Bands and the Importance of “The Talk”

Bands and the Importance of “The Talk”

Successful communication lies near the bottom of every band's to-do list, even below doing laundry. And yet too often bands find themselves in career-changing situations and only then realize no one can agree on anything. Bands, find out how to work--and play--together nicely by having "the talk."

Congratulations are in order. It’s finally happened: your band has gotten the attention of an industry guru, or at least someone who used to work at the same company as the guru. It’s at this stage of the game where so many bands inevitably mess up and succumb to…well, what is it that they succumb to anyway?

When faced with impending success, so many bands simply implode. The hypotheticals are too much: the if’s, what’s, and what-if’s overwhelm common sense. In order to avoid these types of scenarios, it is important that bands have a game plan. That’s why having “the talk” is so important.

“The talk” refers to that slightly uncomfortable situation when a band discusses what each member is willing to contribute in terms of time, finances and career commitments. So many bands work for years only to find out later, when opportunity finally knocks, that one or more members never had the same intentions: they won’t quit their day jobs; they consider music a hobby, not a career; they don’t want to be on the road away from their families and a myriad of other protests. That’s why it’s best to avoid lost opportunities and bitterness later on by having “the talk” and hashing out some upfront commitments.

Bands should clearly lay out their short and long-term goals and come up with marketing plans to reach these goals. It does no good to spend, say, 12 months recording your debut masterpiece using the Pro Tools rig in your basement only to have no ways, means or ideas on how to get it onto the public’s radar. It’s important to discuss these issues now, before they have to be decided. Now is the time to start asking the tough questions: Do you band mates want to sign with a label or remain entirely independent? If you remain completely unaffiliated with any company, how will the band become viable in the face of so much competition? Who owns the band name? If someone quits, are they entitled to any type of compensation? What if they’re kicked out? How does everyone feel about drug and alcohol use? It’s questions like these, tough as they may be to ask, that need to be discussed prior to a significant happening for the group; these are the types of talks that only become more difficult later on.

Another early decision that needs to be made is in regards who you are as a band. It sounds simple enough, but all too often bands with one iota of success assume their fan base is ever-loyal and will follow every creative indulgence you have. Now, I’m not talking about maturing and experimenting, but your fans’ faith in your creative exploration cannot help but be tested when you begin to include five minute nose lute solos on your newest heavy metal project. Is it because your fans are close-minded? That they just “don’t get” what you’re doing? No. They will leave because they loved your band’s sound and you betrayed their sensibilities. So stick with what you’re good at.

Lastly, many people, band members included, are afraid of success. The paralyzing fear of the unknown and the possibility of getting what they’ve always wanted, even if they aren’t sure what that is, can be too much pressure. Communicating with, instead of just talking at your band mates can help to head off an impasse by concerns before they become big problems and potential roadblocks for your career. The interviewer who got your bass player’s name wrong might not seem like a big deal to you, but it might be to him or her and over time small incidents can build up and cause resentment and frustration, feelings that can boil over when people are under extraordinary pressure. True communication is invaluable and can help address red flags before they ruin your career.

So bands, as you can see having “the talk” is an absolute necessity. It eliminated future problems, mitigates potential disasters and wards off misunderstandings. So know what you want, how you’re going to obtain it and surround yourself with band members who want the same. Don’t you want to be working together, toward the same goals, with people who want to become successful as much as you do? If that answer is in the affirmative, then have “the talk” and know who you’re working with.

About Author

Alana Mileras is the co-founder and co-CEO of Refugee Entertainment, LLC, an independent record label and publishing company. Refugee Entertainment, LLC specializes in developing the careers of national-caliber recording artists through its innovative marketing and promotion techniques, aggressive sales programs, and strategic partnerships with industry affiliates. Visit http://www.refugeeentertainmentllc.com/ for more information.

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