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Advice for Musicians – 5 tips for starting a band

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5 TIPS FOR STARTING A BAND

Everyone who teaches or works at DMI has experience with starting a band. And you can bet we’ve learned a thing or two! Here are five tips from owner Alan Currens, former Paramount Pictures recording artist and co-founder of Mannequin the Band.

There are so many important aspects of creating a career in music, and knowing some of the pitfalls to avoid can certainly help you along. It just never sucks to save time and be more efficient!

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MANNEQUIN THE BAND

I’ve started this series in our blog to point out some things that I hope will help. As always I greatly appreciate your thoughts and comments. If you have something you feel would benefit the online music community and the readers of our blog, please email alan@mannequintheband.com directly. I’d love to learn your thoughts and ideas!

HERE ARE TODAYS 5 TIPS ON STARTING A BAND

  1. DON’T FORM A BAND FROM COMMITTEE. Every band has a visionary (or two). It’s best if, when starting a band, you don’t allow too many cooks in the kitchen. One of the most common mistakes original or cover bands make is not having a cohesive sound or “style”. This is almost always the result of input from too many members. Establish the band, the style and some of your policies and plans BEFORE you open the door to band votes and brain storming sessions.

  2. HAVE A CLEAR VISION for what you want to accomplish. I personally believe that for any band to succeed and for it’s artist to hold on to some simulation of a normal life, it should be run almost like a business. Indeed, the most successful bands have a visionary and an entrepreneurial member (sometimes in one person, often in two).

  3. DEVELOP A BRAND in your marketing and your performance. There’s something you do that no one else does, focus on that and bring it to the surface of your marketing materials (videos, images, social media). Let it help define you and set you apart from your peers and competition.

  4. PLAN MORE THAN YOU PRACTICE. My motto is “measure twice, cut once”. This applies to both the business and the artistic aspects of your music endeavors. Starting a music career or hobby is no different than a “goal” or a “small business”. It requires a clear plan and a solid commitment to carrying out that plan.

  5. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE AND KNOW YOURSELF. Song selection or song writing is a science AND an art. You should let it flow from you naturally, yes, but how many artist have inspired you who are not educated and articulate with their writing or performance. Know who YOU are as an artist, then consider what your music and performance will do for your audience. Surround yourself with like minded and similarly talented individuals who can help your music thrive!

    FREE TIP – If you are doing this exclusively for money, you’ve missed the point of your calling as a musician:) Have fun! Enjoy doing what you love ~ You’re one of the lucky ones if you get to do what you love!

Thanks for reading, be sure to subscribe to be notified of other post like this:) — Alan Currens

Alan Currens is the co-founder and co-owner of Mannequin the Band, Denver’s highly sought after and globally booked Destination Wedding Band and the Denver Music Institute, Denver’s home for voice lessons as well as lessons for all instrumentation ~ Alan is a former touring artist and Paramount Pictures recording artist.
Are you a pro or amateur musician who aspires to take your band pro! Ask DMI about our Rehearsal Space Rentals! When you are ready to look and feel pro! Rehearse at DMI.