What do you do to get started?

 Getting started is the hardest part in the life of any band. The first thing to do is obviously get all the necessary members of your band together and discuss what type of music you want to play. Don't be afraid to mention covers, as every band out there has likely played more than a few covers in order to get noticed. Find some way to practice what you want to play and then get your stuff up to standard. Don't ignore your original stuff for completely covers, there's a reason tribute bands don't get past a certain stage.

Where do you play when you start off? Open-mike nights. Many pubs have these, and for starting artists they are a god-send, and some pubs will even book you if you have played at other open mike nights and can get a reference saying that you're of a good standard. There are obviously other things like equipment you'll need, but these nights are definitely a good place to go as most of the time they have some equipment there.

The types of equipment you'll need varies depending on what it is you're playing; for a rock gig you'll need your amplifiers, leads, power supplies, mikes, sound equipment if you have/need it, and speakers for the vocalist if you have one. Don't worry about buying all of this at the very start, but be aware you may need it someday. As far as recording goes, you'll need the multi-track recorders and mikes and inputs and software required. Cubase 5.1 is the program I'm currently using and it seems to be of a good standard. Definitely shop around for the right equipment for you though, as buying something that has a very good review as a metal amplifier might not be the best idea if you're a jazz/blues player.

I first started with some friend from the school. And after a long time, I started again with some colleagues from work. But when you get older and had a full time job time is really a matter. Good luck to everybody. Have fun!