How to start a band

The dream of playing on stage with your band and being surrounded by fans who know all the words to your songs is a reality for many musicians. However, despite the prevalence of this dream, not everyone dares to take the first step, because it takes a lot of effort, and it can be difficult to know where to start. Even if the band is already assembled, the process of organizing the first concerts often causes fear.

We are ready to make your task a little easier: we will tell you how to create a band if you have not started yet, and share some useful tips for booking concerts.

Consider

• Choose tight-knit, talented band members who can bring different instruments and ideas to your team. Share your musical tastes and create a unique sound together;
• Decide on a band name and create an informal “band contract.” It should spell out all the important details: division of responsibilities, financial matters, and time commitments;
• Create a demo with an original song or a cover of a well-known song. Start performing on the street to gain experience, and contact local businesses and music venues to book gigs.

The First Steps to Starting Your Music Band

Starting a band isn’t just about getting a few people together and starting to practice. Every band has its own unique story of how they got together, but there are a few important steps that will help you set your team up for success from the start. Here’s what to consider when starting your band.

1. Find the right band members

This step may seem obvious, but in practice it can be much more difficult than it seems. Your bandmates are not just the people you will be playing with, but also your future partners in business. They should share your goals and approach to music, and also be a good fit in terms of personality.

The type of musicians you will need to find will depend on the genre you plan to work in. For example, if you want to play music with a strong jazz influence, you will need brass instruments to achieve the desired sound. Whereas for instrumental pieces, you can do without a vocalist.

If you already know musicians you want to work with, this is a great start. If you are starting from scratch, you can use sites like MusicianFinder or Join-a-Band to find musicians in your area. You can also pay attention to Facebook groups, where musicians often search for bands or offer their services. However, it is important to remember that talent is not the only criterion for choosing band members. The most important thing is compatibility in personality and a strong work ethic. After all, rehearsals and project work can be long and demanding, and if you do not have good chemistry within the group, then even the most talented musicians will not be able to create a successful team. Forming a band is a process that requires not only musical talent, but also the ability to assemble the right team. The standard lineup of a rock band includes a guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboardist and vocalist, but you can start with a less complex structure, depending on the genre and goals.
If you want to find musicians for your project, there are several ways to attract the right people:

• Post flyers in popular places among musicians, such as record stores, cafes, and even car windows. This will help you attract the attention of those who are not yet familiar with your project, but are interested in a new band;
• Post information in pubs and at open mic nights – places where musicians often meet who are looking for opportunities for new projects and joint performances;
• Reach out to your friends and acquaintances. Perhaps one of them knows suitable musicians or is even interested in joining a band themselves;
• Use social media to reach potential participants. Post in musician groups on Facebook or make stories on Instagram, where you can easily attract attention to your band;
• Sites like Bandmix are another useful resource for finding musicians looking for a band. There you can find ads from people ready to join a band.

2. Decide on a genre

When your band is just starting out, it’s important to decide on a musical direction that will define your style. This isn’t always an easy task, as each member will bring their own musical preferences and ideas. But it all starts with discussing what each of you listens to, what your musical influences are, and what you want to play eventually.

Your sound will naturally evolve as you play together. It’s okay if you don’t decide on a genre right away. For example, the first albums of bands like Coldplay are very different from their later work. Evolving your sound is a natural part of the process.

Here are some steps to help you figure out your genre:

• Discuss your musical inspirations and favorite artists. This will help you identify common interests and pick out musical elements that can be used in your sound;
• Your first jam sessions will help you figure out how you interact as a band and what comes out of it. This is a time for experimentation, when you can try out different musical ideas and formats;
• If you have a singer, choose songs that fit their vocal range. Songs written by other members are also worth playing to see how they sound with your band;
• The sound of your band will change over time. Don’t be afraid to experiment and change your approach to music, as many famous artists have done, such as Taylor Swift or the Bee Gees.

