10 ways to get your band noticed

Sheffield has long been known as a musical powerhouse, producing some of the finest bands in the country. But with this musical greatness, comes a great problem for 'the little guys', how to stand out in such a thriving hotbed of creative genius.

That's why we've been talking to Aggressive Management- one of the biggest music management companies on the Sheffield music scene- to get 10 ways to make your band stand out from the crowd, we've also added our own input, just for good measure!

#1 Choose your gigs carefully
We know it's a buzz playing in front of any live audience, but make sure the gigs are going to benefit your band. If you're an out and out indie, twanging guitar band, why play the local monsters of post-apocalyptic metal-core event?

The audience won't like you for it, they'll just wonder why you're there. Always make sure you're playing the right places, at the right time.

#2 Put on a show with similar bands
Following on from number one, make sure your gigs all feature bands of a similar ilk, it doesn't matter who's better/worse, the audience will be more switched on if they're fully into the genre on offer.

#3 Make it worth people's while
Coronation Street is mighty entertaining, so why do people want to come out on a Wednesday night to see you play? Perhaps you could offer free merch or an exclusive track at certain gigs and see how it increases the numbers?

On top of this, instead of offering free gigs, why not sell tickets with a free CD? That way, people will feel happier and you'll have a bit of cash to play with.

#4 Work on getting brilliant, not getting signed
Look at all the biggest and best bands around at the moment, what do they have in common? They all put on a great show. Think of The Who, their biggest pull was their live shows.

If you want to pack out your gigs, make sure you practice until it's all tight enough to blow people away with. Smash your shows and the crowds will come.

#5 Persona is cool, but be approachable
When you're on stage, by all means, put on a show, don't be false, but make sure you aren't constantly giving a shout out to your mum. Offstage, the best example we can give is of The Ratells. They're onto big things at the moment, but check out their twitter account, they always find time to keep in touch with fans. Don't be too self important and always keep your fans and gig-goers in mind, after all, they're the ones who pay the bills!

#6 Keep everyone happy
Ever heard the saying about being nice to the people on the way up? Well, always remember, nobody will come and see a band full of idiots. This advice kind of follows on from #4, make sure you find a balance between keeping in touch with your old fans, the ones that were there from the start, as well as making time for the new people who are into you.

#7 Network with local promoters
This is important if you want to be considered for the best opportunities in your local scene. Why would a promoter put you on as support for a big touring band, if you've cancelled on them last minute the past three events?

Make sure you maintain contact with the right people, the ones who can get you on at X,Y and Z. Try and think further afield as well, you will need promoters, but what about someone who does CD duplication, recording studios, t shirt printers? They're all good to know in the long run!

One extra important thing, keep in good company with other bands! No one will want to play with you if you leave after your set. Stay and listen to everyone else!

#8 Avoid 'competitions'
Bit of a controversial one, some people love 'battle of the bands', some hate it. Why do it? Generally the prizes aren't worth it and it doesn't paint the best image of your band. Most organizers are trustworthy, but beware, there are a few bad eggs out there!

#9 Work to a plan
Going back a little to #1 Choose your gigs carefully, also make sure you plan what you're doing as well. Let us run you through the mindset of an 'out of the loop' gig-goer:
'Oh The Band are playing O2 for their album release, they must be doing well'
'Oh, next week, The Band are playing Joe's bedroom for his mum's 40th birthday, not doing as well as I thought'

Make sure everything you do 'leads up' to something. It's no good playing the biggest gig of your life, only to follow it up with something small scale. Everything you put out as a band should have momentum, the general public should look at you and think; 'they're onto big things'.

Look at playing ever increasing gigs, as well as creating a steady stream of press release and public interest, don't let it ebb and flow.

#10 Style it out
Quite simple really, people are fickle, even your look counts. The Strokes, The Clash, even The Beach Boys. They all had their own style, make sure everything in your band works, from the clothes, all the way to the logos, flyers, CD covers, even the band van!

We hope you enjoyed reading our latest blog! If so, why not follow us on Twitter, Facebook or check out our Website!

Thanks to Aggressive Management for the ideas and don't forget to follow them on Twitter as well, they've got some great bands on their books at the moment!

Check back soon for our next update!

Drum Tips: Part 1

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Thanks for reading! Practice Sheffield

5 Ways to improve your recording sessions

Whilst summer is making it's belated (and presumably short) appearance, in the music world, festival season is in full swing. It's no secret that we've been championing the idea of recording some live tracks, so that the throngs of festival fans can take your music home with them, long after you've rocked the stage. 

Great idea you say! But what if everyone else has done it? Well, we've put together a few helpful tips, based on previous experience and first hand knowledge, to help you get the best out of your recording session and stand out among the vast diversity of talent out there...

#1 Make sure everyone knows the song

Sounds simple, when you go in as a band, you all know the song you're going to play, right? You would be amazed at the number of people that only know 'their bit', whether it's the bassist just plodding away on his own, or the lead guitarist melting people's faces a verse too early with the solos.

When you come into the studio, make sure everyone is confident with the tracks, that every single timing change, every single stop, start, chord change and solo is exact. The best way to do this (again, it seems straightforward) is to work on the one or two tracks in rehearsal until you're all happy with what you, and the others, are supposed to be doing. After all, if you work it out during recording, it's costing you money!

#2 Is the equipment as good as the band?

So you've spent days, weeks, even months preparing for this studio visit, you can all play with your eyes shut. But what's that fizzing on the finished tracks? Why does that snare sound like a half eaten tin of sardines? 

You don't need to spend loads on equipment, how's about making sure your drum kit is tuned up (incidentally, we'll be covering this in the future), or get some fresh strings on your guitar. All the mixing in the world won't get rid of dodgy kit.

#3 Don't cram it all in

We aren't just saying this because we run a studio. Honestly, it's always best to come out with one song that's amazing, rather than four that are 'meh'.

If the drummer falls asleep half way through, re-do it. If the bass player decides to add the theme tune to Hollyoaks in the middle, re-do it. We're not saying the studio can't help, but you get out what you put in. If you put in good takes, as well as clear concise feedback during mixing, you're going to be happier with what you've got.

None of that is possible, if you have to say; 'that take'll do, we've got to be out in half an hour'.

#4 Are you all singing off the same hymn sheet?

Do you want your new recordings to sound like the latest Queens of the Stone Age album, or Las Ketchup- The Ketchup Song? More importantly, does the studio know? One of the best things to do is send the recording studio a few examples of what you're trying to achieve. Don't expect them to have heard that B Side of the Japanese metal band you found on holiday in Mexico. 

Once everyone is trying to get to the same finish line, it should be much easier. The studio can try different set-ups, different rooms and different techniques in order to give you what you want.

#5 Enjoy the vibe

Obviously you need professionalism, a bit of focus works wonders in the studio when your all working together. But don't forget, all the greatest songs were created when people 'bounce' off each other. Enjoy your studio session, use it to get your creativity going, it'll definitely come through in the finished output.

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