The Basics of starting a Band: By Me!
Jul 27 '00
Like a few already posted E-pinions, I'm not going to bore the axious, musically challenged kids reading this. I'm going to give you a summary of what you need for a garage band, and how you can get it. Hopefully, your band will become more successful than mine. (ahem!)
Step #:
1. Before you even THINK about getting a band together, learn how to play an instrument. (yeah, I know. I'm sorry, but that's a necessity) I don't care whether it's Guitar, bass, drums, or trumpet, tuba, harp, or even those odd asian instruments. It's too bad that none of you can have Mr. Zinn for your teacher. He's the best. Anyway, make sure you can play an instrument.
2. Start off by yourself. You don't HAVE to sing. Just get out a tape recorder, and make a demo of some songs you come up with. Just fool around until you have some cool sounding songs, or until you are pleased with your progress.
2.5. This is a side step. I did this, and you should too. Make it clear that you play an instrument. This means walking down the halls at your school playing guitar. This means don't be shy about admitting you play an instrument.
3. Advise your friends to take up instruments. If this won't happen, you can also scout around and ask people what they play and if they'd like to "Jam" with you sometime. Dont be shy about asking! In most cases, if you ask a lone bassist (or something) to be in your band, he won't turn it down. Others are just as eager as you are.
4. Before you go all out and Jam, have your "band members" over at your place to get to know them. Find out their preferred style of music. It's best if they all share some liking of your fave. style. Have them bring their instruments over to show you their skill level.
5. Now, you can start practicing. My best advise is to come up with a band name first, so you can get a feel for what you'll be playing. It Inspires you to try and live up to your band name. If you absolutely can't think of a band name, go ahead and just start jamming. I advise you to start off by doing a "cover" of an old song. That means, playing an old song (Like "Jane Says", by Jane's addiction), only improvising it.
6. Before you move on, if you don't have a band name, GET ONE. You can always change it later.
7. Have someone in your group sing. Or, you can find a singer. Perhaps your sister.....or your mom. (snort)
Have the group callaborate on lyrics, and then, try and put music to those lyrics, or vice versa. (TIP: I find it much easier to thing of song titles first before I write songs. It keeps me within certain boundaries.)
8. No matter how crappy you sound, you will get better if you repeatedly practice. Don't give up because your band is not inspired. Stick with it until someone dies or something. You'll begin to get more and more pleased with your progress.
9. Sponsor a demo tape, once you have one. Let your friends borrow it, so word can be spread of your awesome band. Before you know it, you may have a gig at your school prom.
10. KEEP TRYING! DON'T GIVE UP!
If you have any difficulties with this "manual", E-mail me at: Bachlevarr@juno.com. You can ask me specific questions about your bands progress, and I'll try to help you.
That's all.
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