Winner of a video, I've been looking for "zombie survival guide max brooks" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Ryanzon Survival Genie - (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? Ive heard some awesome things about it and my colleague got amazing success with it.
i really hope someone sees this and think "I dont care if Im successful! I just wanna have FUN!" and then become like the band who changes the whole music history
THAT, THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO BE. Have a nice form of rock and play some shows, get a guy looking to be our manager one day down the line, play larger gigs all while still having fun
I cant rly do that but I desperately want to. I can barely write a song but there's one I've been working on since June which I work on every week sometimes. I'm definitely not old enough to get in bars and clubs but I hope my college music section let's me mesh with their students.
As the vocalist for my band, here’s tips for beginner vocalists: 1: KNOW WHAT GENRE YOUR BAND IS! This helps a ton when you are figuring out your range 2: You don’t need to add unnecessary adlibs to everything 3: don’t be cocky or full of yourself. Just because your the “singer” of the band does NOT mean you’re the most important
Very, very true. My sister is an excellent singer and even released an album. She can’t play ANY instruments. So as far as I’m concerned, she’s not a musician.
@@CKAandC when I said you’re not the most important if you’re the vocalist that doesn’t mean you aren’t important at all, it just means don’t try and be better than everyone. Being apart of a band is a team effort and not one guy and his backup dancers
@@totallyfrozen being a vocalist still means you’re a musician. I play instruments as well as sing HOWEVER if you ONLY sing you’re still a musician because you’re making music with your voice. You don’t have to play an instrument to be musical
@@nekozombie Yea, when I play it with my friends, the guitarist only comes in for the solo and instrumental, but bass is played the whole song. White Stripes was only comprised of Jack and Meg, so rip bass
literally what i did (sort of). one of my besties isnt a musician but is learning guitar so im helping her, my other two friends dont take the "band" seriously so its mainly us two practicing
Well i lasted the longest it took me about 5-6 minutes (his statement about cover bands) since i do plan to write my own songs but i plan to cover njrvana songs as more like a passion project secondary draw
I always tell people two pieces of advice when starting a band: 1. Demonstrate your value first. -Start demoing out ideas -Record videos of you playing -If you want quality candidates for band members you need materials to prove yourself. 2. Go to local shows and network. -It’s a massive gesture to other bands in your scene just to do the bare minimum and show up. Local bands are deprived of attention. -You are most likely to find like minded musicians at these small local shows. Tell people you’re starting a band and looking for members.
yeah I have advice for the songs. - Songs must have 2-4 verses, and 3 choruses maximum. - Outros are very cool, especially shorter ones like the end of Trapdoor by twenty one pilots. - Use digital instruments if you have to!
Once I tried to start a Dead Kennedys cover band easy right? I played everything except the bass so I only needed 1 other person. Ended up with some hippie stoner guy who couldnt learn even 1 SONG from smoking too much dope
What if the local science is non-existent cause I live in the middle of nowhere? I'm not trying to be a smartass, just curious. The nearest club is an hour away from my house lol
I would have agreed on this a few years back, but... Having good stamina as a drummer is really important, it will make playing easier, especially faster songs are easier to nail. Another big benefit is, is that you can be better on stage, instead of sweating your balls off trying to hit the final bars of your 240BPM deathmetal song you can move your body around, swing your sticks, look into the crowd, and believe me, being a good showman is totally worth going running twice a week. Being a good showman is 50% of being a 'succesfull' band. So yeah, go to the gym a few times a month or run a few times a week, even just drumming for long periods of time will boost your stamina. Beleive me, It'll help you a lot trying to get shows at decently sized venue's.
CaptainSloth I work out my arms everyday, and I run for school. I meant nobody knows that the drummer gets tired, unless you’ve been playing too long and then you complain. then they call you lazy and they say you complain too much, when they’re just moving their fingers a little
@@roentjen True, and taking a break is fine, but I've seen a few drummers that need breaks every 2-3 songs. imo you should be able to play atleast 30-60 minutes at a time depending on the genre.
i agree. i exercise my arms everyday to keep my strength for band practice. people are like where do u get ur muscles?? and i’m like *oh i got them from playing the drums*
@@Thecleetus huhuhhu its funni becuase you said bruhh hehehehehehehhehehehehehehrhehehhehrhehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehrheheheeheheheheehehhehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehheheheheehehehehehehheehhehehehehehehheeheh
What if someone played every instrument and also did vocals and then put them together for songs. And made a whole thriving band this way. You couldn't play live but, you could do only vocals for example.
I think covers aren't so bad necessarily; sometimes people just want to hear the music they like live. And it's soo much easier to get gigs with a repertoire that people actually wants to hear
My opinion has always been that covers are expected wherever food is served. Nobody wants to be stuck eating while a band debuts lyrics that make eyes roll off heads. Prioritize playing covers if your audience can’t escape or else be really really sure your material fits the venue.
@@electricfishfan Agree with this. Covers are for venues where most people want some familiar background noise. At the local punk scene you can play originals as long as it is fast and fun and nobody cares.
fully agree. My band’s first show was 100% covers, partially because we didn’t have any full originals, but also because the most fun i have at local shows is hearing them play songs i know and being able to sing along and see how they put their own spin on it. Especially at local shows where any loud music tends to just sound generically “hardcore” i think knowing the song and hearing how it deviates in their performance is much more entertaining
@@vermillion2023 I mean at a small club venue 90% of what you need to do to get remembered is stage presence because 90% of what you plat is gonna sound like a muddied mess of distortion and cymbals lmao. But also I feel like covers are more memorable because they show off the actual skill of the band (if there's any sort of decent sound control going on) if that makes sense.
There's an anime titled "Bocchi The Rock!" which encapsulates that feeling of playing your first gig with several people in the audience you can count on your two hands. I don't mind playing for a few people but I definitely would invite people I know to check us out to get at least two claps .
I don’t know if anyone needs this to hear this, but I just played my first gig yesterday evening. I remember seeing this a few months after it coming out and thinking I could never sing/learn an instrument and that music was just something I would have to stick to consuming rather than actually doing myself because of my dyspraxia (a hand-eye coordination disorder) and also my general insecurity. Then, a couple of months after I turned 14 I decided to get serious with learning guitar and singing in earnest. A bit under a year and a half later and I sang and played to a crowd of about 40 cheering people. I still can’t play or sing by the way!
im 15, and started piano since i was 5. but i quit after 8 yrs, at 13yo. i mean i can still play piano obvi, but i cant sight read instantly, i dont have perfect pitch either, etc. my friend (not a musician but is taking guitar lessons rn) and i are more serious about this band, idk who else to really 'recruit' cause most people i know are pianists and i cant really do anything other than piano 😭😭 i do know a bassist and drummer but im not really close to them
@@TamWam_ As others suggested and in this video, you should probably attend local events maybe you can find people you can form a band with; you'll probably see the bassist and drummer you know in an event; it's important to be able to communicate though because people won't know you're interested unless you told them so. Good luck .
@@cocainestupor1206 You guys need better bandmates, its a common misconception that you need to disrespect the bassist, it's the drummer... lets be real.
8 years full timer with tips to add. Building your set list: 1. Pick a song(s) 2. Everyone learn your parts individually 3. Run thru at soundcheck (goal is to get this down to 'once') 4. Don't be the one who didn't learn your part Also, there are only 4 reasons to pull a 'no show' for a gig, session, rehearsal: 1. Your personal death 2. Hostage 3. Hospitalization 4. Jail If you can find a group of people to honor this simple rule set (even if you can't stand each other) you'll have established the trajectory needed to maintain and improve your craft.
I wouldn’t agree with the “can’t stand each other” part. If you want to start a band, make sure you’re on good terms. A band that doesn’t have good chemistry won’t be able to succeed.
You should play in a band because it’s fun. The goal of art isn’t to be good, it’s to enjoy yourself. Play with your friends, practice until you have at least half an hour of material down as perfect as you can get it. Then, ask to play some shows. The money will be bad. You shouldn’t think about the money. 100% of the people that come to see you will have no investment in your music whatsoever, they just want to see live music. If you are good, which you probably aren’t, you might get noticed by someone. Don’t get your hopes up. Your band sucks, and that’s ok. It’s good, even. It means you have nothing to lose, you’re only doing it because it’s fun. That’s what it’s all about.
Nate: "If you're a drummer you should know how to play..." Me, a drummer who is only able to play Come Together: *holds breath* Nate: "...Come Together." Me: *exhales*
Actually! There's this band called chon and their song "no signal" was basically the drummer playing 4/4 beat while the guitars and bass play 15/16 (fun fact)
Very interesting song. The beginning almost sounds like it's using microrhythms, and you get a bit of that phasing effect you have with polyrhythms when the drums come in. I like it
5:54 . This is really relatable. I had a 6 hour session once, and at the end I went to see the drummer and he was laying out on the floor, completely shattered.
