How to Start a Metal Band That Will Stick
Decide your objective and final result!, Think about the philosophy of your band., The name of your band should meet the following criteria to succeed: It has to be short and simple to remember., Keep the music simple., Improve your sound., Gather...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Decide your objective and final result!
Here it's time to think what you want to achieve with your extreme metal band.
It helps to be as specific as possible, like: "In 2 years' time I want to play X shows outside my own country and I want to release 2 full albums." Remember that the most mistake that people make is to listen other people who try to bring you down and tell you it can't be done! Screw them all.
Just focus on your final outcome that you want to achieve with your band and don't listen to negative remarks from people.
Focus on this only one day and write it all down. -
Step 2: Think about the philosophy of your band.
Create something special that hasn't been done before.
Being “most extreme” or “loudest/hardest” just doesn't do it anymore! Fans want something new and fresh.
You are the one who has to fill this need by showing what your band can do.
For example, instead of creating another heavy metal guitar shredder band, create a theme with original statement.
A good example of this is the band Burning Fallus (who invented a new genre of music called: the working class rock).
Remember this: you're not the only one who wants to climb on top of the mountain of fame.
There are thousands of hungry ambitious rockers breathing down your neck trying to beat you to the punch.
An original concept of your band creates an instant distinction that will immediately attract attention! Spend one week observing and learning what has been done and what has not been created.
Remember don't listen to negative remarks from your parents, friends and people who think that your idea is stupid! It's not! , No fancy historic names and superhero bull.
Just a good concept to describe your band.
It has to be between 1 and 2 words long.
This improves the memorability (think:
W.A.S.P, Manowar, Nargaroth, Death, Macabre etc.).
Long name is a no go! Scrap it, no matter how cool it sounds! Remember that short is sweet and people's attention span is littered by advertising, daily obligations, kids, wives etc.
No one needs another “Blasphemous Night Slashin' Cunt Rider” to have to remember after a night of heavy drinking.
Once again be original and always have a great story about the name of your band (you will need this for interviews later!). , Complicated music sucks! Simple music always prevails! Watch the reactions of the crowds during a gig! The most amount of hard head banging occurs during simple rhythmic stages of any song.
That means that no matter how good you play the guitar, bass, drums, keys or throat, your fans will remember how your music MAKES THEM FEEL! That's the whole secret.
Keep your music simple, but variable.
By now you probably know what genre you want to play.
You have a good name and philosophy.
Now couple it with original music that will support what you have to say! Remember this: always listen to your fans about the potential improvements in your music.
Your fans will buy your CDs, shirts and other merch.
Show them respect and they will answer you in 1000 fold.
Take 3 weeks to experiment with the music and don't be afraid to scrap the riffs that you think are rubbish. , The human brain reacts to sounds very differently indeed.
What's important in a heavy genre of music is the amount of “balls”.
You can create “balls” by using:
All tube guitar amps with decent speakers.
Natural sounding drums.
Avoid digital square sound as much as you can! If you have keyboards, keep the keyboard player on a tight leash and don't let him play any serenades! Put some effects on the vocals and use decent mics (like Sennheiser, Shure, Oktava or Röde).
Natural pumping bass tones.
Your bass player has to lift up your sound and blow the fans away with the sheer amount of feel, not volume.
Best sound is the one that can send shivers down your spine. , Creating a band means putting in some effort.
Next to playing skills, your band members have to have the following abilities:
Languages (at least 3) Communication skills (for promotional purposes) Programming and internet skills (for indie promotion and gigs booking) Lack of addictions.
No hard core junks or alcoholics.
They will ruin your band in a snap.
Occasional drinking and cigarettes/joints are no problem as long as it does not cause harm to the band.
Organizational talent, for fast and easy transportation, setup and recording Sound and Graphic skills (for your artwork and finishing touches on your album).
The more diverse your band member's skills, the better you will be at creating a true unique band.
In time you will have external help for small things like selling merch or setting up your equipment before the show, but for now assemble your team wisely! Hold auditions and ask for dedication before you accept any new members to your band.
Your skills in psychology will be very valuable. , This task should be delegated to only one person.
Use Google calendar to make sure that everyone updates the dates that someone cannot play a show.
This way you avoid any nasty surprises and cancellations.
Remember, no matter where you live, always try to book shows outside your own country.
Metal is about connections! Use them and don't sit on your ass hoping for fain of fame. , This is probably the most crucial ritual that will keep your band thriving and that will keep your band members motivated! It's important to play new stuff and write new lyrics at any attempt you have the time.
Set a fixed day in the week for rehearsals.
This way everyone is obligated to come.
If you don't rehearse, you don't succeed! , Create a spectacle for the fans to admire.
Flags, logo's lights, uniforms, strippers, etc.
Whatever it takes, DO IT! The fans want to know that you have a “brand” of your band that they can wear with pride and defend in a fierce argument with a fellow metal head! Visual symbols keep your image fresh and alive. , Metal is about the people who keep it alive! The more support you show to the fellow metal heads and fans, the more respect you will get.
You must communicate and tell everyone about your band.
This is the only way to become successful.
Forget the “DIY” mentality and start forming alliances as soon as you can.
Always have promo CDs and materials like stickers or other stuff you can hand out as advertisement.
In the beginning this will be hard, however after you pass the first threshold, you will be more famous and respected in the metal community.
Good luck and don't give up! HELL YEAH! -
Step 3: The name of your band should meet the following criteria to succeed: It has to be short and simple to remember.
-
Step 4: Keep the music simple.
-
Step 5: Improve your sound.
-
Step 6: Gather your troops!
-
Step 7: Book gigs.
-
Step 8: Rehearse at least once a week!
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Step 9: Visual symbolism.
-
Step 10: Form alliances with bands
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Step 11: labels
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Step 12: magazines and promoters.
Detailed Guide
Here it's time to think what you want to achieve with your extreme metal band.
It helps to be as specific as possible, like: "In 2 years' time I want to play X shows outside my own country and I want to release 2 full albums." Remember that the most mistake that people make is to listen other people who try to bring you down and tell you it can't be done! Screw them all.
Just focus on your final outcome that you want to achieve with your band and don't listen to negative remarks from people.
Focus on this only one day and write it all down.
Create something special that hasn't been done before.
Being “most extreme” or “loudest/hardest” just doesn't do it anymore! Fans want something new and fresh.
You are the one who has to fill this need by showing what your band can do.
For example, instead of creating another heavy metal guitar shredder band, create a theme with original statement.
A good example of this is the band Burning Fallus (who invented a new genre of music called: the working class rock).
Remember this: you're not the only one who wants to climb on top of the mountain of fame.
There are thousands of hungry ambitious rockers breathing down your neck trying to beat you to the punch.
An original concept of your band creates an instant distinction that will immediately attract attention! Spend one week observing and learning what has been done and what has not been created.
Remember don't listen to negative remarks from your parents, friends and people who think that your idea is stupid! It's not! , No fancy historic names and superhero bull.
Just a good concept to describe your band.
It has to be between 1 and 2 words long.
This improves the memorability (think:
W.A.S.P, Manowar, Nargaroth, Death, Macabre etc.).
Long name is a no go! Scrap it, no matter how cool it sounds! Remember that short is sweet and people's attention span is littered by advertising, daily obligations, kids, wives etc.
No one needs another “Blasphemous Night Slashin' Cunt Rider” to have to remember after a night of heavy drinking.
Once again be original and always have a great story about the name of your band (you will need this for interviews later!). , Complicated music sucks! Simple music always prevails! Watch the reactions of the crowds during a gig! The most amount of hard head banging occurs during simple rhythmic stages of any song.
That means that no matter how good you play the guitar, bass, drums, keys or throat, your fans will remember how your music MAKES THEM FEEL! That's the whole secret.
Keep your music simple, but variable.
By now you probably know what genre you want to play.
You have a good name and philosophy.
Now couple it with original music that will support what you have to say! Remember this: always listen to your fans about the potential improvements in your music.
Your fans will buy your CDs, shirts and other merch.
Show them respect and they will answer you in 1000 fold.
Take 3 weeks to experiment with the music and don't be afraid to scrap the riffs that you think are rubbish. , The human brain reacts to sounds very differently indeed.
What's important in a heavy genre of music is the amount of “balls”.
You can create “balls” by using:
All tube guitar amps with decent speakers.
Natural sounding drums.
Avoid digital square sound as much as you can! If you have keyboards, keep the keyboard player on a tight leash and don't let him play any serenades! Put some effects on the vocals and use decent mics (like Sennheiser, Shure, Oktava or Röde).
Natural pumping bass tones.
Your bass player has to lift up your sound and blow the fans away with the sheer amount of feel, not volume.
Best sound is the one that can send shivers down your spine. , Creating a band means putting in some effort.
Next to playing skills, your band members have to have the following abilities:
Languages (at least 3) Communication skills (for promotional purposes) Programming and internet skills (for indie promotion and gigs booking) Lack of addictions.
No hard core junks or alcoholics.
They will ruin your band in a snap.
Occasional drinking and cigarettes/joints are no problem as long as it does not cause harm to the band.
Organizational talent, for fast and easy transportation, setup and recording Sound and Graphic skills (for your artwork and finishing touches on your album).
The more diverse your band member's skills, the better you will be at creating a true unique band.
In time you will have external help for small things like selling merch or setting up your equipment before the show, but for now assemble your team wisely! Hold auditions and ask for dedication before you accept any new members to your band.
Your skills in psychology will be very valuable. , This task should be delegated to only one person.
Use Google calendar to make sure that everyone updates the dates that someone cannot play a show.
This way you avoid any nasty surprises and cancellations.
Remember, no matter where you live, always try to book shows outside your own country.
Metal is about connections! Use them and don't sit on your ass hoping for fain of fame. , This is probably the most crucial ritual that will keep your band thriving and that will keep your band members motivated! It's important to play new stuff and write new lyrics at any attempt you have the time.
Set a fixed day in the week for rehearsals.
This way everyone is obligated to come.
If you don't rehearse, you don't succeed! , Create a spectacle for the fans to admire.
Flags, logo's lights, uniforms, strippers, etc.
Whatever it takes, DO IT! The fans want to know that you have a “brand” of your band that they can wear with pride and defend in a fierce argument with a fellow metal head! Visual symbols keep your image fresh and alive. , Metal is about the people who keep it alive! The more support you show to the fellow metal heads and fans, the more respect you will get.
You must communicate and tell everyone about your band.
This is the only way to become successful.
Forget the “DIY” mentality and start forming alliances as soon as you can.
Always have promo CDs and materials like stickers or other stuff you can hand out as advertisement.
In the beginning this will be hard, however after you pass the first threshold, you will be more famous and respected in the metal community.
Good luck and don't give up! HELL YEAH!
About the Author
Christopher Morales
Committed to making crafts accessible and understandable for everyone.
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