Many people fantasize about becoming a professional musician but often they don't know how to start. One thing almost anyone can do is start their own garage band. Here are 7 tips on getting started.
- Find the right people. If you don't have a bunch of friends willing to start a band the next best thing is to go out and find some. You can accomplish this by looking in the classified sections of your local music magazines. They are usually free at most music stores. Also there are many websites dedicated to helping musicians get in touch with one another.
- Decide what type of music your band is going to play. The type of music you select will help determine the directions you can take your band. Starting a Polka band and expecting to go on an arena tour around the country might not be too realistic.
- Write some songs. This is the most difficult part. You must decide as a group what members are going to partake in the songwriting process. Sometimes one member takes on all the responsibilities, other times it is delegated between a couple members. Find your strengths and weaknesess within the group and use it to your advantage. Remember, the singer doesn't always have to write the lyrics.
- Practice, Practice, Practice. They only way to get good at something is to keep doing it over and over again. Set aside sometime at least once a week to practice your material and try out any new stuff. It can get tedious at times but this is by far the most important tip. It also wouldn't be a bad idea to record your practices so you can listen later for any parts that might need some work.
- After getting all of your songs down its time to take the show on the road. For a band just starting out having a party to showcase your new band would be ideal. Invite all of your friends and put on a show. After the show ask them what they thought and if they have any constructive criticism. Call around to your local bars and see if you can get a slot. Finding other bands to play with can increase your chances of getting a gig and also help you to network. Many bars have open mic nights and would be happy to put you on the bill.
- Promote. You can have all the bookings in the world but what fun would it be if no ones shows up? Most bands just take a grassroots approach and use flyering as their main source of promotion. Kinko's is open 24 hours a day and their employees would be more than glad to help you with your flyers. Once you have them made pass them out. Go to local music shops and and leave a stack. Go to the venue where you will be playing and hand some out a couple weeks before your show.
- Have fun. If you are not having fun then why do it?
Whitman Collins
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