A Tale From An Unsigned Band

 

Being an unsigned band in 2012 is hard to say the least, the responsibility on unsigned bands is much greater than in times gone by and if you are not lucky enough to have a manager, which lets face it, not many unsigned bands can claim to have, being in a band an be an extremely strenuous process.

The assumption that all great bands need an even better manager will always be up for discussion and debate, but speaking from first hand experience, it is often hard to priorities and focus on the music being created when you have to deal with all the things a manager should be dealing with your self. Although this can be stressful, time consuming and at times damn right frustrating, the fact that the band can become self sufficient is an extremely positive outcome.

To be a successful unsigned band there definitely needs to be a mutual understanding between the band members on the goals which need to be achieved. Great bands can often come undone at the seems through lack of proper communication and not having the determination and willingness to be able to work through band issues, and instead throwing in the towel and calling it a day.

Being a successful band in the West Midlands and in Coventry is an extremely hard prospect. With large amounts of local bands throughout of Coventry, it is paramount to stand out from the crowds or risk being submerged by the run of the mill majority. Success over night for bands is a fairytale, it requires years of practice and gigging good self management, advertisement and determination, and above all the will not to give up on your dream. If you have a passion for music and you are good at writing it, you have an obligation to the world to create and to play.

Another huge issue, is finding a promoter willing to give artists the relevant support and attention they require and deserve. With many promoters only concerned about bringing in the money and often not thinking about the bands, this can leave local bands feeling hard done by. There is always a pressure on groups to sell tickets for gigs, this isn’t at all a easy thing to do. This brings more stress on the band and consequently often bands can end up being wiped out of the local music scene because not having a following… and didn’t you think that was the whole point of gigging? Personally i think the responsibility should by mainly on the promoters to make sure they do large amounts of the ticket selling, hence there name.

Being in unsigned bands is hard no matter where you are play, the only advice i can give is to keep plugging away, don’t give up, don’t be pushed over or threatened by promoters who put pressure onto you, hold your own against them. Ensure the music comes first in front of anything! And if you are good enough people will eventually realize.


Courtesy Of www.urban-spirit.co.uk