How To: Getting Into a Band

Up front, I'll tell you that the greatest opportunities tend to come by way of personal referrals that do not require any type of formal audition at all. So, Rock Star secret #1: It's all about who you know. No. Better yet: It's all about who knows YOU. Chances are you have got some serious skills... or just a lot of balls. Otherwise, why would you be considering auditions in the first place? But ask yourself: Who knows that you play? Who cares? Seriously.

Who do you know that is aware of your talent and who really cares? Are they people that are involved with the music scene in any way, shape or form? You may be sitting around thinking to yourself: "Damn! I'm good. How come I'm not playing live shows 2-3 times a week? I have a ton of friends, and they all know that I play. I'm better than most players I've seen at shows around town... why don't I have bands knocking my door down?" It may be due to the fact that the vast majority of your best work has taken place in your parent's basement and not on a public stage. If you are like me, you hit up a local show, get the sweaty palms, and that feeling like you are going to explode if you don't get to jump on stage and show everyone what you got. "If they only knew!" Yeah... ha ha... if only.

Here is a list of things that you can do to get on a stage ASAP:

1. BECOME what you are. Dumb? Just listen.

What do you play? Guitar? Bass? Drums? Well... BECOME it! BE a drummer. You'll be surprised that when you do, it'll change the way you talk, walk, think, behave. When you are at a party, and someone asks you: "So, what do you do?" Do you answer: "Oh you know, just work and school." Or, "I'm just livin' the dream. You?" Get in the habit of telling people: " I'm a drummer!" Start thinking that way when you are practicing. "I'm a drummer, this is what I do. This is what I am!" What do you do when you have spare time? What would a drummer do?

2. Look the part.

Do you know what kind of music you want to play? Who are some of your influences? If you could play for any band in the world who would it be? Jump on youtube and watch their videos. Buy some of their concert DVDs and look at how they dress, how they move. It's one thing to play music that you love. It's quite another to LIVE the life that creates the music that you love. Do you need to get a hair cut? Do you need to grow it out? Maybe you need to hit the gym or go clothes shopping. Remember that YOU are your business card when you are out at shows and mingling with other musicians and potential band mates. They can't hear you play every time they meet you, but they can and will look at you. Many of their initial judgments about you will take place long before you have an instrument in your hand. Remember that the way you look and move is a HUGE consideration to a band that plays a lot of live shows.

3. Get a legit business card.

Yeah, a good one. Not a freebie card. Do you really want to be a musician? Others will know that you mean business if you have a card. Besides, if you meet a band at a late show, they may be a bit tired, drunk, distracted etc. They still have to pack-up all their stuff before they get to relax. Chances of a call-back are slim-to-none unless they have a way to remember you. Perhaps a picture of yourself or your gear on your card will make it stick.

4. Go to as many shows as you can.

Quite often, musicians get their "big break" simply because they were there. Where? In the scene... in the mix. At the show or at the studio. You know, it's not a bad idea to familiarize yourself with the local recording studios are. Bookmark the local venue's websites and their calendars. Add them as friends on Myspace or what have you. These are the places where it all happens. These are the places to be and to be seen. Talk to people. Rather than asking for favors, ask for advice. People LOVE giving advice.

5. Time to NETWORK.

Myspace, Youtube, Facebook etc. You know all about this. If not, call me... I'll hook you up. Start a Blog. If you have all of these, maybe there are small changes you can make to increase their impact. Look at your profile, your pics, your personal info. You can use the hobbies, favorite music, occupation and about me sections on these sites to your advantage. Refer back to #1. Are people looking at your profiles? If not, RULE #1 for generating interest in your page is: take a sincere interest in other people's pages. Comment on their pics and stuff. Join their blogs. Once in place, do all that you can to link them all together. Place visible links wherever you can to allow people easy navigation of your material.

6. Post some content.

Do you have any pics involving you and your instrument? Audio and video are even better! If there is any way at all that you can display some audio or video... DO IT! Make it as easy to access as possible. Use tags, descriptions and labels to make sure it will pop up in searches. You will be sooooo far ahead of the pack if you can refer people to your material online. I've noticed that this is one of the first things bands want to know. If they don't ask... it's because they are not used to people being so well prepared. Exceed their expectations! Make the content interesting. Use lighting, body language or whatever you have to make your stuff unique. Avoid being too serious. Be real. Make your content enjoyable, fun, funny and entertaining.

7. Be reachable.

Have email, voicemail, text and phones ready for the hurricane of response! Be quick and reliable in replying to calls and emails. Being on top of your communication says a lot about your dedication and work ethic as a musician. You will have a HUGE edge on the competition if you are the easiest to get a hold of.

It's hard to get anywhere if you and your family are the only ones aware that you play. Get out there and mingle. Be seen. Be heard. - Dave Boyd