Here in central Texas, music surrounds us. From the eccentric vibe of our music capital Austin, to San Marcos, the home of the King of Country. A lot of us indulge in all of the festivals and events by soaking in all the energy music undoubtedly radiates. For all the musicians out there it's hard not to feel a special connection. As a musician myself, living in San Marcos helped me learn lessons that I will cherish for a lifetime but nothing prepared me for all the experiences I had with the band the Knowhow. Here are a few things that no one told me about joining a band and things I would have never expected.
1. Talent isn't everything.
Yes, of course you have to have at least some music abilities but being musically talented isn't everything you need to be in a band. A lot of people may think that being in a band is all fun and games but in reality it is hard work. You have to have a lot of passion for what you are doing and if you don't have the passion to be in a band then you might as well stop wasting your band members' time. Aside from being passionate you need to be hard working, dedicated, and loyal which leads me to the next point.
2. Pull your weight!
There is nothing more annoying than a slacker, especially if you are just starting out. The sad thing is that sometimes you just can't hide from it. There will be band members that will not want to carry that speaker head up some stairs so they will go and get a "head start" on tuning their equipment. If you want a stress free show you will have to pull your weight. After the gig is even more important. If you aren't helping the rest of the bandmates move the equipment through crowds of inebriated people, you will have a bad time.
3. Equipment makes the show.
Most musicians have been to concerts and inspected the equipment of the band playing. Equipment is just as fun to mess around with as the instruments and with enough of it you can make a killer show. Other than owning instruments and amps, a P.A. system is the rock on which your music church thrives. You can't play for hundreds of people without it. Guitar pedals, synth, and lights can take the audience to a ethereal place and your band name is written all over it. (Most likely with Sharpie on some tape.)
4. You will have some bad shows.
Being in a band feels cool, but sometimes you will feel... not so cool. If you are trying to make it in this dog-eat-dog world you will have to take as many gigs as possible to get your name out there and some of those gigs will suck. You can't hide from it. It happens to all of us, but it's okay. You shouldn't beat yourself up too hard for it. Use them as motivation! Never give in to a bad venue and a rough crowd. You still need to play as if you were in Madison Square Garden! So grab a drink or three and rock out.
5. Don't do it for the money.
If you try to join a band just to get famous then you are in for a very rude awakening. The money won't come easy, if it comes at all. Join a band to play some music! If you are a passionate musician then there is nothing better than getting together with the people you have grown to love and concocting some good jams.
6. Bandmates are your second family.
While experiencing the band life you will have to spend a great amount of time with your bandmates and you can either grow to love them or grow to hate them. They will be the people that will see you in your high times and help you out of your low times. No matter what you and your band go through there is always a time where you all can laugh at all the crazy times that shaped such a close friendship. There is one thing that is for sure, you can forget friends in your lifetime, but I can almost guarantee that you will never forget your bandmates.
