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Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 140
Location: Spain | We do three hours with two 15 minute breaks .Two 45,s and one 60.Most audiences love us but if I ever figure out what turns a good gig into a real blinder I'll let you know!!! personal opinion is that an audience has to be up for it . playing to 30 to 100 people they have to want to have a good time. Although I agree with comments about finding other audiences there is a fine line between enjoying yourself and actually entertaining people.A good half of our audiences would not be there to see us, they are just there.You are payed to bring in customers and keep them there .On an average night here a bar will lose money by putting a band on ,because the increase in turnover does not pay for the band.Resteraunts are better as they earn more from food. Being a gigging musician at the low end of the scale is hard work.........!! |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | Originally posted by Driftwood:
On an average night here a bar will lose money by putting a band on ,because the increase in turnover does not pay for the band. If a venue loses money by promoting music they should either charge to get in, change their booking policy, fire the manager or quit promoting music and do something they are better equipped to do. That's nothing more than common sense and good business practice. |
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Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 140
Location: Spain | Quite true Paul but that still dosent help me find more venues.Alot of the bars provide music once a week to keep their customers happy,not to make money .If they wanted to make a fortune they sure wouldn't have a bar here.As in all holiday areas competition is fierce so an entry charge is not an option.It is a simple thing really, too many bars not enough people.It will get better though as a few more go bust and the remainder become buisier. |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | I spent 10 years running music venues for a living, and countless years promoting music privately (something which I still do when I feel like it, and always for little or no financial return, which is why it's only when I feel like it) I could write a book on why the local music scenes, and especialy bar gigs pretty much suck, regardless of where you are in the world. Bar gigs are shit because the venue owners either don't understand or don't care how to make it better. Jesus, I could write a book on this, it's hardly rocket science, yet the vast majority get it soooooo wrong.
The good gigs have a dedicated performance area, something approaching a half-decent house PA and maybe an attempt at some stage lighting. The management turn off the big screen TV's showing sports when the band is playing. They play music between sets that is complimentary to the band that is playing that night. They encourage noisy customers to use other parts of the venue so their inane yakking doesn't spoil the enjoyment of the people who have come to listen. (Have you noticed how those it's those assholes who always shut up between songs and clap loudest, but shout their conversations at each other as soon as the music starts again) They provide an area to chill before and after the show and maybe even a few snacks and a couple of drinks for the band. Finally and most importantly, they understand that unless you happen to be a name act with a good following, it's the job of the venue to attract an audience by promoting the gig properly, and your job to entertain those who turn up without unneccesary obstacles being rammed in your face.
I've pretty much stopped playing places that don't meet those fairly basic and obvious critera, And if more musicians took the same stance, things might get a little better. |
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Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 354
Location: Flushing, MI | I never have a set list. I work off the top of my head all of the time, and it works best for me. Even in a band situation, if I've been working with a rhythm section long enough, they'll know the visual ques that I use, and after finishing up a tune, I can just launch into the next without telling the band what it is, or what key. And it comes off like we planned to do this, but it's much more natural feeling, not to mention the fact that you can tailor the set along the way to suit the crowd. It keeps the band REALLY on their toes too! It forces them to listen tightly, and watch close. So you know that you're really tuned into each other.
For solo acoustic gigs (no backing), I'll start off with some kind of Big Bill Broonzy-like guitar boogie shuffle thing - usually in E so that it'll be easy to solo over top of open bass strings. It may or may not be a vocal tune, but it'll let the audience know that I plan on being guitar-intensive with my act. From there, I'll shift gears to something that may be more familiar to the average folks - depending upon the venue.
I play a BBQ joint occasionally, and they want nothing but classic Blues such as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, John Lee Hooker, etc. and THAT'S what I specialize in. But if it's a "regular" crowd that wants familiar oldies ("My Girl", "Heard it Through the Grapevine, Beatles, Elvis....) I've got that covered as well.
My biggest two downfalls are that I don't know much material post-mid 70's, and I don't B.S. with the crowd very much. I'm very mic-shy by nature. I'll sing all night, but I don't want to speak into a mic at all. |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | My biggest two downfalls are that I don't know much material post-mid 70's, I know what you man... I'm in the same boat. |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7236
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Unfortunately unless you're in a "live" music scene area like parts of Memphis, and a few other places, the view of club management at popular night spots can be summed up very simply..
"I have a packed house no matter if I have a live band, a DJ or just plug in the Juke Box. It's nice to change things up with live music or a DJ once in awhile, but hardly worth the hassle." |
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How Do You Set Up Your Set???
