Learning and covering their songs can be a useful exercise. Figure out how they’re constructing their music. What can you learn from them?
Tape your rehearsals and watch back over the tape for ways you might improve. Polish your live show in the privacy of your practice space. Take risks when nobody will be around to notice. With enough practice, the quality of your gigs will reflect your professionalism and dedication.
Make the music you want to make, but be realistic about your goals. If you don’t want to compromise your vision, you might need to reconsider your major label aspirations. Focus instead on developing a fan base that will love your corner of the music world.
Play 1-2 shows a month at first, until you’ve built up a steady local following. Then, you can start playing weekly in local venues and branch out into more regional shows. Don’t plan a larger tour until you know you can play your set weekly without any hiccups.
You can also set up your own gigs and ask other bands to play with you. They might return the favor. Note that asking an experienced and popular band to open for your small, unknown act could come across as rude. Out of respect, offer to let them play last or choose their own slot. When you join a “scene” and become part of a community, other bands will be more willing to share resources and tips with you. If you need to borrow an amp or need studio connections for recording, turn to these new relationships.
The most popular social media platforms among older users (18-34) are Facebook and Twitter. [2] X Research source However, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram are more popular with younger audiences (14-17). Encourage your followers to check out bands you’ve played with before. If you cultivate a presence in the scene, people will be more likely to check out your stuff. It’s hard to get people out to your show on a Saturday night if you didn’t go see them on Friday.
Exchange t-shirts with other bands so you can wear each other’s shirts on stage. Cross-marketing benefits everyone in the scene. When the scene is strong, everyone in it gets closer to landing a record contract.
Book a short tour with some other bands, visiting a few cities where someone might have friends with a big basement you can all crash in. Call local festivals and find out who you might be able to open for. Sign up for band contests sponsored by local radio stations or concert halls. Have someone video your shows and ask about having them played on public access TV shows.
Use this account for “band expenses” only. New guitar strings, upgraded equipment, or rent for a practice space all cost money. To get signed to a label, you’ll need a solid demo recording, and those usually require money. Recording a demo is essential, especially so you can have a better feel of the song. It will sound really different from singing live, so you better work on it. Before you commit with an expensive studio, try to record your demos at a home studio so you get the feeling of it.
Make a video recording of yourself or your band playing your songs. You don’t need fancy equipment — the built-in camera on your computer or phone, will suffice. Open a YouTube account with your Gmail login information. [4] X Research source Upload videos to your account. This process is so simple, you can even do it from your phone. Share links to your music on your social media accounts. Spread the word! People who might not be willing to attend live shows might be more likely to click a link and discover they love your sound.
Studio costs can vary, anywhere from $15 to $200 dollars an hour for the initial recording. In general, it costs more to have the recordings mastered. Because of the high cost, limit your demo to one or two of your best songs. Plan how you’ll record them quickly and effectively ahead of time.
Research the process and facilities before booking time anywhere. Know whether your band members are more comfortable recording separately or together as a whole band. How much direction do you want from your engineer? Don’t record on equipment you’re unfamiliar with. Twiddling about with fancy amps and guitar pedals can’t afford is tempting, but it will eat up your studio time. You also don’t want your demo to have sounds you can’t reproduce on your own.
If you own a recent Mac, it likely came with GarageBand recording software pre-loaded on it. [6] X Research source If not, you can purchase it in the Apple app store at low cost. [7] X Research source Apple also offers Logic Pro X, which has more professional features but costs a lot more. [8] X Research source Audacity is a free, open-source recording software that works on computers running Windows, Mac OS, and GNU/Linux. [9] X Research source Explore cheap or free recording options in the scene. Let your friends open for you on your next tour if they’ll record you for free on their equipment. Ask around and see if any other bands have gotten deals. Musicians are usually willing to share information if you’re willing to share back.
You can apply directly to iTunes to get them to carry your music, but they review all material before making decisions. [10] X Research source You might use a third party “aggregator” that will help you put your best face forward for a fee. [11] X Research source Spotify will not work directly with artists. Have your label, distributor, or an aggregator contact them about carrying your music. [12] X Research source Don’t worry about making a profit yet — focus on increasing your popularity. The industry is moving away from the album model toward one based on Internet popularity. If you get a million views on YouTube, you’ll be hearing from a label.
