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I love rock and roll! And if you’re here, you probably do too! Or maybe you prefer pop, indie, heavy metal, country, rap…the list goes on. But whatever genre you prefer to jam out to, you’re in the right place if you’re looking to make your own jams and start your very own band. To make a band come to life, you’ll need motivation, talent, and confidence. Everything you need to know is down below, including industry-insider advice from musicians Timmy Linetsky and Nicolas Adams.
Things You Should Know
- Choose cooperative and talented band members that bring different instruments to your band. Share your music tastes and jam to find your unique sound.
- Decide on a band name and create an informal “band contract” to agree on finances, responsibilities, and time commitment.
- Create a demo with an original song or song cover. Start busking and reach out to local businesses and venues for performance opportunities.
Steps
Help Forming a Band
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do I memorize the songs when I'm in a band?Nicolas Adams is a 5th generation musician of Serbian Gypsy descent and the lead guitarist of the band Gypsy Tribe. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Nicolas specializes in Rumba Flamenco and Gypsy jazz and playing the guitar, Bouzouki, Balalaika, and piano.It's different for everybody, and it's just pretty much whatever works for you. I prefer to learn which chords are there in the song, then how the chords are put together and how they flow, and then learn the lead afterward. You can't play the lead correctly, even if you hear it correctly, unless you know what key you're in.
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QuestionOnce I have formed a band, how do we work on getting a record deal?Community AnswerPick a record label you like and record a demo. Send it in to them but don't be surprised if you get rejected; you will probably need to try many labels to begin with. If you are still not successful, then record some new songs and try again. There are also options for releasing your music online without getting a record deal, and these may be a great way to break into the market initially, and retain control over your label.
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QuestionDo you have any suggestions for a band whose members are too young to rent facilities?Community AnswerMost schools can help if they have facilities. First, ask the music teachers as they could probably suggest which facilities can be used and might offer advice as to what is appropriate by way of holding a concert. Also check out community meeting places and community hubs which have spare rooms to rent out by the hour or even free for those in need. In terms of equipment, your school's music teacher is the best person to begin with.
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Tips
- Practice often and keep going! Music is a tough business; you’ll probably hear “no” often. Keep your heart in it, keep putting in effort, and remember that you’re here for the music!Thanks
- Blending your bandmates' music and genre tastes can create a unique and special sound, but make sure you’re not choosing members with totally clashing preferences. For example, a heavy metal drummer probably won’t mesh well with a bubblegum pop vocalist.Thanks
- Remember to stay focused on the music, not the fame. Timmy Linetsky, also known as DJ Underbelly, describes how “so much of being an artist rewards selfishness,” but he defines success as being “the best person [you] can to the people around [you].”Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- If you have a friend that wants to be in the band but doesn't know how to sing or play an instrument, ask them to take lessons or contribute to the band in another way! They could be your manager, hairdresser, or have another role based on their skills.
- Pawn shops or second-hand music shops often have instruments and studio equipment at a lower price. See if any of your local shops have anything you can use!
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about music production, check out our in-depth interview with Timothy Linetsky .
References
- ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-how-to-start-a-band-and-manage-band-dynamics-with-tips-from-tom-morello-and-carlos-santana
- ↑ https://www.dk-mba.com/blog/how-to-come-up-with-a-band-name
- ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-how-to-start-a-band-and-manage-band-dynamics-with-tips-from-tom-morello-and-carlos-santana
- ↑ https://www.vice.com/en/article/aeevqa/how-to-start-a-band
- ↑ https://extrachill.com/band-rehearsal-space
- ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-how-to-start-a-band-and-manage-band-dynamics-with-tips-from-tom-morello-and-carlos-santana
- ↑ https://artists.spotify.com/en/blog/how-to-create-and-record-a-demo-with-phoebe-bridgers-and-marshall-vore-kito
- ↑ https://www.iconcollective.edu/how-to-make-an-epk
- ↑ https://bandzoogle.com/blog/7-top-marketing-strategies-for-musicians
About This Article
Article Summary
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To form a band, find other musicians who are interested in the same type of music as you. For instance, if you play guitar, you may want to find a drummer, a bassist, and a keyboardist. You should also decide who will be the lead singer and come up with a band name. Have band practice at least once a week, and record your songs when you feel like you’re good enough. Once you have a demo tape, use it to find venues in your area who are offering gigs, and always rock out for your fans! Read on for tips on coming up with your band’s fashion style!
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