Want To Start A Band? Here's How...

[@drummerwarrior1]

When I started up my band we used to go to open mic nights to get playing experience.

[@TerenceFisher1]

This is a great idea!

[@natashaevans9582]

This video is resourceful. I plan on attending open mics to start a band. I am a hardworking singer, singing tutor and a vocal coach virtually. I love it! I would love to find a jazz, r&b and pop band singing covers and originals about a four piece band to sing with part time. I miss performing live and reaching audiences.

[@natashaevans9582]

Thank you for liking my comment. :)

[@markmarsden9459]

Great advice esp on having a purpose and a gig to aim for. The main problem I’ve had, more than getting gigs, is with personnel. Different levels of commitment, different abilities, some people thinking they’re better than others or trying to control other people.

[@terryparham3913]

Hey Terrence. Excellent video. Eight years ago, I set out to start a jazz band. The ensemble started as a friendly group of amateur/semi pro musicians…and we all agreed to take the steps to form a gigging band. The band consisted of horns, guitar, bass, drums, and a vocalist (generally 5-8 band members). Advice initially given was to form an LLC, get an accountant, pay taxes, members are independent contractors, set up a website, access social media platforms, meet with live music venues and local promoters, produce a demo CD, build a fan base…etc… We accomplished all of that with the unsettling reality that the monthly and costs and my own out of pocket costs were in conflict with one common denominator: We really didn’t want to be a committed professional band that tours, records, and grows. We were spoiled (baby boomers) that approached our music passion with varying personal conditions. We became comfortable being a local jazz band in a market where jazz is not prominent, gigs are very low paying, yet convenient gigging was desired and at each band member’s discretion (based on interest/availability). In other words, making music was not of primary concern/importance. We did however rehearse every Saturday at my home for the majority of those 8 years…which seemed to become the real purpose of the band. We were like a family during rehearsals. Over time, I, as the band leader, grew weary of the style/genre of music and the continuing costs to appear professional and losing money. Made the unpopular/hard decision to disband, with aim to regroup and work on originals for a recording project. Can say that experience of leading, playing in a band for several years was a priceless one. Lessons learned will help for any next band project. Bottom line: Being in a band is not a perfect world, but has its moments. Worth the effort, but goals are a must!

[@markmarsden9459]

I grew weary of band conflicts and the fact I provided all the music, another guy provided all the p.a. and the other three just rocked up

[@jeanlucquionquion]

my question is what is the best way to go out and find musicians? Regarding for either playing for churches, different type of events, ETC

[@noahmallory9555]

Same, I'm interested in starting a band but I only play guitar and do vocals. Where do I find other people who want to start up

[@itspaisleyjean]

my best bet would be like school or something, but i heard a dude say you can go to gigs for other bands and try to find members there since they're obviously interested in the same music as you. make sure they actually know what they're doing tho lmao. if that doesn't work idk man you can do research on it or something, I'm sure google has way better ideas than this

[@jeanlucquionquion]

@@itspaisleyjean I'll try the school, other gigs and other churches. Google was no help though, I tried it lol

[@itspaisleyjean]

@@jeanlucquionquion oh alr, well i’m glad i was some sort of help lol

[@jjhaya]

Hopefully, you were successful and already have a band. I saw somewhere though that you may try Bumble; apparently, it's just not a dating app but also works if you wanna look for friends or even band members. But yeah I think it's easy to find musicians at this age but also remember to know if you have similar tastes before playing together or it won't end well.

[@bloodmoon4559]

I’m trying to start a band but I need some extra advice on what I can do to make sure the band doesn’t fail

[@Shawn-kr7en]

I’m a little late but I hope you see this. Your first band of even your first few bands will most likely fall apart and won’t take off how you want it to. It doesn’t always happen like that but you can’t be let down if it does happen it happens to the best of us

[@TheJokerandTheJean]

Hello.....can I be a part of your band?

[@moumitamandal6356]

Can I join your band

[@ryanhogge8]

Do it. It's okay to fail. Right now is one of the easiest/most accessible times in recorded history to become a musical artist. If the band fails, start a new one. Do a solo project. You just have to get out there.

