Chances are, if you're reading this, you've either previously performed live or you're getting ready for your first gig. Preparation can ensure the gig goes off without a hitch. Despite the commonality amongst all punk rock music of "not giving a f***", it's totally cool to care about how your band sounds. Check out my tips on 10 things to help your band kill it at your next gig and shut the crowd up with amazement...because that's totally the punk rock thing to do.
1. Dial In The Sound
Your secret weapon on stage isn't volume. It's equalization. Rock and roll to me used to mean "Turn up to 10". The real key lies in EQ'ing your sound for the best overall sound. For all the guitarists in the back, you're not the only one on stage. What can separate a great band from a good band is that great bands tailor their sound for the audience, with a touch of personal preference. Real stage snobs will scoff at this because they're not always willing to listen to the sound guy when he tells you to turn down. Work with your band and some unbiased ears to create a sound full band that lets the best elements cut through the mix.
P.S guitarists...Don't be afraid to boost those mids a little bit.
2. Practice, Practice, Practice
Want to nail that set? Run the set, then run it again. Find your weak points and isolate them. Then clean them up and run the set again. When I think of practice, the voice of an old music teacher will ring in my head with the saying "The guy in the practice room will always get the gig you want". I admittedly don't even follow this advice, as over-practicing as a full band leads to exhaustion and strain, but a well-rehearsed band will have a greater chance of getting gigs than a sloppy band. Perform, Isolate, Correct and Perform again. Simple as that.
3. The Setlist
99% of the time you want a setlist. Not just you, either. Don't be selfish, you set hog. Everyone in the band should have a clear, well-written and preferably printed setlist. Why printed? Because your drummer is clueless over there and doesn't know what's next because your handwritten set on college-ruled loose leaf paper looks like chicken scratch (maybe not, but bear with me). If you opt for a printed setlist, there will be no confusion. Don't forget to include time for tuning, stage banter and breaks between songs!
4. Back Up Your Gear
Similar to backing up your computer, you should try to have as much backup gear as possible. This means picks, strings, cables and even instruments for bass and guitar players. Extra sticks and a tuning key couldn't hurt a drummer. And it never hurt a vocalist to bring a mic if she/he chooses. For other instruments Y.M.M.V.
5. Promote
The internet changed everything. Now, we have social media. Bands can now use Facebook. Twitter, Instagram, E-mail, Tumblr and even YouTube to promote shows. That being said, tried and true in-person promotion helps tremendously. Hanging up flyers around town, handing out flyers at shows and even attending other shows to support others will help increase attendance and spread awareness for your performance.
6. Communicate
Communicating amongst your band so everyone knows the details of the show is always a given, but I'm talking specifically about promoters and venue owners. Always stay in contact with the promoter. Do you know your set time? What time is load in? How long is your set? Will you be expected to sell tickets? Is the venue only 18/21+? These are all things you should know in advance, ideally sooner than later.
7. Know Your Show
Knowing the type of show and your audience can help in the creation of your setlist and overall preparation. For example, I play in an all-original band but we are playing a longer show for a large crowd with a good portion of the crowd consisting of adults. Because of this, we're performing three covers instead of one to add in some crowd-pleasers. Don't ignore originals though if you're a predominantly original band.
8. Protect Your Ears
Playing loud non-stop for 10+ years will cause ear problems. Hearing loss and headaches aren't uncommon. How does Tinnitus sound? Can't tell because you can't hear jack s***. Don't be afraid to use ear plugs or some form of minor protection. No one is going to make fun of you.
9. Merchandise
One of the biggest forms of self-promoting is through merchandise. Shirts, CD's, Business Cards, Posters, Beer Cozy's... you get the point. If you have merchandise, DON'T forget to pack the band van with it. Make sure you have some small bills for change as well. For all my merch geeks out there, they will understand me when I say that a solid merch setup is vital. Don't be afraid to get creative either!
10. Arrive Early, Stay Late
Soundcheck is at 2:30? Might as well get there at 2. It never hurts to be early and it adds a professional touch to your band and brand when you're early for the gig. Stay late as well. Let me emphasize that you should always stay and watch the whole show. The WHOLE show. I cringe every time I watch the opening band pack up and leave, and you know for damn sure that the promoter won't be booking them when their next hot act has a tour stop in your town. Stay after the show and help clean up, meet fans, and talk amongst the other bands. Some of my favorite stories are from experiences shared during after show hours.
I hope you gain something from my thought-out, yet sarcastic list. My special brand of sarcasm might add some skin to your bones to help you get ready for the next show, and the list should as well.