Drummer: plays chop suey Bass: plays seven nation army Guitar: plays margaritaville (Jimmy buffet) Vocalist: "and the rain will kill us all, throw our selves against the wall"
I really could have used some of this advice a few months ago, but my band figured it out. Some more tips: • make sure the name is original and MEMORABLE • don’t take any gigs you’re not ready for. even if it sounds like a lot of fun, it probably won’t be if you get up there with two covers and nothing else. • get a good long set so you’ll be prepared for anything • this shit takes a lot more time and energy than you might think. make sure you’re not too busy with other commitments • talk to people. as a person with a fair amount of anxiety, it can get really hard. but you gotta thank y’all for coming to my ted talk
beth marie hey bro you tryna give me some in detail tips? My friends and i have been thinking we should start a band considering we all play different instruments, bass drums guitar vocalist. We all have at least one of those skills. And we all like the same thrash metal music. But hey for real though what should we expect coming into this
I watched this video 1 year ago with my band when we just started and my drummer now said his dads friend owns a studio and thinks we’re ready to record a album. I never would have got here without you!
@Elijah So! My bass players sister got COVID and my drummers mom said we can’t come over till she’s better... so.... it will be delayed but in the meantime you can check out are channel
Thank you for releasing this video. I watched this 4 years ago and I've been working hard and played my first thrash metal concert last night for 100 people in the middle of nowhere idaho. I owe you everything Nate, thank you.
Ok. To all teens wondering how to start a rock band when you don’t know anyone who plays an instrument that likes rock: join a rock camp! It sounds stupid, but i know a group of girls, ages 13-16, who started out at a rock camp when they were ten, and they just got off their summer tour around america. i joined a rock camp a year ago and im playing a festival with my band in may. Seriously, go find a local rock camp.
So I see a lot of people in the comments saying that the intro crushed their dreams or something like that, but in all honesty that intro made me want to try one million times harder to get my music career going. I love ya Nate!
As a salty band veteran I loved this video! You’re doing a beautiful thing here. Help the kids keep live music alive! I found everything in this rather spot on. I’m here still trying to further my education on the band life.
Couple of extra bits that I've learnt from experience. 1) if you are lucky enough to fall into a scene, as much as you like the genre or what came before to create the genre, try to bring something new to it. 2) spend the money in your recordings. There are very very many "paywalls" within the music world. If you pour your money into anything, it should be recording. For a point of reference, the first album I recorded was with an 8 piece and we spent over 5 grand on it. Don't rush it, but do make sure you know your material back to front, know your dynamics and know what you want. If you want samples, bring your samples or either pre record some or bring what you want to record. Research the studio you record at. What work have they put out before? What caliber of bands are they recording. Will they understand what you are going for? Remember your recordings are forever and will always last longer than the band. It should be the best representation of you long term. 3) along with the hardships and struggle (boy is there alot of that) do you still enjoy it? If not what can you all do to change that? If not, time to move on. All clinging on to something because it used to bring you joy and that time being precious to you won't bring those feelings back. Those times will simultaneously always be with you, but also never be relived again. Be proud of what you did and work out your next step. Clinging on to something that you baby that is dead, will only taint it amd make you bitter with each other. Moving on is important and an invaluable tool to becoming a better musician. Your mistakes are for learning from. Final part - my band UNFUNFAIR are accessible through RUclips, spotify, bandcamp and Instagram. Go check us out and see what ridiculous shit we get up to. Good luck out there!
I tried to start a band with a guy who claimed to be a Virtuoso Guitarist and he couldnt learn the easiest songs. Then I started one with a guy who "Owned 2 houses" and yet he was homeless when his girlfriend kicked him out !!!!! haha
The reality of whats its like to be in a band is exactly what I want. I don't wanna perform on some huge stage or play halftime at the superbowl. I just wanna play inspired music at local places and have fun.
My dream is warped tour but that doesn’t exist anymore, I’m still perfectly content if I one day get to playing to a few hundred people in a park or something
literally everything you said made me more motivated to actually make a band. wish it wasnt 2:30 am because now im motivated to learn the bass more but instead i should definately be sleeping.
I’m shocked to discover that you are a popular youtuber. We went to school together at Initial Point. I always loved you playing your Ukele and it’s cool to see you have some recognition for your talents. Keep up the good work buddy!
Just did my first real local gig last night, and this dude is bang on right. Only thing I would say that I disagree with is about merch at your first gig, bring Demo CD's & any other little cheap things you can make, BUT GIVE THEM AWAY! Everybody LOVES FREE SHIT, and 90% of the world has the ability to play CD's, so if you make something decently listenable (not a phone recording... or any raw recording) chances are they will throw it in the car and give a listen on the way home or the next day or whatever.
@@jaberjjr Very rushed. The guy organising all the musicians (2nd band), not gonna name names, didn't send everyone a copy of the set times that the venue wanted. (Would've saved a lot of hastle!) So we thought we were getting there an hour early, turns out we were nearly an hour late so we had to set everything up asap, half our friends missed our show, and everyone had to shave a bit off their set. So yeah, when organising a gig make a group chat with every performer for the night, and put the definitive set times there for everyone to see.
as someone who also has performed live, this is true. another bit of advice is how important stage presence is. don’t just stand on the stage looking at the ceiling, jump around and have fun. it gets the crowd going more if they can tell that you are having fun. if you don’t know what to do specifically, the ol reliable is to just headbang edit: i didn’t watch the whole video before commenting, and he just talked about it
I always say: Everyone who can play an instrument wants to start a band, but few want to do the work it takes to start a band. The boring stuff is the most important part. The biggest issue I always had is that when it comes to actually practicing, coordinating our playing and sound, writing, etc you can get them to focus. You don't want to leave any tiny detail up to chance. Even improvised things need to be practiced in a sense. Remember, how everyone else plays reflects on you. No one is going to notice you're playing well when your drummer can't keep time. Everyone always gives crap to the Paul McCartney's of groups who they act like are stick in the muds that don't have fun, but their incessant nagging to get the fundamentals is why you sound decent at all.
Drummer here, tried to start a band with a guitarist (figured it would work, bands have succeeded with only two people). We were pretty good friends, talked every day, had some good laughs, all of it. Despite popular belief, I, the drummer, didn't cause many problems, save for being a bit of a grouch during some rehearsals due to staying up until 4 AM. Anyway, we were going to do a few covers for a show. He flaked less than a WEEK away. Pissed me off so badly. He was really starting to annoy me with how he would behave (he was one of those "I'm insecure but oh wait I'm not, but I AM depressed." What sucked is that he blamed me for everything. Saying that my attitude made him feel puny and whatever. His attitude described above was what I figured was why he thought that. He gave little to no explanation other than "Hey I'm not going to do this ok byee". And then when friends asked what happened to the gig after I told them not to come, and explained my side, as I said, HE acted like I was that bad guy. The dude annoyed me to no end, so I'm glad I dropped him and found a better musical partner :)
Im a drummer and i am also a hothead lol. I will take a lot of crap and not say anything for a long time and thats the problem they kniw they are able to get away with it until i explode and cant hold it in anymore
Back when I got done with active duty and went home in late 1970. I decided to look for other individuals that wanted to help me put a band together. Okay, some might think I'm the leader and yes I helped start this venture. The night , we, as a group played intermission for Little Joe and Familia, when introduced at half time show, the announcer stated "Robert's band," in which I corrected him quickly to announce, "Los Indio Mexicanos," even thou we were hard rock players and that is what we played: from Black Sabbath to Credence Clear Water Revival plus other popular tunes of that era. Yes, maybe I search out members and choose the music, teaching them the songs, but it was the efforts of the Band named Los Indios Mexicans consisting of; Willie Earl McDonald - singer, Alex Che Abrigo - drummer, Jessie Sepidia - Bassist, and myself Robert Ortega - guitarist to create music as a group. As a group I refuse to take sole credit because each of the mentioned artist were (in my opinion) equally essential that we did play for 5 of the top artistic Hispanic Groups intermission in 1971's at the only Spanish dance hall in Dimmitt, Texas. Those were fun days and I will always remember how good we were, and I emphasize "We!"
As someone who DID get a ukulele for Christmas, I never really touched it, and I picked up the electric guitar instead (I have also played piano for a decent minute. 13 years!). I've named my band Timeless, and it's gonna be full on glam metal. Wish me luck besties.
@GreenpeaThe_Rat made some great friends/bandmates, went to a lot of shows, those friends all turned out to be jerks, but I'm still playing! Still love that same old rock and roll!
Thanks for the drummer love man! Here's a fun tip for making sure the drummer is the star of the show, put them on a platform. We have a 3 foot platform in our garage where the drums go, and up there you're always the center.
Lucky me i get to live in washington dc the one upside from the constant rioting and crime is that we got a great music scene with dave grohls music club
@@michaelfeeney9147 I mean I live in a town of 20,000 people where the nearest city is 3 hours away, and also I'm a metalhead in the year 2021, I've never someone in a band in my entire life. What would this hypothetical scene you're describing even look like?
I used to rewatch this video nearly everyday a few years ago because I really wanted to start a band but I knew no instrument people, now me and my friend are starting a synth pop project. Thanks for that!
Me: finally realizes, that my high school friends suck at showing up AT ALL Me: wants to go to concerts to maybe find some people to play with Covid-19: I'm about to end this man's whole PLANS FOR 2020
Watched this same video about 2 years ago, and now im in a band who’s about to release its first album. I saw this on my fyp and felt like I had to rewatch it
I’ve been a professional full time musician for 14 years, I’ve played well over 1,000 shows in multiple bands and I can confirm that this is very good advice. Here is my addition: don’t go to school for music and make it your passion only to play in a bunch of cover bands for 14 years because it’s the only way to make a living in this business. Get a day job doing something more lucrative, make one band and just get the right people and the right music in that one band and go all out with it, have fun. You’ll be happier in the long run.
