How to be in a rock band
How I did it: My parents are to blame. They started me in guitar lessons at age six and it progressed from there. I practiced daily until I was a teenager; I'm a singer, but I accompany myself on guitar. Throughout school, I sang in choir and played in the high school band. I consumed music.
When I was around 15, I joined my first band, but I didn't play my first gig until I was 18. From there, I sang with band after band, doing covers mostly, but writing and recording songs, and eventually wound up in L.A. at the tail-end of the amazing 80s. I met a LOT of cool people famous and otherwise, made hardly any money, but collected stories and memories that will last a lifetime.
I studied voice at VIT (Musicians Institute) while I was out there. When I returned to my hometown a year and a half later, I rejoined my old band for a bit. It fell apart, but then I wound up singing in three of the best all-original bands I ever could have joined. I went into semi-retirement in 2000 and have been loosely working on a solo CD of acoustic songs since then.
Lessons & tips: Don't go into it for the fame and fortune. Do it because you LOVE it. I say that for ANY career. Chasing money will lead to disappointment. Remember that the glamorous part only lasts as long as you're onstage–the other 20 hours of the day can get pretty tedious. It's not all jamming, sex, and parties—it is a lot of hard work. Being a singer is especially demanding—take lessons, and TAKE CARE OF YOUR INSTRUMENT. Don't abuse it with drugs, smoking and screaming. I know—that runs counter to why you want to be in a band, right? Well, it shouldn't. Music is a blast, but you get out what you put in.
And read contracts. Don't let anyone pressure you to sign. Have a lawyer present. Even if your band is you and your three best friends, handle the business like a business so there are no surprises down the road.
Most of all, believe in yourself, and others will, too.
