R.E.M, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, and Queen – what do all of these legendary bands have in common with other popular musical groups? They’re all well-known, massively successful bands that were started by friends. If you and your squad have dreams of living that rock ‘n’ roll life, it might be easier than you think. You might not play sold-out arenas and hit platinum record sales, but it isn’t fame and glory that you’re all after. It’s the ability to build on each other’s creativity and talents, making a cool sound that’s unique to just your group; and it can be as simple as starting with one single song.
Step One: Know Your Role
Early on, it’s essential to identify each member’s strengths. Take the time to establish what each of your primary roles will be. To some, this might seem obvious and you’ve probably already gotten together with some understanding of what your parts will be. Of course, your friend who can play the drums will keep the beat for your band, just as the pal that has played the bass guitar for 7 years will be maintaining the bassline for each of your songs.
But it’s the less prioritized tasks that your friends might not have thought of when first swinging the idea of making a band. Can everyone hold a note, or is one of your friends guilty of being tone deaf? Discern who’s on and off key by playing around with harmonies. If you’re lucky, everyone will be fabulous singers with throats gilded in gold. More than likely, you’ll have a few members who probably should only help out on back-up vocals. If you’re downright unlucky, one or more of your friends own a tin ear, making 5-part harmonies impossible. But don’t despair – taking the time to discern who can and cannot do certain things for the bandmeans there will be no surprises along the way; you’ll also be able to find out what they could be doing instead.
Step Two: Know Your Instruments
Now that your roles have taken on some shape, it’s time to get acquainted with whatever instrument you’re going to play. If you and your friends have been talking about getting a band together for a while now, then you’re probably already familiar with your instrument. Maybe you’re a little too familiar especially if it’s been years since you last upgraded your guitar, which has definitely seen better days. Only Willie Nelson can successfully pull off the damaged guitar look and get away with it. If you expect people to take you seriously, you’re going to have to have an instrument that will look as great on stage as it sounds.
If small-time touring is in your future, you’re also going to need some reliable equipment to use at your gig. Microphones, pick-ups, cables, amps, and PA cabinets are only a few of the things the average travelling band needs to play a show. That’s true if you’re only planning to play local venues in your hometown, or if your goal is to embark on a cross-country tour. If you call the Great White North your home, then be sure to get your equipment at the best online music store in Canada. Wherever you and your band play, you’ll be able to find the ideal equipment for the shows in your future – in addition to any instrument upgrades you might need before your first gig. And since all of their stuff online ships anyway where in the country, you can order replacements for anything that breaks down as your tour.
Step Three: Practice, Practice, Practice
There’s a reason why they say practice makes perfect. It’s because it’s true. You and your band can only benefit from time spent jamming together. Not only will this make you even better at what instrument you play, but you’ll also be better attuned with each other as musicians. A live gig is never quite like a private session, and sometimes nerves, the audience, and just plain enthusiasm can lead to improvisation. If your bandmates can’t take cues from each other, this can lead to awkward – if not plain terrible –music.
When the day of your first gig arrives, everyone has to be on their A-game. Without practicing together, you won’t be able to develop the necessary synergy, musical language, and focus you need to perform together. So devote your evenings and weekends to feeling out the groove, while always looking for ways to improve.
Follow these three steps and you’ll be even closer to being like your favourite bands. So don’t just talk about how great it would be to start a band over a couple of beers. These vague platitudes are merely dreams. Make your band a reality and start jamming today!