@@Tangerine2600 you do realize that most famous rock bands were told to “get real” “it’ll never happen” “that’s a childish dream” we need more motivation in this world, you sound like the stereotypical chad dad telling his son he’ll never make it as a rockstar
lmao fr i’m 13 and got my first fender strat the other night and i’ve been progressing pretty fast and good but since i’m 13 in 2019 everyone listens to shitty rap and new wave hip hop .. it’s gonna be hard for me to find jam buddies but next year i’ll be in high school and hopefully i can find some cool people there. have a good day
@@jack-uf6vv It takes some time. It took me a while to pull together a vocalist and two guitarists (I'm the drummer). Finding a bassist will be a bigger pain. But in 2019, I managed to find a group of kids that play instruments and like metal for my band. Keep at it brother, you'll make it. Ps. High school is a way better place to find people who share your interests. Good luck bro.
This video is really, really well put together. Alot of putting together a band is persistence and observation. The first band I formed took alot of trial and error but once you get the idea it gets alot easier.
Im a lot more of a hip hop guy, but i’ve started a band with people who swear by bands like My Chemical Romance. So far its been pretty fun, not really any band-politics or anything like that too. This experience has given me many great memories. And that would have never happened if I never watched this video. Thank you Nate. 🙏
MrAVENGER901 just a few months for the basics, like knowing progression such as I, IV, V. I,V,vi,IV(every pop song ever). I was in a band set up through the place I work, and we had a really great band coach who told us a little about that stuff. I recently learned my triads, scales numbers, 7th chords, and solfeg(do ri mi, I can’t remember how it’s actually spelled) this school year in a community college intro to theory class. I started when I was 16 and I’m 18 now so it took me around 2 years, but I went slow. If you were really serious about learning it, you could probably figure it out in a few months
Lol same. Been playing clarinets and saxes for seven years, bass and guitar for five, and am workin on keys and drums since I'm headed off to university next year to start a music ed and comp degree. I love how all the music stuff on youtube assumes that the people looking for info on getting into the industry are all sad teens
@@steve7745 well I mean 90% of the people actually are sad stupid teens , that listen to emo pop music ,who play the uke and dont know shit about armony etc.
I remember watching this when my band first started out. Now we're about ready to record a 7-8 song ep and we are really hyped to play our first gig (when corona is over). Just figured i would tell everyone in the comments somewhat of a sucess story. Do start a band, it's really fun but it's a lot of hard work.
15:00 Pro tip: /r/fakealbumcovers has a wealth of people experienced in PS and particularly albums covers who would be more than willing to accept pay to make a real album cover
I have a lot of trouble finding a bass player. Not because I can’t find someone who’s willing to pluck a string over and over, but because I actually want an honest-to-god bassist who understands their instrument well. I have an amazing drummer and I’ve put in my hours on piano and guitar, but the bassist is the missing piece, and arguably the most important one.
My first gig was pretty good. The place was small but totally packed which I didn’t think would happen because there was flash flooding. I guess I was lucky. My next gig was phenomenal. It was in San Francisco and I had car trouble on the way up from Los Angeles and got there just in time for the show. Woo! 🎉😂
"Give the drummer a break" I will but why doesn't he have a break while im TRYING TO TUNE MY BASS Edit: i'd say lots of likes is a good thing but it's just people relating to my pain. I still appreciate it though.
@@fridaynightsaturdaymorning849 in my experience. Drums are "never in tune" According to the drummers i've seen. Always waste half an hour trying to get a sound from a yt video they watched.
i love this guide so much, even if the beginning was a bit of a callout i’m still excited to make music and get life experience because of it, and hell if it means playing in my town for the rest of my days with just my mom as a fan then i’d call it a win for making it that far
THIS! Sure fame and whatever sounds nice to have, but that’s not everything yaknow? Sometimes it’s just coming together with my buddies and making a few songs, even if our only audience is our family members
Jared Nolastname (Is this genuine? Do you not know what Sealand is? I’m really not sure how to take your comment. It’s late for me and I’m not sure if I would exactly call myself sober. I’m sorry. I can delete this if I find out.)
found this super funny and use full. my friend keeps calling by bass a 'overgrown ukulele' and you mentioning this as I am sat next to my bass cracked me up at times.
As someone who’s been in plenty of bands over the years it’s nice seeing someone putting almost all the life lessons you learn into one condensed video. Some other tips I’d personally give as someone who just started another band 6 months ago with an EP out: 1. Songwriting for us isn’t always someone having a riff ready. We usually play a La Dispute cover and then just sort of jam until we stumble on something we like. As soon as it catches our ear, we hit record for like 20 minutes going through different things that do and don’t work with it. This makes it easier for me to flesh out recording into my DAW later to make a cohesive song that ultimately still goes through changes. 2. Staying active in your local scene is most important. Make sure you get to know plenty of people locally. BUT don’t go to bigger shows and think you can’t make connections. You most certainly can make connections at bigger shows and it may pay off one day. Never underestimate making a good impression on the right people. If I hadn’t given an impression, I wouldn’t have been able to take pictures on the last 3 years of Warped Tour. Don’t be pushy, try to make an impression, and maybe you’ll catch a number, an email, or a Facebook account. 3. Run your songs by others in the music world before release. You’ll hopefully get honest feedback, whether it’s “more dynamics here” or “make that solo really rip” or “I can’t hear the rhythm guitar in the mix.” Working well off of constructive criticism is something that will take you from a good to a great band. 4. This was said but it needs to be said louder for the people in the back: STAGE PRESENCE. If I go to one more show where you plebs are just standing still and expecting all 8 people who showed up to enjoy it you’re dead wrong. In my experience, grab a drink to loosen up (if you’re old enough). Don’t misunderstand me here, I never have nor ever will go onstage absolutely plastered, as that is a route for disaster. One or two beers before a show drank casually can really loosen you up to not care about your social anxiety like me and just let go. Be someone else on stage. Prove you love doing it. It can take time as well. My first performances onstage in high school were particularly disgusting. As you get more comfortable with the craft, you become more open onstage. 4. As your band will inevitably suck at first, when playing shows, I give you the advice my 6th-12th grade band teacher always gave us: PLAY THROUGH THE MISTAKES. Nothing will kill your set faster than one person switching to the chorus too soon or the drummer playing the wrong beats and then everyone comes crashing down like a pile of bricks on a foundation of crap. If someone messes up, it is up to you as a band to hopefully mesh well enough to recover and power through. NEVER stop playing the song. This happened to me twice in one set at a decent venue opening for SayWeCanFly and The Icarus Account, but because we were all capable musicians, we recovered and made it seem like it was part of the song. If you can do that with your band mates then you’re all doing something right. 5. If you’re in a college town (such as myself) then check out if you have any student radio stations and shoot them an email. They generally deal with smaller and independent acts and are more likely to play your songs, run a story about or an interview with you. 6. Don’t waste your time sending demos to record labels. They won’t open them. This is advice from my Music Industry professor. They see your music as a legal liability if they even open the package. Imagine you send a major label a song, never hear anything back, and then a few months later you hear a song on the radio impeccably like yours. You lawyer up and it’s time to sue. If the label never opened your package, you likely have no case. Ergo, don’t waste your time. If people like your stuff, the labels will come to you. 7. This band stuff is a lot of work and responsibility, and some of you will undoubtedly pull more weight than the rest of your band members but at the end of the day, JUST HAVE FUN. If you keep your head out of the clouds and just roll with having a blast then I guarantee you get more out of it than killing yourself and selling your soul trying to “make it.” You’ll get burnt out and discouraged quick like that. Keep it fun, run it like a business, and you’ll feel much better for it. Thank you for coming to MY ted talk, as another user has already gave his.
Whenever I'm on a stage for a show, I disassociate. I am not me on stage I'm a character built purely as a mean to entertain. It's hard but it makes me a pretty good actor.
I just made a band and we have a gig but advice for other bands of you aren't prepared to play a gig then turn it down. Thanks Nate you make great content!!
I remember watching this video when it came out thinking "That's so cool. I wish this could be me in a band. But there's no way." And here we are, my band releasing our first single in a couple of days :) During our whole journey this video has been in the back of my mind. As I joined a band, I remembered this video, but thought "No way. We're just playing around, badly covering grunge." As we worked on our first original song, I remembered this video, but thought "Yeah, still, this is probably just a one time thing, and it isn't even that good." As we organized our first gig, I remembered this video and thought "Hm. We've gone through a lot of phases." As we finished recording our first single a few days ago, I remembered the exact line from the video that most bands don't reach the recording stage. And I thought "There."
1:13 Phase One: Getting Ready
3:42 Phase Two: Assembeling The Band
4:44 Phase Three: First Practice
6:16 Phase Four: Continuous Practices
7:52 Phase Five: First Gig
9:11 Phase Six: Continuous Gigs
13:43 Phase Seven: Recording
14:53 Phase Eight: Release/Publicity
16:23 Phase Nine: Fast Tips
18:19 Phase Ten: Closing Remarks
Unappriciated Successful Anarchists I’m guessing you had the time to do this because your in quarantine
@@loganeast8248, I Did This BEFORE Quarantine To Be Honest
@@thegrindcoreenthusiast7293 big brain. but for real tho, this was probably helpful for many people
Phase 11: Split up
Phase 12: Make a solo
Phase 13 get bad reviews on the solo
Phase 14: Drugs???
