Running a band is a mix of running a business, and managing a good marriage.  In some cases, it may be harder than either one.  You’re dealing with many different artistic, emotional minds.  They’re probably not getting paid, so they’re not your employees.  They’re still your equals.

You may take the role of “the leader calls the shots,” but that doesn’t tend to work very well in my experience.  I prefer the “you elected me to do the things you didn’t want to do” role.  

You’re now in charge of organizing the schedules and introducing new ways to do this.  Maybe Google Calendars?  Maybe a marker board on the band room wall?  You’re also in charge of communication – this means you need to make sure everyone is heard and not talking in a vacuum.  You need to be sensitive like you wish your boss was to you.  You also have to be approachable.  You need to be the person that the others can come to when they’re not getting enough guitar solos.

To run a band, you can’t do it alone.  You also have to divide roles to other players.  For example, if someone has more of an internet side, maybe they can run the Facebook or Reverbnation page.  Maybe they can do the tweets.  Ask them for status reports like a real business (and yes, I do recommend you start calling your band a business).  If you have a player who’s handy with Photoshop, elect them to be the person who designs the posters, cards, T-shirts, etc.  Get someone to create set lists.  Elect a sound director.  The leader must create an organizational structure in the band.

Think you’re up to it?  It’s a very rewarding but often frustrating role.  It’s only for those select, “special” types of musicians.  I hope you enjoyed these band tips.

Related articles

• How to Start a Band (elitestarnews.com)
• Forming a band (elitestarnews.com)

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