HoW to sTart a kEnyAn roCk BanD

So you’ve been to a couple of concerts or heard a friend or two brag about being part of a band and you want in. No more standing in awe at those in the lime light; its your time to shine, or better yet, you just want to have fun with friends and take your rock experience to a whole new level. Fear not with a few simple common sense steps and determination starting a Kenyan rock band is very achievable.

Now before you and your mate starts bragging about having formed a cool new band over drinks make sure you have the skill to back it up. You might think you’re a great singer but are you really. Get a voice coach music lessons the works. Take up an instrument if you aren’t exactly Chester Bennington and work your fingers to the nub. Make sure you get good even if you’re just doing it for fun: even you’ll get tired of the strangled cat sounds from your guitar after a while.

Recruiting members is next on your to do list. Put the word out among your pals, using flyers and newspaper classifieds would be great start. Don’t take any potential members word for it, be sure to hold auditions. If Tusker Project Fame is anything to go by not everyone who thinks they’re good actually is. Once you’ve gotten the people you want, set down the ground rules in a band agreement. This will come in handy when dispute on content ownership, owner of the name and instruments and such disputes arise. Many Kenyan rock bands have collapsed as a result of having laid down the rules at the start.

You and your band mates can now get started. Choose your music and agree on your repertoire. Do you intend to cover other bands’ songs or compose you own. A unique sound would also go a long way in marketing you as a Kenyan rock band.

Choose your band name carefully. It must reflect the kind of music you want to play as well as be unique. Death to the system for instance might be more appropriate for a metal band as opposed to 1000 daisies.

You’ll also need decent equipment. Amps a drum set, guitars, the basics. You could always get these at various music stores in Kenya like Assanands and Credible sounds in Kenya. Be sure to do your research though. There’s quite a variety out there and you need to get what best suits you. You could also try Dealfish and Mocality for great bargains. Rehearsal space is absolutely essential use your garage, basement or even school hall if they’ll let you.

Now that you have everything that you need its time to get good. Nothing beats practice in improving your Kenyan rock band’s cohesion and sound. After you get good you could make a demo tape to sell yourselves. If this is going to be more than a hobby get a manager who’ll help you get gigs. You could source for these yourself from pubs clubs etc using the demo tape. Contact small labels to produce your music as well. Most importantly though, have fun with your rock band.

the phenominal kenyan rock band parking lot grass

This Kenyan rock band formed gradually over three years picking up and loosing a few members along the way. The first three members, Alistair Gould (guitar), Victor Chweya (guitar/base) and Matthew Hawi (later left the band) met in college back in2006 and although they had little in common their love of rock soon forged a strong friendship. Inspired by emergence of other Kenyan rock bands they decided to start their own. It took tons of hard work, practice, jamming and even guitar lessons to get their dream off the ground. They also had to save up to buy instruments. In the course of getting their guitar lessons Amos Kiptoon(bass guitarist) came into their picture.

Parking lot grass got its first gig as a band in December 2009. They didn’t even have a lead singer at the time but Victor filled in temporarily. Their next chance came in July 2010 at the battle of the bands and this time they’d picked up a new member Raphael Sipalla. He served as the bands lead vocalist. They had a great night coming in second out of four bands.

The band has picked up a couple more accolades since then. In august 2010 they won the battle of the bands. They’ve also featured in the Brew Bistro’s annual Rocktober fest emerging in the top three twice. That these guys are good is not in doubt. Parking lot grass currently consists of 5members; Alistair, Victor, Amos, Raphael and Nick Wathi (the drummer). They released their first EP, Shimo Mfukoni, early this year. Two singles from that album (speed chaser, etched on my heart) have been steadily featured on X fm’s just released chart.

This Kenyan rock band cites some of its influences as Chevelle, Metallica, Bullet for My Valentine and the Foo Fighters. The latter’s influence can especially be felt.  The band however has a unique Kenyan sound uses Kiswahili in its lyrics and takes pride in incorporating local issues in their music. Parking Lot Grass also supports a number of causes including the Afya Kenya Foundation.

You could always check out their website (parkinglotgrass.com) to get the latest news and information on upcoming gigs. They performed at the art and beer festival last weekend and will be at it again at the Two of a Kind show at the Michael Joseph centre on 5^th august.  Clear your calendar.