Phase 15: get back together
Winner of a video, I've been looking for "zombie survival guide max brooks" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Ryanzon Survival Genie - (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? Ive heard some awesome things about it and my colleague got amazing success with it.
i really hope someone sees this and think "I dont care if Im successful! I just wanna have FUN!" and then become like the band who changes the whole music history
That's the point dawg ✊
Eek
Thats cause they play for music not money, and in doing so theyre good
Basically modern Beatles?
THAT, THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO BE. Have a nice form of rock and play some shows, get a guy looking to be our manager one day down the line, play larger gigs all while still having fun
even if I'm never famous and am stuck in small bar gigs, making music with my friends would mean the world to me
That's the mindset you should have
Yep just playing with your pals after school and having a good time is enough to make me happy 😆
Same here, but I don't really havw any friends lmao
I cant rly do that but I desperately want to. I can barely write a song but there's one I've been working on since June which I work on every week sometimes.
I'm definitely not old enough to get in bars and clubs but I hope my college music section let's me mesh with their students.
Same :’)
"And dont play smells like teen spirit"
*Plays come as you are*
I mean if you wanna put your audience to sleep go for it
NateIsLame as a Nirvana fan, your not wrong. Come As You Are is a really boring song and I frequently skip it.
@@justaladTaken but its gooood
kakashi hatake play songs from bleach
In Indonesia, jus go ahead play smell like teen spirit.
As the vocalist for my band, here’s tips for beginner vocalists:
1: KNOW WHAT GENRE YOUR BAND IS! This helps a ton when you are figuring out your range
2: You don’t need to add unnecessary adlibs to everything
3: don’t be cocky or full of yourself. Just because your the “singer” of the band does NOT mean you’re the most important
yeah, nobody listens to a capella, but alot listen to instrumental
Very, very true. My sister is an excellent singer and even released an album. She can’t play ANY instruments. So as far as I’m concerned, she’s not a musician.
i have a very disorganised "band", like no one here takes it seriously and apparently 2 members have beef 💀💀
@@CKAandC when I said you’re not the most important if you’re the vocalist that doesn’t mean you aren’t important at all, it just means don’t try and be better than everyone. Being apart of a band is a team effort and not one guy and his backup dancers
@@totallyfrozen being a vocalist still means you’re a musician. I play instruments as well as sing HOWEVER if you ONLY sing you’re still a musician because you’re making music with your voice. You don’t have to play an instrument to be musical
I'm only starting a band with people who stand with loded diper
CoopStu Yes
Can I join I was forced to learn how to play the recorder because, school and stuff
@@_am_i_ell_ the recorder will be the lead instrument
CoopStu yay I just about know the mii channel music
@@_am_i_ell_ perfect!
"Bass players should know Seven Nation Army"
**plays literally nothing**
too true, but I guess it would still work on a bass guitar
@@nekozombie Yea, when I play it with my friends, the guitarist only comes in for the solo and instrumental, but bass is played the whole song. White Stripes was only comprised of Jack and Meg, so rip bass
As someone who played bass this is true
@@nekozombie it was the second song I learned on bass. First song was another one bites the dust
@@thetravelingmarauder1777 lol yeah everyone's first song is Another One Bites the Dust
nate: "your first show sucked, but your next few aren't,"
me: yes, i too love grammar.
Humm, yes, the floor here is made out of floor.
grandma**
ReBeL oh.
My second show aren't sucked
@Peeps explain
Or, different option for Phase 1: Become friends with the musicians at your school, find the best ones and ask them to join your band
doesn't work if you're in your 20s haha
@@Zack-bl2ggI went on various “find a band” websites plus local Facebook groups and found members through that method!
literally what i did (sort of). one of my besties isnt a musician but is learning guitar so im helping her, my other two friends dont take the "band" seriously so its mainly us two practicing
Doesn't work if your homeschooled 😭
(Someone help me...)
I tried but they already had their own band and hogged all the best musicians so only losers are left available
How to start a band in two easy steps:
Step one: Start the Band
Step Two: End the band
Twilight Exabyte lOL
Repeat the process until it works
*My Chemical Romance has left the chat*
ok my chemical romance
My chemical frickin romance
“AC/DC and Led Zeppelin”
**PROCEEDS TO SHOW NIRVANA AND GUNS AND ROSES**
Bob Ross
*Guns N Roses*
I’m sorry
r/beatmetoit
r/beatmeattoit
@@baseballcentral5355 lmao I was about to say that-
Not even a minute into the video, and I've been attacked
@Michael Taylor Oh no I'm scared
Not even 20 seconds into the video and I've been attacked
Well i lasted the longest it took me about 5-6 minutes (his statement about cover bands) since i do plan to write my own songs but i plan to cover njrvana songs as more like a passion project secondary draw
I actually got a pink ukulele a Month ago so imagine how I felt
Lemme guess, you like Billie Eillish and you diagnosed yourself with depression?
I always tell people two pieces of advice when starting a band:
1. Demonstrate your value first.
-Start demoing out ideas
-Record videos of you playing
-If you want quality candidates for band members you need materials to prove yourself.
2. Go to local shows and network.
-It’s a massive gesture to other bands in your scene just to do the bare minimum and show up. Local bands are deprived of attention.
-You are most likely to find like minded musicians at these small local shows. Tell people you’re starting a band and looking for members.
yeah I have advice for the songs.
- Songs must have 2-4 verses, and 3 choruses maximum.
- Outros are very cool, especially shorter ones like the end of Trapdoor by twenty one pilots.
- Use digital instruments if you have to!
Once I tried to start a Dead Kennedys cover band easy right? I played everything except the bass so I only needed 1 other person. Ended up with some hippie stoner guy
who couldnt learn even 1 SONG from smoking too much dope
What if the local science is non-existent cause I live in the middle of nowhere? I'm not trying to be a smartass, just curious. The nearest club is an hour away from my house lol
So yeah this is a late comment but really what should i do if i there are no local shows?
“give the drummer a break”
thank you.
I would have agreed on this a few years back, but...
Having good stamina as a drummer is really important, it will make playing easier, especially faster songs are easier to nail. Another big benefit is, is that you can be better on stage, instead of sweating your balls off trying to hit the final bars of your 240BPM deathmetal song you can move your body around, swing your sticks, look into the crowd, and believe me, being a good showman is totally worth going running twice a week. Being a good showman is 50% of being a 'succesfull' band.
So yeah, go to the gym a few times a month or run a few times a week, even just drumming for long periods of time will boost your stamina. Beleive me, It'll help you a lot trying to get shows at decently sized venue's.
CaptainSloth I work out my arms everyday, and I run for school. I meant nobody knows that the drummer gets tired, unless you’ve been playing too long and then you complain. then they call you lazy and they say you complain too much, when they’re just moving their fingers a little
@@roentjen True, and taking a break is fine, but I've seen a few drummers that need breaks every 2-3 songs. imo you should be able to play atleast 30-60 minutes at a time depending on the genre.
i agree. i exercise my arms everyday to keep my strength for band practice. people are like where do u get ur muscles?? and i’m like *oh i got them from playing the drums*
Ikr
my dreams were crushed within the first 40 seconds of this video.
-`, Sukeruton shit if u believe in it then do it honestly
-`, Sukeruton Samee
That's the problem with being in some generic heavy metal band. Be original, and it shouldn't be hard to do
That’s.. why he’s here
Checkmate ukulele players
Imagine looking for band members when you can just clone yourself
bruh
@@Thecleetus huhuhhu its funni becuase you said bruhh hehehehehehehhehehehehehehrhehehhehrhehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehrheheheeheheheheehehhehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehheheheheehehehehehehheehhehehehehehehheeheh
STEVEN AND THE STEVENS WE’RE GONNAAAA MAKE YOU SMILLLLLLEEEEEEE
Steve got kicked out of the band though for playing 035 too much
What if someone played every instrument and also did vocals and then put them together for songs. And made a whole thriving band this way. You couldn't play live but, you could do only vocals for example.
I think covers aren't so bad necessarily; sometimes people just want to hear the music they like live. And it's soo much easier to get gigs with a repertoire that people actually wants to hear
My opinion has always been that covers are expected wherever food is served. Nobody wants to be stuck eating while a band debuts lyrics that make eyes roll off heads. Prioritize playing covers if your audience can’t escape or else be really really sure your material fits the venue.
@@electricfishfan Agree with this. Covers are for venues where most people want some familiar background noise. At the local punk scene you can play originals as long as it is fast and fun and nobody cares.
fully agree. My band’s first show was 100% covers, partially because we didn’t have any full originals, but also because the most fun i have at local shows is hearing them play songs i know and being able to sing along and see how they put their own spin on it. Especially at local shows where any loud music tends to just sound generically “hardcore” i think knowing the song and hearing how it deviates in their performance is much more entertaining
I mean covers can be great if you try to put your own spin on them, but covers will probably never make people actually remember you.
@@vermillion2023 I mean at a small club venue 90% of what you need to do to get remembered is stage presence because 90% of what you plat is gonna sound like a muddied mess of distortion and cymbals lmao. But also I feel like covers are more memorable because they show off the actual skill of the band (if there's any sort of decent sound control going on) if that makes sense.
