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Post subject: how do i start a band
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 10:51 am
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how do i start a band


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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 11:23 am
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Find some friends who play other instruments?

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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 12:33 pm
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I think FenderFanatic has it right........Ask around, about people who play the instruments you need to start a band. Or if you have friends that play an instrument, so much the better. Start playing with a friend, and maybe he/she will get interested and also start asking around. Put the word out. Maybe even put an ad in the local paper, if nothing else works.

I would also check at some local music shops (they give music lessons), and tell them what you're trying to do. They might be able to steer you towards some people.

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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 12:45 pm
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They say that drummers are the easiest to find, but thats a load of crap.


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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 1:11 pm
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A friend and I are now trying to get some people together to play for fun. A drummer is hard to find (although we have a prospect). A bass player is even harder.

I've even been temped to drop my guitar, go back to drums, and find another guitar player (my part), to make it work. But who knows......I'm in no rush.......and only do all this for fun.

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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 1:34 pm
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Put up some fliers around where you live. If you're in school or college, put them on bulletin boards. Find some people who have the same general music interests as you. That will make it a lot easier to jam with them so that you know what you're doing. You don't want a screamo singer, country guitarist, slap bassist, and metal drummer.


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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 1:40 pm
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I find that having a couple cases of beer around always helps.

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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 2:59 pm
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nicholsoni wrote:
I find that having a couple cases of beer around always helps.


Now THAT is a VERY important piece of advice. Whenever I've played with people........having beer is just about as important as having strings on your guitar. It's always a must, and a big hit.

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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 3:13 pm
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Yeah, I'm starting one as well. I have two friends in it, a bassist and (possibly) a guitarist (she wants to jam first before she makes the disicion). We've got a name: Problem Child. Um, we need a drummer though, and we've got to get some equipment. I think I'm going to be singer or guitarist or both. So that's where we are.


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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 3:38 pm
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Rocker_Gamma wrote:
They say that drummers are the easiest to find, but thats a load of crap.




Yeah, around here, they are the HARDEST to find. Easiest is singers and guitarist.


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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 3:39 pm
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mac67 wrote:
Rocker_Gamma wrote:
They say that drummers are the easiest to find, but thats a load of crap.




Yeah, around here, they are the HARDEST to find. Easiest is singers and guitarist.


Guitar players are a dime a dozen.

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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 5:01 pm
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Advertising in some form is always a good idea, especially on bulletin boards...... in a music store! Create a flier, by hand you can photo-copy or one you can print from your computer. The ones I've seen have a 'comb' strip at the bottom with your phone # on the tabs (sideways) that should be pre-cut. The information on the upper part of the flier needs to include what your intentions are so as to entice the correct people. What instrument players you have and what ones you are looking for, the type of material you want to focus on and if it's just for fun jam sessions or a serious band to eventually play clubs and make $$$. You also need to list things like where you intend to get together-practice, how often or what specific days or times, etc.
If you are the one who will organize the initial meetings, you need to be prepared to audition the person's attitude towards it all and see if your personalities click or clash before any actual jam. When prospects call and you have the time, ask all pertinent questions right then. If they call when you are short on time, be sure to call them back when you both can talk and conduct the 'interview' then, after which (if you are satisfied that a meet IS the next step) you should make those arrangements. There are several basic things that HAVE to mesh or they will cause problems:
1) Everyone has the same time(s) available to get together consistently.
2) Everyone is into the same general type(s) of music.
3) Everyone agrees to ONE person who is in charge of 'running' things.
4) Everyone is (roughly) on the same ability level. It is VERY exasperating for a 'rehearsed' musician to wait for a someone (who isn't prepared) to learn their parts AT the meet. IF your meets ARE learning sessions, that's different, but at true rehearsals, everyone needs to know what's expected.
Finally, parameters need to be set up front:
1) Closed or open sessions? (IE: Bringing other people with you or not.)
2) Volume levels: What the room, neighborhood and others in the band will tolerate as a maximum. Learning to BLEND and not bury is important.
3) Showing up on time when a session is scheduled. That shows you are dependable and responsible. It establishes confidence in you.
> Initially, start working on basic material everyone is familiar with. Don't jump right into some complicated piece until ALL of you feel ready to tackle it. Getting TIGHT musically can make all the difference. Simple tunes first really helps everyone to focus on being a solid band.

NOTE: This advice comes from years of experience. Take it from one who has been through it..... OR you can learn the hard way; it's your call.


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