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This isn't so
much of a Guitar lesson as such, but if you are in or want to start
a band, you need to know this. It is a 101 for starting a band
and getting it going, getting gigs and getting people to actually
come to your gigs!.
You see it
everyday, those people who have their life sorted. They are in a
popular band, making heaps of money, almost reaching the level we
all dream of. But right before they get there they crash, and it all
comes falling down. Like it or not this happens to 99% of bands that
even get a remote chance of making something of themselves. The
music is obviously important, but there is also so much more behind
the music that needs to be done if you want to make it further than
the bar down the road.
If you don't
already have a band, the first thing you will want to do is to find
like minded people who want to play the same type of music and want
to go in the same direction. But the 1 most important thing for
these people to have is...
MOTIVATION
Some people have
it themselves and will push all they can. Some will be happy to come
along for the ride. Both of these are acceptable, but never, ever
waste your time with someone who just isn't into it. No matter how
good they are at their instrument, no matter what their experience
is, if they don't have the motivation and commitment to turn up to
every band practice and gig, they are not suitable for your band.
Having the right
people is crucial! Like anything you need a solid foundation and
that for a band means the source of it, the band members. You are
more likely to see your band members more than any other people
(depending on how serious you are about it) so they will literally
become your best friends over night. Remember that when finding
people, don't choose people you know you won't get along with
because all it will do is hold you back.
How do you
find band members?
Here are the 3
best ways I have found to find band members...
1. Put up a
notice at your local Music Store and post them around town saying
'Looking for band members in this style etc etc'.
2. Ask around -
Word of mouth is the best kind of advertising, people trust people
they know much more than a stranger.
3. Go to gigs.
Musicians like music (surprise, surprise!) so you can find many of
them at local gigs. Go and check out a new band and while you're
there have a friendly chat with a few people, tell them you are
looking for members, if they know of a musician looking for work, of
course they will give you their number!
What songs do
we play?
A good idea
(especially if it is your first band) is to learn a few covers. This
way you all know the songs already and can get use to playing along
with the other people in the band. You can find complete music for a
whole band on pretty much any song you can think of for free on the
internet, just do a google search and print out what you find.
If you are
wanting to do originals, there is nothing better than sitting down
with your band, coming up with a riff, beat or bass line and see
where it takes you. Jam for hours on end! The only thing that can
happen is you will create more music. Sometimes the mistakes can be
just what you were looking for. It is amazing how fast you can put
together a song with no experience if you all just put your mind to
it. All you need is a verse and chorus, then just fill in the gaps
and repeat. The more songs you write, the better they will get.
How do we get
good enough to play gigs?
This answer
should be obvious, practice. There is no substitute for it and there
never will be, the only way you can get good is by lots and lots of
practice.
How do we get
gigs?
1. Make up some
business cards with your band name on it, the style of music you can
and contact information. Then drop it around to all the pubs and
restaurants that usually have live bands playing, if you suit their
patrons they are more than likely to give you a call.
2. Ask bands you
know if they need a support band. This is by far the easiest way to
get gigs, because all the advertisement is done for you can people
are already coming to the gig so you can just jump on stage and give
it your all.
3. Make your own.
Hire out a venue, hire a PA and you are away. Even going busking on
the streets can be a good start!
How do you get
people to come to your gig?
Promote, promote
and promote! Design a poster on your computer and get it printed at
your local print shop and glue them all around town. Get little hand
outs made and give them to people who look like they could be into
your music. Post bulletins on sites like MySpace etc. Ask your
friends to tell everyone they know about the gig.
Until you get a
following, no promotion can literally lead to no one turning up to
your gig. How can you expect people to come if they don't know about
it?
At the end of the day, if you want to
be in a band, and you want to have people listening to your music,
the only person who can make that happen is you! So get out there
and do it!
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So
that's lesson 9, hope you liked it. Remember to build a solid
foundation first!
This Lesson
Brought to You By
Guitar Burning Speed
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