Your talents have improved to the point where you’re looking for opportunities to play in a band full-time. Joining a band is the quickest and most direct path to performing in front of an audience that already has a following.
However, it may be tough to find a group of like-minded people performing the music that you prefer. Isn’t it better to start your own band instead than trying to join an existing one? Consider the benefits and drawbacks of each option before making a decision.
Joining a band has certain advantages
Joining a band has a slew of advantages. Artists you admire and who can aid your development as a musician are frequently found in bands. You may be able to find mentors who can help you improve your skills. Not to mention the fact that joining a well-established band means that you’ll be able to perform in front of a larger audience sooner and more frequently. Long-term ties with booking agencies and venue owners allow for better gigs to be secured by these artists.
The drawbacks of joining a band
However, joining a band entails a lack of creative freedom and the inability to choose your bandmates. The members of the band may have developed a close group because of their shared past. To succeed, you must learn to blend in. If your bandmates have controversial personalities and a slew of personal difficulties instead, you’ll either have to cope with it or quit the band. The song selection, preparation procedure, and rehearsal and performance schedule are all likely to be out of your hands as a new member. You can always leave and look for another band if you don’t think this one is a suitable fit for you.
The advantages of forming a band
With a band, you’ll be able to have more control over the songs you play, as well as an assurance that you’ll play them where you want. You have the power, as a manager, to handpick your team’s players based on their abilities and characteristics. As the band’s originator, you are in charge of its artistic direction. It is up to you to decide the size of the band, the song selections, the target venues, and the rehearsal and performance schedules.
The drawbacks of starting a band
For the time being, you’ll have to handle the band’s tasks as the band’s founding member. As a result, you may have to take on the role of the band’s manager, booking agent, and promoter in the outset of the band’s career. This includes getting concerts, marketing shows, and managing the band’s personalities. For gigs booked, you’ll have to make sure the band performs its contractual duties. If you don’t want to assume the role of bandleader, you’ll have to delegate these responsibilities to someone else. Even in the most poisonous settings, you may be sluggish to replace or disband members because of the significant personal commitment you’ve made.
Make an effort to learn about the bands in your region before making a final pick. Make the most of any chance you get to meet other musicians in your area, set up a few auditions, listen to the performances of a few different groups, and then decide which path you want to go. Forming your own band is the best way to fill a hole in the local music scene that you can’t find a band to fill.
What to post on social media to entice a talented band member
Using sonic bids’ new musician capabilities, it’s now easier than ever to discover new band members. The top players can be recruited by you, but that is entirely up to you. What you write in your band’s first post is what determines how many applications you’ll receive.
For the most part, it’s easy to forget about some of the specifics you should add when describing your ideal candidate. If you’re looking for bandmates, use this method to refine or double-check your current lineup.
Is there a particular style of music you’d want to create?
Describe your sound as accurately as possible, but don’t forget to give examples in the form of MP3s or links. Make it clear whether you’re open to making an adjustment in your direction. As long as you’re willing to open yourself up to new ideas, it’s not a good idea to stick to one particular style.
Are you expecting a certain degree of dedication on my part?
You need to know how frequently your band practices. When and where are you going to perform? This summer, are you going on a vacation? Consider both short-term and long-term benefits while making a decision. Prospective members need to see that you’re also committed to the long term.
What level of expertise is needed to perform this job successfully?
Some ensembles are welcoming to newcomers, while others are too advanced for a beginner to keep up. Others can get by with a more ordinary set of abilities. A new member’s general skill level should be made known, especially if you’re a group that falls on the extreme ends of the spectrum.
What is the band’s current status?
Include information on the band’s past albums, gigs, and other activities. There are some people who simply want to join a new band, while others prefer to join an established one.
What’s the band’s next move?
Is there a purpose for the band? Recording? Touring? Or are you all just having fun and letting things unfold as they are, as if nothing else matters? Define the band’s future goals as clearly as possible to ensure that you attract candidates who are eager to join.
How a new band with no following can begin to establish a following in their immediate surroundings
Every band must begin somewhere. Many of the world’s most popular bands began their careers at modest clubs in their hometowns. But it’s not always possible to even get there. When you’re first starting out, how do you stand out from the crowd and get others to take notice of you? The oversaturation of social media makes it difficult to gain new followers or fans, but it’s a terrific method to stay in touch with those you already have. Here are some suggestions for a band that has no fans or contacts and wants to start and build a profession.
Become a part of it
Musicians are your best friends when you first start out. You’ll obtain your first (and perhaps only) gigs if other bands invite you or refer you. So get out and meet new people!
Attending local shows is the simplest method. The internet can help you find local bands you like, even if their music isn’t your style. Then go see them. Say hi after their performance. Don’t force your music or band on them right away. If you need to see them again, let it simply arise in conversation. If you don’t, you’ll come across as a jerk attempting to take advantage of them.
Keep adding bands to the list. The music industry is little. You’ll eventually realize that several of your favorite musicians are friends. Those are the bands to book! Repeatedly! They should treat you the same as long as you keep going to their shows. This is when your viewers will start rolling.
Be seen
New bands require a logo, font, and basic graphic scheme as soon as possible. So let the world see your originality!
Meaning posters? People in the 21st century will listen to music if they are drawn to the band’s name and image. Anywhere you see other posters, stickers, or ads is a fantastic spot to add your own. Without something to market, having your band’s name and image everywhere will get you recognized.
Participating in weekly open mics is another great way to gain exposure. Every week, play a stripped-down version of your act and sign up for an open mic (treat it like a preview). Use these opportunities to meet and interact with the owners and other guests.
If your town doesn’t have an open mic, you can always perform on the street. Attend regularly at a place of your choice (depending on your city’s criteria). If you’re friendly, talk to strangers. Building a fan base starts with a memorable first impression.
You must put in the time and effort to achieve, but you must also do so smartly
Performing live is vital to garnering visibility and a fan base. Initially, the most hyped bands I was with played regularly or biweekly. Musicians should aim for a bi-weekly gigging schedule in the long run. In other words, it doesn’t mean that you should accept all job opportunity that comes your way. It’s crucial to plan where and when you’ll appear.
Playing too much in one spot can be risky. This will help your audience forget about your appearance. Fear not, just scatter them out over the country. You should only play in the same area once every six weeks if you live in a city. Contact nearby venues and plan a trip if the town is rather tiny. In the long term, this will pay off because you’ll be able to keep your current followers engaged while attracting new ones.
Additions to your networking
You’ve already talked about making connections with other area musicians, but you’ll need to maintain doing so in order to keep growing your fan base. The sooner you build ties with local radio hosts, news/blog writers, promoters, sound engineers and club owners, the better.
Even if they don’t have much time for a young artist, you’d be surprised how open many of them are. Find a local radio DJ or blog writer you admire and send them an email expressing your admiration for their work. Begin by introducing yourself and complementing their work. Be kind and avoid playing too much of your own material. Regardless of who or what you’re pitching, you should never put your entire attention on what they can do for you. Instead, strike up conversations with people you’ve never met.