What ingredients make for a band's international success?

[BMWerks]

Rather than dwelling on what makes bands fail, Wouldn't trying to come up with the attributes of successful groups be more rewarding and possibly throw some light on the possibilities of "Making It"?

It's easy to note what makes for failure. More challenging to note what makes for success. (Making It)

Any takers on this one?

 

[mjr]

Rather than dwelling on what makes bands fail, Wouldn't trying to come up with the attributes of successful groups be more rewarding and possibly throw some light on the possibilities of "Making It"?

It's easy to note what makes for failure. More challenging to note what makes for success. (Making It)

Any takers on this one?

I'll give it a shot. I think the first thing is to define "Making It". What does "Making It" mean to you? Does it mean selling a few records? If so, how many? Does it mean playing local clubs? Being popular or known in a specific area or region? Getting that big-time record deal? Touring around the country? Airplay? Having a fanbase? Putting out that first CD?

Now I'll try to tackle the ones I can individually.

Selling a few records -- I don't know if very many consider this "making it". Sure, it helps the pride, and strokes the ego a little, and even gives that sense of accomplishment, but I don't know if that's considered "making it".

Playing local clubs -- This could be considered "making it" if it's your goal. Especially if you have a following of fans who are actively listening to your music, or if you're on some type of "club circuit".

Being popular...region -- This sort of ties into the previous two. This could be considered "making it".

Getting the big-time record deal -- considered by some to be the penultimate form of "making it". Others, they have no desire to get that big time record deal. They're happy putting out independent music.

Touring the country -- making it = yes & no. Some who have the funding to do so will (of course, you must be known or word of mouth must get you a gig) tour, others will not, simply because it isn't their goal.

Airplay -- Some want it, some don't. Not necessarily considered "making it" by all.

Fanbase -- to a lot of indie musicians, this is "making it".

Putting out CDs -- same as Fanbase.

Personally, I think it all has to do with your goals. All indie musicians have a different idea of what "making it" actually is. Some actually have "stepping stone" goals.

For me, to start out it would basically come down to people listening to MY music. Where it goes from there depends on what my goals are once that's happening.

 

[grn]

touring with a good live show - that's it

 

[Dani Pace]

Play music that people want to hear. Put on a show that people want to see. Connect with the right people to get the music and the show out to the people who want to see and hear you. Pretty simple but not as easy as it sounds. And most importantly remember, you have to work at it, it wont happen unless you make it happen.

 

[BMWerks]

I'm actually surprised to see that anyone has responded to this thread. Chances are, nobody would be willing to give away formula and secrets of what made their band rich and famous. And, why bother speculating?

My impression is, "success" doesn't care what vehicle brought them to that end. If you love ironing shirts, ironing shirts should be your vehicle.

So, what are the atributes of a band (group of people with common interests and goals) enjoying the fruits of international fame and recognition? What kind of energy and sacrifices would be required to put a working, collaborative system together? Remember, nobody does this for nothing. There has to be a "promise" somewhere in the equation.