by Travis Hephner

Created on: February 01, 2008

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 the sound was usually a crap shoot unless you had your own P.A. system and a professional sound man to make you sound like you were Rock Gods! But seriously, If you are playing live before a crowd soon, I have some tips for you that are sure to work. First, Control the room. Visit the venue a couple of days before you play. This will give you some idea of what you will be playing through equipment-wise. If the place has a P.A. already, Make sure it is large enough to rock the place you are playing. Sometimes you will want to bring your own equipment. Make sure that you watch your gear at all times. Have one of your roadie buds, usually the largest, ugliest roadie to guard your P.A. I would go see a show or two if you can stand the acts. This will tell you if the house gear will suffice. And you can scope out how the house sound man is. Usually, If you use the venues P.A, then the club owner has someone he has hired do the sound. Usually some mullet wearing brother-in-law that can't find a job. If this is the case, use your own gear. You won't regret it. Sounding good is half the battle when you are playing live.

It is best when the sound board and sound man is in front of the stage or at the back of the club to get the best ear for the sound. As long as he gets somewhere in front of the stage and he doesn't block the view. You will be good. Hopefully the day of the show, the venues' owner will let you in for a sound check. This doesn't always happen. If you can, Insist on it in the contract. That way you are guaranteed to get one. Club owners don't realize when they don't allow bands to do their sound checks, that the band sounds like garbage until about halfway through the set. This means upset patrons, upset lead singers, fits, tantrums etc., etc. So maybe they will read this too. Next visualize what you are going to do on stage. The crowd is always itching to be part of the show. So find ways to make them part of it. Show that you are grateful they are there. treat them like royalty then rip there heart out. Make sure your set list is so you start off smacking them in the face then you go down after a couple numbers. maybe a ballad. slowly build back up to a climax. Then you rock their asses off! Your best song comes out then. Feed off the energy they give you. I've been exhausted many nights and found a second wind when the crowd was just going insane!

Everything depends on how you connect with the crowd. Talk it up with them, show them you comfortable with them. But don't chat too much. Also when you get close to being out of time, Play two quick songs and get the hell out of Dodge! It leaves them wanting more! I swear it works. And don't always play that most popular song. Because then they will come and see more of you. I mean it, don't even stay to hang out. You will see them at your next gig, I promise you. Remember, you are an act. So get up there and be the show. Like you were playing Madison Square Garden and if that's what your playing, then be grateful and give it up to the crowd because they are what brought you here... Rock On!

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