Advice required for getting into the music scene

Tim Toolman

I play guitar and play many songs Linkin Park, Mumford etc I love to play and could spend 3 hours a day playing, it seems its all I want to do. What steps would someone make to get into the scene, meeting like minded people with the view to jamming sessions, picking up ideas etc and to eventually set up your own authentic band... :cool:

Kettleson

Just keep on doing what you're doing. You'll hook up with players soon enough, via Boards and venues and suchlike.

In seriousness, the musicians that I've know to have made any sort of a living or "success" out of it, didn't do drugs and didn't go mad on the drink. The music itself should be the desired buzz.

Enjoy the jam with others when you play for nothing, and don't expect to be rich and famous. If fame, recognition or "success" or whatever does come along, consider that a bonus.

Enjoy the time when you are being creative and jamming/rehearsing, either on your own or with others, cause when you look back in years to come, that might turn out to have been the best of the times.

As far as trying to be successful in an "originals band", try to be original. Try to do something new. Don't go chasing trends and sounds.

("Working bands" will have a different code of practice and requirements. For example, if you want to make a living in a professional covers or wedding band you have to consider it a job and act accordingly).

Get to know your instrument and gear inside and out. Try and create your own sound. But avoid becoming a "tech geek", and don't get too hung up on being absolutely technically competent, you can lose your soul that way.

In a band, listen to what others are playing, and get them to listen to you when you are creating. Keep good eye contact when jamming, creating and performing and analyse what you are doing. Ask yourself "Am I enjoying this? And if not, why not". Smile, enjoy. It's infectious and it'll give your band character. From a performance point of view, that looks great.

You should enjoy the whole process and not be hung up on "the product". If the process is tiresome and unenjoyable, then the product will reflect that and probably wont last long. (i.e the band will sound poor and will split soon enough). However, you have to work with others to learn the craft, so try and get as much experience as you can.

But keep an open mind when working with others. Don't become "band blood brothers" overnight. Always consider musical ventures as stand alone projects. That way you can healthily and positively walk away to work on other projects when things are "musically" not coming together without feeling pressure or an obligation to others. (You'll probably meet those same players again to work on other projects over the years, all being part of the experience and growth thing).

You are bound to meet some weird and wonderful people in music circles, and a fair share with their own selfish agendas. Mind you, big egos's are not necessarily a bad thing and they might even be the essential thing, but if you hang around long enough with musicians, (as with any group of people) you will meet some selfish ****ers. I'ts the ones that use their ego's to a positive effect are the ones to be with.

If you are planning on an originals band, I'd be more inclined to stick with players who might not necessarily be great players, but those who are prepared to work on developing a sound as a creative unit, and those with whom you feel comfortable and enjoy working with. Playing within that unit should tighten up as you go along, so don't expect to sound great after a few rehearsals, it'll probably take months. And do be prepared to read the signs and exit if you can tell it's not gonna work, but give it time too.

Speak your mind without being a p***k.

Enjoy music for what it is, don't expect to get too much out of it, apart from the love and joy of the music itself.

I wish you a long and happy, (and if you so desire), a "successful" musical career.


EDIT: This is of course only my opinion and (as it's the Bands and Musicians Community Forum) I'd be interested to hear what others think.

Siamsa Sessions

Keep an eye out for open mic nights as well - though these aren't that plentiful unfortunately.

'All musicians welcome' sessions in pubs could be another avenue. These tend to be trad/folk based, but something a bit different like Linkin Park or Mumford & Sons would probably go down well for a change.

You could also put up a 'Wanted' ad in the local music shop. And do the same on the 'Musicians Wanted' thread here on boards.ie

Just some ideas...

Overall, I'd say the big thing is to have something to offer to other musicians. I'm drifting into cliches here now, but the last thing I'd say is 'Be yourself and you're halfway there'.

Deschain

Try not start a band with your mates. Like if your best mate plays guitar and you guys start jamming and a band forms and he starts not turning up for practice or generally holding the band back and he is forced out, your friendship could be at risk. Of course this is not always the case and some bands do start out as friends just getting together for a jam but personally I feel it should be separate, then when things go tits up nobody gets hurt. Thats not to say you should not befriend people within in the band, you could come across as a arsehole otherwise, but there will always be a division there.

Go to local gigs, all the gigs you can. See what bands are out there, talk to people within bands that you have seen and try and get to know what your local scene is like. When you start your own band it will be useful to know other bands who have been gigging awhile and get support slots etc.

Most importantly have fun, because thats what it really is all about. There are countless bands and musicians out there who don't make any money for what they do, and if it wasn't fun or enjoyable I doubt they would do it. Remember your chances of being really successful are very very slim, I'd say about 90% of bands out there don't make enough money to live on even those that you may have heard of. The big bands that play stadiums etc are a very small minority.

keyboardcook

Head down. Work hard. Never give up.

deaddonkey

Be reliable, patient, easy to work with, learn your parts properly, be on time and in tune, don't jam bust, don't play over other people's solos, don't play louder than everyone else, don't get drunk before gigs or at rehearsals

Do work very hard at your instrument and your voice and make sure you have fun, and accept that it's a very, very hard way to make a living.