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Performing
Why perform?
When I say perform I include playing in front of your family and friends, as well as on a stage. You might not want to! Music is a sociable experience, however, and most of us want to share it. Some may be nervous about this. Performing is very different to playing at home in your bedroom or studio. You really have to know the song and be able to cover when things go wrong. Some of the things that can go wrong are covered in Tips n Tricks.
When I say perform I include playing in front of your family and friends, as well as on a stage. You might not want to! Music is a sociable experience, however, and most of us want to share it. Some may be nervous about this. Performing is very different to playing at home in your bedroom or studio. You really have to know the song and be able to cover when things go wrong. Some of the things that can go wrong are covered in Tips n Tricks.
When am I ready?
I was encouraged to join a band, because that’s what I wanted to do, but I didn’t think I was ready. I had been going to a guitar club, where I met the drummer and bass player and I advertised for a singer. Fortunately for me the three were very experienced and great musicians. They were patient with me, but I did put the work in and leant the songs. I think when you can play what it is you want to perform, you’re ready.
I’ve already covered learning songs, but you have to REALLY know them. You’re likely to be nervous; your fingers might be cold – or hot and sticky. You might not be able to see the fret-board clearly in the darkness. You might not be able to hear yourself clearly. It’s very, very different to playing at home. Just because you can play ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ perfectly and note for note in your bedroom, don’t think for one moment that means you’ll replicate it easily in a performance.
Make sure you spend at least some of your practice time standing up, if that’s how you’re going to perform. The feeling and view is quite different.
I was encouraged to join a band, because that’s what I wanted to do, but I didn’t think I was ready. I had been going to a guitar club, where I met the drummer and bass player and I advertised for a singer. Fortunately for me the three were very experienced and great musicians. They were patient with me, but I did put the work in and leant the songs. I think when you can play what it is you want to perform, you’re ready.
I’ve already covered learning songs, but you have to REALLY know them. You’re likely to be nervous; your fingers might be cold – or hot and sticky. You might not be able to see the fret-board clearly in the darkness. You might not be able to hear yourself clearly. It’s very, very different to playing at home. Just because you can play ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ perfectly and note for note in your bedroom, don’t think for one moment that means you’ll replicate it easily in a performance.
Make sure you spend at least some of your practice time standing up, if that’s how you’re going to perform. The feeling and view is quite different.
Forming a band or duo
It’s good if you can find a guitar club, a jam night or an open mic to play at, because you can get to know other musicians. In a band it’s very important to get on, respect each other’s opinions and share similar goals. There are web sites which advertise: Join my band is one, Lemonrock another. Keep in mind that if you advertise, you’re going to have to audition.
It’s good if you can find a guitar club, a jam night or an open mic to play at, because you can get to know other musicians. In a band it’s very important to get on, respect each other’s opinions and share similar goals. There are web sites which advertise: Join my band is one, Lemonrock another. Keep in mind that if you advertise, you’re going to have to audition.
Auditions
The term audition can be quite daunting. I’ve tended to invite people along for ‘a bit of a jam’, but an audition is what it is. If you get invited to an audition, you’ll probably be given some songs to prepare. Five seems to be about the average. You might have a week or less to prepare them.
It’s really hard to find people who will fit in with the band. There are so many things to get right: the genres of music, musical ability and personality. Some even care about age and looks! Be properly prepared: learn the songs, have your equipment sorted and the correct sounds, if you need effects. Make sure you know where you’re going and be punctual. If you don’t get the gig, ask for feedback. Be polite and friendly – it’s a small world!
The term audition can be quite daunting. I’ve tended to invite people along for ‘a bit of a jam’, but an audition is what it is. If you get invited to an audition, you’ll probably be given some songs to prepare. Five seems to be about the average. You might have a week or less to prepare them.
It’s really hard to find people who will fit in with the band. There are so many things to get right: the genres of music, musical ability and personality. Some even care about age and looks! Be properly prepared: learn the songs, have your equipment sorted and the correct sounds, if you need effects. Make sure you know where you’re going and be punctual. If you don’t get the gig, ask for feedback. Be polite and friendly – it’s a small world!