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

If people say "Lets do IMPROV music only" it usually means they smoke too much weed to learn songs and the prob. suck at Improv but think theyre good because of the weed

[@TheTickingClocks]

In 2021, I decided to start a band after writing about 20 songs during the pandemic. These were start to finish songs and if I do say so myself, good songs. I knew a bunch of talented guys, good people, friends, a killer guitar player, an amazing keyboardist, a solid bass player and a very creative drummer. I sing and play guitar, by the way. We got together at my house and agreed that our goal was to work towards recording and releasing original music. I told the guys I have about 125 songs in the can up for consideration to record. I said that if we record a song I wrote, I'll finance the whole thing. If we record a song that two of us wrote or share writing credit, two of us split the cost in the studio to record and distribute. If three of us claim writing credit, then the total cost is split three ways for recording, distribution, promotion, etc. If four of us... you get the idea. We all agreed. Basically, the idea was more about recording music to build a legacy, something to leave behind that we could be proud of. We also talked about gigging and all of us wanted to do that BUT three of us had our full time professional jobs in education and two were full-time musicians. The 2 full time musicians were free agents, so basically our band was not going to be a priority, especially if money was not going to be coming in. The problem was that we had businesses reaching out to us early on wanting us to play BUT we could never have a date where all five us were available, mostly due to the two full time musicians who were already booked to play with other bands. So slowly but surely our potential to perform on stage became no, no, sorry we're not available, etc. All the places that wanted us kind of gave up. Now for most of 2021 and 2022 we were rehearsing once a week, every Sunday evening. This was great as were figuring out things with our music BUT one day our guitar player says "I'm not free on Sundays anymore. I've got a Sunday gig and I accepted that." At the same time, our drummer who's one of the most challenging people on this planet to reach (only by email) suddenly went MIA. Poof. Gone. No call, text, email. We just never heard from him again. Now, here's the kicker, I was inspired to start the band back in 2021 after reading a post by the guitar player that read "I love playing solo gigs but there's nothing like being in band." In my eyes, he's one of the most talented guitar players I know so I reached out to him and he said yes... BUT when he was no longer available on Sundays which was the ONLY day of the week, I knew we were in trouble. He was THE REASON I started this band in the first place... Damn. So I pressed on. I replaced the drummer who went MIA with one of my dearest friends in life who we've been in bands together before. I got in contact with a former student who's an amazing bass player and who owns his own studio (big plus) and we somehow got together at our keyboard player's home last summer (with the original guitarist! miracle!) but that was it. That night we decided on starting the process to record a song that I wrote called "The Sky Above" and the second song would be a song called "Nobody Knows" that I co-wrote with our keyboard player. We got the first song recorded and released it in September of 2023. We began working on the second song and at this point I'm doing my best every single day to try to coordinate with our recording engineer and the members of the band on dates and times that worked. The problem was that the dates and times available at the studio didn't work for a few of the players or vice versa and it was clear to me that things were unraveling. In April, our guitar player who'd told us back in 2022 that he no longer had any evenings available to rehearse finally quit - via Facebook messenger. We released our latest single on July 26. Between the summer of 2023 and the summer of 2024, we'd all probably been in the same room for three hours in that entire span of a year. Everyone went and did their own thing in the studio for those last two recordings. I was there every step of the way. But, I would have to say that this band which I truly believed was going to be truly amazing fell short of all my expectations. We recorded some cool songs in three years but... We blew it. I blew it. So much time, energy, love and money went into this and it still failed and I'll own that for that rest of my life because I was the one who recruited and brought everyone together and I'm the guy who couldn't keep it intact. It'll be another "What if" band, sadly. Sigh.

[@dalemcgregor3925]

Hey Terrence, there doesn't seem to be any mention of the ingredients necessary for a beginning band. That would be the chemistry between the band members. Recruitment is essential to any business' success. If you don't have the right people, the business will not likely succeed. A band is a business and that means the people have to be compatible. What are the elements of compatibility? First, they have to be able to listen to one another, especially when playing. A couple of prima donnas who don't work with others and are insisting on taking the stage in each performance piece and don't listen to the progression of the piece, giving and holding back at the right time, will certainly cause conflict and bad feelings in the band. Half the battle to getting an effective band together is the selection of the right band members who will contribute in an collective manner will help forward the creation of a new band. And the chemistry will show later on in gigs because the band will have a groove in their playing that makes for an enjoyable performance for the audience. Just some thoughts on the interpersonal dynamics behind effective bands.

[@LeoSG61]

The vibes have to be good

[@totallyfrozen]

All that seems beyond the scope of this video. This video is about the logistics, not the psychology of it.

[@davidholden4543]

I’ve been in many bands over the years, successful ones and ones that never took off. He’s giving some really sound advice.

[@sunniewolfie6910]

*me and my friend playing flute and clarinet jingle bells*

[@crnkmnky]

👍 You should get another friend to record the video.

[@sunniewolfie6910]

@@crnkmnky smart

[@MaddyP_guitar]

Right now we mainly need a microphone and a bass. We don’t have a bassist which is getting discouraging but we’re managing so far. This was a great video!

