re: Any tips for starting a band?

I had posted this in an earlier thread about the same subject and most found it helpful:

quote:

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Tips:
1. EVERYONE wants to sing and thinks they should. Actually finding a good one can be difficult.
2. "Rhythm" guitar players are a dime-a-dozen
3. "Lead" guitar players are not as rare as you might think, but the really good ones are in demand and have ego issues.
4. Decent to good drummers are a dime-a-dozen, great drummers are almost as rare as a great bassist and can do more for your band than just about anything. If you've got one, keep him happy.
5. Don't gig until you have a good set list. You will probably need to have some recognizable covers in there, though, if you want to get a job.
6. Find attractive women to go to your shows. If you have attractive female friends (even if they're married), make sure they go to your first few shows. Bars will be more willing to book bands that have a loyal hot girl following because hot girls bring in guys who buy hot girls alcohol which drives sales and revenue. Hot girls like what other hot girls like, so seeding it with a core group of friends can entice other women to become fans as well. This can definitely jump start financial success for the band.

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Also, early on, when trying to land gigs, it is slightly more important to network with established local bands than it is to network with venues. Unless you already have connections at venues, they're not going to book you independently, but having a solid rapport with a local band can get you into multiple venues as an opening act. That was how my current band got our first gig and upcoming second gig.

Business cards are a must. Use vista print to get some nice ones.

Good luck