The Seven Band Levels

Speaking with a lot of musicians lately, I realised there are seven levels of bands. It’s a growth path, where the highest level isn't necessarily the best: my favorite bands are at Level 5.

Level 1: Rehearsal Room Heroes

Walk through the corridors of a rehearsal studios like a musical anthropologist and press your ear against the doors. This is the only way you’ll ever hear this particular band species, unless you happen to be a relative of one of the members and get to see them perform live at a family gathering. The sound might be a bit weird and the guitar could sound out of tune, but there’s a good chance that the covers they play will be such a hit that they’ll be talked about within a small circle for a long time to come.

Level 2: Local Heroes

This band has escaped the rehearsal room and now plays at parties and local pubs. Their set consists mostly of covers, occasionally peppered with an original song—which the audience usually isn’t all that interested in. Often, the band is a mix of a highly enthusiastic singer and guitarist, while the drummer and bassist seem to have been dragged along for the ride. The audience, however, is usually very enthusiastic and eager for more, unless there’s a football match playing on a screen next to the stage.

Level 3: DIY Heroes

They are spreading their wings and venturing out across the country to perform. These bands primarily play original songs that have a clear structure with a beginning, a middle, and an end, along with a catchy chorus. They handle everything themselves: booking shows, loading gear, setting up, playing and driving home again. A genuine passion has ignited, and they seem ready for the next step. However, a risk lurks: some band members actually prefer to stay on the couch with their girlfriend and secretly consider their grandmother’s birthday more important than a gig.

Level 4: Survivors

This band has released their music. They perform at venues and festivals, both domestically and abroad. For an album launch, they can fill an entire venue, though drawing a crowd for other shows proves more challenging. They collaborate with friendly promoters and distributors to get their music out there. The band works hard and earns appreciation from audiences and some media, but it doesn’t yet pay for itself. The unspoken advice: "Keep your day job."

Level 5: Masters

Fans buy tickets to their shows and purchase every new album. They have a record label, a booker and an agent. Venues are well-attended, sometimes even sold out. These bands embark on weeks-long international tours, performing every single day. They have a distinct and fat sound; you can recognize who they are, and it’s immediately clear that the quality is high, regardless of the genre. The musicians work incredibly hard and often juggle other projects on the side to make a living from the music. Despite this, they remain unknown to the general public ("Who?").

Level 6: Stars

Here we’re talking about hit songs and sold-out concert halls. The band has evolved into a business, employing a crew to handle everything around them. There is significant pressure from the record company, as the primary objective is to generate profit. On the other hand, there is also the freedom to explore different musical paths. New records can sometimes be damn good. The fans remain loyal, as long as you keep playing that one hit during the encore.

Level 7: Mega Stars

Concerts take place in stadiums. Fans buy everything they release and will line up a full day in advance. The band members can no longer easily walk down the street. They are financially independent and can do whatever they please. Sometimes, they seem to derive more enjoyment from side projects: ventures that often don’t generate too much of a stir. Fortunately, the thrill of a packed stadium singing along to your songs remains unmatched, so you keep going until you drop.

23 Oct 2026, Jeroen van Genuchten