[@AWCTB]

Where is the band based? I can play bass.

[@heatherandbillyoneal4703]

@@AWCTB can sing but only 12

[@nilsdettmann55]

Really helpful video! Thanks for that. For me right now finding the right musicians and writing great songs feels the hardest😂

[@TheJokerandTheJean]

Hey there.....I write songs. We can find people together....can we? Lets form a band!!

[@yemiabiona3494]

You're amazing and really made valid points here. My problem is the fear of starting out. I believe I have all the talent and deep knowledge of what I really wanted to do. How can I conquer this fear?

[@benedekm.kovacs7265]

It was helpful, thank you!

[@TerenceFisher1]

Glad it was helpful!!

[@Larrymh07]

On you first point: we started a larger band with a three piece horn section. It was stated we were going to be a show band with minimum rehearsals. Take on a limited number of well paying gigs. It soon devolved into a common bar band that rarely rehearsed fresh, new material. Even with the bizzazz of having horns, it soon got to be a drag.

[@DDieni]

Excellent Info!

[@TerenceFisher1]

Thanks man!

[@rachelr3230]

Great video sir I am a complete novice but want this so badddddddd!Subbed and liked! You are awesome for sharing I have no idea where to start as someone who has wanted to do this forever.

[@TerenceFisher1]

Thanks so much, and welcome to the channel!! Glad you were able to get something from this video. Let me know if I can help in any way. Best of luck to you with starting a band!!

[@ayuu.]

My greatest challenge is finding people who are COMMITTED. Most I’ve encountered aren’t into music serious enough to want gig. They just want to play for fun with no strings attached. I’ve been trying to find female bandmates as well and only managed to find a suitable vocalist while I’m the drummer. If any sg and wanna form a band, do reply my comment! Will love collab too!

[@aleksandartodorov9361]

I live in a small town and i found a place where musicians play music live. Most of the people are interested in the genre im into, but they are much older than me (like 40 years old and im a teeneger). Some advice on how to meet musicians and friends there.

[@rachelr3230]

Lol the problem I have is wanting to start at 40! Let's trade places!

[@aleksandartodorov9361]

@@rachelr3230 great! Where do u live?

[@TheJokerandTheJean]

Then lets get together online. It is not compulsory now a days to meet people in person. I write songs and I can come up with melodies too....

[@Antoniolovesjesus]

I'm about to be 16, and I've been playing guitar for 5 years, and I would love to be a vocalist for a band, I've been hanging fliers and texting old friends to see if they know anyone but I can't seem to find people in my area. I would love to do vocals with my RnB music and cover some music like The Weeknd or micheal Jackson and I'm open to all genres, and working with other guitar players but I don't know where to yet started on finding people. I'm home schooled, so it's a little tougher asking people but I'm trying.

[@DerahJaden]

What country bro?

[@profkashmirakelaviasgoodhope]

Absolutely passionate about singing forever with a successful aim

[@CoolHotRocker]

First point was the best and something a lot of people are missing these days

[@cjsamtab7]

Informative video, Terence. The thing in where I'm at is that the music industry is very small, and established bands dominates and monopolises the market against new upstarts. This is Singapore here.

[@totallyfrozen]

4:36 Interesting idea. The first bar band I was in, when we shopped for gigs, all the club owners wanted us to provide them with a demo CD first. After they listen to our CD then they’d decide if they wanted to hire us. How would you go in cold and just ask for a gig when the venue has no idea what your band sounds like or if your any good? Even a “free” company party seems like they’d want to know. Are you going to sound like Earth, Wind, and Fire or Motörhead?

[@everydaychemistry6231]

The whole virtual gig thing is genius, i wouldn't habe thought of it to be honest

[@nomadnick726]

A co worker and me wanna start a band & looking for a drummer with our similar tastes (motorhead, pantera, black sabbath, metallica, megadeth, etc). I got 20 years of experience behind guitars, but I aint been in a band in a very long time, super rusty far as playing with other musicians, & fighting to overcome a traumatic experience i developed the last time i performed in front of anyone. My friends been real supportive & dont wanna let him down since i barely know what im doing & we both tryin to find drummers.

[@AWCTB]

Yeah I got a 1 man band, 1 guitarist/vocalist in an EDM alternative rock band.

[@70nikroxx]

Love it Brother!!! what I wanted to hear thank you for your time

[@portsideguitar1981]

Good tips here, thank you!

[@historynoble8945]

How about gigs for a Beatdown Hardcore band? Not sure many people would like to hear those kind of lyrics in a restaurant. At least I'm luck enough to be in a city that has many many many many many many many many restaurants.

