Band Name Banner?

[Jay Corwin]

Back when I was in a psychobilly band (many years ago) we all had leather jackets with the band name painted on the back.......I can't believe I just admitted that (much shame).

 

[Joel S.]

lol, I haven't seen it yet since I'm the new guy, but apparently my band has a 6' X 10' banner of their logo.

 

[Lucas G]

the same band that had the huge banner we made fun of also had a drum riser we made fun of. in fact, we opened for them and had to drag the drum riser outside, because our drummer's kit would not fit on it. (26" kick, etc... big old-school kit.)

 

[zac2944]

The people that think it's amateur looking haven't a clue.

+1

I'm sure some original bands will be "too cool" for banners, but it can be a good marketing tool for a serious working band. Just make sure it is not glossy. It will look like shizzle under stage lights. Fabric or matte vinyl are best.

 

[Juniorkimbrough]

I'm normally not a fan of them because most are poorly done. One with artwork and the band name done together and not just print look much better.....we got a design with some artwork and our name put on the kick drum and it looks great.

 

[Sneckumhaw]

Stumbo, I really love your idea about stenciling. I'm gonna stencil the band name on my guitar cases for a start. I know I'd be taking some risk of lowering the value of the case, but big deal (and it might even come off). Then do the "accidentally on purpose" placement of them, where it's visible to the audience - it gets the job done, and as a side bonus, it kind of makes your band look bigger than you really are, from an image standpoint. Plus the rest of the band knows you must be really committed to this band, for whatever that's worth.

You ARE thinking too much.

 

[Sneckumhaw]

Back when I was in a psychobilly band (many years ago) we all had leather jackets with the band name painted on the back.......I can't believe I just admitted that (much shame).

That's awesome.

 

[JohnnyPustular]

Its probably a function of the type of music you play. Punk bands have always used banners and always will. Its part of the DIY ethic and a cool part of the scene. I'm currently in a punk band and made our banner with fabric paint and a king-size bed sheet I bought. Creating the band logo is fun-- look at logos from old school bands like the Clash and the Jam, then look at the early hardcore logo. This is how ours came out-- I think it kicks ass.

 

[mccartneyman]

Unless your drummer doesn't have a front drum head, why not go "the Beatles" route?

 

[pcollin]

For most of the bands I've been in banners, ads, cards, etc. were never a factor due to the short life-spans of the bands. However, the more serious (better) bands I've been in, I think it makes you look more serious/professional to have a professional banner, business cards, drum logo, demo disc, and decent press kit. It's always worked for me ($$) to have the business end of the band look organized and semi professional even if all the members in it weren't!

 

[Geddyfleaharris]

For most of the bands I've been in banners, ads, cards, etc. were never a factor due to the short life-spans of the bands. However, the more serious (better) bands I've been in, I think it makes you look more serious/professional to have a professional banner, business cards, drum logo, demo disc, and decent press kit. It's always worked for me ($$) to have the business end of the band look organized and semi professional even if all the members in it weren't!

I agree. We play on bills that sometimes have 3 other bands. If people happen to wander in part way through a set it's nice to let them know who you are.

Regardless of what you think of their music one of the biggest money making machines of all times either had a banner or their name in lights pretty much from day 1 - KISS - seemed to work out ok for them.

 

[Jonyak]

I don't care if bigger bands use them.

but most of the bands I see with them in small clubs are very amateur and forgettable. I personaly think they are cheesy.

let your playing be what they remember you for.

 

[nsmar4211]

They might remember your playing......but if they don't rememeber your name it does you no good.

A lot of people are visual learners, and since the average human has to see something 10 times (TEN) before they start to remember it it only makes sense to have your name everywhere.

 

[pbd]

my band used a banner we could hang over the kick drum and sometimes we would a projector to put our name and logo up on a wall.
Todd

 

[Skel]

I'm so glad I ask about this. After hearing all the arguments for and against, I'm going with some kind of a banner or other way that people know who the band is. For the few people that wouldn't come and see us because we have a banner, I'll get over it.

Thanks for all the input.

 

[buffordbass]

We got ours made up, then mounted it in some PVC we painted black. It will stand, hang, lean, or any other fashion be visible when we play in public.

 

[Mr-Wunderful]

When I'm running sound and bands ask if they can hang a banner I always say sure, if you'd rather do that than soundcheck I'll go get a beer. I should note I often run sound in multi band festival situations where bands have very little set up and tear down time so dicking around with a banner is kinda silly. However if you're in a situation where you play long perhaps multiple sets it would be a good idea to have a banner so you don't have to constantly remind people who you are.

 

[NKUSigEp]

Link Removed

 

[pbd]

Mr-wunderful brings up a good point, its better to sound good than to have people see your name when time is short. That said, if you are going to invest in a banner make certain is it something you can set up quickly, even if it is something you drap over the kick drum during sound check.

Todd

 

[crijan]

In time crunch situations, you can put the banner up behind your merch booth. Or better yet, you have two banners.