information about the music business?

Question

ermm im in college (16 years old) wna form a band soon, aiming to make it big.... =]
any information i will need to know?
thanks for everybodys help :)
Jordan

Answer 1

Pay your dues by playing live, learn how to play more than one instrument so you can be diverse in the studio and concert, and learn how to really write a song hook.

Answer 2

First of all, don't go into it with a mindset of getting rich. Positive attitude is a must, though be prepared for a lot of rejection...it happens. Also remember that a band is not just a group of people to have fun and party with. They become your family. You will laugh, joke, share, get angry at, and even fight sometimes. If a band is what you want then all members have a say and all things should be voted on. Mob rules in these situations so don't quit just because things didn't go your way exactly.Stay grounded....most bands disintegrate before they ever get going good. Mostly over egos. Leave the ego at the door and remember where you really come from. And those who support and help you along the way. Stick to your original ideas musically...don't let some yuppie manager change who you really are or you'll be quickly spotted as a fake. And DO NOT sign anything without a very trustworthy lawyer present. Yes, you actually CAN pass up offers. They are not All good ones and read the small print on everything. Also copyright your art as soon as possible. Maybe this will serve as just a tiny bit of help in your endeavors from someone who has been there...done that! Good Luck to you and never give up!

Answer 3

Okay. First you need to realize that for every MCR or Fall Out Boy that's out there, there are hundreds that don't make it out of the garage. (And even fewer that have the longevity of Aerosmith or the Stones.)

That said, if you're a tight band that works hard and gets your name out there, while taking the precautions to cover your *sses - like copyrighting ALL your songs and having a trustworthy lawyer who will read everything and guide you before you sign any dotted lines, and then not doing stupid sh*t (like drugs or signing away your publishing.) then it's a matter of right place, right time.

I have friends that were shopped by two major labels all because on guy had a cousin whose friend liked them and gave their tape to her A&R guy boyfriend. They were offered a publishing deal and turned it down because it wasn't a flat-out record deal. They are the four stupidest men on Earth.
Another band I know got noticed because they set up and played on the sidewalk outside a legendary NYC club on the night of a major showcase night.

Here's the other reality though. The music business is very fickle. Case in point: All those hair bands in the late 80s/early 90s were hit HARD by the emergence of Kurt and what became known as grunge music. Those bands went from playing huge sold-out arenas to half-filled clubs in the middle of nowhere. What's hot today may not be next week.

Answer 4

In forming a band, find like minded individuals with similar influences and shared goals. Be prepared to work at practicing together every chance you get. On that same note seek a place to practice where you won't be bothered or bother anybody. Work at developing a sound that is unique to your band. Go watch as many musicians play live as you can to get a feel for how bandmates interact with each other. Write songs. Record them and for an easy way to copywrite make a disc and send it back to yourself registered mail do not open it, the envelope will be timed and dated. This will stand up in a court of law. When dealing with record companies always keep your publishing rights. Be careful of large advances from them as you will have to pay them back. Don't send demo's make appointments to get your demo's listened to. Sent demo's end up as frisbies and drink coasters. Build regional followings by playing a lot of shows. Talk to independant record companies too and remember that the bigger deal isn't always the better one. Good luck, Jordan

Answer 5

get a contract between the band own the name of the band seek management enjoy the music

Answer 6

Practice frequently and consistently. Take advantage of sites like Myspace andYoutube.

Answer 7

Here's some essential reading:

http://www.negativland.com/albini.html