[@MrDchristy]

Too many cover bands I just want to do my original material so I know I’m limited. Finding right players too is even more difficult when not in a music hub city. I do have a website snd rehearsal space and equipment. Any suggestions . I can pay who I hire but I want a musical connection with them.

[@TheJokerandTheJean]

I write songs....I am very dedicated to music. I want to make my own music. Lets form a band together!!

[@taragozay]

My biggest struggle starting a band right now is a gender gap as well as an age gap. Oh not to mention the cold weather and COVID. 90% of who is on the scene around here is older men, it has been a struggle to connect with them in a profitable or natural manner. My dream is to do a girl jazz pop band. There are so many talented female musicians here but motivating people is like moving mountains in this economy. Not only that but objectification is huge around here for women in the music industry. Another factor is I do a lot of solo work but venues don’t like a solo girl on the piano but they’re quick to hire a solo guy on guitar. It feels like I’m in the wrong place to be a musician, I learned recently in class a lot of musicians left New England for lack of work in the past century and it’s continuing in that direction now! (We basically have summer concerts and then a huge dead season in the winter where it’s total silence everywhere) My hope for the future though is that my unique style and writing skills will be a strength & that I won’t have to keep playing 80s rock songs like everyone else. I think the tip about attending local gigs though is super valuable as it can help you find both what you do want in a band as well as what you don’t want! Eventually I plan on moving south so I can do more outdoor gigs comfortably and eventually start a recording band that only travels on occasion locally and across the world. It’s just been a lot of roadblocks on the way to get there! Just wanted to say though this video was super helpful; I need to clarify my dream band’s purpose first!

[@stevekujo7466]

Well said Terrence. Still working it after 45 ‘ish years weekend warrior. Just enjoy the ride and don’t get caught up in attitudes….. Gotta love the music first….. 😎👍. Kujo

[@NoCoverCharge]

When you start a band number one rule the more people you add the more problems you have and damn we spend at least 6 months to a year writing and practicing before we normally start playing … but we only do original music

[@joellebrodeur1015]

We are still in this boat. Took almost a year to find a drummer. Finally get the drummer and 4 months later, our lead guitarist quit. Now we're faced with losing our drummer (commitment conflict). To note: we had not rehearsed in 6 months. We should have just hit open mics as a two piece or three piece to get out there and network. We still haven't played a gig because the leader stated "we're not ready" and want to record first.

[@thurammangwiro678]

Thank you

[@Reason_Breathing]

Thank you!

[@BackToBackJames]

This video was really helpful!

[@markf8819]

Can you do a video of all the gear you need

[@martinwhite5262]

Hi Terence. Simple question ? How much do I have to know musically before I consider am good enough to play in. Or start up a band.

[@TerenceFisher1]

Great question! The answer is simple...there is no particular amount of musical knowledge you need to have before you are considered good enough to start a band! You can learn the things you need to learn as you grow, and you can do that with a band. When I started, I was playing with people much older and much more experienced than me. But I got training on the job, so to speak. So don't let the thought that you need to be at a certain level stop you from starting a band. Just do it, and focus on growing and developing at the same time. Hope this helps...

[@alyahabouzaki]

I’m having trouble FINDING band mates. No one at my school plays music and I am female looking for band mates for a rock band it is quite hard and I’m really struggling if you have any tips I will happily take them.

[@choccococo7224]

I'm in the exact same situation

[@JoshuaMuwanguzi-lq1yl]

Me and my baddies had a dream of starting a band 4 years ago but we still have problems with finance so we decided to keep it low for now untill we are financially stable to buy the instruments need and to design a music band rehearsal room i dont know if thats a good idea......

[@sofijajankovic4256]

Thanks, helped a lot!

[@TerenceFisher1]

Glad this helped!

[@michaelcraig9449]

You say to get some help. That costs money, Most bands and musicians dont have any money to start out.. So what to do?

[@zorahxo]

I wanna sing in a band but I’m just a random girl, and I’m afraid of everything! I can only dream :’)

[@benzybeebenzybee2202]

Hiyya you can dm

[@thomasdarnall8912]

Does this advice also cover metal bands? Ive been a passionate metal guy for decades. I'm 41 and everyone tells me that its NEVER too late to accomplish my Rockstar dreams. Even its local gigs only. This isn't a midlife crisis thing neither. I've always dreamed since I was a kid of being up there playing my guitar, singing, and writing. Hell, I have a songbook of songs that Ive written IN HIGH SCHOOL. Its just that LIFE and financial issues got in the way. The only band experience and singing experience I have is church bands, show choir, church choir, and school choir. But I'm wanting to do it regardless.

