OT: A Guide To Starting Your Own Local Band

[cphollis]

Hello, Nord community!

About three years ago, I decided to quit my current band and start my own one. It was a very steep and deep learning experience. Now that I've done that, and it's all working quite well, I wanted to write up a guide sharing everything that I had learned in the process, aimed at someone who was either running their own band, or considering starting one.

At the time, I couldn't find anything like this in my searches, and definitely could have used it at the time.

Although it recounts my specific experiences and decisions, it also presents a framework for others to make their decisions in different circumstances.

I would appreciate anyone who would care to read it, and maybe offer up a few thoughts on its strong or weak points? It's a PDF with links to individual Google Docs.

Many thanks in advance!

[Jeffmac]

Mr Hollis,

I am only 3 chapters in, but you appear to have done your normal high level work. You write well! Looks a lot like the start of a book to me.

[Tracii]

Nicely written indeed! Clear and comprehensive, with great examples and dry humour.

[MarkJames]

This really spoke to me -

“It is also useful to share what I wasn’t looking for with my band:

I wasn’t looking to pay the bills. Lots of people are, and that’s understandable.
I wasn’t seeking recognition or adulation. I don’t need to be the center of attention, and I was looking for similar people.
I wasn’t looking for a way to relive my errant youth. Yes, we all had a blast when we were younger, but that was then and this is now.
I wasn’t looking for a friendly place to intoxicate myself. I don’t like playing with intoxicated musicians.
I wasn’t looking for a social club for bored retirees. Where I live, there are a lot of people looking to get out of the house.
I wasn’t interested in group therapy sessions. We all have issues we want to work on, but not here. Same for politics, religion, etc.
I wasn’t looking to recreate School of Rock for beginning musicians. We all want to get better at our craft, but I’ve been playing continuously since a young age, played in a bunch of different bands, informally studied music theory and history, etc. I don’t suck. If you’re a 4.5 at tennis, you want to play with similar players most of the time. Actually, it would be great to have a tennis-style rating system for musicians!”

I’m in the place where I’m thinking of joining or starting a band again (it’s like a 7 year itch for me and it’s been 10 years). I’ve tried to arrange reunions with a band I first played with over 30 years ago but it’s hard when I moved away and some of the guys aren’t really into it anymore.

[ajstan]

This is very nice, Chuck. I've always enjoyed reading your well-written blog and your in-depth topical posts, and this guide appears to be a natural extension. I think the insights can be helpful at most any stage of a band, especially existing bands that want to take the next growth step or aren't progressing at the rate they are expecting.

[cphollis]

Thank you to all who took the time to read and comment. Given the positive feedback, I think I'll distribute this a little more widely.

I intend to keep updating and will be posting update on patreon.com/thelocalbandmechanic

Thanks everyone!

[cphollis]

Well, I'm back!!! Based on the great feedback here and elsewhere, I did a significant rewrite: new sections, rewrites in many places, and so on.

As before, I would welcome anyone who would have the time and interest to read it and provide their thoughts on its strengths and weaknesses.

Thanks again!

[cphollis]

Scanning the various forums, I realized I could write a chapter on "Basic Acoustics For Band Leaders", sort of a survival kit.

Here is the link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EQv ... sp=sharing

As before, any commentary on strengths and weaknesses would be appreciated!

[FZiegler]

I still haven't reached the last chapter yet, but until now, it was fun to read. And quite inspiring - as external circumstances may vary a lot, it's a matter of getting to think for yourself.

(all chapters: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G2z ... BG_3A/edit)

BTW, I like the decision for your band name. Sounds like a great finding: Matches well with music and audience, and probably with the band's motivation, too.