Says people who swear by AC/DC and Led Zeppelin
Shows people wearing nirvana and guns and roses shirts
Jonathan Melgoza same energy
@@troycrann3933 Not even close.
Michelle you mean to tell me you don’t categorize guns n roses and AC/DC together
@@troycrann3933 ye but not zeppelin
I had a slight aneurism with that 😖
When he said give the drummer a break cause he's killing himself while you tweedle your fingers, I felt that
Brennan Hales Ah yes a fellow stick wielder
Stick wielder gang
@@zac1192 ayyyy
Gang gang
But my forearm gets tired too when i tweedle my fingers :(
"If you want be performing in front of 9 people at a time.."
Wow, setting the expectations high
Lol
This. 5 people is a large crowd on your first gig. You better be grateful if you manage to squeeze a round of applause out of them.
There's an anime titled "Bocchi The Rock!" which encapsulates that feeling of playing your first gig with several people in the audience you can count on your two hands. I don't mind playing for a few people but I definitely would invite people I know to check us out to get at least two claps .
I don’t know if anyone needs this to hear this, but I just played my first gig yesterday evening. I remember seeing this a few months after it coming out and thinking I could never sing/learn an instrument and that music was just something I would have to stick to consuming rather than actually doing myself because of my dyspraxia (a hand-eye coordination disorder) and also my general insecurity. Then, a couple of months after I turned 14 I decided to get serious with learning guitar and singing in earnest. A bit under a year and a half later and I sang and played to a crowd of about 40 cheering people. I still can’t play or sing by the way!
Congrats on getting your first gig!!
I don't get it. You said that you can't play or sing, but you played and sang for 40. How was that?
im 15, and started piano since i was 5. but i quit after 8 yrs, at 13yo. i mean i can still play piano obvi, but i cant sight read instantly, i dont have perfect pitch either, etc. my friend (not a musician but is taking guitar lessons rn) and i are more serious about this band, idk who else to really 'recruit' cause most people i know are pianists and i cant really do anything other than piano 😭😭 i do know a bassist and drummer but im not really close to them
@@TamWam_ As others suggested and in this video, you should probably attend local events maybe you can find people you can form a band with; you'll probably see the bassist and drummer you know in an event; it's important to be able to communicate though because people won't know you're interested unless you told them so. Good luck .
Congrats! I’ve just turned 13 and looking to get a guitar when I move :)
You forgot to add that your band mates NEED to disrespect the bass player. (I play bass)
wullum888 same im so disrespected it makes me want to die
@@cocainestupor1206 You guys need better bandmates, its a common misconception that you need to disrespect the bassist, it's the drummer... lets be real.
Haha you play bass because you can’t play guitar :p
@@3sjstill438Hey don't pool me into this shitpile. I'm a Guitarist/Vocalist who respects my bassist
Zachary Jollimore no 😂
*when you can’t yet afford a decent bass so you buy a children’s ukulele to practice*
i still feel attacked
I just bought my first bass but for the last year I've been practising on a uke that can't keep it's tune
I had one and my teacher made me play bass since i habe an ukulele
Yep me too bass is so different to a ukulele
1000th like (and yes I know most people don’t care)
That really reminds me of something:
Me: Can I have a *BASS* at home
Mom: We already had a *BASS* at home
*BASS* at home: *UKULELE*
8 years full timer with tips to add.
Building your set list:
1. Pick a song(s)
2. Everyone learn your parts individually
3. Run thru at soundcheck (goal is to get this down to 'once')
4. Don't be the one who didn't learn your part
Also, there are only 4 reasons to pull a 'no show' for a gig, session, rehearsal:
1. Your personal death
2. Hostage
3. Hospitalization
4. Jail
If you can find a group of people to honor this simple rule set (even if you can't stand each other) you'll have established the trajectory needed to maintain and improve your craft.
GOOD TIPS
I wouldn’t agree with the “can’t stand each other” part. If you want to start a band, make sure you’re on good terms. A band that doesn’t have good chemistry won’t be able to succeed.
@@tomney4460 Well Cobain changed his drummer at least 3 times and The Beatles had a stroke finding Ringo...
@@vcl_andre What I meant was that the problems start when people try to form a band without making any changes to improve their chemistry.
I can clearly see a fellow musician skipping a gig cos he' s/she's in jail hahaha
You should play in a band because it’s fun. The goal of art isn’t to be good, it’s to enjoy yourself. Play with your friends, practice until you have at least half an hour of material down as perfect as you can get it. Then, ask to play some shows. The money will be bad. You shouldn’t think about the money. 100% of the people that come to see you will have no investment in your music whatsoever, they just want to see live music. If you are good, which you probably aren’t, you might get noticed by someone. Don’t get your hopes up. Your band sucks, and that’s ok. It’s good, even. It means you have nothing to lose, you’re only doing it because it’s fun. That’s what it’s all about.
Nate: "If you're a drummer you should know how to play..."
Me, a drummer who is only able to play Come Together: *holds breath*
Nate: "...Come Together."
Me: *exhales*
lmaooo n i c e
@Henry Bushell yes luckily
@Henry Bushell ik ur not talking to me, but i learned SOAD toxicity
@@forever_spiteful yes very good sir
@Henry Bushell why thank you
"Is the drummer's time signature a little bit off?"
The rest of the band was in 4/4, but I think the drummer was around 15/16.
Actually! There's this band called chon and their song "no signal" was basically the drummer playing 4/4 beat while the guitars and bass play 15/16 (fun fact)
Very interesting song. The beginning almost sounds like it's using microrhythms, and you get a bit of that phasing effect you have with polyrhythms when the drums come in. I like it
@@Kaonashimusic 827/9176
Pecuman wow this totally works, thanks for this song
Led zeppelin did something like this in black dog
"Give the drummer a break"
[Happy drummer noise]
This put an image of the dog from the original meme but with drum sticks in my head
Martes, youre a person with actual heart, not prosthetic, thank you
Ba dum tsss
5:54 . This is really relatable. I had a 6 hour session once, and at the end I went to see the drummer and he was laying out on the floor, completely shattered.
Drummer: plays chop suey
Bass: plays seven nation army
Guitar: plays margaritaville (Jimmy buffet)
Vocalist: "and the rain will kill us all, throw our selves against the wall"
why do I have a feeling if these songs were played together at different parts it would lowkey be a bop..?
@@longinuscyclone213 bop?
@@pirateswiggity5278 a good song, essentially
*throw
@@emmabalfour1931 thx
"do not sleep with fans"
*pierce the veil comes up*
dammit mike!
whats happened tho ive been away from ptv for so long
@@soraka7698 ion remember exacts but he slept with a fan and she accused him of sexual assault I think
Broo there coming back this year thooo
@@kitkatqueen214 one can dream
*Motley Crue enters the chat*
The fun part about starting a band is that you meet new people, make friends, and become really part of a scene
You got it 100%
I really could have used some of this advice a few months ago, but my band figured it out. Some more tips:
• make sure the name is original and MEMORABLE
• don’t take any gigs you’re not ready for. even if it sounds like a lot of fun, it probably won’t be if you get up there with two covers and nothing else.
• get a good long set so you’ll be prepared for anything
• this shit takes a lot more time and energy than you might think. make sure you’re not too busy with other commitments
• talk to people. as a person with a fair amount of anxiety, it can get really hard. but you gotta
thank y’all for coming to my ted talk
FANTASTIC tips!!!
I got to my first gig with two covers of the same band and people liked us
beth marie hey bro you tryna give me some in detail tips? My friends and i have been thinking we should start a band considering we all play different instruments, bass drums guitar vocalist. We all have at least one of those skills. And we all like the same thrash metal music. But hey for real though what should we expect coming into this
Let's get this guy to 1k likes
"Bass player should know Seven Nation Army"
Bass player of White Stripes:
Its a bass riff, and you cant change my mind
just a amateur it’s literally w guitar pedal riff
It’s a guitar thing but any band you ever see do a cover of it will almost definitely use bass
@@ArbiterBrick i know, but its for the bass, you cant change my mind
@@justaamateur6533 its for guitar with a pedal, jack plays a guitar not a bass
I watched this video 1 year ago with my band when we just started and my drummer now said his dads friend owns a studio and thinks we’re ready to record a album. I never would have got here without you!
THAT'S AMAZING
@Elijah So! My bass players sister got COVID and my drummers mom said we can’t come over till she’s better... so.... it will be delayed but in the meantime you can check out are channel
@@blametheinternet9983 How's it going and what's your band name?
Thank you for releasing this video. I watched this 4 years ago and I've been working hard and played my first thrash metal concert last night for 100 people in the middle of nowhere idaho. I owe you everything Nate, thank you.
Ok. To all teens wondering how to start a rock band when you don’t know anyone who plays an instrument that likes rock: join a rock camp! It sounds stupid, but i know a group of girls, ages 13-16, who started out at a rock camp when they were ten, and they just got off their summer tour around america. i joined a rock camp a year ago and im playing a festival with my band in may. Seriously, go find a local rock camp.
What do you do there
can you learn to play gutiar there? Electric gutiar? (I can never spell gutiar lmao)
SERO BEATS oh yeah! I go to this program called school of rock and I get lessons as well as group rehearsals
@@davesargent8748 omg school of rock!!! the memories
@@davesargent8748 Ayyy I go to School of Rock! I met 2 of the members of my band there.
