As well as 10 things bands can do to help them become famous, this could also be a list to help bands to try and make a living playing music. It's not an easy road to go down, but in some cases, it can actually happen.
This list can be looked at as a work in progress as there are certainly more than 10 things to consider. Feel free to leave a comment if you want to contribute to the list.
10 things bands can do to help them become famous:
1. Make sure when coming up with a band name, that no one else is using it. It's easy to do the research by searching Google, MySpace etc.
2. Write songs as often as you can.
3. Play as many gigs as you can get.
4. Get along with the band members.
5. Find a reputable booking agent.
6. Record a great demo, but don't spend too much time or money on it. Preferably give it away for free at gigs to help get your name and music out there - or if you really don't want to give your CDs away for free, sell them if you can, but it might not be easy if you're just starting out. Also, slap some tunes up onto your MySpace page.
7. Keep an open mind. Sometimes there will be things that will come up that you may not have initially wanted to do, but if you broaden your perspective you may find that it could be for the best.
8. Practice.
9. Get in touch with bands that you like and are similar to your sound, and offer to support them at a gig or two.
10. Use social networks. Currently, the three best social networks for bands in my opinion, in order from best are: MySpace, Twitter, Facebook. There are more out there, but you'll end up spending a lot of time juggling websites and it may become overwhelming ... however, social networks are great for networking and meeting people who may end up as fans. Of course, you can always send your music news, press releases/images, media and review requests to BandWeblogs.com!
Bands - promote yourselves: Add Your Band
Please leave a comment if you have more ideas that can help bands on their journey to success.
By: Jenny May - BandWeblogs.com
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Use Cartfly on your social networks, blogs and even your website to set up a store and sell your merch/albums online. It is totally free and is a good way to start getting some money through the door ; )
Having a signature thing is great. I was at a Boxer Rebellion gig in the Bullingdon and this band called InLight I'd never heard of were first support. I liked their sound, but I like a lot of bands' sound. But they were doing this "customised EP" thing - order a CD and Charlie draws a postcard cover and I thought "what a great angle" - I liked it so much I got in touch with them and (I'm a writer) I've even incorporated them into my new book and I plug them every chance I get. I love their music even more now - but the main reason I go to gigs and buy their stuff is because they were doing something to make them stand out.
Hi Dan,
Thanks for your comment. Yes - a signature item or something unique and original to sell, like the customised EP is a very good idea, which as with your example can lead on to networking opportunities for bands and publicity.
on your hotmail or what ever email you are using send out a mass email about shows and gigs and whatever your band is moving
What you really need to do is come into our 'Courtyard' one tuesday and give your best acoustic.
Great advice and top blog. Some music festivals have stages for unsigned acts which could also be useful for becoming famous!
Really like the pointers and tips. We deal with a lot of new and unsigned bands, and the comment about InLight just shows the difference between a band that works hard and others that don't! We are the people's record label, and we have a vote up for people to vote the artist they want to sign, the decision is entirely the people's! We have a band with no votes, that have just told me they have a lot on with the band and now decided they can't commit. It is always refreshing to work with artists and bands that show dedication. POINT IS
Hard work
also battle of the bands is a good thing to do to get your name out
One great way we find to get more fans is by recording youtube covers. We have had over 500 subcribers since we started and they're all new fans. http://www.youtube.com/jesseritvideos
Thanks for your comment, I'm listening to your tunes now!
My band has found out how hard it is to make it. But we continue to work hard and keep moving forward.
http://www.myspace.com/famouslastwords4
your site is great. thanks for your tips in becoming famous. you're such a big help. good luck!