Guide to getting and playing better gigs
Forming A Band
Whether you're contemplating putting together a singing/vocal band, rock band, hip-hop/rap group or accordion band the same principles apply. Here are some basic principals that should help you to put a band together:
Lots of work:
Work, work, and more work. Don't expect your rise to stardom to be nice and easy because no matter what road you take it's hard work. So now you've been warned, the first thing you want to think about is who do you want in this group? It's always best to select people that are supportive of your same ideas. It's called "vision". If you and your partners have the same "vision" for the band there's a much better chance that you'll succeed in accomplishing you goals.So … write your vision down on paper and discuss it with all your band members. If the vision is to sing at the local talent competition then you have to be ready to do whatever it takes to do that. I'm sure you've heard of the group "Destiny's Child". Well the group had four young ladies ready to tour and then record/release a CD. They'd practiced and were ready and began to tour (a crucial part of their new careers) but there were many "gigs" to play many places to sing and there was lots of work ahead. After the first leg of the tour one of the girls left to go home, she said she was tired and may not have been committed to going the distance, she never returned to be a part of the Band. "Destiny's Child" went on to gross millions in record sales as a threesome and is now a top selling act, but it took lots of work, and they lost someone along the way. It's a sacrifice … and you've got to be willing to work, it's almost like a marriage.
Finding a Space to Rehearse:
The easiest way to find a space to rehearse is almost always in somebody's garage or house. Paying for a space to rehearse is an option for that big gig or to really test the Band's sound. Remember to try and find a pleasant rehearsal space so that the atmosphere at rehearsal will always be pleasant.Practice makes perfect:
This is really just another way of saying more work. Band practice whether it's singing or playing your instrument is crucial. If you don't practice then your talent will stagnate and never get to the level where people will notice you. You have to be better than the next guy to make it in the music business. If you're mediocre, your talent will not be recognized and that is exactly what you don't want. Recognition wherever you play or sing is crucial to a musician's career. Set your own personal rehearsal schedule and don't break it! Make sure you practice by yourself at least twice a week for a committed length of time. Professional musicians will tell you they always practice, even if they've been playing for 20 years! That is because your practicing will make you the perfect musician or singer. Learn scales, learn chords, and learn to read music if you can, and learn from anyone you can. If you can afford to … take lessons, be a real dedicated musician, practice makes perfect. Lessons and practice will only make you better and you will be recognized for that talent soon enough.Now it's time to talk about your band rehearsals. Make sure that they occur at the same time every week so that no one has a reason to forget. Have a plan worked out for every rehearsal so that you don't waste time. Never rehearse a song more than three times in a row or it will go stale. Come back to that song later. Concentrate on overall sound, not just the sound of your own instrument or voice and be prepared for criticism. If you are not ready to take constructive criticism then you are not ready to be in a band. Be willing to teach another musician or to be taught, you can learn from everybody. If you have more experience, offer some tips to your fellow players. Also remember to tell each musician what a good job they did after the rehearsal! Never leave a rehearsal or practice without expressing appreciation for the talent of each of the band members.
Discuss each player's commitment:
How long and often are the guys in the band willing to rehearse? How often would they like to gig? How will you split up any money received? How long do you want the band to last? How far do you want to go? What type of music do you want to play? This takes time, so set aside some time to discuss these things and then once a month ask the band members once again how are things going? Get to know the people you play with, go to lunch with them and spend time with them outside of music, this helps build a bond. Friendships are more important than music. If the band or music ever get in the way of friendship be willing to compromise. Remember that we all have to make decisions in life and if music is your sole source of income and one of your players has decided to embark on a life of drugs and partying and is missing gigs, then you have got to make a band decision. This is not necessarily a friendship decision. Even though it may affect your immediate friendship you've got to move on. Commitment drives people to success. Maintain your commitment and try your best to help each band member maintain his.Find a Place to Play:
This is always the most exciting part of being in a band. Playing somewhere like a party or a talent search is fun and helps the group to have something to strive and focus on. Music agents are willing to find places for your group to play for a small percentage usually around ten percent of the gross earnings. Go to clubs yourself with a tape and some pictures. Ask club owners if you can play one night for their club for free (this will normally get you in the door) and once they hear you and like the band they may offer some future bookings. Let all your friends know that you have a band, it's the easiest way to get a gig.