So I see a lot of people in the comments saying that the intro crushed their dreams or something like that, but in all honesty that intro made me want to try one million times harder to get my music career going. I love ya Nate!
Same
same!!!!
Hell yeah same
“You’re probably watching Emo bands”
No, I just watched the movie of diary of a wimpy kid and wanna start a band.
Roderick is the king of rock bands change my mind
loded diper baby
@@lovely_me6440 I can't-
Rodrick is who inspired me to get into rock n roll😎🎸
Nah I’ve been listening to megadeth and felt like a band might be fun maybe
As a salty band veteran I loved this video! You’re doing a beautiful thing here. Help the kids keep live music alive! I found everything in this rather spot on. I’m here still trying to further my education on the band life.
im starting a band.
im a sophomore in high school.
i have 12 songs written atm for 1 of 2 albums.
ill be back in 4 years with an update.
Ronnie Ryan good luck!
Ronnie Ryan good luck
You can do it man don’t give up!
Best wishes mate :)))
hope all goes well. good luck!
Girlfriends in rehearsal are forbidden.
FOR-BI-DDEN
I don't know if this is politically correct or not, but significant others generally don't know when to sHUT UP during practice.
@@NateIsLame Good god you are mean.... I love it! Lol :)
What if she is a member of your band 0_o
scott the pilgrim reference i love it 😌
Feel Lord unless you are Scott Pilgram.
I'm 13, Im learning guitar,
and i want to start a band
I'll be back in 4 years with an update
Right there with u!
I'm 13 too and i'm learning drums, maybe we can jam sometime?
@@crazykosiarka imagine starting a band over a yt comment section lol
@@theneverlandfairy4832 lol
@@theneverlandfairy4832 That would be funny actually
Couple of extra bits that I've learnt from experience.
1) if you are lucky enough to fall into a scene, as much as you like the genre or what came before to create the genre, try to bring something new to it.
2) spend the money in your recordings. There are very very many "paywalls" within the music world. If you pour your money into anything, it should be recording. For a point of reference, the first album I recorded was with an 8 piece and we spent over 5 grand on it. Don't rush it, but do make sure you know your material back to front, know your dynamics and know what you want. If you want samples, bring your samples or either pre record some or bring what you want to record. Research the studio you record at. What work have they put out before? What caliber of bands are they recording. Will they understand what you are going for? Remember your recordings are forever and will always last longer than the band. It should be the best representation of you long term.
3) along with the hardships and struggle (boy is there alot of that) do you still enjoy it? If not what can you all do to change that? If not, time to move on. All clinging on to something because it used to bring you joy and that time being precious to you won't bring those feelings back. Those times will simultaneously always be with you, but also never be relived again. Be proud of what you did and work out your next step. Clinging on to something that you baby that is dead, will only taint it amd make you bitter with each other. Moving on is important and an invaluable tool to becoming a better musician. Your mistakes are for learning from.
Final part - my band UNFUNFAIR are accessible through RUclips, spotify, bandcamp and Instagram. Go check us out and see what ridiculous shit we get up to.
Good luck out there!
I tried to start a band with a guy who claimed to be a Virtuoso Guitarist and he couldnt learn the easiest songs. Then I started one with a guy who "Owned 2 houses" and yet he was homeless when his girlfriend kicked him out !!!!! haha
I'm 16. I'm latin. I can play the guitar. I'm teaching my friends bass and drums.
I'll be back in 4 years with an update.
Good luck!
Good luck
Good luck m8
Someone remind me-
Are you still Latin?
The bass player is always available for practice lmao
Zombies AF as a bass player, i am always bored and always available to practice lmao
Tyler Gutierrez same I’m literally never busy
Tyler Gutierrez lmfao lonely bass player gang gang
True
Bands don't need bass players anymore really
The reality of whats its like to be in a band is exactly what I want. I don't wanna perform on some huge stage or play halftime at the superbowl. I just wanna play inspired music at local places and have fun.
Sounds like you're better poised than most to succeed.
I know Musician Lingo- "Lets do only IMPROV" means "Im too stoned to learn actual songs" .... So if you hear that phrase, RUN.
My dream is warped tour but that doesn’t exist anymore, I’m still perfectly content if I one day get to playing to a few hundred people in a park or something
Same bro
the worst thing that could happen to you is having your song go viral on tiktok and ur instantly popular. i wouldnt want that
literally everything you said made me more motivated to actually make a band. wish it wasnt 2:30 am because now im motivated to learn the bass more but instead i should definately be sleeping.
did you ever start one?
@@nobodyspecial7759 my friends and me were gonna but we live across the country from each other so its kinda hard lol
@@GarfieldLover959 Go to shows, make friends
I’m shocked to discover that you are a popular youtuber. We went to school together at Initial Point. I always loved you playing your Ukele and it’s cool to see you have some recognition for your talents. Keep up the good work buddy!
“They have this weird thing called dignity.”
love your profile pic
Just did my first real local gig last night, and this dude is bang on right.
Only thing I would say that I disagree with is about merch at your first gig, bring Demo CD's & any other little cheap things you can make, BUT GIVE THEM AWAY!
Everybody LOVES FREE SHIT, and 90% of the world has the ability to play CD's, so if you make something decently listenable (not a phone recording... or any raw recording) chances are they will throw it in the car and give a listen on the way home or the next day or whatever.
How'd your gig go?
(also thanks for the advice, if I ever get to the point of performing live I'll bear it in mind)
@@jaberjjr
Very rushed.
The guy organising all the musicians (2nd band), not gonna name names, didn't send everyone a copy of the set times that the venue wanted. (Would've saved a lot of hastle!)
So we thought we were getting there an hour early, turns out we were nearly an hour late so we had to set everything up asap, half our friends missed our show, and everyone had to shave a bit off their set.
So yeah, when organising a gig make a group chat with every performer for the night, and put the definitive set times there for everyone to see.
Free stickers are easy, cheap, effective, and people want them.
What's your band called? I would love to hear some of the music
as someone who also has performed live, this is true. another bit of advice is how important stage presence is. don’t just stand on the stage looking at the ceiling, jump around and have fun. it gets the crowd going more if they can tell that you are having fun. if you don’t know what to do specifically, the ol reliable is to just headbang
edit: i didn’t watch the whole video before commenting, and he just talked about it
I always say: Everyone who can play an instrument wants to start a band, but few want to do the work it takes to start a band. The boring stuff is the most important part.
The biggest issue I always had is that when it comes to actually practicing, coordinating our playing and sound, writing, etc you can get them to focus. You don't want to leave any tiny detail up to chance.
Even improvised things need to be practiced in a sense. Remember, how everyone else plays reflects on you. No one is going to notice you're playing well when your drummer can't keep time.
Everyone always gives crap to the Paul McCartney's of groups who they act like are stick in the muds that don't have fun, but their incessant nagging to get the fundamentals is why you sound decent at all.
Don’t wear logos:
Me having pretty much all Metallica shirts: FFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUU
*shows a mcr t-shirt*
me: *looks down at my mcr shirt that i'm wearing*
Turn it backwards wit wear it inside-out lmao
well fuck i always wear band shirts during performances lmao
Most of my shirts are band shirts lol
The one I'm wearing rn is Mayhem
my 3 favorite shirts: q-q
nates declassified band survival guide
Reworked title of Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide man I loved that show
@@Blackout_1692 gosh, me too
yay found other nedders
Omg i loved that
@@same_as_above he has a new one, simian Jimmy
Drummer here, tried to start a band with a guitarist (figured it would work, bands have succeeded with only two people). We were pretty good friends, talked every day, had some good laughs, all of it.
Despite popular belief, I, the drummer, didn't cause many problems, save for being a bit of a grouch during some rehearsals due to staying up until 4 AM. Anyway, we were going to do a few covers for a show.
He flaked less than a WEEK away. Pissed me off so badly. He was really starting to annoy me with how he would behave (he was one of those "I'm insecure but oh wait I'm not, but I AM depressed."
What sucked is that he blamed me for everything. Saying that my attitude made him feel puny and whatever. His attitude described above was what I figured was why he thought that. He gave little to no explanation other than "Hey I'm not going to do this ok byee". And then when friends asked what happened to the gig after I told them not to come, and explained my side, as I said, HE acted like I was that bad guy.
The dude annoyed me to no end, so I'm glad I dropped him and found a better musical partner :)
"I'm insecure but oh wait I'm not, but I AM depressed.", I just became a better person, how dare you!
@@christopherhollis7022 ?
@@Chiickiienuggiies That's totally me and it made me look at myself
@@christopherhollis7022 oh well, good for you :) (I swear I mean it positively lol)
Im a drummer and i am also a hothead lol. I will take a lot of crap and not say anything for a long time and thats the problem they kniw they are able to get away with it until i explode and cant hold it in anymore
Back when I got done with active duty and went home in late 1970. I decided to look for other individuals that wanted to help me put a band together. Okay, some might think I'm the leader and yes I helped start this venture. The night , we, as a group played intermission for Little Joe and Familia, when introduced at half time show, the announcer stated "Robert's band," in which I corrected him quickly to announce, "Los Indio Mexicanos," even thou we were hard rock players and that is what we played: from Black Sabbath to Credence Clear Water Revival plus other popular tunes of that era. Yes, maybe I search out members and choose the music, teaching them the songs, but it was the efforts of the Band named Los Indios Mexicans consisting of; Willie Earl McDonald - singer, Alex Che Abrigo - drummer, Jessie Sepidia - Bassist, and myself Robert Ortega - guitarist to create music as a group. As a group I refuse to take sole credit because each of the mentioned artist were (in my opinion) equally essential that we did play for 5 of the top artistic Hispanic Groups intermission in 1971's at the only Spanish dance hall in Dimmitt, Texas. Those were fun days and I will always remember how good we were, and I emphasize "We!"
