Tips for forming, maintaining a successful band

There’s an abundance of information in the ether about many aspects of music — anything from music theory, learning your favorite tambourine solo and a litany of other topics.

These can be found online, at professional clinics, conferences with seminars and they also occur in a variety of locations.

One topic not found as frequently, in my experience, is how to run an functional band. I say functional, and not successful, for multiple reasons. Success is subjective, function is not.

Some bands that never have a thunderous commercial prowess can still build a large live audience and critical acclaim. Maybe the critics hate them, but the peoples’ stamp of approval acts as a cultural veto.

However, in moments of musical dysfunction, it’s hard to argue that nothing is wrong when the singer tackles the drummer because he flicked his boogers on the van floor for the last time.

I wouldn’t attempt to write an article on making a successful band because I’m currently in the middle of the book.

If life is a 350-page novel, I’m at page 85, when things are just starting to getting good. I feel however, I can comment on the function

of a great band dynamic.

First and foremost, to use an old clichéd truth, a band is like a marriage. Instead of just one person to contend with, it’s three to five others (and potentially more).

Each step in growth is also somewhat similar to a relationship. The beginning is usually the honeymoon phase and going on the road might be the big moving-intogether moment.

Early on, like choosing a spouse, ask yourself the question: If you were broken down together in a minivan in the middle of Nebraska, do you still want to be a part of this ensemble?” Also establishing what everyone wants relationship for, is crucial. Nothing is worse than when four-out-offive members want a serious commitment and the bassist is hoping for friendship with benefits.

Everything above is connected to the next big point of contention: Communication. Leaving famous examples out of it, I’ve been a part of good bands that have crumbled due to a lack of communication.

Sometimes it pays to open a window and let some air in. Musicians are creative people, which may translate to a sensitive person. Communication can be feared because it may mean criticism aka “You suck.”

Ideally, a band should be a cohesive unit that encourages personal and collective growth. This doesn’t happen without a legitimate grind. To use another old clichéd truth, steel does, indeed, sharpen steel.

If one person in your band is failing or thriving personally, this can easily spill over into band life. A 15-minute conversation can save years of aggravation and a potential assault at a truck stop in Arkadelphia, Ark. It’s not easy but nothing worth doing ever is.

Above anything else, take a step outside your own ego when making decisions. It can be a lifesaver. I don’t care if you’re in this seriously or as a hobby. Even small day-to day-choices need to be carefully considered.

If you consciously choose to not put in the effort everyone else is, it’s disrespectful. Respecting your fellow bandmates can make the difference.

The world will already be against you, the airline loses your luggage, a tire pops on the interstate, all of your gear gets stolen, three people show up to the gig ... Anything can happen. As fun as it is to antagonize each other (truly, it’s the best), you have their back when it hits the fan.