3. Create a Unique Look for Your Band

Your look is not only a way to express yourself, but also an important element that will help the band stand out on stage. It should be an integral part of your musical style and help establish a connection with your audience. Every successful band has its own unique visual image that helps fans immediately recognize them among others.

You should start by choosing a style that will match your musical direction. But it is important that it is universal enough so that all members of the band can express their individuality. Over time, your look will develop, but at the first stages it is worth choosing something simple so as not to distract from the music itself.

Here are some things to consider when creating your look:

• Comfortable and recognizable appearance is important for the success of the band. When you dress in a style that is easy to remember, it helps you gain popularity and find new concert opportunities;
• Many iconic bands, such as Kiss and Abba, created a single style for all members. This allowed them to emphasize their identity and become not only musical but also visual stars;
• The image of your band, like the music itself, will change. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but it’s better to start with something simple. As your music develops, you will feel how your style should change and adapt to it.

4. Choosing a name for your band

One of the most important steps in establishing your musical identity is choosing a name for your band. It’s not just a word that will represent you on stage, but also an element of your brand that should be easy to remember, unique, and searchable online. A good name should set you apart from other bands and be something that fans can easily find on streaming platforms and search engines.

Inspiration for a name can come from a variety of sources. Sometimes it can be personal, like the Weezer frontman, who got his name from childhood friends because of his asthma issues. Fall Out Boy even asked their fans for name suggestions early in their career, and one fan named the band after a character from The Simpsons. Examples like these show how important it is to find a name that will be close to you and meaningful.

When you’re ready to choose a name, ask all the band members to suggest suggestions. Have everyone come up with a list of ideas and then brainstorm them together. This will help you create a collaborative approach and pick something that everyone will like. It’s also important to make sure your chosen name isn’t already taken by another band – do a Google search to avoid legal issues like what happened to Blink-182 when they were sued by another band with the same name.

Here are some tips to help you choose a good name:

• It’s best if the name is short, easy to pronounce, and memorable. This makes it easier to understand and find online, which is important for your future marketing;
• The band name should also be trademarked to protect it from being used by others;
• If you’re having trouble choosing a name, try the adjectives and nouns method. Have each member come up with five adjectives and five nouns, and then try to combine them to find something that sounds good and suits everyone;
• A good name isn’t just a visual and verbal element. It should be something that fans can build a fandom around, like One Direction did with “Directioners.”

5. Create a Logo for Your Band

When you think of some of the most famous bands in music, like The Beatles, Metallica, Wu-Tang Clan, or Radiohead, what comes to mind? Their signature logos, of course. They have become an integral part of their image and recognition. A logo is a powerful tool that helps set your band apart from the crowd by giving it an identity.

Not every band has a logo, but if you decide to create one, it can be a great way to strengthen your brand. By placing your logo on merch, album covers, promotional posters, and stickers, you will make your band more visible and professional in the eyes of fans and the industry. Even a simple logo, like a stylized font with your band name, will give your band a certain status and help strengthen your visual identity.

You can use programs like Adobe Illustrator or Canva to create a logo. If you want the logo to be top-notch and truly reflect the uniqueness of your band, you can always turn to a professional designer who will help you turn your ideas into reality.

6. Create a Band Agreement

Being in a band is not only about the joy of creating music, but also about the organization that can play a key role in its long-term success. Creating a band agreement is an essential part of avoiding many misunderstandings and disagreements in the future, thus ensuring a more harmonious and productive work of the group.

While the agreement does not have to be legally binding, it is important that each member takes it seriously. It is a document that will outline the basic principles of the group’s work and should be understood and accepted by everyone. Let’s look at the key points to consider when creating an agreement:

• Time commitments – it is important to determine what a realistic rehearsal schedule for your band will look like. How many hours per week can you dedicate to rehearsals and performances? Which days of the week work best for everyone? Consider work schedules, school, or family commitments to agree on a time that works for everyone;
• Responsibilities – it is necessary to assign roles in the band. Who will be the leader, and who will be responsible for organizing concerts and other key tasks? It is also worth deciding who will manage the group’s social networks and be responsible for finances;
• Finances – although discussing money can be awkward, it is important to agree in advance how the financial part will be organized. Will there be a common fund to which everyone will contribute? How will the group make money, and how will the income be divided? Discuss how the rights to the music will be divided: will all members have equal shares, or will the songwriters get the majority.

