Topic: I am playing a show on Feb. 25. (Read 21656 times)

Johnny C · « **on:** 14 Dec 2006, 23:43 »

I am excited. I currently have a nine-song setlist that will hopefully expand a little further by that date. It is just going to be me, my laptop and my electric guitar at the moment. I will make $100 plus everything made at the door (five bucks a ticket is the usual price, so that's what I'm going with).

Guys this is really exciting. What are some things I should do for my first show? I don't know! I am wondering if I should dress in a suit or if I should just wear like a shirt with a collared shirt underneath or if I should make clothes or what! This is like a first date but with a hundred people at a time! I need to know how to make a good impression, besides playing decent music which I hope I do anyways.

Also feel free to talk about the first gig you played in, or a band's first gig that you saw, or whatever!

Trollstormur · « **Reply #1 on:** 14 Dec 2006, 23:46 »

find a friend with a camera and laptop and show it on the webs!

Misereatur · « **Reply #2 on:** 15 Dec 2006, 00:21 »

Just remember to stay relaxed, you and the audience just want to have fun right? Ignore your mistakes during the set and if they're obvious then joke about it.

Also, wear your usual clothes, no need to get all fancy.

Trollstormur's idea is great actually.

Will · « **Reply #3 on:** 15 Dec 2006, 00:44 »

Yes! What Trollstormur said! I guess the only rea 'advice' I can give is relax, and have fun. Just realize that a bunch of people are paying money to watch you do something that they don't have the balls, or talent, to do themselves...good luck, man...let us know how it goes, obviously!

Brian Majestic · « **Reply #4 on:** 15 Dec 2006, 01:37 »

I'd go wearing my normal clothes, but get the laptop a lil' something nice. Bowtie?

Ernest · « **Reply #5 on:** 15 Dec 2006, 03:27 »

I'm getting tired of planning outfits for shows. At my next gig I think I'm just going to wear a white t-shirt (i.e. undershirt) and gym shorts. Fuck shoes.

SilentJ · « **Reply #6 on:** 15 Dec 2006, 03:30 »

dude, my first gig was with my guitar 3/4 class at a coffee shop. There were 12 of us, plus the teacher. All of us played guitar... NO OTHER INSTRUMENTAL ACCOMPANIMENT. The crowd still liked it. Whatever you do will be fine.

Like everybody else has said, just be relaxed.

jeph · « **Reply #7 on:** 15 Dec 2006, 03:32 »

Helpful rules for playing shows:

1. Don't wear a suit. Don't be one of those guys who wears a suit. Fancy clothes are okay, just not a suit.
2. Don't dress "wacky."
3. If this is your first show (ever, of your current project, etc.) NEVER EVER say "this is my first show."
4. Don't apologize if you make mistakes! 99 out of 100 times nobody in the crowd will notice anyway.

I think that is it.

Ernest · « **Reply #8 on:** 15 Dec 2006, 04:27 »

Heh, I'm a drummer, so I can just drown out hecklers with my phat chops.

valley_parade · « **Reply #9 on:** 15 Dec 2006, 04:33 »

Man, can you translate that last bit? I don't speak drummerese.

jolijn · « **Reply #10 on:** 15 Dec 2006, 04:46 »

i thought in britain that meant they liked the show!

jeph · « **Reply #11 on:** 15 Dec 2006, 07:09 »

Quote from: Flaming Ostrich on 15 Dec 2006, 04:27

I'm a drummer

I GUESS THAT EXPLAINS A LOT

D:

: D

Ernest · « **Reply #12 on:** 15 Dec 2006, 07:23 »

Hahahaha, Jeph, you are the funny!!!!111!!!1

@Tommy- In that case I'd just pull a Cedric Bixler.

Johnny C · « **Reply #13 on:** 15 Dec 2006, 10:37 »

Quote from: jeph on 15 Dec 2006, 03:32

1. Don't wear a suit. Don't be one of those guys who wears a suit. Fancy clothes are okay, just not a suit.
2. Don't dress "wacky."
3. If this is your first show (ever, of your current project, etc.) NEVER EVER say "this is my first show."
4. Don't apologize if you make mistakes! 99 out of 100 times nobody in the crowd will notice anyway.

