Where to start as musician now?

[Theresasnakeinmaboot]

I’m an old school musician that’s taken a long sabbatical (if you can call kids a sabbatical 😅), I have loads of new song ideas that im
trying to get off the ground and get a band together (all the musicians I know are now in good jobs, are parents, sensible or I’ve slept with and can never see them again because I’m an awkward bugger). I’ve tried ‘join my band’ but it’s all non starters on there.

Been to some open mics but nothing has taken off, I’m not on social media but I have no idea where to start anymore. It was easy back in the day, I studied music so was surrounded by open talent daily, starting bands was as easy as arranging a play date now 😆

Also.. does anyone want to hear or see a 30 something, married, overweight mum of 3 singing?

I've no idea but following! We used to have a local forum where you could connect with other musicians but it closed down and I've no idea where to look any more.

Ah I’m glad it’s not just me in this boat! I hoping someone has the answers 😅

Home recording is big now and really helps get your name back out there. If you have a computer, the software doesn't need to be expensive (GarageBand is amazing and comes free with MacBooks). There are tutorials on YouTube.

Get on social media. Do some insta and TikTok reels. Put together a portfolio of covers and take it around some pubs and get some gigs. Let send your details to events organisers, wedding planners and venues. There’s work for good acoustic singers and guitar players. Get out there and let people see you’re good. You can play some original songs in these sets to see how they go down.

The summer is the best time as people are having weddings and garden parties so will be looking for some entertainment.

Also festivals. Even the big one have small stages with local acts. Glastonbury have sorted theirs but I reckon the others will still be sorting these out. I dont suppose you get paid for these gigs but good networking/ experience.

You’ll need to be prepared to say yes to lots of things.

Then if you want to be in a band you can hopefully meet people organically. Or on Facebook, see if there’s a forum for musicians in your area.

I run a very smal label. Feel free to DM me re how we could help.

Yes to the home recording, my partner does that, used to send songs to Abbey Road to be mastered but does it himself and puts them on Spotify. The problem is working out how to get people to listen to them 😂

Brilliant ideas.. thank you very much! I’m not sure about the whole Tik tok idea, it actually makes me feel a bit sick at the thought of being on it 😅 I really don’t want to be famous, or rich from it, just to start doing music again.. I’ve bloody missed it!

I’ll get looking at installing some programmes on my laptop and go from there 😊