It's the question every band asks themselves. And there is no simple answer. Is it to ensure the music is both fresh and challenging? Is it simply all about contacts and networking? Maybe it's just about writing one solid-gold single? In that sense surely radio-play is a crucial factor too. And don't forget the all important 'look' and 'style' you want to portray - that's all important, right? Or at least ensuring the right set of musicians are all working towards the same goal. Some would say bringing in a band member who is rich would help. Or maybe just a gal in a short skirt mincing around on stage.
What ever your chosen ideals are... you are probably wrong. There is no right answer. But you can at least ensure you don't make glaring errors. The internet is full of useful advice for artists who haven't got a clue what to do. Here are a couple of useful links.
Sentric offer a guide to what unsigned bands do wrong - an eight step guide of what not to do! It is generally sound basic advice. The site also has other posts about gig-ettiquette, management and band promotion. Its worth a root around.
Tom Robinson (BBC6 Music DJ) has his own web-site which has a number of useful resources - one of which is a very cool guide to sending out CD's to radio and the media. It is a comprehensive page aimed at ensuring any cd you send out, has the best possible chance to be listened to.
I'd personally advise bands to pester promoters/venues more than just 'once'. Too many bands seem to think one off unsolicited communication is somehow going to have an impact. Contacting people who get 100's of messages every month needs to be done effectively, from the first point of contact to subsequent follow up messages. Mass mail out messaging does NOT work in the long run - they need to be tailored and specific.
I'd also suggest gigging in your own town is very important to cement your live performance, fan-base and perception within the local community. Many bands locally seem to think the exact opposite. Yet, every successful breaking band I come across has a strong basis in their home town, developed through a good approach to gigging.
There is so much information out there - it's just a case of spending hours (many of them) searching around the net.
What ever your chosen ideals are... you are probably wrong. There is no right answer. But you can at least ensure you don't make glaring errors. The internet is full of useful advice for artists who haven't got a clue what to do. Here are a couple of useful links.
Sentric offer a guide to what unsigned bands do wrong - an eight step guide of what not to do! It is generally sound basic advice. The site also has other posts about gig-ettiquette, management and band promotion. Its worth a root around.
Tom Robinson (BBC6 Music DJ) has his own web-site which has a number of useful resources - one of which is a very cool guide to sending out CD's to radio and the media. It is a comprehensive page aimed at ensuring any cd you send out, has the best possible chance to be listened to.
I'd personally advise bands to pester promoters/venues more than just 'once'. Too many bands seem to think one off unsolicited communication is somehow going to have an impact. Contacting people who get 100's of messages every month needs to be done effectively, from the first point of contact to subsequent follow up messages. Mass mail out messaging does NOT work in the long run - they need to be tailored and specific.
I'd also suggest gigging in your own town is very important to cement your live performance, fan-base and perception within the local community. Many bands locally seem to think the exact opposite. Yet, every successful breaking band I come across has a strong basis in their home town, developed through a good approach to gigging.
There is so much information out there - it's just a case of spending hours (many of them) searching around the net.
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