Running your band in Crescender without the chaos

Setting up your band

Creating a band in Crescender is straightforward, but taking time to set it up correctly from the start saves headaches later.

1. Create your band Navigate to Bands in the main menu and click "Create Band". Give it a clear name, this appears on all shared content.

2. Set your role Choose whether you're the band leader, a member, or a collaborator. Roles determine what you can edit and manage.

3. Invite members Send invitations via email or share a band code. Members can accept and join immediately.

Member management

Once members join, assign roles and permissions that match how your band actually works.

Roles and permissions

• Band Leader: Full control, can edit band settings, manage members, create events, and handle finances
• Member: Can create events, edit setlists, and view financial records
• Collaborator: Read-only access, useful for managers, sound engineers, or temporary contributors

Setting up member profiles

Each member should complete their profile:

• Instruments: What they play (helps with setlist planning)
• Availability: Regular rehearsal times and gig availability
• Contact info: Phone and email for urgent coordination

Band events and calendar

Coordinating rehearsals, gigs, and meetings is where Crescender really shines.

Creating events

1. Go to the Band Calendar
2. Click "New Event"
3. Choose event type: Rehearsal, Gig, Meeting, or Other
4. Set date, time, and location
5. Add notes (what to bring, setlist to practice, etc.)
6. Invite band members (they'll get notifications)

Event types and best practices

Rehearsals:

• Include the setlist you'll be working on
• Note any new songs to learn
• Set reminders 24 hours before

Gigs:

• Add venue details and load-in time
• Link to the setlist you'll be playing
• Include parking and backstage info

Meetings:

• Use for band business discussions
• Attach any documents or financial records to discuss

Setlist collaboration

Building setlists together prevents last-minute surprises and ensures everyone knows what's coming.

Creating a setlist

1. Navigate to Setlists in your band
2. Click "New Setlist"
3. Name it (e.g., "Summer Tour 2024" or "Friday Night Gig")
4. Add songs by searching your band's song library
5. Drag to reorder
6. Add notes between songs (tuning breaks, banter, etc.)

Collaborating on setlists

All members with edit permissions can:

• Add or remove songs
• Reorder the list
• Add notes and transitions
• Mark songs as "needs work" or "ready"

Sharing setlists

• Export as PDF: For printing or sharing with sound engineers
• Share link: Send a read-only link to managers or venues
• Mobile view: Band members can view setlists on their phones during gigs

Financial tracking and splits

Money management is often the most stressful part of band life. Crescender makes it transparent and fair.

Recording income

When you get paid for a gig:

1. Go to Finances → Income
2. Click "New Income"
3. Enter amount, date, and source (gig name, venue, etc.)
4. Select band members who should split it
5. Choose split method: Equal, Percentage, or Custom

Tracking expenses

Common band expenses include:

• Gear: Equipment purchases (amps, cables, stands)
• Travel: Fuel, accommodation, flights
• Rehearsal space: Monthly rent or hourly rates
• Promotion: Flyers, social media ads, recording costs
• Food/Drinks: Post-gig meals or rehearsal snacks

Splitting costs fairly

Equal splits: Everyone pays the same amount (simplest for most bands)

Percentage splits: Based on ownership or contribution (useful if one member owns more gear)

Custom splits: For one-off situations (e.g., only the drummer pays for new cymbals)

End-of-year reporting

At tax time, export your band's financial records:

1. Go to Finances → Reports
2. Select date range (usually financial year: July 1 - June 30)
3. Export as CSV for your accountant
4. All GST amounts are clearly marked

Communication best practices

While Crescender isn't a chat app, it provides structured communication around your band's work.

Using event notes

Add detailed notes to events so everyone knows:

• What to prepare
• What gear to bring
• What songs to practice
• Any changes or updates

Financial transparency

When you record income or expenses, add notes explaining:

• What the money was for
• Why the split is set up that way
• Any relevant context

This prevents confusion and builds trust.

Notification settings

Configure your notifications so you're informed but not overwhelmed:

• Events: Get notified when events are created or changed
• Setlists: Alert when setlists are updated
• Finances: Notify on income/expense entries (optional)
• Members: Alert when new members join

Common workflows

Before a gig

1. Create the gig event with all details
2. Build or update the setlist
3. Mark which songs need extra practice
4. Add load-in time and venue notes
5. Confirm all members are available

After a gig

1. Record the payment in Finances → Income
2. Split it according to your band's agreement
3. Add any expenses (fuel, food, etc.)
4. Update setlist notes with what worked/didn't work
5. Schedule next rehearsal if needed

Monthly band meeting

1. Create a "Band Meeting" event
2. Review financial reports for the month
3. Discuss upcoming gigs and setlists
4. Plan any gear purchases or upgrades
5. Export financial summary for discussion

Getting started checklist

• [ ] Create your band and invite core members
• [ ] Set up member roles and permissions
• [ ] Create your first rehearsal event
• [ ] Build your first setlist
• [ ] Record your first income/expense
• [ ] Configure notification preferences
• [ ] Download the mobile app for on-the-go access

Running a band doesn't have to be chaotic. With Crescender, everything stays organised, transparent, and accessible to everyone who needs it.