1. Yeah I know. At most I'd wear a dress shirt, tie and jeans. Besides, suits are for a) being a full band, b) being Interpol.
2. The wackiest thing I have is a Mad Hatter hat that I bought from Disney World. It screams "Don't take me seriously."
3. Not in the script.
4. Actually I have a story about this. I guess at a Weakerthans show in Winnipeg John K. Samson fucked up his guitar solo during "Utilities." The band stopped, he rummaged around in his pocket, gave like a ten-dollar bill to someone in the front row, apologized for getting the solo wrong and launched back into the song with the rest of the band. Sadly I don't have that kind of cash, but if I do someday then that's what I'm doing.

Troll, I'll do that!

Patrick · « **Reply #14 on:** 15 Dec 2006, 11:09 »

Quote from: jeph on 15 Dec 2006, 03:32

1. Don't wear a suit. Don't be one of those guys who wears a suit. Fancy clothes are okay, just not a suit.

YOU ARE TELLING LIES

BrittanyMarie · « **Reply #15 on:** 15 Dec 2006, 11:24 »

Johnny you so already have style for miles so rock that. The shirt you were wearing in that picture that Julia was all "YOU ARE HANDSOME" would be alright. Just smile sometimes and have fun with it, and I bet the crowd will do the same.

Also, congratulations and good luck!

Storm Rider · « **Reply #16 on:** 16 Dec 2006, 05:07 »

Make sure the sock is nice and snug over your genitals.

Chesire Cat · « **Reply #17 on:** 16 Dec 2006, 05:38 »

Are you playing on your own or opening/closing/headlining?

Where are you playing at, Ill punch out hecklers, at 22 Im older than the average person at a show in Regina and Ill probably be a bit drunk so it shouldnt be a problem. Gotta support our QC bretheren ehhh

Ernest · « **Reply #18 on:** 16 Dec 2006, 09:41 »

Yeah, let's all not give him advice that would actually matter. Let's just talk about clothes.

Johnny C · « **Reply #19 on:** 16 Dec 2006, 10:14 »

I don't know if I'm on my own or what, it's part of the New West Concert Series. I know I have to send in promotional photos though, and I have to do up flyers and promote the show a bit. Oh, and it's at the Club, at the Exchange. Eh.

Luke C · « **Reply #20 on:** 16 Dec 2006, 16:24 »

Quote from: Johnny C on 14 Dec 2006, 23:43

I am excited. I currently have a nine-song setlist that will hopefully expand a little further by that date. It is just going to be me, my laptop and my electric guitar at the moment. I will make $100 plus everything made at the door (five bucks a ticket is the usual price, so that's what I'm going with).

Guys this is really exciting. What are some things I should do for my first show? I don't know! I am wondering if I should dress in a suit or if I should just wear like a shirt with a collared shirt underneath or if I should make clothes or what! This is like a first date but with a hundred people at a time! I need to know how to make a good impression, besides playing decent music which I hope I do anyways.

Also feel free to talk about the first gig you played in, or a band's first gig that you saw, or whatever!

If you are going on a first date with 100 people you gots to get laid.

BeoPuppy · « **Reply #21 on:** 16 Dec 2006, 18:40 »

Quote from: tommydski on 15 Dec 2006, 04:35

... tepid piss.

Did you really feel the need to add the 'tepid'? Wasn't just 'piss' a bad enough image?

Johnny C · « **Reply #22 on:** 16 Dec 2006, 23:19 »

My friend, a local comedian who is gaining some repute, would like to play the tambourine during one of my songs. I'm considering inviting multiple people on stage for that one. (multiple = five, six) I'm also considering inviting people who want to dance to dance.

