By Rog T, Founder of Mill Hill Music Complex
Having played with The False Dots for 46 years as band leader, and having run Mill Hill Music Complex since the band began, I’ve picked up a fair bit of experience when it comes to running a band. Over the years, I’ve played at many of the top pubs and clubs in London, as well as around Europe, and I’ve seen all sorts of bands come and go. I’ve watched some artists rise all the way to the top, while others — often just as talented — never really took off. When we were starting out, some mates of ours from school — The Polecats — landed a record deal and ended up on Top of the Pops, inspiring us to believe we too could make it.
But what does it take to have a successful band? Here are my top ten tips for aspiring band leaders.
1. Set Clear Goals and a Plan to Get There
I always ask new artists the same question: “Where do you want your music to take you?” Probably 75% say the same thing. “We want a record deal and hit songs.” That’s a great goal — and surprisingly achievable — but only if you’ve got the right foundation. You need at least one surefire hit: something catchy, relevant, with a strong image and something unique to set you apart. If you have all of these, then the goal is achievable — but you have to play the game. Be brutally honest with yourself. What do you have now, and how can you build on it?
2. Choose the Right People
Most bands fail because members don’t share the same level of commitment. If you're serious about success, you have to pretty much accept that it will take 2–3 years to get established, and for that period, the band has to be 100% your main priority in life. That means relationships, holidays, and distractions take a back seat. You'll be writing, rehearsing, gigging, recording, and networking constantly. If the band are going out for a drink, go to places where other musicians hang out. Time spent in your local is time wasted, and you really don't have time to waste. And remember, if your band takes off, you’ll be stuck with these for the next couple of years. If they get on your nerves, it won't end well. Choose the right people.
3. Keep Writing and Develop Your Craft
Study how to structure and compose music so that you get the best out of your ideas. Ultimately, success in music is all about having great music. No band has ever made it without having great tunes. Having quirky ideas is as compelling as having brilliant melodies. If you look at British music, some artists have great natural musical talent and tunefulness, such as The Beatles, Amy Winehouse, etc. Others, such as Ian Dury, The Clash and The Rolling Stones, have a spikier talent and quirkiness that grabbed attention. Play to your strengths. The one thing that they all have is brilliant material and a compelling delivery.
4. Build a Solid Support Team
Once the gigs start coming in, you’ll need help — with transport, gear, promotion, production, and emotional support. Every successful band has unsung heroes behind the scenes. I mentioned The Polecats at the start. Tim, the singer, had a dad, Barry, who was a plumber and had a van. He would drive the band around the country and became their manager. Such people are the lifeblood of aspiring bands. Our mates Emil and Dermot helped drive us around in a VW camper van — and didn’t drink! These kinds of people are invaluable. Find your diamonds.
5. Bounce Back When Things Go Wrong
The reason The False Dots are still going strong after 46 years (and making better music than ever) is simple: when things go wrong, we pick ourselves up off the floor and step back in the ring. Band members have come and gone, often at the worst times — but we’ve never let setbacks stop us. Believe in what you’re doing and keep moving forward.
6. Be Honest About What’s Not Working
The biggest mistake bands make is to delude themselves as to why they are unsuccessful and the plan isn't working. A lot of bands blame everyone but themselves for lack of success — the promoters, the labels, the industry. But often, the issue lies with the music. Too many bands write songs that are self-indulgent or pretentious, rather than ones people can relate to. They all slap each other on the back, celebrating their own brilliance, then the songs simply don't find an audience. One artist said to me, back in the 1990s, that they couldn't understand the success of The Smiths, with their miserable lyrics. The answer is simple: many people connected with the emotions Morrissey shared. When I analysed this artist's lyrics, effectively the songs were all "Look at me, I am cool, I am wonderful, aren't I great". The tunes were decent jangly pop, but impossible to connect with. The artist absolutely refused to recognise that this was the problem. Needless to say, they never achieved success. If your songs don’t connect emotionally, they won’t gain traction. Always ask: is this music for an audience, or just for us?
7. Gig Smart, Not Just Hard
Gigging is essential, but strategy matters — there are rules. If you don't play enough gigs, you will never get anywhere. If you play too many, at the same place, you will saturate and lose your audience. So don’t overplay the same venues — four to five times a year is enough. When you do a gig, always have another one to announce in the locality if possible, but make it six to eight weeks apart. When you are building a following, there are two things to do. The first is to play free-entry gigs at venues that people actually go to. The second is to get good support slots at recognised venues. The second is better, but the first is more attainable. Different rules apply if you are a covers band, playing for cash. Then you’ll want a regular circuit of paying gigs. I've never really done that, so I can't offer too much advice. Beyond that, see which pubs are doing live music and hassle them for gigs. I'd recommend checking out the bands playing there, and seeing what goes well.
8. Develop a Social Media Strategy
You won’t get far without a strong online presence. People need to see you at least seven times before they really take notice. Posts have to be engaging and eye-catching. Building a following on social media platforms takes time and there is no easy fix. But there are a few good cheats. Follow similar acts, like their posts and comments. This will, eventually, draw attention to your band.
9. Create Engaging Media Content
Don’t settle for dull, low-quality videos with poor sound and no context — they’re more likely to turn people away than attract new fans. Invest in some basic lighting (tip: coloured lights always look great in videos) and decent audio gear to make your content pop. Instead of a caption like “Us playing a cover at the Dog and Duck last night”, try something that builds interest and energy, like “Last-minute Freebird cover — the crowd went wild. Clip of the night!” A bit of colour, energy, and clarity goes a long way. Make it look and sound like something worth watching.
10. Craft a Distinct Band Identity
What makes your band you? Your image, your sound, your message, your general vibe — all of it adds up to your identity. Understand your unique selling points and make sure they come across in your visuals, performances, and social media presence. When you get on stage, don’t just play the music — make people remember you!
Running a successful band is tough, but incredibly rewarding. Stay focused, stay creative and surround yourself with the right people. Follow these steps and you'll be on your way to success.