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.
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?
