The Challenges of Being a Band Leader
By Angela O’Neill of Angela O'Neill and the Outrageous8
Running a band might sound glamorous, but let me tell you, it comes with its fair share of challenges. Don’t get me wrong—being at the helm of the Outrageous8 has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, but it hasn’t come without its bumps along the way. Leading a band requires more than musical talent; it demands patience, people skills, and a lot of passion.
The Balancing Act
One of the biggest challenges I face is balancing the creative side with the business side. As a bandleader, I wear a lot of hats. On one hand, I’m a musician, an artist. I need to make sure that the music we play feels authentic and exciting, not just for the audience but for us as well. But I also need to be a manager, a promoter, and a logistics coordinator. This is where the real balancing act comes in—creating space for creativity while also making sure we’ve booked the right gigs, confirmed the schedules, and stayed within budget. There’s no handbook for that!
Managing Personalities
With eight talented musicians in the Outrageous8, there’s no shortage of passion. And as you can imagine, every individual has their own unique way of approaching music and performance. One of the trickiest parts of leading a band is managing those different personalities and ensuring we’re all on the same page, both musically and personally. Whether it’s dealing with scheduling conflicts or creative differences, being the glue that holds everyone together can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope.
The Pressure to Stay Relevant
The music industry is constantly evolving, and there’s always pressure to stay fresh and relevant. While we’re known for our big-band style and Sinatra-inspired sound, it’s important to make sure we’re not stuck in the past. We have to find ways to appeal to modern audiences while staying true to the roots of our music. That’s not always easy! It requires us to constantly evolve without losing what makes us, well, us.
Getting the Gigs
Booking shows is another hurdle. There’s so much competition out there, especially in Los Angeles, where the music scene is bustling. Every gig is an opportunity, but it’s not as simple as sending a few emails and waiting for the offers to roll in. A lot of behind-the-scenes work goes into securing the right venues that suit our sound, audience, and vision. And then, of course, there’s marketing—making sure people know about the show and get excited enough to come out and see us.
The Emotional Toll
Being a bandleader can also be emotionally taxing. There’s a certain weight of responsibility when you’re leading a group of musicians who have put their trust in you. If a gig doesn’t go well, or if there’s a last-minute crisis, it’s easy to feel like the world is resting on your shoulders. But at the end of the day, the love for the music and the joy we bring to our audience makes it all worthwhile.
Why I Keep Going
Despite all these challenges, I wouldn’t trade being a bandleader for anything. The camaraderie, the magic that happens on stage when everything clicks, and the connection we make with our audience—it’s all worth it. Every obstacle is just another step in the journey, and the rewards far outweigh the struggles.
At the end of the day, leading the Outrageous8 has taught me resilience, teamwork, and the importance of staying true to my passion. The challenges may be real, but so is the joy that comes from sharing our music with the world.
— Angela O’Neill
outrageous8.com