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How to Start a Rockabilly Band

Rockabilly as an identifiable sub-genre emerged in the U.S. in the 1950s. It's most often associated with recording artists at Sun Studios in Memphis such Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins. Some rockabilly tunes incorporate sounds typically associated with country music and gospel. Many rockabilly acts of the early 21st century pay homage to this specific style while also infusing it with a more contemporary sensibility.

Things You'll Need

  • Electric guitar
  • Electric or upright bass
  • Drum set
  • Microphones
  • Amps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Post fliers around your community or post in music forums calling for auditions. To form a successful rockabilly band, you should find like-minded musicians. As far as instrumental roles, you need the basic rock set-up: drums, vocals, bass guitar and guitar. Piano is also an option.

    • 2

      Practice standard rockabilly tunes to improve your band's performance. Classic rockabilly artists include Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Buddy Holly. All of these performers have a wide array of standards to test your band's chops.

    • 3

      Create a name so you can begin scheduling performances. Once your rockabilly band has a name, you can market yourself to local venues. You can also create T-shirts and record some songs to sell at concerts or stream online.

    • 4

      Establish a touring schedule. Some venues in the U.S. specifically support rockabilly and old time rock n' roll performance acts. Do some research and contact such venues so that you can begin touring.

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