Making a band...?

Question

I am a middle school guitar player and I have friends that can play guitar and bass. I am in need of a drummer and a singer. I have been writing a concept album for if I ever make a band.

1. My friend that plays guitar is average. Should I look for some one else or keep going with him?

2. My bassist is my fiends little brother and is learning quickly, but gives up on himself and doesn't have the motavation to want to keep playing all day.

3. I need a drummer and a singer. How do I approach to finding anyone when I know no one of such talents?

4. If I find band members, I need some tips on how band practices should go, how often, writing songs as a band or giving someone that job, equipment, gigs, etc.

5. I have been writing some concept albums, but they just aren't making a huge story, so if anyone has any ideas on songs that would be cool or ideas for songs in a concept album?

Thanks

ohh..
and for #5, i like rock, punk, alternative music

Answer 1

1- keep going with him, just make sure he practices whenever he can.
2- If he really wants to be in the band he should not be givin up on himself. You must be motavated if you want to be in a band.
3- Put signs in bus stops or in school and make tryouts or something like that.
4- make a schedule and practice some song from other bands and some of yours. You could brainstorm some lyrics from the top of your head while you play. You could try entering rock contest or play gigs in bars, schools, or find a empty place and make your own concerts.
5- what you have may be good but try to make your songs for one album about the same idea. most bands make songs about girls/guys, friends, drugs, school, and there fealings.

hope i help

Answer 2

If your friend that plays guitar is average, but dedicated, stick with him......at this point, dedication is more important than skill......he will get better.

As far as your bassist....it sounds like he's coming along, but asking anyone to play ALL DAY is a little extreme.....about 4 hours should really be the max that you are practicing together in one day.

Ask around school.....also, visit local music stores and check out the "bulletin boards" there......people will post things like "drummer available". Also, ask the employees there.....they might know someone.

As far as practices, to be productive, everyone should be learning the songs BEFORE coming to practice. When you're practicing together, you should be playing the song together, not learning it at that time. If you are playing cover songs, everyone should have a CD or mp3 copy of the song you are learning, so that when you play it together, you are all on the same page. I think practicing together once a week is good...it gives everyone a chance to learn the songs before coming to practice. Also, focus on learning 2-3 songs per week.....and play them all the way through before moving on to new songs. For songwriting, I think it's easiest for one person to come up with a "concept" of how the song should go....then collaborate with the other band members to put it all together. For equipment, get the best that you can afford.....you don't need "pro" equipment when you are starting out. The bassist will need a powerful enough bass cabinet/amp, the guitarists will need amps that can be easily heard over the drums, and you will need a PA system for microphones. You can also "mic" the guitar/bass amps through the PA system if necessary, if you have enough channels on the PA system and enough microphones.