Starting Your Own Band
Step 1: Expand/Collapse
Find musicians. Typically, you'll need at least one guitarist, one bassist, and a drummer, and the lead singer can either play an instrument or not.
Of course, this all depends on what type of band you plan to be and what kind of music you will play. The internet is beginning to offer several places to find band mates. Don't just use one, use as many as you can so your chances are better.
Step 2: Expand/Collapse
Come up with a good name. You can pick something meaningful or just one that sounds cool. Typically the band will decide on the name. The best names are usually short and easy to hear, read, and spell. That way it's easy to remember. It's called branding!
On another note, do NOT use a name that is already trademarked, unless you plan on being a tribute band.
Step 3: Expand/Collapse
Agree on a few genres, and choose your favorite(s).
Step 4: Expand/Collapse
Consider making an Intraband Contract or "band agreement". This contract will cover what happens when a member leaves what he/she can do with the name, payment, ownership of songs, equipment, etc. Solving this now will help to avoid disputes in the future.
Keep in mind though, it's common that these kinds of issues will turn off potential band mates. So, make sure they are in agreement and vested before forcing a contract on them.
Step 5: Expand/Collapse
Practice! Becoming a good band takes time and effort. Practice will also ensure that you and your bandmates develop a rapport. In addition, recording time is expensive.
The better practiced you are the quicker you can get in the studio and out the door. Practice is important.
Step 6: Expand/Collapse
Begin writing songs after you practice a lot. Write as many as you can, but you'll want to have a repertoire of about 11 or 12 songs so that you have enough to play live. You also may want to copyright them.
You can copyright them at copyright.gov. It is a fairly simple process. You need to fill out a PA (performing writes) form not a RA (sound recording) form. An RA form will come later when you sign a record deal.
Step 7: Expand/Collapse
Record a Demo or Record. This will be your best piece of promotional material. It can be sold at shows, used to get record deals, agents, managers, etc.., and used to promote to fans online. Currently the best online promotion tool for fans is Myspace, and the best promtion tool for promoting to the professional industry is bandFIND.com
Step 8: Expand/Collapse
Start searching for gigs. You may want to build a press kit. This is the music Industries standard for a resume. Venues will look at your EPK (electronic Press Kit) before deciding to book you or not.
The current industry standard is Sonic Bids Playing live will get you some cash and exposure.
Step 9: Expand/Collapse
Spread the word. Make flyers and take them to your work or school and paste them in places you are allowed to.
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Start a mailing list to reach other people. After a long while you should be well on your way with a regular gig. Always be promoting your band online and in person.
Step 11: Expand/Collapse
Put a video of your band on youtube to see what people think, it cant hurt
Step 12: Expand/Collapse
Look for accountants, managers, and other things for your band, as the music business is just that, a business.
Step 13: Expand/Collapse
Find musicians. Typically, you'll need at least one guitarist, one bassist, and a drummer, and the lead singer can either play an instrument or not. Of course, this all depends on what type of band you plan to be and what kind of music you will play.
The internet is beginning to offer several places to find band mates. Don't just use one, use as many as you can so your chances are better.
Step 14: Expand/Collapse
Sign with a label.
Step 15: Expand/Collapse
Don't get your hopes up too high. It's a long, hard road, and you have to work to get to the top.