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[imapiratearg]

So, I volunteered myself to play an acoustic set at my friend's birthday party this Friday.  There will be quite a few people there.  I have never sung/played in front of a large audience before.  I'm pretty terrified, and I'm worried I haven't rehearsed the songs I want to play (all covers, because my songs are nowhere near complete) enough.  I'm also worried I will sound like crap, because I don't much like my voice.  I have no idea what my key or range is.  :\

Any suggestions or pointers for a first-timer?

[Scandanavian War Machine]

get drunk. you won't care who is watching or how bad you suck.


all jokes aside; seriously, just take a couple shots and get a good buzz going. you'll be loose enough to not be a nervous wreck but you won't be so loaded that you can't perform.

if they start to loose interest, just stand up, yell "ROCK AND ROLL" and start knocking stuff over.

[ViolentDove]

Er... learning the songs would be a good start.

[Ballard]

Play each song you want to perform through a couple of times. Familiarize yourself with it and figure out what key it is comfortable to sing in (you don't have do know which key it is, just make sure you can hit the lowest and highest note in it)

[StaedlerMars]

When I'm stressed before a show I usually have a pint to settle my nerves. Like SWM said, alcohol will work miracles.

Before that just make sure you know what you're performing. At a birthday party I doubt people are going to criticize you if you don't hit all the notes perfectly. No offence, but I doubt they're expecting anything grand. As long as you look like you know what you're doing, and can play some songs, I bet they'll have a good time.

Also, most people are tone death.

[Ballard]

tone death.

I wish I wasn't too lazy to photoshop this.

[imapiratearg]

I sure hope he means "tone deaf."

[Jackie Blue]

So, I volunteered myself to play an acoustic set at my friend's birthday party this Friday.  There will be quite a few people there.  I have never sung/played in front of a large audience before.  I'm pretty terrified, and I'm worried I haven't rehearsed the songs I want to play (all covers

I will need more information because this could either be totally fine or a complete ego-destroying trainwreck.  What songs are you going to play?  Do you know that the other people there are into those kinds of songs?  Is it going to be a WOOOOOOOO!!!!!! kind of party with alcohol, because if so, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD don't be "that guy that plays sad/deep/meaningful acoustic songs while we're trying to have a good time".

Also: Get drunk.  Seriously.

[StaedlerMars]

Freudian slip. I don't know what I was thinking of.

I'm not editing it for comedy purposes.

[Johnny C]

Everyone things that having an acoustic guitar in your hand means you have to be slow and quiet.

Fuck those people. Just find songs you have fun playing and then play them.

[october1983]

Yeah, if it's going to be an energetic alcohol fuelled booze-up, don't counter that with slow/sad acoustic nonsense. Fuck shit up.

[imapiratearg]

I will need more information because this could either be totally fine or a complete ego-destroying trainwreck.  What songs are you going to play?

Well, my set list, thing,  so far is:

"One Great City!" by The Weakerthans
"No Children" by The Mountain Goats
"A King and a Queen" by Okkervil River (I might substitute this one with another OR song, though.)
"Lua" by Bright Eyes (I know, I know...)
and some Brand New song, probably.  Because I used to have terrible taste in music and learned a bunch of lame songs.  But the one I plan on playing is about wanting to stay young forever.

I want to do an acoustic cover of "Aside" by The Weakerthans too, but I can't figure out a way to make it work with open chords.  I personally think power chords sound like shit on acoustic guitars.  Especially mine.

I'll take suggestions for better birthday party songs, I guess.  But, bear in mind, I'm not an amazing guitarist.

[Spinless]

I just learn songs that I can have fun playing. At the moment, on my acoustic, that means...

Substitute that Okkervil River song for "For The Captain/Black/For Real/No Key No Plan"
Those are the ones I know, because those are the ones fun to play. Also, you can learn Okkervil River songs by ear after just a few tries. I tried 'The President's Dead' but I kept on passing out before I got to the breakdown...
Fools Around-The American Analog Set
It's only two chords! But I don't know what they are, I made them up...
Actually, I think AmAnSet would also be a good choice, their songs are simple, easy to work out, the vocals are pretty easy too. They're close enough to easy listening for anybody to enjoy at a party.
The Mountain Goats could go over well, if your voice is tolerable.
Lose the Bright Eyes song.
Don't play Brand New, everybody will feel sorry for you.
Don't play anything by Elliott Smith and you'll be fine.

Infact...
Lose the whole set list. Learn some Creedence songs.

[squawk]

Play "Holland, 1945"!

[imapiratearg]

That's a Neutral Milk Hotel song, right?  I know one of those, actually.

[Kai]

Play 'I Wanna Be Your Dog'.


