The Highs and Lows of Playing in a Band

There will be a point in time in the evolution of every musician when he or she will explore the option of playing in a band setup. Since you are reading this article I hope you have this feeling right now and hope you are able to follow through with it.

Five reasons why you should form a band

1. Great experience




2. Growth as a musician




3. A lot of fun




4. The high of performing live




5. Make great friends

I don’t want to paint a very rosy picture for you. You should be aware of the trial and tribulations that you will have to go through! Let me take you through key challenges

1. Lack of musicians: Can’t find a drummer?




2. Lack of paying gigs/jobs




3. No money to fund your band instruments and activities.




4. Lack of practice space: No place to jam for your band. If you are living in Mumbai like me, this is a particularly acute problem




5. Band members pulling in different direction




6. Lack of promotional activities

BAND GYAAN

The basic thing that you need to get your band going is a lot of enthusiasm. Don’t be overly concerned about the problems and shortcomings that you have right now! U2 as a band got together at a time when most of them could not even play their instruments and clearly they have done well enough.

If you are even a two member band… get started… the other elements will fall in place.

The one thing about great bands which separate them from the rest is that the band is more than the sum of the parts. Let me give you two examples that come immediately to mind.

• Led Zeppelin: Exceptional musicians coming together to make ever more exceptional music redefining genre and musical possibilities.




• Rammstein: A group of not so extraordinary talents coming together to form an exceptional band in their genre.

The point of the example above is that in a band setup you can transcend your limitations. If you can find your sound and bearings there will be an audience for that particular style. Believe in yourself and work exceptionally hard… that is the only success formula.

Playing in a band can be a taxing or a fulfilling experience depending on the chemistry you share with your band members. Try to keep an open mind and enjoy the difference and the variety that each musician brings to the table instead of letting your ego get the better of you