10 Ways to Make Your Band Love You: A Must-Read for Every Artist

10 Ways to Make Your Band Love You: A Must-Read for Every Artist

Listen, as an artist, your team is everything…especially your band. It’s not just about hitting the right notes; it’s about making sure your musicians feel seen, appreciated, and hyped to play with you. Today, we’re diving into 10 real-talk tips that’ll help you build solid relationships with your band—so they love working with you as much as you love having them on stage. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up how you vibe with your crew, these strategies are gonna set you up for success.

1. Set Clear Expectations: Before you book your band, be upfront about everything—how many rehearsals there will be, how long they’ll last, and what time they need to be there on performance day for soundcheck. Get their okay on all of this before they agree to the gig, so you’re not stressing them out on the day of with something that could’ve been handled in advance. Clear communication is key, fam!

2. Be Mindful of Rehearsals: Let’s talk about rehearsals, especially if you’re in Huntsville and your musician is coming in from Decatur. Think about how many rehearsals you’re scheduling compared to the time of the sound check and the actual event. If you’re asking them to play for you, remember—a $150 gig that turns into a 20-plus hour commitment ain’t as sweet as you might think. Be mindful of their time. Maybe even limit rehearsals based on the price you’re paying. Respect goes both ways.

3. Know Your Stuff: Don’t show up to rehearsals expecting your band to not only know their music but to figure out yours too. Go through your creative process on your own time. Have some ideas ready. Yes, you can collaborate, but don’t make it their job to be the creatives when you’re the artist that booked them. You’re wasting time, and honestly, you’re probably wasting their talent. Remember, they’re musicians, not your creative directors—especially not for the price you might be paying them.

4. Consider Providing Refreshments: Baby, everybody loves to eat. If you’re having a rehearsal at six and your band got off at five, had to go home, get their instruments, and then get to your rehearsal, they didn’t have time to eat. So, be nice! Have some snacks, water, or even dinner at the rehearsal. It’s a small gesture, but it shows you’re respectful of their time and sacrifice.

5. Be Respectful of Their Time: Start on time, end on time. You can train musicians on how they should treat you. If you’re punctual and organized, they’ll follow suit. If you struggle with people showing up on time, set an incentive. Say, “I’m willing to pay you $200, but if you can show up to sound check and rehearsals on time, I’ll bump it up to $250.” It’s fair, and it motivates everyone to be professional.

6. Help Them Get Other Gigs: Acknowledge their contributions publicly—let people know how dope they are! Shout them out during your gigs or on social media. Remember, you don’t own them; this is their job. Help them get more work by spreading the word about how awesome they are.

7. Offer Fair Compensation: Everybody’s trying to get paid. Pay them fairly, and don’t just say, “As I grow, you’ll grow too.” If you start hiring dancers and videographers while your band’s been with you since day one, don’t forget to bump up their pay too. If you’re bringing in new people, at least let your band know upfront what’s happening. And don’t forget that little extra you promised them.

8. Check In After and Between the Gig: Ask for their feedback—areas of growth, what went well, what didn’t. I’ve grown so much from feedback from musicians. Sometimes I even ask them, “What songs do you think my voice would sound good on?” And I’ve gotten some great suggestions. Don’t discount their input.

9. Remember They’re Human: Sometimes you only call them to do a gig—you never check in, never see what’s up, but then you want them to do you a favor at your next gig. What do you know about them? Do you check in with them? Do you just say, “Hey, I’m just calling to see how you’re doing”? Do you support them in other ways? Tell them, “Hey, I just want you to know you’re really, really dope. I was thinking about you. If there’s anything you need, let me know.” Invite them to things. If you’re going to ask them for deals, invest in those relationships. Don’t have an empty emotional bank account where you’re constantly making withdrawals without any deposits. Build that connection before you ask for favors or deals from your band just because you’re likable.

10. Always Offer Gratitude: After the gig, make sure you say thank you. Not just a generic “thanks,” but something real. Reach out the next day, or give them a call. Let them know specifically what they did that you appreciated. Maybe it was how they nailed that solo or the way they handled a tricky part of the set. Show them you noticed and that you’re grateful.

Honorable Mentions

• Have Fingernail Clippers Ready: Listen, your guitarist might need a fingernail clipper one day. It’s a thing, okay? Offer them a fingernail clipper, even if they didn’t ask for it. Or better yet, give them a personalized one. It’s cute, it’s thoughtful, and it shows you care.

• Get Your Drummer a Fan: Baby, drummers be hot back there behind them drums, okay? So, do them a solid and get them a fan—one of those little ones that hang, or set something up that keeps them cool. And while you’re at it, toss in a towel because trust me, they’ll need it.

• Help Your Drummer Out: Out of all the musicians, the drummer can’t just pack up and leave, baby. He’s got a lot of parts to deal with. So, have two volunteers on standby just for him—or at least one—to help him break down his stuff and carry it to the car. That’s love right there.