9 Essential Steps to Start a Band and Perform Live

Published on 21 June 2023 8 min read

4. Gather Your Instruments and Equipment

9. Prepare for Live Performance

Starting a band can be an exciting and rewarding experience that allows you to express your creativity, passion, and talent. Whether you dream of rocking out on stage or simply want to make music with friends, there are some key steps to follow when forming a band. In this blog, we'll cover 9 essential steps to start a band and perform live, so you can turn your musical dreams into reality.

1. Find Your Bandmates

One of the first steps in starting a band is finding the right people to join you on this journey. Here are some tips to help you find your bandmates:

Identify your needs: Determine what roles and instruments are needed for your band. For example, you might need a vocalist, guitarist, bassist, drummer, and keyboardist.
Look within your circle: Ask friends, family members, or coworkers who share your musical interests if they'd be interested in joining your band.
Network: Attend local concerts, open mic nights, or music festivals to connect with other musicians who might be interested in starting a band.
Utilize social media: Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or dedicated musician websites to search for potential bandmates in your area.
Hold auditions: If you're having trouble finding the right fit, consider holding auditions to find talented musicians who share your vision and passion for music.

Remember, finding the right bandmates is crucial to your success as a band, so take your time and choose wisely.

2. Choose Your Musical Style

Choosing a musical style is an important step in starting a band, as it sets the tone for your sound and helps you connect with your audience. Here are some tips to help you find your band's unique style:

Consider your influences: Think about the bands and musicians that inspire you. What elements of their music do you want to incorporate into your own sound?
Experiment with different genres: Don't be afraid to try out various styles of music. You might discover that your band has a knack for a specific genre you hadn't considered before.
Collaborate with your bandmates: Discuss your individual musical tastes and find common ground. This will help you create a cohesive sound that reflects everyone's input.
Be authentic: Choose a style that feels true to who you are as musicians. This will make your music more enjoyable for both you and your audience.

Remember, your musical style should be a reflection of your band's identity and passion for music. Don't be afraid to evolve and change as you grow together!

3. Select a Band Name

Now that you've chosen your musical style, it's time to pick a name for your band. This is an important part of starting a band, as your name represents your identity and helps people remember you. Here are some tips for selecting a memorable band name:

Brainstorm ideas: Write down any words, phrases, or ideas that come to mind. This can include anything from your favorite song titles to inside jokes between bandmates.
Keep it simple: Choose a name that's easy to say, spell, and remember. You want your fans to be able to find you easily online and share your music with others.
Be unique: Research other band names to make sure your chosen name isn't already taken. A unique name will help you stand out from the crowd and avoid confusion.
Consider your image: Think about how your band name will look on posters, merchandise, and social media. Make sure it visually represents your music and style.

Once you've chosen your band name, make sure to register it on social media platforms and secure a domain for your website. This will help you establish your online presence and protect your band's identity.

4. Gather Your Instruments and Equipment

Gathering the necessary instruments and equipment is a key step when starting a band. You'll need to make sure each band member has the right gear for your chosen musical style. Here's a list of items you may need:

Instruments: Guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, and any other instruments you plan to use in your music.
Amplifiers: Guitar and bass amps are crucial for achieving the right sound and volume when playing live.
Microphones and stands: Invest in good quality microphones and stands for vocals and instrument recording.
Audio interface: This device connects your instruments and microphones to a computer for recording and mixing.
PA system: A public address system is necessary for live performances, allowing you to amplify your vocals and instruments.
Accessories: Don't forget essential items like cables, guitar picks, drumsticks, and extra strings.

While purchasing brand new equipment can be expensive, there are ways to save money. Look for deals on used gear, borrow equipment from friends, or consider renting equipment for live performances. Remember, it's not just about having the best gear; it's about making the most out of what you have and creating great music together.

5. Rehearse Together

Once you've got your bandmates, instruments, and equipment, it's time to start rehearsing. Regular practice sessions are crucial for developing your skills, building chemistry, and creating a cohesive sound. Here are some tips to make the most out of your rehearsals:

Schedule practice sessions: Set aside specific days and times for rehearsals, ensuring everyone can attend and commit to the schedule.
Choose a rehearsal space: Find a comfortable and quiet place where you can practice without distractions. This could be a garage, basement, or even a rented studio.
Set goals for each session: To stay focused and productive, decide on specific tasks or goals for each rehearsal, such as learning a new song or refining a particular section.
Listen and communicate: Encourage open communication among band members. Listen to each other's ideas and suggestions, and be willing to compromise and adapt.
Record your practices: Recording your sessions can help you identify areas that need improvement and track your progress over time.
Stay patient and committed: Remember, starting a band is a learning process for everyone involved. It takes time and dedication to develop your sound and grow as a group.

By rehearsing together regularly, you'll build a strong foundation for your band and be well-prepared for live performances and recording sessions.

