Creating a New Band

Creating the ULTIMATE Band

You've got the songs, now all you need are the people to help you bring them to life. You know that finding the right band members is crucial to your success, but where do you begin your search? These tips will point you in the right direction.

1.Ask Around

You may already know your bandmates - you just don't know you know them. Some of your friends already in bands might be looking for a change, or they might know of other people who are looking for a gig. What makes this way of finding a bandmate good is that you "know the deal" about someone before they join the band. If so-and-so is a great bass player but has never turned up for a soundcheck on time in their life, now is the best time to find out. Finding band members through your local music scene grapevine means you can be more confident about finding someone reliable - or at least have a heads up.

2.The Record Shop

Where do music types like to gather? The record shop, of course! Or the instrument shop or another music related shop. Most of these places, especially the independently owned ones, will have message boards where you can advertise for band members. Be sure to put a little bit about your music on the advertisement, or at least some info about bands that you like, and don't forget to include some way for interested people to contact you. Asking the staff of these stores is another way to find people looking for a band.

3.The Internet

Websites like Craigslist and MeetYourBand.com are filled with ads from people looking for a band to join. Browse through the lists of musicians in your area who are interested in finding a band with whom to play, and place your own ad seeking band members. Include the same information you would on an advertisement on the record store message board. You can also visit musician's forums, like our own to advertise.

4.Studios/Rehearsal Rooms

Put a call in to the recording studios and rehearsal spaces in your area and let the people there know you are looking for musicians. See if they have a space where you can come by and post an advertisement for your band. The staff at these places know who is playing with which band and who is looking for a new gig, and they can be a great resource for you. Even if you haven't actually used the studio or the rehearsal space before, don't shy away from approaching them in your search for your band members.

5.Poster the Town

Stick advertisements up all over town, in places where you think likeminded musicians may frequent. Coffee shops, book shops, college campuses, clubs and venues - the key is to let people know you are looking. Get the word out there!

Tips:

1.You may want to set up a special email account just for people to use to respond to your advertisements, especially if you plan on putting up ads all over in town in non-music related places, so you can avoid that guy who pulled your contact info off your ad on the coffee shop wall to try and sell you an insurance policy.

2.When you advertise, be as specific as possible about the kind of music you want to play. It's a waste of time for the jam band guy to show up at the metal band audition, and so on. You want people in your band with whom you share a lot of musical interests so you're more likely to have the same "vision".

3.Take the time to find band mates who can not only play, but that you genuinely like as well. Remember, if all goes well, you could be spending quite a lot of time with these people. No one likes spending 12 hours crammed in a van with someone they can't stand. Your shows will be better if everyone likes and respects each other.

4.Be clear about your expectations of a band member. How many practices a week do you plan to have? Will everyone get to have some creative input, or is there only one songwriter? It is very important to figure these things out in advance. Also, if you're serious about making a go of things with the band, let people know up front that you expect a certain amount of professionalism. Tell people you expect band members to get to the show or practice on time, well rehearsed, and ready to play.

5.If there are to be band related expenses, like travelling to shows, now is the time work out who pays for what.

How to Audition New Band Members

How to Audition New Band Members

Forming a band is a fun thing to do. You can create a band through friends or you can audition people for the band that you are creating. Usually this takes time. Making a band requires a lot of patience to audition the right members, in order to have that amazing chemistry to perform together and to create music.

Here are a few steps on How to Audition Potential Band Members:

1. Put an ad in the paper, posters, flyers, or through word of mouth. Before doing anything, you must first decide what type of music you want your band to play, how many members you will need and whether this is just for past time or as a career. Whether you are looking for singers, guitarists, bassists, keyboard players, drummers to form a band, putting an ad or through word of mouth is the best way for you to attract some musicians to audition for your band. You can create flyers, posters, or placing and ad in your local news paper. Post them at music stores, coffee shops, or at the walls of your school. Another way to do this is through the Internet, post your ad and create a blog so that you can invite and attract potential musicians to create your band. After posting your ads, don’t just wait for their response. Tell some friends or invite some musicians to audition for the band your creating.

2. Find the right place to rehearse and setting up the auditions. After you have talked to some of the musicians that are interested in your band, set the date for them to jam or audition with you. Give them a few songs to learn so you can use it on the day of their auditions. This is one of the best ways to find out how good they can play or whether they have the right chemistry to be in your band. You should also require each of them to have their own instruments.

3. Don’t rush things. Take your time auditioning potential players. If you want your band to come together successfully, you should have patience so that the right people will come. Let them play solos, this is one of the best ways for you to have a good idea of their skills. You should also require them to sing, since it is important for a band to have backup singers so that the music will be more enhanced.

4. Take your time to decide. After you have auditioned a set of players for your band. Take time to think and decide which one to hire. By this time it will be easier for you to decide which one to chose, since you have thoroughly examined and listened what he/she is capable of.
With these steps it would give you some insights on how to audition potential band members in forming a band. it will also make it easier for you to select the best players that can bring potential to the band that you are making. There are a lot of potential players around, but these simple steps will help you make the right decisions in finding the right players for your band.