Getting somewhere

Guitara

What's the best way for an Irish band to actually get somewhere? Noticed, signed, good gigs, lots of fans? Any advice? And which is smarter; EP or an actual full track album from the start? Any input would be much appreciated!!

roast

While others opinions may vary, here's a few of my thoughts.

First off, it kinda depends on the style of music it is, what do you play? I've been in (primarily) metal bands over the years. It's a lot harder to get bigger gigs as a metal band, and what metal musicians deem a "big gig" crowd-wise would be small in comparison to mainstream gigs. The more alternative the music, the more difficult it is to obtain a large following, get funding, signed etc.
That's not to say you should change your style just to get more attention by the way! I view playing music as a hobby (a very expensive one). No point getting your hopes up about getting signed and whatnot, there's a very miniscule chance of that actually happening, regardless of how good you are!

Release an E.P. or Demo. Make it free, so there's more chance of people acquiring it. Nothing too fancy, maybe three or four tracks. A demo is a good way to gauge reactions and receive feedback.
Play as many local gigs as you can, see if it works live.
The hardest part is getting started - make an effort with playing gigs, maturing your sound, finalizing your line-up (chances are, you'll have at least one musician that will bail!) and getting contacts.

Worry about getting signed, money, lots of fans and the like afterwards - it's naive to think that anything will happen in the short-term. Build yourself a solid base to work with, then focus on the boring business bits afterwards. Or selling out. :pac:

Most of all - have fun!

SouthTippBass

Simple, write really great songs.

Herb Powell

There's so many bands out there that you HAVE TO stand out. There's a bit of luck in "making it", so to speak, but you have to be really really good.

IMO, I think the days of artists "making it" and becoming multi millionaires are gone. A decent enough living can be made, but it is tough.

At least, that is my understanding of it.

Don't forget that a live gig is a performance. Not a recital or a rehearsal. Put some effort into your show and people will come see you again.

Just Like Heaven

SouthTippBass wrote: »

Simple, write really great songs.

:rolleyes:

Herb Powell

fewtinsoffroth wrote: »

:rolleyes:

That is what you have to do, no :rolleyes: about it.

davylee

Herb Powell wrote: »

There's so many bands out there that you HAVE TO stand out. There's a bit of luck in "making it", so to speak, but you have to be really really good.

IMO, I think the days of artists "making it" and becoming multi millionaires are gone. A decent enough living can be made, but it is tough.

At least, that is my understanding of it.

not sure about having to be "really" good
there's an amazing amount of **** out there thats very popular.
very frustrating

Nervous Wreck

Deleted User wrote: »

Don't forget that a live gig is a performance. Not a recital or a rehearsal. Put some effort into your show and people will come see you again.

If only more bands realised this.

SouthTippBass

fewtinsoffroth wrote: »

:rolleyes:

Did your band skip that part?