Where Knowledge Rules

Entertainment:

Music

Get a Widget for this title

Tips on playing live music as a band

For starters, don't think that it's going to be easy. First off make sure you practice as much as you can before the gig/concert. If you have to keep stopping in the middle of songs because someone is doing something wrong, that's the quickest way to get booed off stage. Have a set list written down and make sure that everyone has a copy of it so that everyone know what songs they are doing and in what order. Make sure that all your equipment works a few days before so that if anything isn't working, you have time to find a replacement or get it fixed. Put together a small box (tool boxes are handy) of things you may need if any of your equipment fails during the show. For example, a drummer may need extra drum skins, a drum key, etc. While a guitarist would need extra strings, plectrums, cables, etc. You will also need a few tools in case there is anything wrong with the speakers or monitors. If you are planning on playing very loud, have a few fuses handy in case you blow your speakers. Work out how everyone is going to get to the show, if other people are giving people lifts then they will need to make sure that they and their equipment will fit in the transport. You must turn up to the venue early so that you can set up your stuff properly and double check the equipment again. Take your time with the sound check because if you don't, you will sound terrible and no one will be interested in you. But the most important thing is to make sure you have fun, if you are in a show then you must love music, so have fun. If you stand up on stage stiff and scared like a rabbit in head lights, people are going to think that you don't really want to be there. Have fun and the audience will feel that and have fun too.

Learn more about this author, Suzy Long.
Contact this writer Click here to send this author comments or questions.


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Tips on playing live music as a band

  • 1 of 12

    by Tiffany Ward

    So you're ready to leave the sweaty practice space behind. You want to play out. You want your name in lights, or at least

    read more

  • 2 of 12

    by Blake Guthrie

    The absolute, number-one, most important thing to remember when playing live music in front of an audience is this:

    IF YOU'RE

    read more

  • 3 of 12

    by Travis Hephner

    Having played in a band for over 10 years in the eighties and nineties, it is one of the hardest things to do. I remember

    read more

  • 4 of 12

    by Suzy Long

    For starters, don't think that it's going to be easy. First off make sure you practice as much as you can before the gig/concert.

    read more

  • 5 of 12

    by Robbie Cosslett

    About to play at a concert? Are you nervous about playing? How should it be done? Ok well here are a few tips to help you,

    read more

View All Articles on:
Tips on playing live music as a band

Add your voice

Know something about Tips on playing live music as a band?
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

Helium Debate

Cast your vote!

The blues: A doomed music genre?

Click for your side.

130384

Featured Partner

1H2O

1H2O endeavors to create an international network of journalists and media makers with the purpose of generating the ...more

What is Helium? | Buy Web Content | Contact Us | Privacy | User agreement | DMCA | User Tools | Help | Community | Helium’s Official Blog | Link to Helium

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA