starting out

Subject: starting out
From: Trinidad
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 06:03 PM

Hey guys, I've posted before, but not for ages, so you've probably forgotten me! I have a problem. Me and some friends are trying to start a wee band, but we not sure, like how to. Where we are there isn't much folk, so it's really hard to get gigs, and the school only recognises rock bands - wierd that, no? anyway, any suggestions as to how to get heard, and songs we should include in our sets? oh, and if you have any name suggestions, we'd love to hear what you can come up with!

Subject: RE: starting out
From: curmudgeon
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 06:14 PM

It would really help if we knew where in the world you are. It is quite likely that there are other Mudcatters within reasonable driving distance who can advise with more specifics.

If you are just starting out, work up enough songs and tunes to last an hour and a half, minimum. Check with local libraries, museums, nursing homes, and any social groups that have regular meetings. You should be able to find ample non-paying gigs. Once you are known and established, the money will follow; not much though.

Please also inform us of the kind of music you are doing. Your request is valid but vague.

Keep on singing, whatever -- Tom

Subject: RE: starting out
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 06:41 PM

I see by one of your earlier posts that you're around 15-16 years old, right? Not that that makes a whole lot of difference, but it probably means you can't play in bars.

I'd recommend coffeehouses. I don't know where you live, and I don't know if the trend has reached everywhere yet, but in the urban areas I know, coffeehouses are springing up everywhere. Stay away from the big chains like Starbucks or Caribou, and instead look at the independent ones. They're usually pretty low-budget affairs. They usually don't pay at all, but they might give you free coffee, maybe even a free pound of coffee beans to take home, and maybe some other freebies for musicians, and they should let you put out a tip jar. And they'll usually welcome you and your friends, especially if your friends come ready to spend a little money.

Try to find out if any coffeehouses in your area already regularly have live music. If they already have musicians booked for Friday and Saturday night, and they're reluctant to let beginners play on those nights, then ask if you can play on, say Thursday or Sunday. Or maybe Saturday, but earlier in the evening, before the regular musicians come in. Or maybe Sunday afternoon. If that fails, try a coffeehouse that has never had live music before.

Don't worry about the fact that they may have had only rock 'n' roll until now. A lot of people are getting interested in folk music recently, since the film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" And even MTV has had "Unplugged" (is it still around?) so acoustic music should be nothing strange.

Don't be too eager to make money. I mean, don't think you're a failure if you don't start making money right away. Your first sign of success will be when somebody applauds, or maybe drops a quarter in a tip jar. Your second might be when the coffeehouse manager agrees to let you come back. After a while, you may notice that a few audience members who have heard you before, come back deliberately to hear you again. You have to learn to appreciate the little signs that people appreciate you.

Subject: RE: starting out
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 06:54 PM

Of course if you were in England that wouldn't apply because coffee bars don't have Public Entertainment Licences, so it's illegal making music in them these days.

Wherever you are, the things is to keep playing together for its own sake. That way you get better, and anyway it's fun. Maybe you could try for weddings and christenings and that kind of stuff, the kind of events where people of different generations are all together, and a bit of live music would be appreciated.

Subject: RE: starting out
From: Trinidad
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 07:16 PM

thanks guys, and I'm in East Scotland, if that helps. I have played at weddings and that before, but not with these guys, and yes, the whole coffee bars thing is a bit annoying. the only places in town are bars anyway, apart from actual venues, like my school and the town hall. Which is where the problem lies. you have to be a rock band to get in on band night - obviously - otherwise, you can't get the hall for love nor money - well, you can, but it's a lot of money, and not much point if the school is pasing flyers about!

Subject: RE: starting out
From: Maryrrf
Date: 09 Mar 02 - 10:41 PM

What about going to some of the festivals and playing? Even if you just play informally at sessions you might make contacts and impress somebody enough that they would book you. Girvan would be a good one and it's coming up in May, I think. Wish I was going!

Subject: RE: starting out
From: Mr Red
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 06:12 AM

In the UK a lot of bands run an open session in the local pub. It is their practice night and as Ian Campbell found it can turn-up some amazing fiddle players like Swarbrick.

Subject: RE: starting out
From: Trinidad
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 01:56 PM

good stuff guys. I don't think the whole festival thing is really an option yet, as we're only just working it all out, you know, no gigs yet, just thoughts as to where we should go when we're ready to unleash ourselves on...well, anyone who wants to listen really!

Subject: RE: starting out
From: Terry K
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 02:38 PM

McGrath said it - "keep playing together for its own sake" - that's what the musical process is all about.

There may be no immediate money, accolades etc, but the time you play together is all so valuable for the future.

None of the "pre Pete Waterman" bands ever had instant recognition or success - they walked the boards and strutted their stuff for years whilst learning their trade.

Just keep doing it and don't stop.

Cheers, Terry

Subject: RE: starting out
From: Ned Ludd
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 02:49 PM

Many of the clubs are in closed rooms, and would be really supportive of young players. We'de give you a warm welcome at the general Ludd,but it's a long way to Yorkshire. The General.

Subject: RE: starting out
From: Maryrrf
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 03:20 PM

Well, not necessarily getting yourself booked at a festival - but there are usually a lot of informal sessions going on at festivals where you could meet people, learn from them, and get yourself heard. It would also be a lot of fun!

Subject: RE: starting out
From: Trinidad
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 03:34 PM

Don't worry, we wouldn't give up playing, we're doing it cause we like it!! And, thanks for the offer Ned, but yes, a bit far yet. Any ideas for names, too? I'd love to hear what ya come up with!

Subject: RE: starting out
From: Alice
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 04:50 PM

Trinidad, my son is 14 and plays mandolin with our local session (we are in Montana, USA). The session is mostly Irish tunes, with some Scottish, Cape Breton, and a few others styles that someone might play. He started another session for just young players, since there are other teenage musicians, fiddle players, who also come to the adult session. I found a location where he and the other younger players could meet once a month on their own, and they also continue to play with our local session that meets once a week. He often takes the mandolin and violin both to school (plays violin in the orchestra) and stays after school playing the mandolin just for fun in the orchestra room. Other students come by to listen, and he has met other musicians who jam with him during that after school time. He and a fiddle player who are both high school students have put together a set to play in the talent show later this month. I support the idea of creating a session and inviting others to join you in making music for your own pleasure. Find a session spot where you can meet on a regular basis - may even be in someone's home. As far as what to play, what do you like to listen to?

Alice

Subject: RE: starting out
From: Trinidad
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 04:08 PM

THanks Alice! I'm inspired, really I am. I'm talk to the gals about it, and see what we can do! Cheers. And good luck to your son in the talent comp. I'm sure we'll hear from him in the future if he's that organised, and he must be pretty darn talented, too! Trinidad.