How To Make Your Band Successful - Part 1

Ok, so this blog isn't actually quite 'How to make your band successful,' I simply called it that because it will be more favorably viewed on search engines. This is more about how to manage your band most effectively. There are millions of blogs out there about this kind of thing but they're often written by stuffy middle aged men who think they know the music industry inside out. At the same time some of them have good stuff to offer and if you have time, join The Surface Festival's mailing list as well as checking out Jen Long, from BBC Introducing's podcasts. I used to be in a band called Leucine (Here is the MySpace) and while that was not only a glorious plug, I think it also lets you know the kind of music we played and where we were as a band. So let an ageing rocker, sitting on his comfy sofa, devouring a packet of Caramel Nibbles, help those aspiring bands out there.



So, the big question: How do you make it as a band? Obviously, I don't know the answer to that, looking at Leucine's track record, while we did ok, we were nowhere near 'making it.' However, what I can tell you are some tips to avoid if you want to be successful as well as a few personal insights that I have to offer.

First and most important step:
Be in a band with some decent flers
When we started Leucine, I was quite lucky to come into a band infrastructure that was already well established as all the lads had been in Ninehourdrive. When Jay left and Russ joined the band he fitted right in, shared the same music taste, sense of humor and was a good lad. This is important in a band, don't think just because someone is shit hot at guitar they are an ideal fit for your band. It's good to be in a band with your mates. It's easier to compromise on issues, you can tell them when they are being a twat and most of all and you get to hang around with your mates all day. Also, if you get the egotistical, shredding God in your band he might start thinking he's bigger than the band, and fair enough can you imagine Leo Messi in a team full of Emile Heskeys? It's only natural that they might want to move on if the opportunity presents itself.



Step two:
Give your band a bad-ass name
This is very important, giving your band a name. This will cause major bitching sessions between you and your members and make sure only to settle with something everyone feels ok with. We had loads of ideas before settling on Leucine and in retrospect, we made the wrong choice. We had constant issues of pronunciation and spelling difficulties at nearly every turn. Imagine, hearing your band belting out the speakers on Radio 1, only for the DJ to sign off saying, 'That was the new song by Looshun, from North Wales,' or all 1,000 of your tour flyers coming back spelled Luecine. People would always ask what it meant (it didn't mean anything, it just sounded cool) and it was altogether a bit of a letdown. I also personally think that a consistent logo is a good thing, that way it's instantly recognizable. Silverstein have had the same logo on every CD and piece of literature they produce.



NOFX stuck with the same logo for years as well and I think it looks good when a band sticks with it's logo.



(I will talk more about graphics etc later)

Step 3:
Be whatever band you want to be
Ok, so you have your members, you have a name. Now it's time to decide what kind of music you're going to play. Just because you all really dig Metallica doesn't mean you have to play heavy metal, this is your band, you can play whatever music you want. It has to be something that everyone agrees on but you could start an acid jazz/industrial band if you wanted, it's entirely your choice. If you're thinking, 'nah, we'll just play it safe' then there's really no point in being in a band. You don't get noticed by 'playing it safe.' Think how many bands have decided to completely move the goalposts and how it has worked for them, look at Refused or Enter Shikari. 'Enter Shikari?' you say mockingly, 'that band is gash!' Fair point, but unless your names' Bono, they're selling more albums, merch etc than you. You could argue that Shikari were in the right place at the right time as the emo kids turned into nu ravers, or it could be argued that it was because of bands like Shikari that made this turn happen. Shikari did it first, after them came bands like Hadouken, Crystal Castles and more. Now those other bands are holding onto the limelight and even though I feel Shikari haven't released anything good since Take To The Skies, they are selling out tours whenever they play. Most importantly, while they started experimenting with dance they are now moving into playing what they want to play, even though it's not my taste you can tell it's honest and they enjoy what they do. For another band who are changing the field go and check out TRC at their MySpace here



In Part 2 I will talk about the next steps to take as a band.
Ciao!