Perhaps it is the screaming fans, groupies, late night parties, fame and fortune that attract a budding musician to the music industry. Perhaps it is simply the opportunity to perform one's art. Whatever the reason, people start bands, often in their garage, every day. Most of these bands are unsuccessful by any practical standard, though. Talent is certainly essential in a band's success but it takes a lot more than talent to bring a garage band from obscurity to commercial success. Hard work, dedication, intelligence and a good business ethical are equally important if the goal of the band is extremely to make money. Band members need to consider the full aspect of the daily running of the band from the business end to legalities. A band needs to consider their catalog of music, ways to promote their music, copyrighting original content, recording contracts and management.
Catalog of Music
In order to book a gig, a band will have to have a sufficient catalog of music to show the promoter. Both original music and cover songs can be used. When starting, it is best to be realistic about one's expectations in a gig. The most important part of gigs when starting is not the financial compensation but getting the word out so the band starts to have a following. Once there is an established following and the band has experience playing various venues, then financial compensation and venue types can be considered more closely. Make sure there is a variety of music that can be played and sampled.
Promotion
Promoting one's band is extremely important. Live performances, club exposure and radio play can be helpful in exposing the masses to the band's catalog of music. However, these are not easy feats to accomplish. When starting out, a grass roots approach to promoting music is often best. The band members should work diligently to let the public become aware of their music. Contact local clubs and live music venues with samples of music or audition at an open mike in order to get a regular gig. Post your music on the Internet and drive traffic to your site to attain a local following. Drop off your music to radio stations from well known ones to college stations to independent radio stations.
Protecting the Music
Once a band starts down a path of performing and recording original material, the legalities need to be considered. While a hobby band may not have a lot of need for this, a professional band will be glad they took care of the legalities if they do become successful. Who wrote the music? Who wrote the lyrics? Ensuring copyright information is agreed upon by the band members and how royalties from sales will be divided is essential in protecting the music as well as the band.
Recording Contracts
If a band gets to a point where a recording contract is offered, this may often be considered the pinnacle of success. However, a recording contract alone does not necessitate equate to personal financial success of the band members. A band needs to consider the details of the recording contract before signing away their rights. It is always advisable to retain independent counsel before signing anything or agreeing to anything. Make sure you understand what your rights and responsibilities are.
Management
There are so many details to consider when dealing with the business end of bands. Often the artists themselves get bogged down in the creation process so that a lot is missed on the business end. This may be where a manager should be considered to assist in the day to day running of the band. From advertising and booking to financial management and legalities, a good manager can help organize the band so that it runs smoothly as a business and makes a profit. This will free the band to do what they do best: Create and play music. However, nobody in the band should give free rein to a manager. There should always be a finger on the pulse of what is going on with the business end of things just to be safe.
Starting a band can be an incredibly fulfilling experience. However, most bands that start never have any real financial success. In order to be commercially successful, there are many business and legal aspects that also need to be considered. A band should have a complete catalog of music in order to sell their sound to promoters. Promotion of the band ranging from the material to the look of the band should be a priority in order to garner success and a following. Original music should be protected. Recording contracts, when offered, should be carefully considered to ensure the most favorable exit for the band. A manager or management team may be considered to handle the daily workings of the business of the band in order to free the band members to explore their art and be free to create. With a successful business model along with a talented band, there is a much more likely chance of success. Bands should consider the full spectrum of running a band in order to increase the likelihood of becoming commercially successful.