6. Create Original Songs

Creating original songs is a significant part of starting a band and developing your unique sound. Writing your own music allows you to express yourself, connect with your audience, and stand out from other bands. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Inspiration: Look for inspiration in your everyday life, personal experiences, or even current events. You can also draw from your favorite artists, songs, or genres.
Collaboration: Work together with your bandmates to write songs. Each member may have different strengths, such as writing lyrics, creating melodies, or arranging the music. Embrace these differences and collaborate to craft unique and diverse songs.
Experimentation: Don't be afraid to try new ideas, styles, or techniques. Experimenting can help you discover new sounds and push your creativity to new heights.
Revision: Writing a song is an iterative process. Be prepared to revise, rework, and refine your songs until they reach their full potential.
Feedback: Share your songs with friends, family, or other musicians for feedback. Constructive criticism can help you improve and grow as a songwriter and performer.

Creating original songs takes time and effort, but it's a rewarding experience that will help you develop your band's identity and showcase your talents.

7. Promote Your Band

Once you've started a band and created original music, it's time to promote your band and build a fan base. Here are some effective ways to promote your band and gain more exposure:

Online Presence: Create a website or blog for your band, where you can share news, updates, and upcoming shows. Make sure to include links to your social media profiles and music streaming platforms.
Social Media: Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with fans, share band updates, and promote your music. Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages, and encourage them to share your content.
Streaming Platforms: Upload your music to streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud, allowing potential fans to discover and listen to your songs easily.
Local Community: Connect with your local music community by attending open mic nights, joining music forums, and networking with other musicians. This can help you build relationships and gain support from other artists.
Press and Media: Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations, and music blogs to share your story and music. Getting featured in the media can help increase your visibility and credibility.
Merchandise: Create band merchandise such as t-shirts, stickers, and posters as a way to promote your band and generate some income.

Remember, promoting your band takes time and dedication, but it's essential for building a strong fan base and achieving success. Don't be discouraged if things don't happen overnight—stay persistent and keep working towards your goals.

8. Book Your First Gig

Booking your first gig is an exciting milestone for any band just starting out. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you land your first live performance:

Research venues: Begin by researching local venues that host live music, such as bars, clubs, and cafes. Make a list of potential places to perform, prioritizing those that are known for hosting bands similar to yours.
Prepare promotional materials: Before reaching out to venues, gather your promotional materials. This may include a short bio, a few demo tracks, photos of your band, and links to your website and social media profiles.
Contact the venue: Reach out to the venue's booking manager or event coordinator via email or phone. Introduce your band, express your interest in performing, and provide your promotional materials. Be professional and courteous in your communication.
Follow up: If you don't hear back within a week or two, consider following up with the venue. Remember, persistence is key when starting a band and booking gigs.
Confirm details: Once you've secured a gig, confirm the date, time, and any other important details with the venue. Make sure to promote the show on your social media accounts and invite your friends and family to attend.
Network: Use your first gig as an opportunity to network with other musicians, venue staff, and music fans. Building relationships within the music community can lead to more gig opportunities in the future.

Booking your first gig might feel intimidating, but with a little persistence and preparation, you'll be well on your way to performing live and growing your fan base.

9. Prepare for Live Performance

Preparing for your first live performance is crucial to ensure a successful show. Here are some tips to help you and your bandmates get ready for the big event:

Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse: Before your gig, make sure to rehearse your setlist multiple times. This will help you feel confident on stage and ensure that your performance is tight and polished.
Plan your stage setup: Discuss with your bandmates how you'll arrange your instruments and equipment on stage. Consider factors like sightlines, space constraints, and accessibility for each member.
Prepare a setlist: Create a setlist that showcases your band's best songs and flows well from one track to the next. Remember to include a mix of upbeat songs and slower tunes to keep the audience engaged throughout the performance.
Practice stage presence: A great live show is about more than just playing your music well—it's also about engaging with the audience. Work on your stage presence by making eye contact, moving around, and interacting with your bandmates and the crowd.
Check your gear: Before the gig, double-check your instruments, equipment, and any other essentials you'll need for the performance. Make sure everything is in good working order to avoid any technical difficulties during the show.
Stay organized: Create a checklist of items to bring to the gig, such as instruments, amps, cables, and backup gear. Being organized ensures you'll have everything you need for a smooth and stress-free show.
Arrive early: On the day of the gig, arrive at the venue early to set up, soundcheck, and get comfortable in the space. This will also give you time to address any last-minute issues that may arise.

With thorough preparation and a focus on delivering an engaging, high-energy performance, your band's first live show is sure to be a memorable event that leaves the audience wanting more.

If you're looking to kickstart your music career and seeking valuable advice from industry experts, then don't miss the workshop 'Industry Insights: Starting Your Music Career' by Aria Jay. This workshop will provide you with essential tips and strategies to help you navigate the music industry and set you on the path to success.