How to start a band?
Originally Posted by
thefive
Hey everyone, I played the drums for a few years a while back, but was out of commission for a while due to multiple ankle injuries. I've just started picking it up again and though I was never great, its coming back to me pretty quickly. Anyways, I just agreed to start a band with some people I met in my area (solo drumming is just getting OLD!), all of whom have a decent background in their instruments, and I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips for me?? I'm good with time and rhythm (played trumpet for 10 years...), but its hard for my to get better at the drums when I don't know what I'm doing. I can't afford lessons, and I try to play to music I like off Cds and stuff, but I'm afraid I'm going to be really lacking in skill when I get together with my new bandmates. What should I be working on?? I guess it would be good to mention that we're a "metal" band, but I know I'm lacking more than a double bass pedal at this point... My kit is basic (1 bass, floor, mid and high toms, snare, ride cymbal, high hats), but I don't know what else I should invest in, and most importantly, I don't know how to "create" music, I'm good at sight reading, but I've never had to come up with a beat on my own. I know thats a lot of words, but hopefully someone can give me a little advice. My skills and confidence are lacking, and I'm a little concerned :(
To quote my former boss, "don't borrow trouble." That is, don't worry about the disasters you think may happen, because they may not happen at all. If you guys are getting together for the first time, man, they're probably just as anxious as you about how they will play. If you've been playing along with "CDs and stuff," you already have some idea of what you want to do. The trick for you, man, is working with the your bandmates.
As many of our brother and sister drummers have pointed out, thefive, jamming is the best way to learn what will work for you--and what won't--and you'll learn what, if anything, you'll need to add to your equipment.
Remember that everyone in a band was in your shoes at the start--go in there, relax, and have fun with your buddies...and before long, you won't have to ask how to "create" music, because you will be...
Good luck and...
keep the beat goin' ... Don't keep it to yourself!
Charlie
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." --Henry David Thoreau, "Walden," 1854
"There's a lot to be said for Time Honored tradition and value." --In memory of Frank "fiacovaz" Iacovazzi
"Maybe your drums can be beat, but you can't."--Jack Keck
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