Nord User Forum

Hello, Nord community!

About three years ago, I decided to quit my current band and start my own one. It was a very steep and deep learning experience. Now that I've done that, and it's all working quite well, I wanted to write up a guide sharing everything that I had learned in the process, aimed at someone who was either running their own band, or considering starting one.

At the time, I couldn't find anything like this in my searches, and definitely could have used it at the time.

Although it recounts my specific experiences and decisions, it also presents a framework for others to make their decisions in different circumstances.

I would appreciate anyone who would care to read it, and maybe offer up a few thoughts on its strong or weak points? It's a PDF with links to individual Google Docs.

Many thanks in advance!

Mr Hollis,

I am only 3 chapters in, but you appear to have done your normal high level work. You write well! Looks a lot like the start of a book to me.

Nicely written indeed! Clear and comprehensive, with great examples and dry humour.

This really spoke to me -

“It is also useful to share what I wasn’t looking for with my band:

I wasn’t looking to pay the bills. Lots of people are, and that’s understandable.
I wasn’t seeking recognition or adulation. I don’t need to be the center of attention, and I was looking for similar people.
I wasn’t looking for a way to relive my errant youth. Yes, we all had a blast when we were younger, but that was then and this is now.
I wasn’t looking for a friendly place to intoxicate myself. I don’t like playing with intoxicated musicians.
I wasn’t looking for a social club for bored retirees. Where I live, there are a lot of people looking to get out of the house.
I wasn’t interested in group therapy sessions. We all have issues we want to work on, but not here. Same for politics, religion, etc.
I wasn’t looking to recreate School of Rock for beginning musicians. We all want to get better at our craft, but I’ve been playing continuously since a young age, played in a bunch of different bands, informally studied music theory and history, etc. I don’t suck. If you’re a 4.5 at tennis, you want to play with similar players most of the time. Actually, it would be great to have a tennis-style rating system for musicians!”

I’m in the place where I’m thinking of joining or starting a band again (it’s like a 7 year itch for me and it’s been 10 years). I’ve tried to arrange reunions with a band I first played with over 30 years ago but it’s hard when I moved away and some of the guys aren’t really into it anymore.

This is very nice, Chuck. I've always enjoyed reading your well-written blog and your in-depth topical posts, and this guide appears to be a natural extension. I think the insights can be helpful at most any stage of a band, especially existing bands that want to take the next growth step or aren't progressing at the rate they are expecting.

Thank you to all who took the time to read and comment. Given the positive feedback, I think I'll distribute this a little more widely.

I intend to keep updating and will be posting update on patreon.com/thelocalbandmechanic

Thanks everyone!

Well, I'm back!!! Based on the great feedback here and elsewhere, I did a significant rewrite: new sections, rewrites in many places, and so on.

As before, I would welcome anyone who would have the time and interest to read it and provide their thoughts on its strengths and weaknesses.

Thanks again!

Scanning the various forums, I realized I could write a chapter on "Basic Acoustics For Band Leaders", sort of a survival kit.

Here is the link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EQv ... sp=sharing

As before, any commentary on strengths and weaknesses would be appreciated!

I still haven't reached the last chapter yet, but until now, it was fun to read. And quite inspiring - as external circumstances may vary a lot, it's a matter of getting to think for yourself.

(all chapters: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G2z ... BG_3A/edit)

BTW, I like the decision for your band name. Sounds like a great finding: Matches well with music and audience, and probably with the band's motivation, too.