The singer was Willie Earl McDonald, the Bassist was Jessie Sepedia, and drummer was Alex Che Abrigo.
"how to start a band"
intro is about how you will never be a successful band.
it's still a band, even though it isn't successful
Gyan success is different for other people
I think it was a bit, buddy
I don’t even wanna be a rockstar i wanna be a tattoo artist and that still made me depressed
Fr though
"Bass players should know seven nation army"
ExCuSe mE sIr tHat Is ofFEnSiVe.
Seinfeld theme
The "bass" in seven nation army is a vintage acoustic guitar
As a drummer that’s the only song I can by heart...
Yeah well don’t stop believing is on piano, not keyboard, so y’know.
@@Ellie_R. *bum bum bum bum bum bum bum bum bum bum bum bum*
As someone who DID get a ukulele for Christmas, I never really touched it, and I picked up the electric guitar instead (I have also played piano for a decent minute. 13 years!). I've named my band Timeless, and it's gonna be full on glam metal. Wish me luck besties.
Good luck! I used to be in a glam metal band, I miss it a lot. Hope things work out for yours
How is it going?
Have you made some music? Where can I hear it?
Hey, just checking in. How’s it going?
@GreenpeaThe_Rat made some great friends/bandmates, went to a lot of shows, those friends all turned out to be jerks, but I'm still playing! Still love that same old rock and roll!
Thanks for the drummer love man! Here's a fun tip for making sure the drummer is the star of the show, put them on a platform. We have a 3 foot platform in our garage where the drums go, and up there you're always the center.
Imagine living somewhere with a "scene"
I feel this
THEY DESTROYED EVERYTHING
Lucky me i get to live in washington dc the one upside from the constant rioting and crime is that we got a great music scene with dave grohls music club
You most likely do but it’s just not as cut and dry as you are imagining it
@@michaelfeeney9147 I mean I live in a town of 20,000 people where the nearest city is 3 hours away, and also I'm a metalhead in the year 2021, I've never someone in a band in my entire life. What would this hypothetical scene you're describing even look like?
"No matter the dumb racist tangent the bass player goes on."
I feel personally attacked.
Gotta hold it down man!
It's ok bass players r easily replaced
You would
Same 😢😢😢
@@dudeperson2037 except for the fact that there's barely any bassists compared to guitarists
No intention in joining or creating a band, and have no musical interest whatsoever. Still watching.
7he Flying Dutchman Y I K E S
7he Flying Dutchman H A L L O
I liked your comment because, same, and also now you're on 420
@@samotoole7712 epic weed number hehaha yes man
Maybe its a sign to start playing guitar or bass or drums or sing whatsoever
I used to rewatch this video nearly everyday a few years ago because I really wanted to start a band but I knew no instrument people, now me and my friend are starting a synth pop project. Thanks for that!
“And ukulele players need to know every single twenty øne piløts song ever written” lol
“Make sure you actually practice”
After School Tea Time: *intense sweating*
Is that a K-on reference lmao
Lmaoo
oh God i
Polgarity it was Mugi’s fault! Azunyan did nothing wrong :”c
Lmao I was just thinking about K-ON
NateIsLame: Go to at least 15 local concerts
COVID-19: You’re going to have a bad time
this seems early but whoever like the comment... thanks, I appreciate it
oops. Guess ill wait
Me: finally realizes, that my high school friends suck at showing up AT ALL
Me: wants to go to concerts to maybe find some people to play with
Covid-19: I'm about to end this man's whole PLANS FOR 2020
Covid did NOT let this comment flop
Update, 1 year later:
Covid: You’re STILL going to have a bad time.
Watched this same video about 2 years ago, and now im in a band who’s about to release its first album. I saw this on my fyp and felt like I had to rewatch it
Starting a rock or metal band:
Lead guitarist
Rhythm guitarist
Bassist
Drummer
Singer with really high or really low vocal range
@Reggae Rasta no
I'm curious, isn't lead guitar easier than rhythm? Or?
@Swag Man Figured, since rhythm is riffs and the like and lead has more solos- am I right there?
BillboardFurry some Rhythm guitars are harder to play than some vocals
"Don't sleep with fans"
Me: *glares at Pierce the Veil*
Vince neil?
don't forget Gerard Way because originally Frank was a fan
@@elizacumbie341 did Gerard and Frank do the Hebidy Dibbidy?
*laughing in 5 seconds of summer
lmaoooo
Watching this after my band just recorded our first album. very. very, accurate.
What's y'alls name?
@@milest1240 yeh i want to know too dudes
@@Deeegenerate me 2
Tell us the name we'll listen
Hey sorry have been busy at work. The bands called, Matterhorn - Eyes in the sun. Hope you all like it!
I’ve been a professional full time musician for 14 years, I’ve played well over 1,000 shows in multiple bands and I can confirm that this is very good advice. Here is my addition: don’t go to school for music and make it your passion only to play in a bunch of cover bands for 14 years because it’s the only way to make a living in this business. Get a day job doing something more lucrative, make one band and just get the right people and the right music in that one band and go all out with it, have fun. You’ll be happier in the long run.
This is phenomenal advice
"How to end a kids whole dream"
How to tell kids to be realistic
@@Tangerine2600 ....im realistic
@@Tangerine2600 how to not have any motivation or drive to do anything
@@Tangerine2600 you do realize that most famous rock bands were told to “get real” “it’ll never happen” “that’s a childish dream” we need more motivation in this world, you sound like the stereotypical chad dad telling his son he’ll never make it as a rockstar
Yeah no shit
The real question:
How to find people that play instruments nowadays and like rock music
Update: i found a drummer and a bassist
Youuuuuu save up to make a home studio, program every instrument except yours and invite other small creators to sing with you.
lmao fr i’m 13 and got my first fender strat the other night and i’ve been progressing pretty fast and good but since i’m 13 in 2019 everyone listens to shitty rap and new wave hip hop .. it’s gonna be hard for me to find jam buddies but next year i’ll be in high school and hopefully i can find some cool people there. have a good day
@@jack-uf6vv hey, 14 here, same problem
@@jack-uf6vv It takes some time. It took me a while to pull together a vocalist and two guitarists (I'm the drummer). Finding a bassist will be a bigger pain. But in 2019, I managed to find a group of kids that play instruments and like metal for my band. Keep at it brother, you'll make it.
Ps. High school is a way better place to find people who share your interests. Good luck bro.
yes, and people that like your same types of rock and not just metal or pop rock...
2:14 time signature... a little... off?
Yeah sorry mates, I didn't mean to play at 4.2/4 time.
According to my math 4.2/4 time is actually 192/32. XD
@@AshBlueMusic
192/32 is a time signature, but 32 to 192 polyrhytm sounds fun tbh.
@@ilokikoval 21/20
@@jackhales6179
I'm so confused now. XD
What are you talking about? 21/20 polythythm?
These are my kind of people. People who do music theory and are watching a video on How to Start a Band.
This video is really, really well put together. Alot of putting together a band is persistence and observation. The first band I formed took alot of trial and error but once you get the idea it gets alot easier.
Intro:
Me: *checks for hidden cameras in my house*
me: has no interest in starting a band
also me clicking on this video:
Juli RIGHT!
We don’t need no shit like you here.
@@marcopolio6591 dude chill, let them watch mindlessly in peace.
THIS
Blah Blah
I’m chill and i’m just joking lol
"Give the drummer a break" oh, thank you, wise cartoon character ;v;
Im a lot more of a hip hop guy, but i’ve started a band with people who swear by bands like My Chemical Romance. So far its been pretty fun, not really any band-politics or anything like that too. This experience has given me many great memories. And that would have never happened if I never watched this video. Thank you Nate. 🙏
I’m very glad to have learned music theory. It makes writing much easier. 10/10 would recommend
How long did it take you to learn theory?
MrAVENGER901 just a few months for the basics, like knowing progression such as I, IV, V. I,V,vi,IV(every pop song ever). I was in a band set up through the place I work, and we had a really great band coach who told us a little about that stuff. I recently learned my triads, scales numbers, 7th chords, and solfeg(do ri mi, I can’t remember how it’s actually spelled) this school year in a community college intro to theory class. I started when I was 16 and I’m 18 now so it took me around 2 years, but I went slow. If you were really serious about learning it, you could probably figure it out in a few months
Whoa I’m a bass player and I know seven nation army and I know music theory I might not be hopeless after all.
Ace of Spades too?
Ew bass players
Zoe Campbell have fun with no rhythm asshole
Zoe Campbell even tho i'm a guitarrist i think that bass is important to create a rythm
@@will-ck6ey I think bass is important I just don't like the people who play bass
Me: *has played percussion for six years*
Person: "you probably got a ukelee for Christmas and no experience"
Me: *mallets in hand* you thought wrong
Lol same. Been playing clarinets and saxes for seven years, bass and guitar for five, and am workin on keys and drums since I'm headed off to university next year to start a music ed and comp degree. I love how all the music stuff on youtube assumes that the people looking for info on getting into the industry are all sad teens
@@steve7745 well I mean 90% of the people actually are sad stupid teens , that listen to emo pop music ,who play the uke and dont know shit about armony etc.
