Joining bands and starting different music groups is one the most fulfilling aspects of playing bass guitar. I remember my first band being a Nirvana-esque cover band that had a few songs we wrote. I still smile when I think of those memories.
But how do you start a band?!?
The first step is defining what type of band you want to be in. Think of different parameters, but here are some questions to ask yourself.
- What type of music do you want to play?
- Where will you practice?
- How many people do you want your band to have (ideally)?
- What are you willing to give if you start a band?
- Are you willing to tour and take the show on the road?
- Do you want to signed or stay independent?
Think long and hard about these questions. They will save you time in the long run, even if conversations about getting signed seem far off in the distance.
The next step is finding band members that share those common goals and aspirations. If you want an original rock band, don’t settle for a drummer that only wants to play 80′s classics. If you want different things then the band will surely split up.
The third step is getting together for a band meeting. Discuss a regular band time that you all can meet up to. It may also help to set rules such as “If you don’t show up for 3 practices without a good reason, you’re out of the band.” Start brainstorming band names and other important decisions that everyone should be a part of: A band is a democracy, not a dictatorship.
You’ve done it. You got together a group of musicians and formed your band. Congratulations! Now go play a show.