Things to Consider when Setting Up a Band

For those who play instruments, sing, or both, you have probably considered setting up a band either to jam on the weekends or to play local venues. A band is a lot of fun, but also a lot of work and planning if you want it to survive. Quite a few things must be taken into account, and this article aims to highlight a few of the most important areas.

Advertising

Before you can expect musicians to show up at your door for an audition, they have to hear that you are looking first. Putting up fliers at local music stores is a great way to get the word out. Craigslist is also a wonderful medium in which to reach potential band members. Make sure you post it in the correct section, though, so your ad is easy to find and effective. Put down exactly what you are looking for in a band as far as genre and gigs go, and which type of people should apply. For example, are drug or alcohol use acceptable to you? Is it okay if the musician is out of work? Are you specifically looking for Christians or atheists?

Practice

Most bands have anywhere from three to five members, and that can really complicate things. Setting up a day of the week where all the band members can practice is sometimes very difficult. Deciding where to practice can be a problem, as well. If nobody's house is an option, some bands rent studio or storage unit time in order to rehearse.

Gigging

It is a good practice to be up front with the band about possible gigs and playing venues. If the band performs original songs, for instance, paying gigs can be hard to come by. Let everyone in the band know that money is not your top priority, and make sure all the members feel the same way. Conversely, if yours is a cover band who plans to make people dance the night away in bars or nightclubs, then decide on a dollar amount the entire band can be happy with, and strive to earn that when playing out. Sometimes, the band has no say in what they make, and simply receives either a pre-determined flat fee or a percentage of the door price. Either way, it is important that potential members know your intentions from the start, so they do not get disappointed and leave the band just when it gets off the ground.

Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Nothing is worse than dreading each and every time the band practices or plays a gig. Try not to stress out over every little detail, and instead enjoy the project as a whole. It is one thing to voice concerns or opinions and contribute ideas, but quite another to be a constant complainer. Remember, music is supposed to be an outlet, not a source of aggravation.