Want to be in a band?
Friday 3 August 2007
So you want to be the next Arctic Monkeys do you? To help you out, n2K talks to indie band Parka and finds out just what it takes to make it. Watch the video.
New bands
With new bands and acts popping up literally every second, it can't be hard to make it now, can it? Lily Allen, Kate Nash, Jamie T, Jack Penate – they all seem to have come out of nowhere and programs Pop Idol, The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent seem to be churning out brand new acts constantly.
Want to be rich and famous?
You shouldn't get into a band just to become rich and famous – the most successful artists become famous for loving what they do. When you love something, you're going to do it better.
It takes dedication,time, money and luck to make it. Most bands will never make it into the charts, so you have to love what you do.
Practice, practice, practice
Even the biggest bands in the world practice every day – and you're no different. It takes loads of hours of hard work and dedication to get things to sound good! Giving up really isn't an option if you want your band to play anywhere other than your garage.
Why study?
Any musician will tell you that, even if you do become a high profile band, education will be really important to you. Today's artists have to be business savvy, be able to speak articulately to the press, manage money and have good communication skills. Also having your qualifications will mean that you will always have a back up if things take longer than you expected or don't work out.
In between practising you still have to go to school or college so it might mean that socializing is out the window! No one ever said it was easy!
Management
You'll also need some kind of management to get you the gigs – it might be easy at first to sort out a few appearances at your youth centre, but if you want to get recognised, you'll need to move further a field, and that means someone will have to devote time and some money to get involved at these places.
It can take a lot of cold calling to get a booking at a venue, the managers role is to be very organised to keep money (if you make any), instruments and band members all in order.
Promotion
Nowadays the internet is an excellent place to get your music out into the world. Using sites such as MySpace, means anybody anywhere can access your music – you never know, you could end up being booked for a gig in Australia!
It's worth spending time making your page look good, updating it on a regular basis and keeping your fans informed, as well trawling for new ones!
But remember that you're not the only band with the same ideas as you – don't rely on the internet; getting out in front of people and playing is the best way to spread word of mouth about your band.
It's worth working hard to do something you love! Remember that success also brings with it more hard work. If you're prepared to put in that energy and focus - then go for it!
Are you in a band? n2k want to feature you on the website! Send us an email.
