How to Start an Indie Band

If you enjoy listening to Indie music and are a moderately good musician yourself, starting your own Indie band wouldn't be a bad idea. An Indie band is basically a band that is unsigned or is signed to an independent record label. There are several "musts" in starting such a band, but they are fairly easy to come by.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Listen to Indie music as much as you can. If you already listen to it, you are a step ahead. Listen to their music, lyrics and the sound of their band. You do not want to copy them, but you want to be easily recognized as an Indie band.
2. Start writing lyrics. Most Indie song lyrics are concerned with looking for love, going on trips, or just relaxing a bit. Your lyrics should carry the same message.
3. Look for fellow musicians that are also interested in starting an Indie band. You will need at least a bassist and a drummer. Having an extra guitarist is not a bad idea either.
4. Choose a name for the band. Take input from all the members. Most Indie band names are strange but easy to remember.
5. Market your band by creating a MySpace Music page. Not only will you gain a tremendous amount of recognition, but you will also be united with Indie music producers, Indie bands and venues. Also, upload your band's music and videos of live performances on YouTube. Once again, the connections you make with others in the business of Indie music may surprise you.
6. Find bars, clubs and coffee houses that wouldn't mind you playing at their establishment. This will be a chance for your band to make a little money while creating a strong fan following.
7. Search for a recording studio that will record your songs on a disc for a moderately low price. Once you have made copies of them, start sending them to radio stations that play Indie music in your region. Concentrate on three or four states around you, and expand as your fan base does. Radio play is your best chance at making it big.