So you want to be big? 10 top tips for any new band

So you’ve been jamming, slowly developing as a unit. You start to develop those small snippets of riffs, lyrics, bass lines or beats into fully-fledged, rich, textured songs. Then you try to put them together into an organic and flowing order into a thing called a set. You’re a proper band and you’re ready to gig but what now?

You need fans and you need to be taken seriously by the industry. Here’s ten tips that can help you get that kick start you need to put you one step ahead of the competition.

1. Although everyone likes to think it’s just about the music, it frankly isn’t. Image is as important as it ever was, if not more than ever before. Always make sure the way you are presented, online and offline, is professional and you display a cohesive image across the various mediums.

2. Make your fans feel part of something. Encourage conversations between themselves and to you. Blogs are a great way to talk to your fans but allow them to respond and take criticism onboard. You might not like what you hear at first, but it’ll help you develop a thick skin and boy do you need one in this industry.

3. A gig is not just you playing your set. It’s a performance. Put some effort into making it an event for the audience.

4. You may think it’s selling out, but think of as many ways to develop revenue for your band. Think merchandise and more. The more money you make, the more extra cash you have to spend on recording sessions, a van and the less you have to delve into your own pockets.

5. Time is your biggest asset. Promote each and every gig hard. How many members are in your band? Share the load equally between you.

6. If you give your promo pack to an industry professional, make sure it’s something that will grab their attention. They want to know that you’re as professional and dedicated about your band as they are about their label. Don’t just give them a scribbled CD–R. Give them something special.

7. Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to your “friends”. Make your contacts on social media potential fans and relevant industry professionals. You can have 10,000 friends but if they are all country music bands in Tennessee and you’re an indie band from Yorkshire then you’re just wasting your time by adding them.

8. Remind your friends of every gig you play via text or email. They may have seen you 100 times before but they’ve watched you so many times for a reason. The more people you have at gigs the more you will impress the venue and promoters.

9. Get your gigs listed in as many online and physical formats as possible. Printed publications usually need to be notified about your gigs weeks in advance.

10. Don’t use gimmicks for the sake of it. They can soon become boring unless they add something genuine to your performance and doesn’t feel forced.

Every band is different. Every band has a different dynamic, musically and personally. Play around with these tips. See what works and what doesn’t for you and then keep improving on what you find effective.

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Writen by Ian Pook of Broken Logo

Posted on Thu 22nd April 2010 and filed under Performing, Tips.

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