Step 5: Pick a Name
Choosing a name is important because well, it's your name, but don't freak out about it. It's okay to come up with a few ideas and then change your mind--lots of bands do that-- just make sure you've secured your name before your first show as it's tougher to change it after you've gone public (though not impossible, right Jefferson Starship?). You want to get a name as soon as you can so can give your project life. This will also help as you embark on Step 7. A band's name can be influenced by almost anything. Legend has it Cheap Trick got their name by asking a Ouija board, a very cool Ouija board.

4284004630_a5526a43fd_z — National Library NZ/Flickr Commons

Step 6: Write Your Own Songs
Covers songs are fun, that's for sure, but creating your own song from scratch is so much more rewarding. It doesn't need to be fancy, especially when you're first starting out. Keep in mind, some of the best-ever rock n' roll songs were predicated on just 3 chords. This is your chance to truly let your creativity fly so don't be timid.

4843138165_a1fa67033a_z — Library of Congress/Flickr Commons

Step 7: Learn To Love the Internet

If you haven't begun this rewarding love-affair yet, starting a band will be the perfect excuse to fall in love with the internet. Lucky for us, the world wide web offers a bounty of free services in which to self-promote. For musicians and other artists this means access to numerous free or inexpensive band profile pages, forums and music hosting sites. A close friendship with the internet will allow you to engage, gain and keep fans, share news and promote upcoming shows. Get comfortable with all social media platforms, brush up on your LOLs and OMGs and TTFNs-- it'll only help you in the long run. The internet is a friend you should take advantage of.

Step 8: Get Your Music Heard
People have to hear you to like you. In order to get your music heard by lots of people all over the place, you have to get it recorded, so save your pennies. If you can't afford a professional recording session, improvise! Many smartphones have surprisingly good recording technology--it's at least good enough to get your point across and it's in the palm of your hand, how convenient. Once you have a demo it's your job to set up a site where your songs can be heard. You have plenty of options when it comes to hosting your music online. If you're feeling ambitious, send your music to as many record labels and media personnel as possible. It is also imperative that you set up some live shows. Don't over-saturate your market, but do try to play as often as you can when first starting out.

Step 9: Don't Forget: Haters Gonna Hate
Who cares what people think? Be fearless. There is absolutely nothing cooler than when a person follows their passion. Don't let age or preconceived notions hold you back. When you put something creative out into the world, there'll always be haters. They're just part of the deal. Learn to take the negative chatter in stride, use it to fuel your fire for more practice, better songwriting and a stronger stage performance.

Step 10: Always Have Fun
It seems like a no-brainer but when people spend a ton of time together, tensions can rise. Dramatic band sagas make for great Behind the Music episodes, but mostly making music should be fun. Don't lose sight of why you're doing it and don't forget to enjoy the ride while it's happening.

3129861172_86ce9b7795_z — Powerhouse Museum/Flickr Commons

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