Five Truths to Understand Before You Join/Start an Original Rock Band

1.) You're going to have to do more than just play your instrument well and write good music to get somewhere.
So much for "If you build it, they will come;" today's music scene is bursting at the seams with new music, free music, and other noise with which some people with too much time on their hands want to assault your ears. People who listen to local music are inundated daily with new bands trying to recruit them as fans, so that means they're not as likely to be out trolling for the "hidden gems" of local music. Sometimes the good bands get their names out there just by being good... sometimes.... but we're talking Steve-Vai-Chris-Cornell-Danny-Carey-and-Les-Claypool-started-a-mainstream-rock-band-together calibre sort of bands. You have to face the fact that you will spend several hours a week tethered to your computer or in your car with a fistful of flyers & demo CDs, making friends, making new fans, and promoting your band to everyone who will listen. Learn your social networking platforms. Network with other bands. Go to other bands' shows and support your local scene. And, for crying out loud, make sure you're willing to promote your own band's shows. If you won't promote for your band, you better be irreplaceably awesome at your instrument, because bands tend to unload dead weight.

2.) Most bands that play originals spend more than they make the first couple (few) years.
If you want to make money playing music, you probably need to brush up on your Skynyrd tunes--original bands often don't make much, if any, money. Getting a guarantee is rare, and if you get one, it isn't usually very much. As far as the "glamourous" touring situation, lots of bands tour with no money and sleep in vans eating ramen noodles their first time or two away from home. If you're starting/joining an original band to make money, DON'T. Learn some southern rock or country (both, if you're smart) and play some covers.

3.) Established bands are established for a reason, so don't expect to saunter in and change everything.
If you are auditioning for bands who already have a following out there, respect the fact that they have put a lot of time, money, and effort into building that following and writing their music. Sometimes bands bring on new members because they need a change, but if that's the case, 99 times out of 100, they will tell you that upfront. Even so, while the new music will have your input (if you're lucky), expect to be asked to play the old music the same way that it is on the CD (especially at your audition)--that's what the fans are expecting. Also recognize that there is (hopefully) a long-range business plan in place that was set into motion before you'd even heard of BandXYZ and you should not necessarily expect to have a say-so in the decisions regarding those plans. Success is built over time, and good planning creates the building blocks for that success. Make sure you know the big picture before you get mad that the band doesn't heed your off-the-top-of-your-head suggestions. Most importantly, IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE BAND'S MUSIC, DON'T TRY OUT.

4.) If you expect to be the center of attention, don't be the drummer or bassist.
Not to diss on the importance of every member in a band, but unless you're doing something really flashy, the singer and the lead guitarist are going to get an abundance of the attention from fans. Is it because you suck as a bassist/drummer? No, it isn't; it is simply because you are less in-your-face than the singer and lead guitarist. For drummers, it's even harder to be noticed since you're in the back on the drum riser. Get some cool lights, turn your kit sideways, or do some really flashy stick tricks if you want some attention. Bassists: get a wireless system and perfect the bass spin around your shoulders (it's hard--practice a LOT with a crappy instrument before you try this with your gigging bass). Or get a good costume to wear that makes you stand out. Drummers: hats work for you.


5.) Musicians are weirdos.
It is a rather unnatural thing to want to bare your soul in a crazy outfit in front of a crowd of people, so if you're expecting your new bandmates to be normal, well-adjusted people, you will be sorely disappointed. Normal, well-adjusted people usually just play in cover bands, if anything. Additionally, this means you will likely have to sift through a pack of egotists, cry-babies, thiefs, and troublemakers before you find a group of people who can play their instruments and not drive you crazy.