| I first put a group together to play my own music almost as soon as I had started playing the bass. I played in a few bands in London for a while, getting my basics together as best I could, and was part of a group writing effort on several occasions early on when it came to the material for various groups. I think I've been pretty much fearless in almost everything I've ever done which probably has a lot to do with how far I've come with music. It's not always the best way to be, but I think I've taken a few risks that have paid off and helped me in many ways. It was a very natural thing to do in the beginning. I had a group of people that I played with on a regular basis, and I would always keep in touch with anyone new that I played with in a sideman situation so I had a great pool of musicians to choose from. Then it was more trial and error in the beginning with the music I was writing. Some would work really well, and other stuff would be a disaster. No matter how it turned out I would find out things about my writing and playing that would educate me more for the future.
I think it's important not to rip anyone else off, and to have your own sound. Having your own sound often comes from trying many things you've heard around you so you may end up sounding like someone else on certain tunes or gigs, but eventually, as long as your conscious of this, you'll get past that and create your own sound.
You probably won't make much money at being a band leader for a good while after you start doing it so just remember that and don't let it get you down. It might even cost you some money to get the musicians you want to play your music, but I've found in the long run that's a great investment and always pays off. I've always sought out musicians of a higher level than me, and I've learnt a ton from them when I've gotten to play with them. And it also helps my profile to be considered an equal with a supposedly higher level of musician.
And then of course, if some of those great players dig your playing they may well hire you for some of their music which can be a great experience.
There is a great amount of responsibility that goes with being a band leader once you take it to a certain level. You will start to tour with your own group, hire musicians to leave town with you, front money for plane tickets, hotels, ground transport etc etc.... and then have to rely on deals that you've made with venues all working out. Just one bad night on a tour can really make or break it so you have your all your ducks in a row, and some back up plans along the way too.
Perhaps I'll give a little report as to how that worked out for my upcoming UK tour. It's all set pretty much right now, just have to see how all the dominos fall down, and hope they fall down in order.
Easy,
Janek | 
