My brother wants start an indie band?

Question

I have been playing guitar for about 5 years, and have been playing out for about a year. My brother who is, 13, wants to start an indie band and asked me where to start. I don't know anything about indie music. How should he go about forming an indie band?

He plays guitar and sings.

Answer 1

Start by writing lyrics and songs and just getting out there and playing. Once word gets out about his talents he'll be able to find some good musicians to create a band with.

Answer 2

Haha good question. First off, the word indie, all it stands for is independent. And usually thats means that the band is independent from a major label. But people call themselves indie anyways. There are many genres of music. Im assuming he wants to start an indie rock band. First you need people, and you need a direction. What it really comes down to is what his influences are in music, and how he wants to be creative. Does he play instruments? Or is he a vocalist who can orchestrate chord progressions and write symbolic lyrics? Its all a matter of opinion. I honestly think 13 is a bit young and premature to start an indie band right off that bat just cause it seems cool. Just tell him that if he wants to be in a band someday, start practicing his guitar. Start listening to all kinds of music.

But let me tell you this: be prepared for love and hate. Cause the music world is a cruel cruel world. Usually mainstream thought and personality is an offense to the independent world. And I recommend listening to a lot of music. Fans will expect bands to know their stuff, like The Velvet Underground or what CBGBs is in the punk era of the 70s. You're gonna have to do a little more research than just Pink Floyd or Led Zep, Black Sabbath, or AC/DC, cause that is so typical.

Great bands in my opinion of today: The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Cribs, WolfMother, Mars Volta, The Kills, and many many others.

But its all a matter of opinion.

Answer 3

Easy. Dont start the band with the idea of "being an indie band". Start the band, and dont think about what sort of music you like. Play that sort of music, and you will grow into your sound. Dont categorise yourself until you know what you're playing. That's the first rule.

Next, decide on what other instruments you need. Audition some drummers and bassists or whatever and go from there. Just ask them what sort of music they like, if they like the same music as you, and can hold a tune, it's sorted.

Then start playing. Play covers of songs you like. Write your own music, and play it. Just practice. Gigs will follow.

Answer 4

First, forget about indie and learn 50's rock 'n roll, then contact me.

Answer 5

I guess by looking for indie music and gong to concerts.