Song choices
Once you have a band you’ll need to decide on songs. There’s no right answer as to which songs to choose: hopefully there will be some that you all want to play. They’ll need to suit the vocalist(s) and, perhaps, the personality and ability of the band. You’ll find out the unpopular choices, because someone won’t learn them properly. There’ll be an excuse, but it means they don’t like the song. No problem, there are thousands to choose from.
One thing – don’t worry about choosing easy songs. Some of the most popular songs are quite easy to play. Dakota, by Stereophonics, is an easy song to play, but there are two crucial things to get right: the guitar sounds (I use five and look like I’m tap-dancing!) and the arrangement. Time spent on both will repay you – it’s an awesome song!
Once you have a band you’ll need to decide on songs. There’s no right answer as to which songs to choose: hopefully there will be some that you all want to play. They’ll need to suit the vocalist(s) and, perhaps, the personality and ability of the band. You’ll find out the unpopular choices, because someone won’t learn them properly. There’ll be an excuse, but it means they don’t like the song. No problem, there are thousands to choose from.
One thing – don’t worry about choosing easy songs. Some of the most popular songs are quite easy to play. Dakota, by Stereophonics, is an easy song to play, but there are two crucial things to get right: the guitar sounds (I use five and look like I’m tap-dancing!) and the arrangement. Time spent on both will repay you – it’s an awesome song!
Rehearsals
The way you rehearse depends on your goals, individually and as band. Some people just enjoy getting together weekly or fortnightly and having a jam, only playing the occasional gig. If it suits you all, then that’s the right approach. I’ve recently joined a band, which was put together with gigs already booked. We had three rehearsals before the first one. There’s nothing like a gig to get people focussed and practising! I’m in another band where we hardly ever rehearse, only when we add new songs, but then we’re gigging once a month or so.
A jam is a jam, a rehearsal a rehearsal. I personally don’t think you should rehearse a song unless everyone has learnt it. This is the band rehearsal time, not your practice time. It’s for sorting the arrangement and the starts and endings – tops n tails.
The way you rehearse depends on your goals, individually and as band. Some people just enjoy getting together weekly or fortnightly and having a jam, only playing the occasional gig. If it suits you all, then that’s the right approach. I’ve recently joined a band, which was put together with gigs already booked. We had three rehearsals before the first one. There’s nothing like a gig to get people focussed and practising! I’m in another band where we hardly ever rehearse, only when we add new songs, but then we’re gigging once a month or so.
A jam is a jam, a rehearsal a rehearsal. I personally don’t think you should rehearse a song unless everyone has learnt it. This is the band rehearsal time, not your practice time. It’s for sorting the arrangement and the starts and endings – tops n tails.
Getting gigs
It helps if you have someone who is a good salesman, because there are more acts than gigs, so the venues are approached constantly. For some reason, females have more success in this area. If you use a web site like Lemonrock, you can find out the venues, which have live music.
It helps if you have someone who is a good salesman, because there are more acts than gigs, so the venues are approached constantly. For some reason, females have more success in this area. If you use a web site like Lemonrock, you can find out the venues, which have live music.
Publicity material
You're going to need a demo, so some recorded tracks on a web site, Soundcloud or on Lemonrock. Many studios do a more economical recording session where you book for a few hours, during which time the engineer will mic up everything and do a few tests before hitting the record button and letting it run. You’ll get the recording a few days later, with the separate tracks which may or may not be mixed. If you’re handy with Logic, Cubase or similar software - even GarageBand, you could master them, but the recordings will probably suffice, if you played them, well. Choose four or five songs which you feel represent you.
You're going to need a demo, so some recorded tracks on a web site, Soundcloud or on Lemonrock. Many studios do a more economical recording session where you book for a few hours, during which time the engineer will mic up everything and do a few tests before hitting the record button and letting it run. You’ll get the recording a few days later, with the separate tracks which may or may not be mixed. If you’re handy with Logic, Cubase or similar software - even GarageBand, you could master them, but the recordings will probably suffice, if you played them, well. Choose four or five songs which you feel represent you.
The gig
So, you’ve rehearsed and you’ve got the gig. Nice one! We all have our first gig and it’s a fantastic experience.
Be prepared
Assuming everyone knows the songs, have a set-list agreed and circulated before the gig. Have spares. Take a spare guitar – if you break a string or there is a fault, it’s quicker just to grab the other guitar and sort out the problem in the interval or after the gig. Think about what you would do if your amp or pedals failed.
