Band Tips 1 - Be a team player. Sometimes we can focus on our own playing a little too much and we forget that a band is made up of a unit that must all work together. Be sure to play tastefully and leave space for the other band members to do their thing.
Band Tips 2- When looking to form or join a band, avoid flyers and blind advertisements in classified areas or Craigslist. While these sources can work, a much more successful method is to go meet and hear others playing, either individually or on a gig.
Band Tips 3- How to get gigs: Be proactive in finding a gig. Look in newspapers, search online databases, post on music store bulletin boards, check with your local talent agency. Here are some ideas:
- Classified ads – check your local newspaper, music papers, internet classifieds, etc.
- Bulletin boards – music stores, record shops, drum shops, talent agencies, usually have boards.
- Live bands – network! Go out, meet, and interact with live bands. This is one of the best ways to learn about who’s looking for who.
- Talent agencies – get to know the people who work in talent agencies. They can sometimes help you find a suitable band or at the very least, pass the word along that you're looking for players.
- Musicians union – The Musician’s union is a great place to find work. Great contacts can be made as well. Numerous pro musicians get valuable contacts and work through the union.
- Music studios – Stay in touch with the musicians behind the scenes at recording studios. They are recording all your friends are usually on top of what's going on.
- Jam sessions – Jam sessions are a bit more popular in larger towns, but when you can find them, they are valuable music networking havens! You'll meet tons of musicians there.
Band Tips 4 - Practice, Practice, Practice! - This tip can not be overstated. Your band will only be as good ad what you put into it. Take the time to rehearse. Schedule rehearsals weekly so everyone will be prepared.
Band Tips 5 - When playing, whether in rehearsal or performance, the best thing you can do to better the music is - listen. Listen to yourself. Listen to the rest of the band. Listen to how you fit together. Listen to the direction of the song. You will find that your mind will create better music and better musical opportunities.
Band Tips 6 - It is imperative that everyone in the band be prepared for the gig. Instruments need to be ready to play once they are pulled from the case - have them tuned, cleaned, oiled, whatever. Make sure everyone has the song lists and have extra copies. Make sure you have all your gear.
Band Tips 7 - A great tool to have is a gear checklist. Run through it the day before the gig to double-check and prevent any unpleasant surprises
Band Tips 8 - Don't forget about showmanship. You can have the best group of musicians in the world, in the best band, but if you collectively look like a bump on a log, the crowd may not like you. Work on moving around, enjoying yourselves, and getting the crowd involved.
Band Tips 9 - This goes mainly for instrumentalists: have you thought much about the meaning of the songs you play? Have you thought about the story they tell? Have you thought about what you can do with your playing to help express that story? Take a cue from your vocalist as singers usually do a great job with expressing the lyrics.
Band Tips 10 - Make it a point to know the people that are in contact with your gig - any agents, audience, and most importantly the person(s) who pay you. Find out what they want and deliver!
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