7. Choose the Right Equipment for Your Band

When making the transition from practicing alone to playing in a band, there are a few important things to consider. Band equipment is different from what you need for solo playing, and it should be chosen based on the needs of the band.

Here are some basic things you will definitely need:

• Microphones and microphone holders;
• Amplifiers for guitars and basses;
• Sound system and stage monitors for live performances;
• Cables for instruments, speakers, and microphones.

In the beginning, especially if you are playing small gigs, you may need to bring your own sound equipment. If you are unsure where to start, don’t hesitate to ask at music stores – they will be able to suggest the best solutions for your level.

As a band starts to develop, it is important to take care not only of the musical instruments, but also of the quality equipment for recording and performing. Each musician should provide his own instrument, but sometimes the whole band should consider additional investments, such as microphones for live performances or amplifiers. In some cases, investing in a portable PA system that will be useful for places where there isn’t one can be a worthwhile investment.

It’s also worth considering some basic recording equipment so you don’t have to spend money on studio time. This can be a good idea, since studio rates can vary widely. For example:

• Depending on the quality of the studio, studio time can cost anywhere from $40 to $200 an hour, says string expert Nicholas Adams;
• Adams also notes that “you get what you pay for.” He recommends finding a professional who understands your music well, which can save you money in the long run because the recording will be quicker and better;
• Music producer Timothy Linetsky prefers to record his own tracks using a digital piano, a Focusrite 2i2 audio device, and Yamaha HS8 studio monitors.

8. Organize a place for your band to practice

The first step in organizing your rehearsals is to find a suitable place. Ask friends or band members to see if anyone has a suitable garage or basement for practicing. If not, look for rental spaces that you can use for rehearsals.

• Sometimes local businesses that are only open during the day may offer you their space for evening rehearsals. Just ask to find out what the options are;
• If the chosen location does not allow for storage of equipment, it is necessary to agree in advance on how each member will handle the transportation and storage of their instrument and the general band equipment. This will help to avoid unpleasant situations during rehearsals.

9. Start writing songs together

When a band first starts, the first step is to get the logistics sorted out, but eventually it all comes down to starting to write your own songs. This can be a daunting process, especially if no one in the band has ever written music together before.

It can feel awkward at first, but don’t worry if your first few songs aren’t the best. This is a normal part of the creative process, and even the most famous bands have songs that never see the light of day. It will get a lot easier over time as you get more comfortable working together.

Once you have a song you’re really proud of, record it and put it on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. This will create an online presence for you, which will make it easier to promote and build a listener base. This will also be a great place to refer promoters and venues when booking shows.

Remember, your first songs don’t have to be perfect hits. Write as many songs as you can and learn from your mistakes. You can start by playing covers to gain experience and create a solid setlist for future shows.

If you want to be ready for live shows, you will need:

• At least 11 songs to headline a show;
• 4-5 songs to perform as an opening act.

Even if a band has a writer with a bright talent, it is important that all members can contribute and work together. This will help you create more diverse and interesting songs.

If you are serious about your music, do not forget to protect the copyright. To do this, fill out the PA (Performing Rights) form on the official website copyright.gov.

10. Record and Release Your Demo

A demo is not just a way to get your name out there, but also an important tool for getting gigs, expanding your audience, and promoting your music. You can record your demo yourself using a home studio or hire a professional studio. It’s important not only to record the track, but also to make it available to the audience through platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. These resources will help you get your music in front of a wider audience.

Once you have your demo, send it to music agents, managers, and event organizers you want to work with. This will open up new career opportunities for you and help you find the right gigs.

