How to market yourself/get in a band?

  • Thread starter Thread starter thebigcheese
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thebigcheese

thebigcheese

"Hi, I'm in Delaware."
Maybe this is a stupid question, but how do you go about getting in a band? For a long time, I never thought I was good enough to be in a band because it wasn't as easy for me to write songs as it is for other players or some other dumb excuse. I know I'm not the best guitar player, but I'm certainly not the worst and I'm pretty technically proficient, and now that I've been studying up on music theory, a lot of things are starting to click. Basically, I feel like I'm ready now. But now I don't know how to go about being in band. I'm in one right now, but we haven't really done anything because it's just me and a friend. I put an ad on Craig's List and got three responses, but only one that didn't sound like a high schooler in an emo band (sorry, not interested). Should I be posting ads at the local cafes or something?
 
In the Washington DC area (going by your profile) the easiest way to get into a band is to hit up the craigslist musician pages. If you have some mp3s of yourself playing, it'll be a breeze. I would focus on REPLYING to those ads, not posting.

Just use common sense when responding to ads on craigslist. I strongly suggest that the first meeting be at a neutral location (bar, coffee shop, etc.) without instruments, just to talk about music and what the plans are for the band. I've skipped this many times and the resulting audition was a complete waste of my time.
 
You can lurk in the shadows or step into the spot light. Lurking craigslist will result in meeting your fellow lurkers. Put together a few songs you can do solo and hit the venues with open mic nights and blues jams. By performing you will meet other performers who aren't shy of the spotlight. It's hard but that's what worked for me.
 
look into freemasonry.
the freemasons enjoy advantages in many social sectors.
 
You might try the "Marketing Your Music / Publicity" forum here instead....
 
RejectionNinja said:
In the Washington DC area (going by your profile) the easiest way to get into a band is to hit up the craigslist musician pages. If you have some mp3s of yourself playing, it'll be a breeze. I would focus on REPLYING to those ads, not posting.

Just use common sense when responding to ads on craigslist. I strongly suggest that the first meeting be at a neutral location (bar, coffee shop, etc.) without instruments, just to talk about music and what the plans are for the band. I've skipped this many times and the resulting audition was a complete waste of my time.
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This is good advice. Also, you should try places like bandmix.com You might also try posting flyers at your local music stores.
 
We tried a couple of open mics at school and never got anywhere... We've been meaning to do some at cafes, but never got around to that yet. I'm gonna start going to those, though I don't have much stuff to play and I don't sing (or at least, you don't want me to), so performing by myself is problematic. I'll start looking for others' postings and what not. I'm also thinking about moving to New York, is the process different up there?
 
thebigcheese said:
We tried a couple of open mics at school and never got anywhere... We've been meaning to do some at cafes, but never got around to that yet. I'm gonna start going to those, though I don't have much stuff to play and I don't sing (or at least, you don't want me to), so performing by myself is problematic. I'll start looking for others' postings and what not. I'm also thinking about moving to New York, is the process different up there?
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Since singing is off the table focus on guitar. Learn or develop a style that incorporates melody and harmony. I got this from studying Classical Guitar. I spent a lot of time playing Classical Guitar in coffee shops, cafes and open mic nights. It's also a good way to introduce you originals.
 
Get drunk. Think of a band name. Book a show. Get two friends. Teach one to play bass and make the other play drums whether they know how to play or not. Then you are in a band.

Need some good band names?
Johnny Subprime and the Reluctant Suicides
Dick McSkinny and his Demented Elephants
Pimp Train
Sopping Wet Suitcase
Pinata! Pinata! Pinata!
 
starbuck26 said:
Get drunk. Think of a band name. Book a show. Get two friends. Teach one to play bass and make the other play drums whether they know how to play or not. Then you are in a band.

Need some good band names?
Pimp Train
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This just might work, as long as you actually have two friends.
 
ez_willis said:
This just might work, as long as you actually have two friends.
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Who needs friends? I play all those instruments :p

I suppose I could drag along my PA speaker and a laptop and be a whole band by myself...
 
thebigcheese said:
Who needs friends? I play all those instruments :p

I suppose I could drag along my PA speaker and a laptop and be a whole band by myself...
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good thinking.

Bill%20OneManBand.jpg
 
Another good way is to attend local shows that are similar to the genres that you are interested in performing within. Try to network with people at the show's etc...Also, make sure you have a listenable demo of yourself playing some things that showcase your strongest points as a musician or possibly some of your strongest musical ideas if you will be starting the band yourself.
 
Wireneck said:
Another good way is to attend local shows that are similar to the genres that you are interested in performing within. Try to network with people at the show's etc...Also, make sure you have a listenable demo of yourself playing some things that showcase your strongest points as a musician or possibly some of your strongest musical ideas if you will be starting the band yourself.
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That's an excellent idea.

Another idea is go to your local music shop and talk to the guys running the place. Ask them if there is any music action in the city. They can at least point you in the right direction. One place is usually around any major university.
 
Dress in drag and get backstage at a major rock venue...bring your camera and blackmail the lead singer with the photos...take his place...instant stardom...even if you suck...its close enough for hip-hop
 
ez_willis said:
good thinking.

Bill%20OneManBand.jpg
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Haha, well, that wasn't quite what I had in mind, though there is a guy from around here who does something like that. I wish I remembered his name...

So let's see if I can summarize everything: put together a demo of me playing, probably including more than just what I have done with my band; go to local shows or other music things where other musicians are likely to hang out and bring the demo; check out Craig's List postings instead of just posting and hoping for a response; and check out local music stores for flyers and advice. Thanks everyone, this has been very informative for me!
 
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