How Kids Can Start a Band: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you curious about starting a band as a kid? Perhaps you've always dreamed of forming a group with your friends and sharing your music with others. But why do kids want to form bands, and how do you go about it? This article will guide you through the process, from finding the right companions to creating your first hit song.
Why Start a Band?
Starting a band as a kid can be a thrilling experience. It allows you to express yourself creatively, work collaboratively with friends, and develop unique musical skills. Here are a few reasons why you might want to start a band:
Express creativity and passion for music. Collaborate with friends to create something unique. Build confidence and improve social skills. Learn about teamwork and discipline. Develop musical talents and skills.Getting Started
The first step in starting a band is to gather some buddies who share your love for music. It's crucial to find people who are interested in playing with you and can work together towards a common goal.
Collaborate on a Sound Genre
Once you have a couple of buddies, talk about the type of music you all like and the genre you want to explore. This helps in creating a cohesive sound for your band. It's important to collaborate on the genre to ensure that everyone is comfortable and engaged in the music you're creating.
Invent Your Band Title and Sound
Your band needs a unique name that reflects its identity. Think of a name that's catchy and memorable, but also tells people about the kind of music your band plays. For example, if your band combines rock and metal, you might call it 'Poultry.' This name not only sounds interesting but also hints at the unique blend of genres you're exploring.
Creating Original Music
Naming your band and deciding on a genre are just the beginning. The real fun begins when you start writing and recording your own songs. Here’s how you can get started:
Write and Record Your Songs
Start by writing a few original songs. Collaborate with your bandmates to ensure that everyone has a chance to contribute ideas and lyrics. Once you have some songs, record them using audio software or upload them to platforms like SoundCloud or Spotify. This will help you gain visibility and reach a broader audience.
As an example, my band 'Poultry' consists of three members: one guitarist, a vocalist and co-lyricist, and me, the drummer and co-lyricist. This distribution of roles allows us to create a diverse and interesting sound.
Forming a Band from Scratch
If you're starting a band from scratch, here’s a structured approach to help you:
Wait for the Pandemic to End
It's essential to wait for the pandemic to end in your region before starting band activities. Once it's safe, you can begin looking for the right musicians who can play the instruments you need and fit your musical style.
Meet Potential Bandmates
Once you've found potential bandmates, it's important to meet them and ensure there's a good fit. A beer and a chat or meeting in a practice room can help you gauge if there's chemistry or potential conflict among the members. This will give you a better understanding of how well you and your bandmates can work together in a musical sense.
Practice and Jam Together
Once you have a group of potential bandmates, it's time to jam with them. This will help you see if the lineup works in a musical sense. Have everyone prepare a couple of songs that you can play together. Evaluate how they handle individual spotlight moments and teamwork. Pay attention to their interactions and check for egomaniacs who might not play well with the rest of the group.
Develop One Song Together
During this practice session, you can develop one song together. Prepare lead sheets and lyric sheets for everyone and observe how they interact while working on something new. This will help you understand their speed in learning and their collaborative skills. Identify who is an egomaniac who might not be a good fit for the band.
Make the Final Decision
Based on your observations during the practice session, decide who will be in the band and who won't. When you call up those who won't be in the band, be professional and clear about the decision. Let them know that it's not a personal decision and that you've found someone else who is a better fit for the role. Remember to be courteous and respectful throughout the process.
Starting a band is an exciting journey, but it requires patience and dedication. By following these steps, you can create a band that you can be proud of and enjoy playing with.
Conclusion
Starting a band as a kid is a fantastic way to express your creativity and work collaboratively with friends. Whether you're promoting an existing band or starting a new one, the key is to find the right companions, collaborate on a sound genre, and practice together. With these steps in mind, you can start your musical journey and create something truly special.