I guess you have been to an event and seen a set of people performing other people’s songs without some studio recordings?
That is a live band. The major duty of people in a live band is scoring a couple of songs and performing it to a set of audience for entertainment purposes. Do you have what it takes to run a live band but do not know how to go about it?
This article is definitely for you. Read through carefully and have a heads up in the business.
How Profitale is Live Band Business in Nigeria
The business is a flexible type of business. Its profits and opportunities are numerous to mention. The beauty of this line of business is that the equipment once purchased, with adequate maintenance, they can last for years without diminishing in sound productivity.
Each occasion does not require a different kind of musical instrument and as such, the stress of going for a new instrument or equipment each time an occasion or a function is held is not necessary.
Read Also: 10 Tips to Make Money from the Music Industry
Demand, Competition, And Opportunities
We all know that people are getting married here and there, there are various wake keeping, vigils, various governmental functions, various church programs and also various burial ceremonies.
Let us look at the traditional marriages, for example, you would bear with me if you have been to one that, nobody goes for the service of a DJ rather they sort for people who can give them traditional songs due to the nature of the event. These people who play these traditional songs are called “live band.” A live band is a set of instrumentalists and vocalists (both lead and backup).
Everybody wants to steal the show. Everybody wants to better what they do. Everybody wants to be who people can rely on. In this case of live band business, you must be good at what you do to be able to stay put and also to get jobs frequently.
The competition is on the high side because everybody wants to be better than everybody and no client would go for a substandrd or average band.
Steps To Start Live Band Business In Nigeria
Startup/launch tips
To start up a live band, you need to acquire all the instruments needed, speakers, microphones, cords and the consoles required. Do a feasibility study of how much things would cost you before you venture into this business to prevent you from going down the drain.
The feasibility study should cover not only the instrument and equipment, it should also cover the cost of renting a shop and every other minute thing involved.
Choice Of Business Location
This business should be sited in an area with heavy traffic. It should be sited in an area where people plow day and night. Do not hide. Play songs all day. Look for a way to draw attention to your side when you are open. Make sure you are recognized. You never know who is passing through at that point in time.
Knowledge Needed/Training Required
The basic knowledge you need here should be the knowledge of setting up the instruments, how to connect the wires, and how to set up the equipment as a whole.
Also, running a live band, you must have a very good musical ear. It does not stop at just having nice equipment and instruments. Imagine going to perform in a wedding ceremony and you never knew that there were other musicians who were invited and you and your crew were busy hitting the wrong notes and the wrong keys. Believe me, even if nobody would walk up to you and tell you, you have lost it right there.
Read Also: How to Start DJ Service Business in Nigeria and Make Money
Management
It is not how big a business is that determines its productivity, but how effective. A business can have all that people want yet it is less effective. The effectiveness of a business all boils down to how properly managed the business is.
Most businesses are no more today because the person who had it was low on the part of management. You could partner with someone who has like minds.
Your management team should be people who have knowledge of all related to the business. A few members of your team should be:
- A professional mixer operator
- A bassist
- A keyboardist
- A drummer
- A lead guitarist
- An operator (technician)
- A driver
- A Vocalist
- Etc.
Yes, you might be wondering why I included a driver. If you can recall, I earlier said before you can do this business, you would equipment and instrument but I never told you anything about transportation.
Now, to be able to deliver on time, and also to cut cost, you need a bus of your own and a driver. Even if you do not want to employ the driver directly, any member of your team could substitute as a driver. The members of your team should always be ready to serve when called upon
Basic Sustainability Tips
It does not end with having a business. How much can you maintain the business is one thing you should ask yourself. Know that, businesses do not just boom at once.
They have times when it would seem as if the business is going down the drain, sometimes you might stay for months without having a job (early stages of the business). The question now is, “how do I not give up?” “what can I do to make this business known?”
Not giving up is merely determination. If you do not want to give up but stay strong, then you can do it. In the aspect of making the business known, you have to advertise it. Your location is one thing that would sell you faster than you ever thought. How often you play would also make you well known.
Read Also: 7 Tips on How to Become a Successful Musician in Nigeria
Summary & Conclusion
Live band business is big business in Nigeria today. To succeed, get yourself and your team prepared for it. Score all genre of songs because you never can tell when you might be called upon to perform a particular song on an occasion.
Remember that, musical instruments and equipment could be fragile most times. Take good care of them so they could last you for long. In all, plan for and subsequently get backups.
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