The right way to start a new band

Kimpini · #1 11-03-2008, 07:11 PM

So, it is easy to make a band, but how do you do it right. I myself cannot give any input because the only band I formed broke up after 4 months...So, what steps should you take before starting a band?

VroomVroom · #2 11-03-2008, 07:26 PM

Define a mission - what do you want the band to do? Play in bars? Work on standards? Get chicks? Shred bluegrass? Be as specific as possible.

Define goals to accomplish the mission. What players will accept the parameters and help work toward them? What instrumentation is required? What can they expect from you, and all of you from each other?

Business. Define what's fixed vs. what's "breathing" and negotiable. Who gets the gigs? Who owns the PA? Who decides on the material? Where will you rehearse? Yada yada yada.

Keep things on course. Talk about what works and what doesn't. Fix the latter and encourage the former. Communicate. Ask how what you're doing fits the mission.

And have fun!

**Stumbo** · #3 11-04-2008, 12:39 AM

You might want to check out these TB threads:
If only I knew then what I know now... If I only knew then
Best musical advice you ever got Best musical advice
How to fire someone from a band How to fire a band member
Starting a cover/tribute band from scratch Starting a new band (auditioning potential members)
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f67/band-practice-tips-479102/#post6485940 Band practice tips
Band Practice Tips? Band practice tips

dont forget the band name: The Infamous Band Name Thread (plus a zillion more thread like this on TB)

JimmyM · #4 11-04-2008, 02:21 AM

Book gigs first, then put a band together. You will find that you can attract pretty good musicians if you have gigs booked already. Not easy to pull off, but it gets easier if you lie and say your band's been together for a few months

Andy419 · #5 11-04-2008, 02:57 PM

Booking gigs first not only attracts good musicians but it also gives the band something to work towards, steering it away from the "occasional jam" situation.

Marley's Ghost · #6 11-04-2008, 03:21 PM

You would have to have a pretty good track record with club owners or have a managment deal to get bookings for a band that does not exist.

The main thing is to state clearly the mission of the band and set clear expectations for each prospective member. Once the players are all in place, start booking gigs to give motivation to rehearsals (if that is part of the mission).

ksandvik · #7 11-04-2008, 03:22 PM

In this age of video games, cable TV and DJs, I think the key is marketing and a goal. If you are 'yet another bar band playing 70:ies covers' that is a tough thing to sell. If you have a specific musical goal, it's far easier to market and get gigs, me thinks.

stflbn · #8 11-04-2008, 03:33 PM

Booking gigs first only works if the level of musicianship in the band allows cramming for a gig.

If you're a seasoned bass player that can pick up a gig whenever he wants one then you could probably think about taking the "book gigs first approach". However, if you've had little time in bands and aren't experienced at learning and retaining a bunch of songs fast then it would be a bad choice.

Kimpini · #9 01-22-2009, 06:24 PM

thanks for all of the advice

hbarcat · #10 01-23-2009, 12:20 AM

Skip the "book gigs first" advice and go straight to "get signed with a label first" before putting together a band. That way you'll be able to attract some reeeeeeeeally talented musicians.

Bongolation · #11 01-23-2009, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marley's Ghost

You would have to have a pretty good track record with club owners or have a managment deal to get bookings for a band that does not exist.

Selling vaporware on an entirely new level!

If you can pull that off, get out of music and into a field where there's real money, son.

Strangely, though, I constantly see ads for musicians from bands "with gigs," but I assumed that was only because they'd lost members or split up.

Anyway...I'm fearfully going through the motions of trying to put a band together again. Frankly, I'd rather take a severe beating.

I think the make/break for me is meeting the people first, as I can pretty well tell if I'm going to be able to work with someone within five minutes or so, never mind whether he can play or not. The plain truth is that strays from CraigsList (which are unfortunately all that's available to me at the moment) are pretty unlikely to get it. At this point in my life, I think I've seen every band-killing delusion and character flaw there is, and they tend to show themselves pretty quickly to the trained eye. I'd just as soon discover this sooner than later.

**IvanMike** · #12 01-23-2009, 12:42 PM

i hear ya, i'm putting a side band togther and this is my first time as "bandleader" ick.

anyhow, i think i've figured it out. never mind book gigs first or get signed first. they're thinking too small...

i'm going with get famous first. Become a real pop culture icon. then everyone will flock to you can you will never lack for good players and gigs.

Kimpini · #13 01-23-2009, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IvanMike

i hear ya, i'm putting a side band togther and this is my first time as "bandleader" ick.

anyhow, i think i've figured it out. never mind book gigs first or get signed first. they're thinking too small...

i'm going with get famous first. Become a real pop culture icon. then everyone will flock to you can you will never lack for good players and gigs.

I'll get started on that!