subject: Basement Rock Band [print this page] Not the video gameNot the video game. At some point in their life, every person wants to be a rock star. High school garage bands, mid-life crisis jam sessions in the basement, these are things that go on all around us. In this day and age, anyone who desires to, can rock out. A musical outlet can be emotionally satisfying and often can lead to chances to make some money. So, here's how it goes:
Home grown bands tend to be the brainchild of one or two people. They have the idea that they want to put their musical skills to use and start putting out feelers to other musicians. They talk to friends at school, work, church: "Hey, I heard you play" Usually there will be some form of auditions held for other members of the band, and when the founder(s) is happy with the lineup, thoughts turn to music. Will it be a cover band? Originals, written by band members, or a mix of the two? It's important to determine the styles and flavors of the music that will be written and played.
The next chapter of band progression is practice, practice, practice. Everybody has things to do, and working band practice around everybody's schedules can be frustrating. Practice makes perfect, regardless of whether the band is for therapy only or it will actually be playing gigs. If the band's got a date to play, step up practices so that everybody's more than ready to perform.
Taking notes is very important for all members of the band. The drums come in after the verse. The guitarist's solo doesn't end until after that measure. There's a key change, heads up. Keep a pencil and paper nearby to jot reminders, or better yet, put up one or two glass whiteboards in the practice area. Use it to write general notes or the music of a difficult part everyone's trying to nail down.
After a while, the band's going to sound good. It a satisfying feeling, the first time a song finishes and each member of the band thinks "Hey that was pretty good." All that practice pays off. So keep going strong, and play lots and lots. Then the neighbor is going to want to come over and listen, and then friends come and they pass it on and soon the mailman's uncle is asking for the band to play at his daughter's wedding. Stardom awaits.
The focal point of playing in a group is enjoying it. Practice hard, be seriously about playing, but have fun. A good band needs a healthy balance of buckle-down-and-work and kick-back-and-laugh. Don't let drama interfere. Write funny quotes and inside jokes on those glass whiteboards around the corners of serious notes. If no one ever hears of the band, it won't change the fact that for three minutes and twenty-three seconds, you are a great musician. Plus, your family will be able to say "We have a rock star in our basement."
