How to Form a Band
Some people want to form a band but just don't know where to start and how to make it work. Whether it's just an amateur band or a professional one you want to form, here's some useful advice.
Steps
- Find musicians. Typically, you'll need at least one guitarist, one bassist, and a drummer, and the lead singer can either play an instrument or not. Of course, this all depends on what type of band you plan to be and what kind of music you will play.
- Come up with a good name. You can pick something meaningful or just one that sounds cool.
- Consider making an Intraband Contract. This contract will cover what happens when a member leaves what he/she can do with the name, payment, ownership of songs, equipment, etc. Solving this now will help to avoid disputes in the future.
- Practice! Becoming a good band takes time and effort. Practice will also ensure that you and your bandmates develop a rapport.
- After practicing enough to seem somewhat skilled, begin writing songs. Write as many as you can, but you'll want to have a repertoire of about 11 or 12 songs so that you have enough to play live. You also may want to copyright them.
- Start searching for gigs. Playing live will get you some cash and exposure.
- Start a mailing list to reach other people. After a long while you should be well on your way with a regular gig. Always be promoting your band.
- Look for accountants, managers, and other things for your band, as the music business is just that, a business.
- Prepare yourself for stardom!
Tips
- Practice a lot and jump on every opportunity of getting known.
- If you don't have any musician friends, put an ad in the paper or at your local music store.
- Find a real rehearsal spot. Real bands don't play in basements despite what you see on TV.
Warnings
- Don't trust everyone, beware of independent record labels that ask you to pay to be signed. They're just looking for an easy buck.
- Copyright your work and never show it to an agent or a label director before you do! You'll only get your music stolen by someone else.
Things You'll Need
- A place to rehearse
- Equipment (Guitars, Drums, Microphones, Cables, etc.)
- Some recording equipment. A well equipped Mac or Windows machine can do the job!
- Patience
- Confidence
- The will to play and rehearse
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