How to Start a Band

Instructions Step 1: Get the types Aim for a mix of “types” — pretty in a wholesome way, nerdy in a cool way, sexy and a bit dangerous, androgynous. Everyone should look good in skimpy stage costumes. TIP: If you have a choice between 2 equally qualified musicians, go with the one with sexier stage …

Instructions Step 1: Find the right record labels Find the right record labels. Read info on the CD packaging of recording artists similar to your music style and compile a list of compatible record companies. Step 2: Get record company contact info Get record company contact info through business reference materials often found at public …

Instructions Step 1: Look the part Dress like a metal head: black combat boots, tight black jeans, leather pants, or army fatigues, a black T-shirt, and metallic accessories. Then, grow your hair at least down to your shoulders, if not longer, to show off when you headbang. Step 2: Blast the music Blast some metal …

Instructions Step 1: Loosen first rod Attach the drum key to the screw rod at the 12 o’clock position when the drum is facing you. Turn it counter-clockwise a half turn. TIP: Don’t loosen all the screws on one side of the drum at once, because it might warp the rim. Step 2: Loosen all …

Instructions Step 1: Buy name brands Buy brand names for greater reliability and resale value. New brand name drums for a beginner will cost about $500. Used drum sets can be had for about $200. TIP: It’s common to buy cymbal packs or lower line cymbals. Brand name cymbals are often very expensive. Step 2: …

Instructions Step 1: Find bandmates Find other musicians to play with by recruiting your friends or school mates who are interested in music or by placing an ad on a bulletin board, on Craigslist, or in the paper. TIP: Chemistry is important, so choose members you like, not just those who are skilled. They can …

Instructions Step 1: Choose a song Pick a song to use in your video. Make sure any sophisticated melodies or complex drumbeats are overpowered by a voice so smooth, it’s like warm butter being spread over freshly resurfaced ice. Step 2: Find the talent Assemble the musicians. Tease their hair, and dress them in shirts …

Instructions Step 1: Make an outline Write out an outline that lists your band’s major musical influences, accomplishments, important gigs, and members and their parts. Step 2: Write the first paragraph on who Develop your first paragraph. Start with statements that introduce your band with its name, members’ hometowns, music genre, and major influences. Step …

Instructions Step 1: Assemble the members Start by finding four friends to join your band to create a fierce, 5-guy force. Make yourself the front man; then, divvy up roles for the others to include a quiet member, a good boy, a bad boy, and a fresh-faced, innocent cutie. TIP: A group composed entirely of …

Instructions Step 1: Practice breathing with puffed cheeks Puff out your cheeks, and then breathe normally through your nose to get the feel of breathing with your cheeks extended. Step 2: Blow air out lips while breathing in Puff your cheeks and create a small hole between your lips. Control the muscles in your cheeks …

Instructions Step 1: Create flyers Create flyers, which are an easy way to expose locals to your band. Post as many of your flyers as you can. Hit record stores, music shops, concert venues, and bars, along with any other places music lovers frequent. TIP: To save money, copy the flyers in black and white. …

Instructions Step 1: Write a business plan Write a business plan to demonstrate to potential investors that you know what is involved in running a label. Step 2: Raise capital Put together a budget, and raise the capital necessary to form and run the business. Funds can come from personal savings, loans from family or …

Instructions Step 1: Get your music ready Make sure your music is ready for public consumption. Don’t forget cover art and any liner notes you want to include. Step 2: Get a UPC barcode Get a UPC barcode from a CD duplication company or online music distributor. Type “UPC code iTunes Store” into a search …

Instructions Step 1: Hold the harmonica properly Get ready to play by holding the harmonica in one hand, grid toward your face, clamped in the crook of your forefinger and thumb. Step 2: Cup the other hand Hold it so the numbers are over the holes as you face it, low notes on the left, …

Instructions Step 1: Budget for all expenses – gas, food, hotels, and incidentals. And don’t forget to leave a cushion in case of emergencies. Step 2: If you’ve been getting airtime in a certain city, or your web site gets a lot of comments from people in one particular area, try to book a gig …

Instructions Step 1: Ready your song Ready your song for submission by writing out the sheet music — and lyrics, if any — or recording it as an MP3, or on a cassette tape, LP, or CD. Step 2: Create an account Go to the U.S. Copyright Office website — at http://www.copyright.gov — and click …

Instructions Step 1: Pick a song Pick a song. Ideally, you want one that’s less than 4 minutes long. Songs that tell a story work well, though non-narrative approaches can also be arresting. Step 2: Brainstorm Brainstorm ideas for how you’d like to illustrate the song. And don’t feel you have to be too literal; …

Instructions Step 1: List work surfaces List the available work surfaces in your studio, such as desks, stackable shelves or even milk crates and two-by-fours. Step 2: Set up u-shaped area Set up a U-shaped area by arranging a desk and a secondary work surface in an L-shape, with a rack or shelves making up …