Musicians always stress that quality music is the most important thing to a great band. Yet many things can derail a great band before it even gets started, and small problems grow as a band grows.
Detone8.com has collected a starting band checklist from up-and-coming artists in the music industry, so you can concern yourself with what is most important: making great music.
1. Get the right people for the right band.
Everyone should know, and believe in, the goals of the band. If every member’s goal is to only play local clubs, that’s fine. But, if three members want to tour full-time and one member joined the band to hit on girls, there is a problem.
2. View the band as a business.
Everyone in the music industry is there to make money. Some people may love what they do, but they also need to feed themselves. A band must make the industry a profit before the band members can expect to make any money. Band members do not need to be business majors, but they should think like business majors..
Just like a new business a new band will require a lot of money to succeed.
3. Make someone the manager.
Every business needs a leader, and every band is a business. A band’s personal manager does not need to control every aspect of the band, but a single person acting as the head of the business will help avoid confusion. This should be decided from the start, so if there are any problems later the band will have to decide together if a change is needed.
4. Make lots of contacts.
No one in the music industry works alone, so remember to make good impressions and to not burn bridges. This also applies to anyone that meets the band. One can never know if the kid asking for an autograph, your hair stylist or mother’s friend may know someone in the industry that can help you. And, it never hurts to ask.
5. Read “All You Need to Know About the Music Industry,” by Donald S. Passman.
For any band that has a goal of making a living as a musician this is a necessary read. It gives basic information about every major aspect in the music industry and goes into detail without becoming confusing. It is a handy reference guide for each stage of a band’s life.
Book Review, “All You Need to Know About the Music Industry”
For those that have learned things from being in a successful band, or learned lessons from past bands share your experiences.
image by Made Underground
Contact the writer of this article at brett@detone8.com.
Brett Lohmeyer is an editor for detone8.com, and in the day you can find him at