I took the Banding and Bonding bit from my current band’s motto. loads of bonding before the banding.
the key to band survival and sustenance can be summed up with that one statement. A BAND IS A BOND!
There are several reasons why one would form a band. For one, its cool to be in a band. Then there is the popularity factor - play a gig or two and people start looking at you like you have Viagara in your blood stream and you’re a foot taller than you used to be. Finally, and to me, the most important factor - the sheer joy of entertaining a bunch of people.
Every time you step on a stage and look at the masses who’ve come to see you play, it gives you a rush that cannot be described. Its the perfect drug.
I say to myself’Control yourself, idiot. you have a review to write’
.
Why band
================
While lurking around the music section of this site, I saw loads of people writing that MUSIC is this. MUSIC is that. MUSIC is heart. MUSIC is soul.
They all speak the TRUTH. Being in a band has loads of benefits. Here are some:
Learning an instrument and singing is a great skill to possess
Playing in a band requires a lot of discipline(a great value to possess in life)
Playing live builds your confidence
You get your share of that precious thing called LIMELIGHT
And here’s another truth: YOU HAVE DREAMED THE DREAM YOURSELF! YOU WANT TO BE IN A BAND!
Anatomy of a Band
================
A band can be ONE person(havent you heard - a one man band) playing multiple instruments and/or singing. Although it does sound odd calling one person - a band. Lets just live with that.
A band can also be MORE THAN ONE person(ah. thats what we’re talking about). The number of people is a variable and its determined by the style of music you wish to create and play and/or the instruments you wish to include.
Here’s my bulleted list of thoughts:
Bands can contain ZERO instruments and just voices(music made by such bands are called A CAPELLA)
Bands can contain 2 people(which makes it a DUO - like Simon and Garfunkel or the Pet Shop Boys). In such cases, the music might be provided by one of the members playing keyboards or maybe a guitar(so many possibilities).
The there are three piece bands like the POLICE and RUSH. The structure of these bands are similar with all three members playing instruments(bass, guitars and drums). In the case of both these bands, the vocals are provided by the bass player.
You got bands with 4 or more members.
Having more members allows you to add more instruments and provide a larger sonic structure but it need not mean that you can play better than a three piece. Its all about crafting great songs and understanding sound.
Assembling the components
================
First things first - FIX ON YOUR MUSIC STYLE. Whether its an A CAPELLA or a PROGRESSIVE ROCK band. get a fix on your music style.
OR. be open to all forms of music and be ready to welcome people who think the same way.
Heres your question: WHERE DO I FIND PEOPLE?
Its not easy. You have to look hard. You might even have to advertise.
Check out music themed sites like https://rsjonline.com and https://gigpad.com(hey sandy, wicliff dudes. I plugged your site in my review. buy me beer when I come to Mumbai). They have a classified section where people advertise. And you can post your own ads too. For Free!(I know you love that word)
Check out colleges for talent too.
Also, make sure you get to a lot of gigs that happen all over your city. You meet people that way.
A good contact can do wonders. So meet more people. And ask around!
- It takes time to get the right bunch of people. be patient
also. bands are about BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS too. so dont think you’re in for a cakewalk. The fruits are rewarding so sow your seeds and nurture them well.
What next?
================
Now that you got all the pretty faces and instruments. PRACTICE like mad. And spend time together. The first three months are going to be STRESS INCORPORATED. You’re dealing with egos here. Sink in. communicate. laugh a lot. and dont get on a high horse.
HUMILITY and CALM takes you places!
Once you have the BOND going. the BAND will have a foundation thats sturdy enough to withstand the highs and lows that goes with the music scene.
FACT: The members of some legendary bands didnt even know how to play a note when they formed their band. they worked together and learnt on the way up. so dont lose hope. just WORK on IT!
Choosing a Set List
================
You cant start churning out originals from day 1. So quit thinking about that. Sink in and get the sound right. Get everyone to make a list of 5 songs they want to play and pick 10 of the ones that are the easiest. Make a timetable for JAMS(those insane practice sessions) and stick to it. Work on 1 or two songs per jam.
Each member must do their homework and come to the Jam room. The jam room is where you tighten the bolts and piece the song together. Its not where you sit and figure out a song(do that at home. listen to the track over and over to get a good feel of it)
Once you crack your first 10 songs. you’re a band and you’re on your way.
Again, whats the next step?
================
PLAY LIVE! Grab whatever opportunity you have to be in the public eye. Build your reputation gig by gig. Dont worry about getting rich. Here’s the golden rule:
HARD WORK FINDS ITS WAY
Focus on delivering consistent performances. the rupees and dollars will follow automatically!
The Flip Side
================
As with everything, even bands have lows. There can be fights, clashes of egos, bad sound, lost voices. everything. so be prepared and tackle the problems like a unit.
A band is a bond. Its family. You have to look out for each other. If someone goes through a low, let them know that you are there for them. Motivate each other. These are the little things that go a long way.
Limelight
================
Every band starts out small. People meet, jam, play live and dream. without DREAMING you cant do anything. Fantasize about the fame and fortune. and WORK for it. To quote a line from an OZZY song’THERE ARE NO IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS’
I end my review here. enjoyed this one.
As for you lot with dreams of forming a band - GO FOR IT!
~ finis~
Footnote: I play in a band called S.T.O.M.P(based in Bangalore). Its a six piece HARD ROCK band with two guitars, drums, bass and keys and a vocalist who’s kind of hyper on stage. We play live and have plans of cutting our first record sometime this year.