How to put on a great show (for beginner musicians)

There are loads of factors which contribute to a great show, and every entertainer learns these organically as they hone their craft.  Here are some top tips for performers:

1 – Know what you can and cannot do.  If someone asks for a song that you know you can’t sing, apologize and DON’T sing it.

 

2 – Aim to have your show increase in energy as it goes on.  Aim to end HOT and start with something inviting to get people into the swing of things. 

3 – Know which are your standout songs, and plan your set around them. You definitely want to end on an energetic one, and have another standout song either first or second. We like to slip a winning song about 3 songs from the end, and ride that wave to the end of the show - ensuring the last 15 minutes are always the best experience for the audience.

4 – Have a fantastic Intro. A pre-recorded intro goes a long way to “announcing” to the crowd that the show is about to begin.  Whether you compose this yourself, or use a well-known soundtrack, make sure there is a definite “The Show Starts NOW” moment.

 

5 – Be nice, be engaging, never be confrontational.  If there is a member of the audience who is causing trouble, have a signal to the staff about handing them, or de-escalate the situation by being calm.

 

6 – Make sure there are no dead spots in your show.  Imagine a famous frontman like Freddy Mercury performing in the same venue, would he finish a song and mumble his way through some lines?  Or would he tinkle something on the Piano while engaging with the crowd?

 

7 – Punt the drinks, punt the venue, punt yourselves.  It’s not only about THIS show, it’s about the NEXT one too.  Maybe you want to get another gig at this venue, maybe you want these people to come to your next gig, maybe you want to get some social media followers.  Use the NAMES of the venue, staff and the band(s) at every opportunity.

8 - Ensure you follow all the regulations of the venue, don’t swear into the mics if they are a family venue, don’t exceed noise limits, don’t play over time unless you have permission, don’t be unprofessional on stage.

9 - LOOK like you’re having a good time. Even if everything is going wrong, or you’re only playing to 3 people. What makes professionals “professional” is their ability to switch on for a show, no matter the environment or challenges they are given.

Bonus tip: Even if you don’t know what to do on stage, always imagine “what would a legendary frontman do?” This is like a cheat code to ensure you are always upping your game - as it keeps you in the cycle of improvement. Make sure you know your parts, and remember you are always working WITH your bandmates, and FOR the audience/venue. Always put the show before your ego and remember that if you help the venue, they will help you back.

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Tips: Venues AND Bands working together to attract more people to gigs