• Active promotion on social media can greatly increase the visibility of your music. Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are great platforms to share your demo and get feedback from fans and music experts;
• As professional guitarist Nicholas Adams suggests, Amazon is an easy and affordable way to sell your CDs. It allows you to quickly get your music out to a wider audience, much like an online store;
• However, for streaming and wider reach, Adams recommends using platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. These services offer more options for distributing your music. For those who don’t want to deal with the organizational aspects, companies like Soundrop and SoundBetter can help automate the process;
• If your demo only consists of one song, record a few snippets of other songs as well. This will give professionals and listeners a better understanding of your musical style and the nature of your work.

11. Create an Electronic Press Kit

An Electronic Press Kit (EPK) is more than just a collection of information about your band; it’s also a powerful promotional tool. It can help you establish yourself in the music scene and attract the attention of promoters and concert organizers. To create your EPK, you can use easy-to-use platforms like Adobe Spark or Wix, which provide ready-made templates and simplify the process.

Once your EPK is ready, create a public link, such as Dropbox, to easily share the press kit with music agents and venues. To make your press kit effective, it’s important to include a few key elements.

Your press kit should include:

• Direct links to your music on popular platforms like Spotify, SoundCloud, or YouTube, so promoters can immediately check out your music;
• Links to your band’s social media pages, where you’re actively working to grow your audience. This will help strengthen your connection with fans and attract them to your shows;
• Your website address with full information about the band, new releases, plans for the future and other relevant news;
• Professionally taken photos of the band that can be used in promotional materials or press releases;
• High-quality video of your live performance, which will give a full idea of your stage presence and energy;
• The band logo in PNG format, so that event organizers can use it in posters and promotional materials;
• A band biography describing your creative path, significant events and main musical influences;
• A band biography describing your creative path, significant events and main musical influences;
• Contact details of all band members, as well as managers or agents, who can be convenient points of contact for communication;
• Optionally, you can add one of your best songs for free download to attract the attention of new fans.

Booking Gigs for Your Band

Sing and Find Local Gigs. Once you have a band together, the next big thing is to start sharing your music with live audiences. Your first steps towards getting gigs can be challenging, but they are crucial to your future growth.

Sing and Find Local Gigs

Playing in front of any audience will give you invaluable experience and help your band gain exposure. Contact local venues, charities, or general hangouts. Ask if they have any gig opportunities. Check out local cafes, pizza places, bars, malls, or universities to see if they have any slots available. Meanwhile, walk around busy parts of town where crowds often gather.

Every time you busk or participate in a local event is an opportunity to get noticed. Make sure to put up a sign with your band name or a QR code that links to your social media. This will make it easy for interested people to find you and start following your music.

Don’t worry if you can’t headline big shows straight away. It’s important to start with smaller stages and local events, and the experience you gain will be a plus. Once you feel confident and have polished your skills in front of an audience, you can start looking for opportunities to play festivals and other larger events.

Remember, don’t be afraid to ask. It’s normal practice to contact festival managers or club owners. Politely ask about gigs and send them your demo. You won’t get anything worse than a no, but the information will be useful for your next steps.

In the early stages of your career, live performances are the best way to get yourself out there. Busking and other informal gigs will help you develop your stage presence and build a fan base.

Once you’ve polished your skills at local events, you can move on to bigger gigs, such as opening for another band at shows or playing festivals.

Booking Gigs for Your Band Basics

When you first start out in music, one of the key tasks will be finding and booking gigs. This is where you will be the one contacting promoters who can book your band for gigs.

A promoter is responsible for planning, organizing, and booking the event. They may work with a specific club or entertainment company that coordinates gigs across multiple venues. It is important to understand that a promoter’s job is not just to find you a place to perform, but also to ensure that the show is successfully organized.

Don’t rush into sending requests to every possible venue at once. It is important to think ahead about what type and size of venue will suit your band. For example, if your music is loud and energetic, finding a spot in a small cafe or independent venue may not produce the results you are looking for. Not only will it fail to attract the right crowd, but it will also limit your potential to attract new fans. So, before approaching promoters, it is important to have a clear understanding of what type of audience you are looking for and what kind of venue will suit the style and scale of your music.