Be entertaining
It’s a performance! It’s a strange thing that it isn’t the best bands, which get booked the most; it’s the most entertaining ones. Don’t just stand there – move. Have a gimmick. Dance about a bit or at least look at the audience and engage.
Be professional
Turn up on time. Be smart, if the gig requires it. Keep a tidy stage, so bags, boxes, lids, and coats should all go back to the van or car. Use black electrical cables and extension leads. If you can’t get rid of something that isn’t needed, cover it with a black blanket.
Control unwanted noise
Before and after the set and between songs, have your guitar volume turned down and/or drive pedals switched off. Don’t noodle. The audience only want to hear the songs in your set.
So, you’ve rehearsed and you’ve got the gig. Nice one! We all have our first gig and it’s a fantastic experience.
Be prepared
Assuming everyone knows the songs, have a set-list agreed and circulated before the gig. Have spares. Take a spare guitar – if you break a string or there is a fault, it’s quicker just to grab the other guitar and sort out the problem in the interval or after the gig. Think about what you would do if your amp or pedals failed.
Be entertaining
It’s a performance! It’s a strange thing that it isn’t the best bands, which get booked the most; it’s the most entertaining ones. Don’t just stand there – move. Have a gimmick. Dance about a bit or at least look at the audience and engage.
Be professional
Turn up on time. Be smart, if the gig requires it. Keep a tidy stage, so bags, boxes, lids, and coats should all go back to the van or car. Use black electrical cables and extension leads. If you can’t get rid of something that isn’t needed, cover it with a black blanket.
Control unwanted noise
Before and after the set and between songs, have your guitar volume turned down and/or drive pedals switched off. Don’t noodle. The audience only want to hear the songs in your set.
Sound check
Oh my word, how important – and often overlooked - is this! So many times I’ve seen bands and not been able to hear the vocals. Or a guitarist who looks so ‘in the zone’, but you can’t hear the solos. OK, usually the guitarist is too loud, but it could happen : ) Choose one of your louder songs and take it in turns to stand at the front, in the middle, and listen to the mix. A word on your own sound – the one you want is the one which sounds good in the band (in the ‘mix’). It needs to cut through and won’t be the same sound you use when you practice. The instruments, drums and vocals have frequencies which can interfere with each other. Spend some time adjusting the EQ in rehearsal time, then fine-tune during the sound check.
Oh my word, how important – and often overlooked - is this! So many times I’ve seen bands and not been able to hear the vocals. Or a guitarist who looks so ‘in the zone’, but you can’t hear the solos. OK, usually the guitarist is too loud, but it could happen : ) Choose one of your louder songs and take it in turns to stand at the front, in the middle, and listen to the mix. A word on your own sound – the one you want is the one which sounds good in the band (in the ‘mix’). It needs to cut through and won’t be the same sound you use when you practice. The instruments, drums and vocals have frequencies which can interfere with each other. Spend some time adjusting the EQ in rehearsal time, then fine-tune during the sound check.
Mistakes
If you’ve never gigged before, you might think that professional musicians don’t make mistakes. Well, they do, but with experience comes the ability to escape from them unnoticed. There are three classes of mistake: the one no-one notices, the one the band notices (and winks at you) and the one the audience notices. The last ones should be avoided with practice and rehearsal. When you rehearse, get used to carrying on playing when there is a mistake by someone in the band. This is the way to make them less noticeable. If the singer comes in too early, or too late, cover for them. Follow the band; it’s not your place to stand out because you’re right. Sort this out in a rehearsal at a later date. Most likely it’s a one off.
If you’ve never gigged before, you might think that professional musicians don’t make mistakes. Well, they do, but with experience comes the ability to escape from them unnoticed. There are three classes of mistake: the one no-one notices, the one the band notices (and winks at you) and the one the audience notices. The last ones should be avoided with practice and rehearsal. When you rehearse, get used to carrying on playing when there is a mistake by someone in the band. This is the way to make them less noticeable. If the singer comes in too early, or too late, cover for them. Follow the band; it’s not your place to stand out because you’re right. Sort this out in a rehearsal at a later date. Most likely it’s a one off.
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