How To Start A Band

I think it's every musician's dream to be in a band or to start a band. In today's age, there are many tools/resources that help make starting a band even easier than ever before.


How To Start A Band --First Step -- Finding Band Mates

I am going to assume that if you are interested in starting a band(and reading this article) that you already have some basic musical knowledge and can ether play an instrument or sing very well. If not, then you should start playing an instrument or start working on your vocals immediately(this will make starting a band a lot easier ;) )

The basic first step to starting a band is to find fellow musicians like yourself. If you are in grade school or high school(or even college), you most likely already know a big list of musicians in your school. Simply get the word out to these people that you are interested in starting a band, and you will be surprised at how many of them will be willing to join ;)

You might think finding musicians is tough, but that's where social websites like "Myspace" or "Facebook" can come in handy. If you have ether one of these(and if you don't, you should get at least one of them) post a bulletin asking if anyone is interested in forming a band. Once again, you will be surprised at how many people will be willing to. Another great way to find people interested in starting a band is to post messages on bulletins at music stores and other music related places.


How To Start A Band --Second Step -- Developing Chemistry

Once you've found your band members, the second step is to develop some band chemistry. Start jamming and playing immediately and FREQUENTLY. Start out with some basic cover songs(try some Blink 182 covers, easy as heck but sound awesome), then move onto some more advanced stuff like writing your own songs and demos. Every time you guys practice you will start to become more and more accustomed to playing with each other, and the better you will start to sound.


How To Start A Band --Third Step -- Getting The Word Out

Now that you have been jamming for a while, its time to get other people to hear about your band, thats right, your mom can't be your only fan forever ;) First you will want to start locally by getting some kids in your school to know about you. Once you've got a decent fan base, its time to start getting some local gigs. I won't be getting into this in detail, but basically you will want to start recording some demos of your band. Once you've got a sizable catalog of songs at your arsenal, submit your demos to potential gig opportunites(restaurants, school shows, fairs, basic gatherings, friends bday party...etc).

There are many resources available to you on the internet that can DRASTICALLY help promote your band. You will definitely want to create a Myspace for your band, and a Purevolume page for your band. Purevolume is a website purely focused on promoting bands.

Here are the links to some internet websites that can help promote your band:

myspace.com
purevolume.com
facebook.com
And A List of 100 Other Places To Promote Your Band


Recap

I hope I've givin you a taste of what its like to start a band and how to go about doing it. To recap a bit:

1. Find Band Mates
-find kids at your school
-use social networking websites such as Myspace or Facebook
-Post a note on a bulletin in your local music store about starting a band

2. Develop Band Chemistry
-practice/jam frequently
-start with some basic covers, then start writing your own music
-the more you play together the more band chemistry you will build

3. Get The Word Out
-use word of mouth in your school
-record your band, then submit your recordings to potential gigs
-use internet web sites to help promote your band such as Purevolume or Myspace

After following these basic principals, a whole wide world of possibilities will be open to you and your band, so what are you waiting for? Go start a band!