Teenage years are some of the most interesting years because all you have is a bunch of time and the world at your feet.
You can pretty much pick a niche or career and start exploring it in and out. Honestly this how most of us got into music.
If you’re a teenager interested in music and looking to start a band. This post is for you!
Ill break down certain things you can do to start a band.
Cool right?
With that said let’s get right into it.
So, how can a teen start a band?
Starting a band
Let’s look at the things you’re going to need to do in the process of starting a band.
Find band mates
First things first you need to start gathering resources for your band.
The first resource is obviously people.
You need find band mates and this is pretty easy to do.
All you have to do is find people that have some interest in music.
If you’re a teenager, you probably already have some people in mind.
Be sure to recruit a singer, instrument player, and an engineer to help you record your music.
Decide on genre
Now that you have your band mates, what’s next is collectively deciding with them what genre you’re looking to do.
Once you have this established, the rest will be easier.
You should always be sure to find people that like the sort of music that you like.
This will help you in the long run because it’s not sustainable to make music you don’t life for a long time.
You might end up quitting.
Song writing
Once you decide on a genre with your band mates, the next step is to start writing music.
If you already have some songs written, introduce them to the band and collectively decide which ones to work on.
Your band mates will obviously have songs as well. Assess them collectively and decide whether their worth working on or not.
Writing music together is great for nurturing creativity as a collective..
This will be very helpful in the future.
Making music
Writing music is only one thing. The other thing is actually making music.
Making music is an entirely different ball game. It will allow you to discover the musical strengths of your band mates.
Your Own Studio
Now that we’ve discussed some of the things you initially need to do when starting a band.
Let’s get into what you’re going to need if you’re looking to start your own studio for your band.
Space
First things first, you’re going to need space for your recording studio.
If you can find a room that you can be allowed to turn into a studio.
It will be very helpful.
And don’t look down on a garage. It can be a great starting point for a teenage band.
Mic
You’re going to need a condenser microphone for capturing vocals and a dynamic microphone for recording instruments.
Get you a good condenser microphone that will help you get the job done.
There are a lot of these microphones on Amazon.
Audio interface
You’re also going to need what is called an Audio interface.
An audio interface is simply an external sound card whose role is to help you get recordings in and out of your computer so you can work on them and listen to them.
DAW
You’re also going to need a good Digital Audio Workstation which is simply software for recording and editing your songs.
Some DAWs like FL Studio even allow you to make beats in them.
So get yourself a good DAW.
Computer
A music production computer is another necessity that you’re going to need.
If you already have a gaming PC then you’re all set because gaming PCs have the right specs that can easily work for music production.
If you’re intent on new gear, then you can purchase a new gaming PC.
Instruments
You’re also going to need some instruments if you’re planning on making a band.
Bass guitars, electric guitars, keyboards and any other instruments you need to make your music.
You’ll be able to what instruments to buy with your band.
Recording at other studios
So we’ve covered the equipment you’re going to need to get your music career started.
Now let’s discuss how you’re going to go about recording at other studios if you don’t plan on making your own as a band.
Find a good studio
The first step is to obviously find a good studio that your band will feel comfortable to work in.
Of course you’re going to need a well established studio equipment-wise if you’re planning on recoding music as a band.
Discuss rates
Once you find a recording studio, what’s going to be done next is discussing music production fees or rates with the studio.
Negotiate wisely so you get value for your buck.
Have a budget in mind when discussing this because you don’t want to bite off more than you can chew.
Record
Once you have negotiations in place, you can then go ahead and start to record music.
This will be the best time to learn how to go about working as a band when recording.
If you’ve never done any work in a recording studio before, this experience will be your eye opener.
Assess
So now you have music recorded with your studio of choice. The next thing is to assess the experience you have working in that studio.
Are you getting value for your money?
Did you have the right gear?
These are just brief questions but you’ll obviously have your own assessment questions to answer as a band.
If the recording studio is a good fit. Then keep working.
If its not a good fit, find another one.
Tips
Here are some tips for a new band.
Rehearse often
Rehearse as often as possible and spend time collectively being creative.
This will improve band coordination.
Don’t be afraid to try new things
You should never be afraid to go out of your comfort zone as a new band.
Merge genres, try new instrumentation, go analog, go digital etc..
Spice things up and don’t be tied to a rigid way of doing things.