The Eyeball Kid · « **Reply #23 on:** 17 Dec 2006, 00:47 »

I saw a guy do laptop pop and his laptop was covered with colorful stickers. I don't know if this is helpful advice.
Have something with your website/myspace/mailing list/e-mail on it. I know if i like a show i'll buy an EP, and if there's no EP i'll grab a card or something.... if you make fans, keep them. wooo

feel good lost · « **Reply #24 on:** 21 Dec 2006, 14:28 »

Other than seeing Broken Social Scene the only shows i've been to are the ones with the funfilled event of hardcore dancing. (; And in hardcore shows the number one thing is to not sing as much as possible and just give the mic to the crowd whether they know the lyrics or not.
Good luck!

Misereatur · « **Reply #25 on:** 21 Dec 2006, 18:23 »

Quote from: Johnny C on 16 Dec 2006, 23:19

My friend, a local comedian who is gaining some repute, would like to play the tambourine during one of my songs. I'm considering inviting multiple people on stage for that one. (multiple = five, six) I'm also considering inviting people who want to dance to dance.

As long as it's not going to get too crowdy on stage, then do it. Also, inviting people to dance is tricky, I mean, what if no one wants to dance?

jolijn · « **Reply #26 on:** 21 Dec 2006, 19:42 »

that would be pretty awkward...and a conversation killer!

ALoveSupreme · « **Reply #27 on:** 21 Dec 2006, 21:27 »

Quote from: Johnny C on 16 Dec 2006, 23:19

My friend, a local comedian who is gaining some repute, would like to play the tambourine during one of my songs. I'm considering inviting multiple people on stage for that one. (multiple = five, six) I'm also considering inviting people who want to dance to dance.

Usually that works best if you yourself have become a little established. Bands in DeKalb have been known to do that, but you really have to read the audiance. And if I'm not mistaken you said this was your first show.

However, guest musicians (i.e. the comedian you mentioned playing tamborine and anyone else for percussion or whatever) could look cool if they're willing to actually participate and not just stand onstage and act lame.

Johnny C · « **Reply #28 on:** 22 Dec 2006, 02:29 »

Actually you summed up my misgivings about it. I'm likely going to talk to him and tell him it'll be a couple of shows before that can happen.

Storm Rider · « **Reply #29 on:** 22 Dec 2006, 11:08 »

Quote from: Storm Rider on 16 Dec 2006, 05:07

Make sure the sock is nice and snug over your genitals.

I give you all a piece of comedy gold and nobody bats an eye.

Philistines.

Johnny C · « **Reply #30 on:** 22 Dec 2006, 14:52 »

I laughed, man. Lap-pop in a strip club with a dude that has a sock over his no-no-place? Of course I laughed.

Brian Majestic · « **Reply #31 on:** 24 Dec 2006, 03:07 »

Quote from: ALoveSupreme on 21 Dec 2006, 21:27

Quote from: Johnny C on 16 Dec 2006, 23:19
My friend, a local comedian who is gaining some repute, would like to play the tambourine during one of my songs. I'm considering inviting multiple people on stage for that one. (multiple = five, six) I'm also considering inviting people who want to dance to dance.

Usually that works best if you yourself have become a little established. Bands in DeKalb have been known to do that, but you really have to read the audiance. And if I'm not mistaken you said this was your first show.

However, guest musicians (i.e. the comedian you mentioned playing tamborine and anyone else for percussion or whatever) could look cool if they're willing to actually participate and not just stand onstage and act lame.

Is the lone venue in Dekalb "The House"? I think i may be there January 20th!

ALoveSupreme · « **Reply #32 on:** 24 Dec 2006, 04:26 »

For the punkrock show? Yeah there is, The House is awesome. Who are you going to see on the 20th?

Thrillho · « **Reply #33 on:** 24 Dec 2006, 04:39 »

I dressed in a suit for my first gig. It almost ended up being a gimmick. The problem was, I only had one suit, which was actually two pieces bought separately anyway. Otherwise I would've carried that gimmick on, despite the near-death of dehydration each night.

NiMRoD420 · « **Reply #34 on:** 29 Dec 2006, 06:52 »

My band's first show is in three days... New Years Eve baby, celebrate good times c'mon.

I am, truth be told, a little nervous about it, but I am confident we will rock that house party harder than it should probably be rocked without having first consulted a physician.

