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Why Even Good Bands Sometimes Can't Make It LastJan 24 '06 (Updated May 14 '06) Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line No time like the present to start looking for like-minded people to jam with.
I believe that part of knowing how to make a band work also means knowing what doesn't work in a band. So here's a breakdown of things that often go wrong with bands: 1. You find people that don't have the same musical tastes as you do. A lot of people say they like rock music. But as I'm sure you know there's many different genres of rock and roll. As I've gotten older and jammed with people that are sometimes only a few years younger than me I often find that their tastes are usually far different from my own. Sometimes this can work because you can both bring something unique to the table and create a new sound that neither one of you couldn't do without each other. But many times two people's styles can be so different that a common ground cannot be reached. Solution: Try to find other musicians who are musically open minded and flexible at playing various genres of music. Find sites on-line to put up classified ads, leave contact info on billboards at every music store in your hometown, leave ads at schools and universities, ask your friends if they know anyone, go to local shows to try and meet musicians there, pick up classifieds in local music newspapers and magazines, etc. Don't just put up any ad either. Include what you're looking for commitment-wise, list band influences and make it easy for them to contact you via email and telephone. Give a first name so people will know who they're contacting. The more people you meet and talk to the better. And don't just rest on that. Start replying to other people's ads that sound like-minded as well to fill band openings. Odds are you'll eventually find people with similar musical tastes. 2. You find people that don't have the same musical goals as yourself. Some people just like to jam on a regular basis for fun. Others want to write songs, record a demo and play shows. And some people want to be the biggest band in the world. None of these are bad goals. However, you have to find people that want the same things as you do in a band. Solution: If you jam with someone and are musically compatible then take the time while you're still hanging out to discuss what your musical goals are and get to know theirs. If you all aren't having a very good jam session and you know it's not going to work out then there's little need to have this talk. But that doesn't mean you burn bridges with this person. You never know what contacts you have that could come in handy later. At the very least you could probably invite them to your shows when you get your band up and running. 3. You find people that aren't as committed as you are (or they are too committed for you). Some people "say" they want to be in a band but aren't willing to make the effort needed to actually make it happen. You've probably seen the type if you've jammed with enough people. Sometimes people are making way more effort then you're comfortable with. And sometimes people are interested in having a band, but you're just not what they're looking for. Solution: Talk things out and see if anything can be fixed. Rarely does everyone in a band have the exact same interest and commitment. But it's obviously very important everyone shows up for practices and shows. But if after all of that it still doesn't work then realize this: Relationships work both ways and if it's not working on their end (or your end) then it's time you both move on. 4. Egos. Someone should be taking charge in a band to get the ball rolling in writing songs, promoting, booking shows, etc. But a band usually doesn't work as a monopoly. Musicians can be quite difficult. But a band is a team effort. If someone in a band isn't willing to compromise from time to time and listen to others ideas and input then their ego often becomes a detriment to the band. Solution: Find people that you actually like being around. If you don't like being around the musicians you're playing with outside of rehearsals and shows then that could be a problem. Have times where you all go out together and do things that aren't band related if all possible. 5. Priorities aren't the same. Some people are all about the band and want (and are available) to rehearse five times a week. Others have a job they need to keep a roof over their heads, a relationship that they are deeply committed to, school, friends, family and other priorities that are a big part of their life. Solution: Talk things out. See where everyone stands and work out at least one day every week to have practices and/or shows if all possible. If that's not enough (or too much) practice time to make it work for everyone then consider finding other musicians it will work for. In my experience it's fairly important to play together at least once a week. Pick a regular day and time to practice every week if you all can. For example, if your practice day is Saturday every week it should be easier for everyone to remember and set their schedule around. 6. People change. You have the full package in a band but over time things change. All of a sudden someone's job, girlfriend/boyfriend, recreational activities, etc become more important than the band. Solution: Once again, talk things out. All people should let the others know where their head is at. But if things don't work out then remember that life goes on. Get new members, form another band, or do whatever else you feel is important in your life. Best wishes everyone.  |
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