gear is expensive

GEAR IS EXPENSIVE

If one person in the band has a millionaire dad who showers equipment on the band, count yourself in the lucky one percent. The rest of us just dream and purchase as we can manage. Some bands have to pitch in to buy Band Gear, those items that are jointly owned, like a PA system, microphones, cables or recording gear. This can be taxing on a band that is completely unorganized. Establish early on that future gig income will repay each member for their contribution. If the band breaks up before the gear is paid off, it must be sold and the money split fairly.

The urge to get gear can be powerful, but don't let it own you. Make do with what you can afford. Some of the best bands have very reasonably-priced equipment. Music is made mostly in your head, not from your pocketbook. Never resort to thievery, stealing musical equipment will bring you untold bad musical and career karma. Every pro musician knows exactly the stuff stolen from him over the years.

One last thing about organizing your band: Don't allow substance abuse to destroy a good thing. Deal with problems, don't avoid them. There is nothing sadder, or more ironic, than a band hitting it's creative stride just when an important band member burns out and ruins it for everyone. Watch the drinking, smoking and everything else to be sure it doesn't destroy the magic.

HINTS: Singers should protect their throats. Guitarists should keep their strings fresh. Drummers should replace drum heads periodically. Faulty cables should be repaired. Keep a supply of batteries for tuners. Use a miniflashlight to see connections in the dark. Each bandmember should have a duffel bag to keep stuff organized.

COMMUNICATE!

If one person plays too loud, tell him directly, no hedging. If one person cannot take constructive criticism, it will harm the band. Remember, some people were not meant to share their creative vision in a band setting, so perhaps that person should take advantage of new technology that allows them to multi-track their parts in a bedroom studio. Many great musical projects are created this way. To be more blunt, toss the guy who refuses to listen.

Keeping a band together is a complex juggling act of psychology, praise, collaboration and shared dreams. A band is a fragile monster, capable of inspiring the world or sputtering like a doused flame. KEEP IT FUN AND YOU WILL NEVER GO WRONG.