Promote your band

When you start working with promoters to book shows, it’s important to give them enough information so they can understand your style and sound. In the past, demo CDs were often given to promoters, but in today’s world, this method is outdated. Today, it’s much easier to share a link to your Spotify, Apple Music or SoundCloud profile, where they can listen to your tracks in good quality and appreciate your music.

However, music is not the only element that helps you promote your band. It’s also important to invest in quality visuals. Professional photography, such as styled photo shoots or live performances, will help promoters and fans see your team and the atmosphere that accompanies your performances. The photos should convey the band’s energy and visual style, which will attract the attention of those who don’t know you yet.

It’s also a good idea to create a promotional video or showreel that shows you performing on stage. This will give viewers and promoters a clear idea of what your band looks like at live concerts. The video will help to get a deeper understanding of your image and will help to interest not only fans but also professionals in the music industry. Conceptual photo shoots can be used to create interesting visual materials. For example, imagine a band playing outdoors against the backdrop of a mountain range, watching the sunset. Such shots can convey not only the atmosphere of your music, but also the very essence of your style, and attract attention to your band.

Build Your Band’s Online Presence

In order for your band to be perceived as a professional music project, it is important to have social media accounts that are dedicated exclusively to your team. Platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and TikTok are ideal for sharing your band’s music, photos, and videos. These social media platforms give you a great opportunity to directly interact with fans, communicating with them through comments and direct messages, which helps develop a connection with your audience and builds your reputation.

To take your online presence to the next level and create a source of truth about your band, create your own website. It will become a hub for all information about you, which will always be at hand for those who want to know more. On the website, be sure to include links to your music so that fans can immediately go to listen to your tracks. In addition, the site should include a short bio of the band so new visitors can quickly familiarize themselves with your history, as well as high-quality images and videos that reflect the style and atmosphere of your work. In addition, the site should include a schedule of upcoming concerts with the ability to purchase tickets, which will simplify the process for those who want to attend your shows. It is also important to add contact information for promoters and anyone interested in cooperation, so that you always have the opportunity for professional inquiries.

Networking and Networking in the Music Industry

Successful booking of gigs often depends on who you know, so it’s important to actively build your network. Networking in the music industry can make finding new opportunities for your band a lot easier. It’s through friends and industry contacts that you can get into the right venues and meet the right people.

One of the first steps in this process is to get to know other bands whose sound and style is similar to yours. This is a great way to find like-minded people and potential scene partners. One way to do this is to attend their shows – not only will this give you the chance to enjoy a live show, but it will also introduce you to venues that might be suitable for your band. These events can also be a good opportunity to network with promoters or other people in the industry who can help you make new contacts.

If you can’t meet in person, don’t despair. You can actively network online, for example by sending private messages to bands whose music you love and telling them how much you admire their work. This can be a good start for further communication and even collaboration. Don’t forget about promoters either. Follow those who book gigs at venues you’re interested in. Follow them on social media, as they’re often looking for new bands to play. Meeting them in person is always preferable, but social media can be a great launching pad for making connections.

Become an active online presence. Create pages on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. Post videos of your performances and snippets of songs to get your band noticed. Ask friends and family to share your posts to expand your reach.

Hire a Professional Team for Your Band

As your band begins to grow, the need for professional help becomes increasingly apparent. At some point, you will need help organizing the business side of your team. Finding accountants, managers, and other professionals will be an important step in professionalizing your project. Networking with people in the music industry can ease the transition from a regular rehearsal group to an artist that others want to work with.

• Consider working with consultants. These professionals can help you better understand the direction you need to take, what steps to take to expand your audience, or how to organize your work more efficiently. Often, these professionals can suggest options you might not have thought of and direct your efforts in a more profitable direction;
• Don’t forget about friends who have already achieved success in the music industry. They can offer valuable advice that does not require financial investment, but only a little time and willingness to share their experience. Sometimes, it is enough to simply talk to those who have already gone through this path – they will help you avoid common mistakes and show you what you should pay attention to.