Most people would say the first thing to do is to find a name for the band. Lets start from there shall we??
The auditions are over, you have found your bass player and you all seem to get along really well. The excitement is in the air and you have had your first band bonding celebration.
Now its time to start your musical journey together.
Personally, I think that finding a band name is THE hardest decision that the band will ever have to make and therefore one of the most important decisions as well.
A band name is a very important part of the bands identity. It is the first point of contact a punter has with the band.
Does this conversation sound familiar to you?
Them: "Hey, I saw this cool band last night. You gotta check them out"
You: "Cool, what was the name of the band?"
Them: "Ummmmmm....... I don't know".
Arrrrrgh!!!! I get that all the time.
I can't remember how many times people have raved about a band to me but can't tell me the name when I ask them. Right there is the wasted opportunity for a band. It frustrates me no end.
This is a perfect example of how extremely important a band name is.
The band name is the first thing that a punter will remember. They wont address the band by the names of the individuals in it when they talk to their friends (unless they are personal friends of yours) they will address the band by its name.
The best way to find a band name is through sheer persistance. Finding a band name that is agreeable by everyone is not an easy task.
Here are some band name gathering suggestions:
1. Get every member to write down their own list of potential band names
This can be the first task that the band can do collectively. Set a date for the first band meeting and between now and then do that task.
2. Make brainstorming band names the topic of your first ever band meeting
When everyone gets together put all of the lists out on the table and go through each one keeping to one side the names that 'strike a chord' (sorry about the pun) with all of you and getting rid of the rest.
As a group try brainstorming some ideas. This is a great way to start formulating what the band is all about, what its image is etc, etc.
3. Start a competition among all your friends/family/anyone else via email
This is a great way to start compiling the beginnings of your bands email list. List all of your friends/family/anyone else that you want to include and their email addresses and compile them all into one mailing group. Send out an email outlining the competition and be ready for the suggestions to come flooding in.
It's important to have a cut off date for the competition (perhaps by your first band meeting) and to have a prize on offer. Of course the prize is totally up to you.
Make sure that when you do find a band name that you announce it through your email group. You have just started email promotion of your band.
Whatever you do have fun with the process and don't let the quest to find a band name override the other things that you have to do such as writing songs and finding rehearsal space.
I guarantee that once you've agreed on a band name you will all collectively breathe a huge sigh of relief. The hardest part of the journey has been achieved.