Me
*tambourine in hand* indie bands with weird instruments here I come
*wheels out Timpani* Yo
0:27 wow, how inspiring
I remember watching this when my band first started out. Now we're about ready to record a 7-8 song ep and we are really hyped to play our first gig (when corona is over). Just figured i would tell everyone in the comments somewhat of a sucess story.
Do start a band, it's really fun but it's a lot of hard work.
How is the band going now ?
What's the band called
How's it going now
How’s it going now!
So?
Nate: makes the band survival guide about starting a rock/alternative band
Me, wanting to start a mariachi band: am I a joke to you
Yes
😭
15:00
Pro tip: /r/fakealbumcovers has a wealth of people experienced in PS and particularly albums covers who would be more than willing to accept pay to make a real album cover
This is actually incredible advice. Thank you
@@nick42085 your welcome, I'd hate to see that sub's talent go to waste
Thank 🙂
That sounds great if you're not a creative person! I would just make the artwork myself :)
Pro tip: I am one of those people, and I do in fact want money.
This is a great comment.
I have a lot of trouble finding a bass player. Not because I can’t find someone who’s willing to pluck a string over and over, but because I actually want an honest-to-god bassist who understands their instrument well. I have an amazing drummer and I’ve put in my hours on piano and guitar, but the bassist is the missing piece, and arguably the most important one.
“Don’t sleep with fans” *Pierce The veil pops up*
And Set It Off xD
Olaff Escobar *set it off pops up*
I feel like I’ve seen your pfp before.
Mike...
Instructions unclear. All my band members threw their instruments at the crowd and started a mosh pit
Ha, jokes on you, I have my out of tune BASS by my bed
Same
I have my out of tune GUITAR AND DRUMS in my room
E P I C
E P I C O
I have an out of tune kazoo
My first gig was pretty good. The place was small but totally packed which I didn’t think would happen because there was flash flooding. I guess I was lucky. My next gig was phenomenal. It was in San Francisco and I had car trouble on the way up from Los Angeles and got there just in time for the show. Woo! 🎉😂
KEEP ON KEEPING ON IM PROUD OF YOU
"Give the drummer a break"
I will but why doesn't he have a break while im TRYING TO TUNE MY BASS
Edit: i'd say lots of likes is a good thing but it's just people relating to my pain. I still appreciate it though.
LMAO SO TRUE AND IM NOT EVEN THE BASSIST (btw gj being a bass player is probably difficult-)
@@Jenny-ec6bb no shit, everytime im trying to hear my bass sound the drummer just comes in and hitting everything
As a guitarist I have a tip, don't wait the whole hour it takes to set up a drum kit to tune your bass/guitar.
I normally practice in my schools practice rooms though so the drums are already set up oof
@@fridaynightsaturdaymorning849 in my experience. Drums are "never in tune" According to the drummers i've seen.
Always waste half an hour trying to get a sound from a yt video they watched.
i love this guide so much, even if the beginning was a bit of a callout i’m still excited to make music and get life experience because of it, and hell if it means playing in my town for the rest of my days with just my mom as a fan then i’d call it a win for making it that far
THIS is the next mindset to have. You're gonna go far.
THIS! Sure fame and whatever sounds nice to have, but that’s not everything yaknow? Sometimes it’s just coming together with my buddies and making a few songs, even if our only audience is our family members
*So when's your next world tour? :^)*
Next Tuesday. I'm setting a world record for shortest world tour.
Now
Jared Nolastname My band is doing a 32 date tour of Sealand next year.
Cool!
Jared Nolastname
(Is this genuine? Do you not know what Sealand is? I’m really not sure how to take your comment. It’s late for me and I’m not sure if I would exactly call myself sober. I’m sorry. I can delete this if I find out.)
found this super funny and use full. my friend keeps calling by bass a 'overgrown ukulele' and you mentioning this as I am sat next to my bass cracked me up at times.
As someone who’s been in plenty of bands over the years it’s nice seeing someone putting almost all the life lessons you learn into one condensed video. Some other tips I’d personally give as someone who just started another band 6 months ago with an EP out:
1. Songwriting for us isn’t always someone having a riff ready. We usually play a La Dispute cover and then just sort of jam until we stumble on something we like. As soon as it catches our ear, we hit record for like 20 minutes going through different things that do and don’t work with it. This makes it easier for me to flesh out recording into my DAW later to make a cohesive song that ultimately still goes through changes.
2. Staying active in your local scene is most important. Make sure you get to know plenty of people locally. BUT don’t go to bigger shows and think you can’t make connections. You most certainly can make connections at bigger shows and it may pay off one day. Never underestimate making a good impression on the right people. If I hadn’t given an impression, I wouldn’t have been able to take pictures on the last 3 years of Warped Tour. Don’t be pushy, try to make an impression, and maybe you’ll catch a number, an email, or a Facebook account.
3. Run your songs by others in the music world before release. You’ll hopefully get honest feedback, whether it’s “more dynamics here” or “make that solo really rip” or “I can’t hear the rhythm guitar in the mix.” Working well off of constructive criticism is something that will take you from a good to a great band.
4. This was said but it needs to be said louder for the people in the back: STAGE PRESENCE. If I go to one more show where you plebs are just standing still and expecting all 8 people who showed up to enjoy it you’re dead wrong. In my experience, grab a drink to loosen up (if you’re old enough). Don’t misunderstand me here, I never have nor ever will go onstage absolutely plastered, as that is a route for disaster. One or two beers before a show drank casually can really loosen you up to not care about your social anxiety like me and just let go. Be someone else on stage. Prove you love doing it. It can take time as well. My first performances onstage in high school were particularly disgusting. As you get more comfortable with the craft, you become more open onstage.
4. As your band will inevitably suck at first, when playing shows, I give you the advice my 6th-12th grade band teacher always gave us: PLAY THROUGH THE MISTAKES. Nothing will kill your set faster than one person switching to the chorus too soon or the drummer playing the wrong beats and then everyone comes crashing down like a pile of bricks on a foundation of crap. If someone messes up, it is up to you as a band to hopefully mesh well enough to recover and power through. NEVER stop playing the song. This happened to me twice in one set at a decent venue opening for SayWeCanFly and The Icarus Account, but because we were all capable musicians, we recovered and made it seem like it was part of the song. If you can do that with your band mates then you’re all doing something right.
5. If you’re in a college town (such as myself) then check out if you have any student radio stations and shoot them an email. They generally deal with smaller and independent acts and are more likely to play your songs, run a story about or an interview with you.
6. Don’t waste your time sending demos to record labels. They won’t open them. This is advice from my Music Industry professor. They see your music as a legal liability if they even open the package. Imagine you send a major label a song, never hear anything back, and then a few months later you hear a song on the radio impeccably like yours. You lawyer up and it’s time to sue. If the label never opened your package, you likely have no case. Ergo, don’t waste your time. If people like your stuff, the labels will come to you.
7. This band stuff is a lot of work and responsibility, and some of you will undoubtedly pull more weight than the rest of your band members but at the end of the day, JUST HAVE FUN. If you keep your head out of the clouds and just roll with having a blast then I guarantee you get more out of it than killing yourself and selling your soul trying to “make it.” You’ll get burnt out and discouraged quick like that. Keep it fun, run it like a business, and you’ll feel much better for it.
Thank you for coming to MY ted talk, as another user has already gave his.
^^^^^^ Listen close kids
Dude this comment is Waaaaaayyy too short
@@karldizon3780 Okay but how was I literally just re-reading this after a month right before you replied
Whenever I'm on a stage for a show, I disassociate. I am not me on stage I'm a character built purely as a mean to entertain. It's hard but it makes me a pretty good actor.
FBRUclips this is a solid way to put it as well, I’d say the two or three beers really just put me in that place
THIS VIDEO WAS SO INFORMATIVE AND GOOD AND I DONT EVEN WANT TO START A BAND
my thoughts exactly wtf skhfghskjdfsd
SAME I THOUGHT THIS WAS JUST GONNA BE A PARODY THINGY
I just made a band and we have a gig but advice for other bands of you aren't prepared to play a gig then turn it down. Thanks Nate you make great content!!
@ItsAycri it better be
ItsAycri it's not lol the name is Black Friday
@@ObtuseGooseYT Could you link any covers or songs you made or posted? I'm interested in seeing :v
Tbh Making edits is a basic asf thing I'll give you the link for a cover of a song my band is working on Sunday
@@ObtuseGooseYT But where's the link tho it's been 1 DiscoPumpkin it's been a month °-°.
I remember watching this video when it came out thinking "That's so cool. I wish this could be me in a band. But there's no way." And here we are, my band releasing our first single in a couple of days :)
During our whole journey this video has been in the back of my mind.
As I joined a band, I remembered this video, but thought "No way. We're just playing around, badly covering grunge."
As we worked on our first original song, I remembered this video, but thought "Yeah, still, this is probably just a one time thing, and it isn't even that good."
As we organized our first gig, I remembered this video and thought "Hm. We've gone through a lot of phases."
As we finished recording our first single a few days ago, I remembered the exact line from the video that most bands don't reach the recording stage. And I thought "There."