TWILIGHT MUSIC MONTH: BELLA ROCKS! (DAY TWO)

It’s the second day in the fourth week of our Twilight Music Month, and today, Katie Parr of Bella Rocks! is sharing tips for everyone who is interested in starting their own Twi-rock band!

Hey guys; Katie here! I get a lot of emails asking advice on how to create your own Twirock band. Here’s a few tips to keep in mind when starting out!

1. Come up with your “image”: every Twirock band is different and has a different sound. Discover what your sound is by talking to your other band members (or if you’re solo, talk with your twi-friends about your music). Figure out what it is that makes your band different than the others; what makes you “memorable”.

2. Get the word out: This could simply be playing shows at local venues, contacting popular Twilight fansites, or even replying to others in forums and message boards letting them know about the newest band out there. Make posters and hang them up at local bookstores (please get permission first, though!) or hand them out at events. Publicity is one of the key items to success in Twirock or any genre for that matter.

3. Have knowledge or know someone who understands music production software: Unless you guys are going to be recording at a studio, you should maybe look into a nice music software program and microphone. I use a program called “Magix Music Maker 14″ which is pretty good for the price. Both programs come with prerecorded audio loops for drums and all sorts of other instruments. I actually play all my guitar parts and do keyboard for the synth sounds and then add in drums because I obviously cannot play them. As for my microphone, I have an AKG condensor mic which works wonders and a Yamaha Audiogram3 mixer.

4. Don’t be discouraged: Sadly, you’re going to get a lot of rude comments. Haters are some of the most ridiculous people out there and it’s important not to take what they tell you seriously. Keep this in mind: you’re making this music for the love of the Twilight series and the love of expressing yourself through music. What others say shouldn’t matter. =] I’ve had plenty of haters leaving some of the worst comments imaginable, believe it or not. Just remember to keep going and rely on the support of your fanbase and fellow TwiRockers.

5. If an opportunity comes up, take it: Whenever you’re invited to play at a library or conference, you definitely should take them up on their offer. It’s a good way to get exposure and feedback on your music. Plus, everyone wants to have their rockstar moment! =]

Thanks to Katie for these great tips! And keep checking back all this week – we’ve got more from Bella Rocks!

And finally, don’t forget to enter our great new contest! Inspired by the new Bella Rocks! CD, “Diary of a Forks Girl”, we’re putting you to the challenge of writing your own diary entry from the point of view of any character in the Twilight saga. You could win a signed CD, Bella Rocks! t-shirt, or a Twilight bookmark! For more details on this brand new contest, click here.