We receive an amazing amount of emails each week, with people asking “how do I start a band?” or “we have a new band, how do we get signed?” And although I am in no way qualified to be giving advice on this matter, I’ve been asked to, and I certainly won’t turn away the opportunity to see my name in print.

First of all a little history, I play bass in a band called Kisschasy. We have been around for approximately 3 years, but I’ve been playing in bands for the better part of 7 years. Kisschasy started when one of my previous bands were playing a show with some other bands in Melbourne. Whilst drinking myself into “rock” mode, I was watching one of the opening bands. This band contained Darren, kisschasy’s current singer. I was blown away by his voice, and decided that we should both leave our respective bands, and begin anew. We wrote some songs together and brought them to the members of my old band, and they were in.

So we had a band. First step completed. Next, the name.  One look at our name, and you might not want to listen to me anymore, but as much as we have all hated our name at one point, we realized something, people remember it. Step two done. We decided that we should rehearse, so we did. A LOT. We were rehearsing at least twice a week, often more. Until we felt we were ready to do shows. Around 3-4 months. After this we asked all the local high schools if we could play for free at lunchtime. We did a few schools then put on a show. And it was a cracker. From this point, to signing a deal we played as many shows as we could. With anyone, anywhere. The more shows you play;the more chance someone will notice you. And if you’re good, people will be talking. After you confirm there is a slight buzz, go and record a demo of three or four tracks. Give this away at shows; send it to as many labels as you can. Giving this to people at shows for free will get them listening, then talking, then talking on the Internet. Labels watch this. From here on in, it’s all about hassling the shit out of people until they give you a deal. Which is what we did.

Until you are at a point where the shows come to you, and you can afford to pick and choose, play every show you are offered. I can not stress this enough. In closing, it’s all about rehearsal; playing shows and your ability to trick people into thinking you’re good enough to release your songs. All though we are far from “made it” we are in a position where we are able to travel the country (and to a small extent the world) and play our music. And believe me; it is well worth all the shitty Tuesday nights at some dingy pub with a 6 beer rider.