First gig

[borocks]

So, me and my buddies, we're gonna get our musician career started by the end of this month.. We'll have our first gig, playing in a little crappy place we've never been at, but we'll get 150bucks, so we decided to seized the chance finally.

So I just wanted to ask you guys about first-gig-experience, stories, advice, etc

[shess22]

"WRONG FORUM AAAAAH"
haha kidding

I dont really have any advice, but what kind of stuff are you going to play and with what instruments? Try and get a recording of it and get it up here.

[guitardmb]

My first open mic had a total of 4 people in the audience. It got me another gig though.

I played at a picnic for 300 people once. Really cool thing. Until the power went out and we had to play without a sound system for half our set until the power came back on and we decided to replay the parts no one was able to hear.

Coffee houses are always cool too. Played there once before. I had a bunch of people compliment me for that performance.

Performing always seems to be a lifter upper for me cause i come in thinking that I suck and come out with people clapping and enjoying what I did. Its really cool.

I would suggest to play what you enjoy playing while at the same time sounding good. Whether it be originals or Dave or whatever.

[borocks]

We're the classical rock band: drums, bass, two guitars.
We're gonna play some originals and a couple of covers. I think #41 and Big Eyed Fish will be among them.

[c_tietze]

Practice your set list, you perform like you practice.

Don't commit the usual faux paus like tuning on stage, talking too much, and avoid dead air.

Have fun and just do your thing.

When I first started playing in front of people I thought I needed to drink to play, just to get the courage to get on stage. - Don't do this, you can't sing as well if you drink and your playing WILL be hampered. My confidence level got better after playing sober and just going for it.

I don't drink before I play now, but I still get nervous. Just go for it and do what you do man. The best performers engage the audience, don't forget about them, they're there to see YOU! Be gracious and thanks the audience.

Let us know how it turns out.

Peace,

C

[DRMusic]

dont worry if things go wrong. you will make mistakes in your first couple shows. just dont get discouraged and keep playing. 90% of the time the audience wont know the difference anyway.

[juineaux]

congrats on getting the gig-

[Davy28]

Make sure you don't sing on an empty stomach and definitely drink plenty of water.

[Kahn]

Make sure you don't sing on an empty stomach and definitely drink plenty of water.

on the contrary. when i eat and drink shortly before a performance, i tend to get a little gaseous and my voice loses it sometimes. i have a little water and i take bottle on stage with me for SMALL swigs. other than that, a little alchohol doesnt hurt if thats your thing. im in no way telling you to get drunk before performing, but if youre comfortable enough playing in front of people i assume you have good enough skills not to get hindered by a drink or two or twelve. i find a little scotch always loosens up my vocal chords before shows.

[Davy28]

It depends on what you eat beforehand, but I have always found that I can sing much more comfortably when I eat something at least 30 minutes beforehand than when I am on an empty stomach.

[c_tietze]

Booze is a diuretic, leading to dehydration! Leading to constricted vocal passages.

Room temperature water is best.

In my opinion.

[lyrics101]

Lemon juice!

Seriously.