NiMRoD420 · « **Reply #35 on:** 29 Dec 2006, 07:09 »

You can fly out. I won't buy your ticket but you can crash on my couch for a couple nights.

Hunter · « **Reply #36 on:** 29 Dec 2006, 12:38 »

I have a gig* in a few weeks with my band**. We are playing classic rocker covers; Wild Thing, Louie Louie Knocking On Heavens Door; and When I Come Around. I am kinda nervous cause we just lost the one player who knows the whole song and the soloist for that song(when i come around ) doesnt know what the fuck he is doin and the only reason i solo for the songs is because i know the fucking keys and the scales!

*We are gonna play infront of 8th graders at lunch .

**It is a bass player, a drummer, and 3-4 guitar player. The bass player is good and the drummer is the wood shop teacher. Our fourth guitar player is now in suspension because he broke a window in on the janitor's truck. One guitar player barely know his basic chords and the other likes heavy metal and enjoys the sound of what seems like what Storm Rider explained to me as grindcore. Can i get a jokers to the right of me/ Jokers to the left of me/ here i am stuck in the middle with you?

Johnny C · « **Reply #37 on:** 29 Dec 2006, 12:40 »

Only if it's the Eagles Of Death Metal version, Hunter.

When did this thread stop being about me? I'm not sure I like it.

Storm Rider · « **Reply #38 on:** 29 Dec 2006, 12:53 »

About the same time we stopped talking about your genitals.

I think you know what you need to do.

SilentJ · « **Reply #39 on:** 29 Dec 2006, 13:52 »

JOHNNY'S DONGZLOL

NiMRoD420 · « **Reply #40 on:** 30 Dec 2006, 03:04 »

That's 18-24 strings, guys. At least.

Hunter · « **Reply #41 on:** 31 Dec 2006, 16:15 »

yeah...its really stupid, i'd kick some one out but it isn't my band ya know?

Hunter · « **Reply #42 on:** 31 Dec 2006, 16:16 »

and sorry for blog posting. Good luck on your show johnny!

NiMRoD420 · « **Reply #43 on:** 03 Jan 2007, 02:52 »

Dammit the fucking cops busted my show...

Hunter · « **Reply #44 on:** 23 Jan 2007, 06:21 »

Oh shit im playing tomorrow! *nervous vomit*

Patrick · « **Reply #45 on:** 26 Jan 2007, 14:42 »

Haha, don't worry about it, man. If you're well-rehearsed, you'll do just fine.

Scytale · « **Reply #46 on:** 26 Jan 2007, 06:37 »

if you're getting corpse-painted up in the bathroom beforehand don't leave the makeup lying around someone will come along and smear it all over the mirrors and then your band will get in shit and told never to play at the pub again. Happened to a friend of mines band.

Johnny C · « **Reply #47 on:** 26 Jan 2007, 07:49 »

POSTER!

David_Dovey · « **Reply #48 on:** 26 Jan 2007, 08:12 »

DONGZLOL

Hunter · « **Reply #49 on:** 27 Jan 2007, 08:48 »

So i guess i'll tell you how it all went.

Our first show went well with only on screw up on When I Come Around. The biggest cheering was a tie between Louie Louie and knocking on heavens door.

Our Second show went well too but i felt that the crowd didn't really get into it.

Or 3rd and last show had the biggest turnout since it was the end of the day and everyone from 4th graders to 8th graders came in and the place was packed. At least 3 video cameras were taping and tons of flashing cameras (5 or 6). Unfortunately this was when we made the biggest mistakes. Most of it due to our drummer who played one song then let his son play for the other three. Our encore was louie louie and over played my solo and one rhythmist couldn't get into the beat cause the drummer was too slow.

Guess what our name was. Chosen by a heavy metal kid i give you "Firing Squad". Everyone thought it was The Fire Hydrants or The Fireman. I had fun though.

THESE FORUMS NOW CLOSED (read only)

Author Topic: I am playing a show on Feb. 25. (Read 21656 times)

jolijn

The Eyeball Kid

feel good lost

jolijn

NiMRoD420

NiMRoD420

NiMRoD420

NiMRoD420

Scytale