HOW TO START YOUR OWN BAND
PART 1:
FORMATION & FOUNDATION
Bands are a prime source of inspiration for many
guitar players out there, both young and old.
As your guitar skills progress, it is often a
logical step to start thinking about forming a band,
especially if you know people who have some musical
flair as well. So how does one start a band?
There is no set way to start a band, as bands like
The Killers, U2, and Hanson, have all proved.
You can start a successful band in a variety of
different ways
-
Putting an ad in a newspaper
-
Playing with your mates
-
Getting the family involved!
However, all good bands have one thing in common --
a solid foundation.
Creating a solid foundation for your band is
important to prevent structural failure (commonly
known as splitting up!) down the track.
Continual success for the band (whether you judge
that by the amount of gigs you play, the enjoyment
you get out of jam sessions, or the amount of hits
on your website) is largely dependent on getting all
the components right from the start. This is the
foundation.
Building on a faulty foundation will produce a shaky
structure at best. It is therefore wise to iron out
even the smallest issues in the band from the very
beginning. Here are a few tips to getting a band
started and building a solid foundation.
The first components to think about are the people,
the music, and the instruments.
They all need to meld together seamlessly for your
band to get off the ground. Decide what music you
would like to play, decide on the people you would
like in the band, and know what instruments those
people play. Difficulties will arise if the people
in the band don't want to play similar music, or you
wind up with three drummers and no vocalist, or if
you all have different ideas.
Talk in depth with the people you would like
involved in the project. Once you have that sorted,
do you have the minimal instrumental requirements
for a band? The basic band will have a vocalist, a
guitarist, a bassist, and a drummer. At the very
least, do you have these covered? When you have the
right people, and have sorted out their roles, it's
time for a jam session.
The jam session is where creative difference,
individual playing styles, and personal thought
processes will become apparent. It will also be one
of the most crucial times for the band, as
differences of opinion frequently arise. Be patient!
Your first jam session could be difficult as you
learn each others styles and habits. Take notes on
the events of the jam session. Also allow solo time
for each individual member, letting them voice their
thoughts as well.
Guitar Tips
Finally, you need to open up channels of
communication between band members now! Band members
should have the opportunity to express their
thoughts on the other members playing styles, as
well as the general direction of the band, and the
music that the band is playing. It will be
impossible to survive if you take each others advice
and suggestions as criticism. Don't site Oasis as a
reason to continually feud. It is only a very
special kind of relationship that can turn feuding
into productivity!
When the band feels harmonious, and the jam sessions
are going well, it is time to belt out some tunes.
Avoid doing original material first! Producing
original material is a complex task at the best of
times. It should not be attempted immediately by a
fresh band. Instead, get a list of five simple cover
songs that everyone in the band likes. Get band
members to write a list of five simple songs on a
piece of paper. From each list, allow the band to
vote on one song to play. Everyone will then have a
song from their list, and everyone will be happy
with the songs chosen.
Finally, take it one song at a time. Allow plenty of
time to get a song right. If one is clearly not
working, move on or leave it for another day. But be
prepared to put what you learnt in your jam sessions
to good use. Take notes, keep communication lines
open, make suggestions. You're band should now be
well on it's way to belting out some solid tunes…
you're thinking about performing live now right?