[@ac_ligma_john50n]

I have been in 2 4 person bands in highschool. Im 23 now. Life got in the way and split up for a while i am still in contact with the drummer we had (only one worth keeping in touch with) i dont know how to meet people that would want to play. I dont know anyone other than him and he is younger and work and his schooling has made a timing issue. What can i do to meet people.

[@naphtalliehodges6719]

I have a band but I need to grow more

[@calebgeater4817]

What if you are young like me at the age's of 13 - 15 who can't drive yet or have a hard time booking a gig because of age and rehearsal's for song writing and practicing What can we do

[@TerenceFisher1]

At this age, you would likely want to start a band that does parties, such as school parties. Also, things like talent shows would be great. This is really a great age to start with forming a band. you could build relationships with people that may be your bandmates and friends for a lifetime! And just have your parents drive you where you need to go to rehearse or perform until you are of age and can do so on your own.

[@calebgeater4817]

@@TerenceFisher1 thanks for the answer

[@TerenceFisher1]

@@calebgeater4817 No prob.

[@aaron2fresh705]

I wanna start a form a band I u know how Bruno Mars have band the hooligan I want my band too be like that

[@tristianfincher4359]

Hardest part for me is finding people who can see the future pay and not need money right now lol

[@BillyBaxter-w4q]

I'd like to add one piece of advice. Don't start a band to make money. Even if your band profits 20k per year per member (it probably wont), there are still better ways to make money. Be a neurosurgeon on the side if you need money. Starting a band should be about celebrating life, giving your life more meaning, creating culture, and making new friends. When you're in a band, strangers feel like they know you. Next thing you know, you're getting invited into networks and parties your would've never been cool enough to get into before. Money cant buy that type of social value.

[@jacobkubacki2719]

My problem is finding musicians that aren’t enslaved by addiction.

[@jiazhang144]

I am not a musician I am just preparing

[@amenamazing8118]

hey im trying to start a rock band and i already wrote a song which is good but i have to see how to make the music match it and my voice has to be in a good shape if anyone got any ideas or if you are nice enough to help me. Please feel free to answer on my comment.

[@choccococo7224]

Hey I'm interested but you probably don't live in Texas

[@kevkpatt]

Im trying to start a male pop group that can sing and dance

[@zlvno]

Sounds pretty gay

[@THEFEEL57]

Terence,, love your channel. What if you had a GIVEAWAY at your first gig. Anyone turning in comment card to tip jar...draw one card for 50.00 prize end of gig.?

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

Totally disagree with the "play for free" advice. Rehearse until you're good enough that you DEFINITELY have value. If you decide in advance that you're going to play for free, it will absolutely get into your head that you don't have to be quite "that good", because after all, you're going to be "playing for free". If you play until you KNOW you're good enough to be play out and get paid, then damn it, get paid. If you're ARE good enough to get paid and settle on playing for free, there's more than just your band involved. You're affecting the market. You're in effect taking a gig away from another band who deserves to get paid, and, you're conditioning that club manager to become less inclined to pay any band in the future. If you MUST play for free somewhere to get experience performing before an audience, put on a friends-and-family show at the home/yard of one of the members, or a block party. This way, YOU can decide the date, time and place. YOU can make it easy for your friends and family to come see you rather than asking them to come see you at a seedy club in the bad part of town late at night on a weeknight. If necessary, do this a few times and ask YOUR friends to bring THEIR friends that you don't know. It's certainly not guaranteed, but you just might end up performing in front of someone who either a) is planning a party at their home or b) is responsible for finding entertainment for a function they're associated with. If this should happen, tell them that you'd be happy to play their party and then tell them your fee. Since they're a home owner and not a club owner, maybe you charge them only half of what you might otherwise charge, BUT you also tell them you're going to have a tip jar out. I've played a party where we got our full asking price ($500, should be more, I know) AND we put out a tip jar and got another $250 in tips. It was also, by FAR, the best crowd/most fun we've had anywhere. If you play in your own yard, remember, at least at first, to play during the day, unless you already have your own lights. Make a point at becoming "self sufficient" ASAP, meaning buying a mixer, two powered PA speakers and some minimal lights, so you can gig anywhere and have what you need. Good luck! It's a blast!!

[@70nikroxx]

oh and Damn Fear! that's always a bitch..espeacially when you old lol

[@DaDa-np4sr]

im tryna start a band whos with me?

[@Miasaun]

Me?

[@almost90s8]

Great info, but the stock footage makes the message cheap. Better to just to stay on camera than to use video that has little relevance or distracts from the great message.

[@easilydistracted1397]

Very useful, thank you!