to get on, their musical compatibility is of far more importance.

Before anything else it is worth mentioning band names.  You will obviously want one that fits in with your music. Chainsaw mutants might be a cool name, but would hardly work for a country band!!  Do not use a name already used by a band with a  record deal. They have good solicitors.  Search the band registry here to see if your chosen name is available.  The name is a surprisingly important decision to make, maybe your first important one.  The logo will fit round the name and it all helps to build your brand, something which you will see the importance of as you progress

When you start out and begin rehearsing, you will probably do a lot of covers.  Whilst fine in itself you need to develop your own style and that comes with songwriting.  It can be down to one or two of the members or the whole band - whatever works best for you.  The phrase practice makes perfect is quite apt now. Rehearse and rehearse some more until you get it right, or more to the point how you want it to sound.  There is no point playing your first gigs until the band is tight enough to carry your set.  When that point comes, you need to get yourself out there - parties, weddings, clubs, pubs, in fact just about anywhere that will have you.  Play for free, for drinks, for almost anything!!  You can't expect a venue to pay too much when no one knows who you are.  A good source of first gigs is schools, youth clubs, village halls, etc.

You also need some kind of recording.  Of course a professionally recorded demo sounds far better than one recorded in your bedroom but it is all down to financial considerations.  In fact with the low cost of home recording systems nowadays, you can get a very high quality recording at a relatively low cost.  And it is very useful for the budding band to learn and know the recording process.  It can take time to do the first recording but it is well worth it.  You have more chance of people noticing you with a good quality demo.  You can also sell it at gigs to get extra revenue, or more likely, some revenue!!

Armed with a freshly recorded demo, you can now go about getting more local gigs.  The chances are at least one of your band members will know people in other bands so it is lways worth a shot to see if you can support them in the local area.  You will not make a fortune but you will get out there and if you are any good people will be back to see your next gig.


Tell the local papers, write gig reviews using a pseudonym if necessary to generate free publicity.  Local radio is also a good source of publicity and most regional media should be receptive to local up and coming talent.

Local competitions, such as battle of the bands, that take place in a lot of towns are also worth entering.  You will probably not win them but again they will get people to see you.  And you don't have to spend anything on the promotion.  Another good thing with them is that they generally get good local press coverage.

Equipment is something else you need to consider.  Good equipment does not come cheap.  Aside from the obvious such as instruments, drum kits and amps, there is also the little matter of a PA system.
While many venues will have an in house PA, many of the smaller ones will not and it is very unlikely that village halls, youth clubs and the like have them.  You can of course hire them and they are not overly priced.  If you will be playing regularly, you may be surprised to know that it will only take 15 gigs or so for a PA to start paying for itself.  In other words, if you hire a PA system for each gig you play, after 15 or so the amount you have spent will be more than buying a new PA system!  Looking at it like that, it makes sense to have your own.  Aside from the financial side, you will be familiar with the system and so setting up and packing down will take a lot less time, the sound will be better and you will not have to collect and return the PA each time you use it.  If you are going to own just one bit of equipment make sure it is the PA.