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So many bands complain that no one goes to
their shows or it's really hard to build a successful head
of steam. Here's a few self righteous tips.
- As bad as you want to play
live, make sure you are well rehearsed and ready to
showcase your music.
- Go on stage looking like you belong
in show business. It's doesn't have to be affected
or campy, but if you want to impress and create a
mystique, a great start is to be stylish and have
your clothing go in synch with your music.
- Don't play too loud. The power is
in the music. If you are hiding behind volume, no
one will stay or come back.
- Learn how to communicate with the
house production crew. Know how to quickly articulate
what you need in your monitors and what you want featured
in your mix. The quicker and better you do this, the
better you will sound.
- Advance your shows. Letting a venue
know what you expect and finding out what they expect
will rule out most of the drama that creates tension
between a venue and a band. You are supposed to be
working together for common end. A good adult conversation
before you arrive will make the possibility of a great
night more of a reality.
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- Clubs are not in the music business, they
are in the food and beverage business. You are there to
bring in and keep hungry, thirsty people...get over that
fact.
Anything you do to discourage that will mean you don't get
another date.
- Let everyone know at a venue that you
respect and appreciate their support and help. These folks
have worked with and seen a million bands. If they like
you, you will be invited back.
- Don't leave a mess when you play. Rock
Star bullshit is just that. Leave every venue like you found
it. They are not your maids. If they provide you with food
and drink, clean it up.
It's reciprocal consideration. Tip the servers if they bring
it to you.
- If the dressing room has graffiti all
over it, tape a note of thanks over it, don't add to it.
It will make you stand out amongst the din of badly drawn
penises and childish spewings.
- Play your heart out even if there are
3 people there. Those 3 people will tell 3 people. "Going
viral" starts with one cell that exponentially grows.
- Find other like minded bands to play with.
Promoters love to build strong nights. Share gear to help
the crew and that will give you more time to dial in the
sound and make it less of a hassle to move, set up and tear
down your gear.
- Go out after every show and thank
everyone who came out to see you. The larger than life mystique
bullshit is just that. Having your fans get to know you
will make them bond to your music. Letting them know that
you appreciate them spending the time and money to come
see you means a lot to them and they will do it again.Iinteract
with the crowd from the stage. It will keep them engaged.
Being funny, clever, human, insightful or whatever you want
to convey will make the music larger.
There is no music business fairy anymore.
There are no record deals to be had, no advances to quit your
job, no sexual experience after the show that is going to
make you want to make music. These days, you are an artist...that's
it....you make music because you have to make music to be
a happy and fulfilled person. People will feel that, you will
make fans, you will go viral and then you will generate revenue.
Until then enjoy speaking from your soul to those that will
come to hear it. Make everything you do, from your posts on
social media, to the conversations you have, to the bonding
moments you share with your fellow band mates...all count
for something. Once you realize that making music is a journey
and not a destination, every moment will be its own reward.
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