How To get started and noticed

Part One

So getting a band going and started. Where do we go from here. This can be a real big and broad topic that can cover hundreds of aspects of getting a band going and building BUZZ.
There is no magic Bullet, no secret pacts, or simple fixes these days, and most likely no one to hold your hand. There maybe a hundred sites and books that scream we will get you to the top quickly. The simple reality is that there is only one way to get to your goal of having a successful band, it boils down to a few key things and that's hard work and determination.
You thought this was going to be easy didn't you?
What i have started here is a simple basic out line to help you build your plan and try to remove some of the guess work out of building your band up.

The first this is simple:

• Practice your instrument
• Practice with your band (if you have one put together already)
• Start writing songs
• play your songs and practice a hand full of covers

Once you have your band together and every one sounds good together. You should sit down as a group and lay out your plan. Do you want to be an all covers band, write originals, do a bit of a mix at first, shoot for a CD, or how far do you want to go. Is it just a fun weekend warrior thing? You will have to decide for yourself what fits you best.
But a few of the things you should plan and out line are:

1. Set list
2. Who will do bookings
3. Who will make fliers and hand bills
4. where will you advertise your band
5. Web site - go for the free options or pay for a site to start with
6. Who will look after your on line campaign
7. Merchandise - designs and who will make arrangements to get it made

Now you don't always have to have all this set up right and in place out of the gate. It can't hurt but not a live or die kind of thing. I would suggest though going for any free band page sites first. Places like myspace, facebook band page, reverbnation, purevolume, bandcamp and so on. I think there are probably about 30 or so more out there you could find with a little digging. Shop around though each one has its own befits and beneficial options that will help you out in the long run.

These free sites are a great place to start for any band. I would suggest, once you have picked a few places, a few basic things to keep in mind. There are things your should try and keep consistent across all web sites, blogs, and pages that you set up so that you have a more professional look.

1. Band Photos
2. Band story, history, and bio
3. Band logo
4. Post a few songs for streaming and possible down loads
5. If you have one post a video

Its best to try and keep each page and web site the same with the information you put out there. This will give fans and causal lookers a uniform and consistent view of who you are and who your band is. It looks professional when you keep it simple and the same. This will also give a better source for the BUZZ around your band that you want.

So that's the first few things to go with. I will be adding to this as I go. There are too many things to cover in one short moment like this, but this should help you start getting a plan in place and thinking about what you want to do.

I would love to hear from anyone who has more ideas and what has worked so far for them.
Let me know and maybe we can look at expanding that idea into the one that pushes your band to the top.
Cheers for now!