by Rose Cora Perry

Created on: May 06, 2008   Last Updated: June 26, 2008

So You Wanna be a Rockstar?
Vol 1, Issue 2: Music & Friends Don't Mix

Though I know it sounds like a fabulous idea to form a band with your closest group of friends, I strongly advise against it for a number of reasons. First and foremost, I'm sure all of you, at some point, have heard the old adage, "Don't mix business with pleasure." I've said it before, and I'll say it again, as much as musical purists, such as myself, would like to believe that the music industry is actually about music, at the end of the day, it is a business; therefore, professionalism is essential.

When I formed my very first band, back when I was 15, I was psyched to be pursuing my dream of becoming a rockstar with my three best friends alongside. To make a long story short, I will never a) be in an all girl band again or b) work with people with whom I've established long-term friendships. My reasoning behind both decisions; too much drama.
As with any successful business venture, one person within the group must have a take-charge attitude that naturally places them within the leadership role. Most often in bands, I've found that the leaders (those in charge of management, bookings, promotion, scheduling) are usually the front person of the group as they have a naturally inclination to direct others. As well, when taking on the leadership role, one must realize that along with the good comes the bad. You will be the center of attention, but you will also be the one at which all of the criticism is directed. It is not an easy role, and I do not recommend it for those who are thin-skinned.

The reason as to why this kind of setup is in conflict with having friends in your band is fairly self-explanatory. Although there is respect among friends, it is difficult to think of someone within your clique as being "the boss", as people form friendships with those whom they feel are at the same level as them. As well, friendships are usually quite casual, and easygoing in terms of interaction, whereas business settings demand an authoritative leader/compliant worker-type relationship in order to function most productively. I'm sure you can understand then why conflicts easily arise in this scenario, and why I don't recommend it.

So now you're probably thinking, forming a band with complete strangers, that's going to be odd and uncomfortable as musical expression is a very intimate personal thing? I agree. Initially, things will be a little sketchy until everyone gets a feel for each other. Ground

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