I'm completely serious.

[Spinless]

Y'know how I said 'don't play Elliott Smith'?
Similarly, don't play Neutral Milk Hotel.

[Johnny C]

I want to do an acoustic cover of "Aside" by The Weakerthans too, but I can't figure out a way to make it work with open chords.  I personally think power chords sound like shit on acoustic guitars.  Especially mine.

Capo it!

Darryl are you even thinking of the same "Holland, 1945" the rest of us are? It's an absolute blast. However, if I were you, I'd look for some people to help me on that one - if you know one to three people who can bellow the horn parts, that would be ideal.

Bright Eyes, play something with a bit more motion to it. "Bowl Of Oranges" is probably your best bet, though something off of Cassadaga might be pretty rad.

Play "Cinnamon" by The Long Winters.

"Black" by Okkervil River is definitely my suggestion from that band.

[Spinless]

It's great to play those Smith/Mangum songs alone, in your room. But it's taboo to incorporate them into your set. Mostly, it's because it's never been done successfully, but I'm sure that most people find it somewhat cringe inducing to hear their songs played by other people.

And as for Okkervil River, I am definitely recommending 'For the Captain'. I basically lose my voice every time I decide to play that one to myself. I guess 'No Key/No Plan' would be the easiest of their loud songs to play/sing/learn/enjoy if you're not familiar with them. Whenever I try to play 'Black', I get far too into it, lose all timing and stop trying to sing and just scream out the whole song. Is that perhaps why it is the song he SHOULD be playing?

I did a youtube search, JUST for you!

http://youtube.com/profile?user=Cougarman7

And it brought me to this guy. He plays songs on his acoustic guitar and teaches you how to play them. Popular and accessible stuff! I found myself watching his videos and I very much enjoyed those Wolf Parade songs particularly. I think that if you learn those, but growl them instead of singing, because I didn't really care for his singing, you could have a hit on your hands!


Addition: Do you have a capo? They're pretty important. You should learn how to tune down too. They're both useful things to be able to use, especially if you can't really sing.

Hey guys, how do you pronounce that anyway? I've heard it pronounced either 'cap-oh' and 'kay-po' from all kinds of people.

Edit: That guy is now teaching me how to play Will Oldham songs!

[imapiratearg]

Yeah, I had that guy's videos bookmarked already.  I was looking through them last night, trying to learn "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" and "Sodom, South Georgia."

"Black" would be a lot of fun to play.  As for Bright Eyes, I think I'm going to do "At the Bottom of Everything."  Even the narrative in the beginning.

I do have a capo (I pronounce it 'kay-po'), and I know some basic tunings.

I kind of want to play some Wilco.  But I don't know which song.  I might do "War On War," since it's my favorite Wilco song so far, and it's pretty easy-sounding.

[Hat]

Why is it everytime someone starts a thread asking for advice we just tell them to get drunk

[greenMonkey]

It's the 'Slint recommendation' for advice threads.

[Johnny C]

I kind of want to play some Wilco.  But I don't know which song.  I might do "War On War," since it's my favorite Wilco song so far, and it's pretty easy-sounding.

"POT KETTLE BLACK"

Nobody ever does this song, not even Wilco. It's so fucking good that I can't understand why not.

[imapiratearg]

I was torn between that one and "War On War."

You know, Johnny, I just might do it.  It is such a great song.

[Catacombs]

FREE BIRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!

[Jackie Blue]

As for Bright Eyes, I think I'm going to do "At the Bottom of Everything."  Even the narrative in the beginning.

This is seriously the worst idea in this entire thread.

Honestly, do not play Bright Eyes, or Neutral Milk Hotel, or Elliott Smith, or Okkervil River, or anything like it unless you want everyone at the party to feel sorry for you and not in the good way.  And that's what will happen if you play those songs well.

You still didn't say what kind of party it will be though.  Will there be alcohol and shenanigans?

There are some easy upbeat songs you could do.  "Common People" by Pulp is my suggestion.

[imapiratearg]

There will be shenanigans, but no alcohol.

[Kai]

an acoustic cover of S.O.D.'s Pre Menstrual Princess Blues would be pretty great.

[Jackie Blue]

Honest question: Are you doing this whole thing in order to impress girls/boys or a girl/boy in particular?

[Kai]

On a more serious suggestion note, Silkworm's "Miracle Mile" is a fine tune for these sorts of occasions.

[Jackie Blue]

If you absolutely have to play something "emotional" (like Bright Eyes) why not just play "Blister In the Sun"?  It's incredibly easy to play and everyone will sing along and have a fun time.

[Ballard]

"POT KETTLE BLACK"

Nobody ever does this song, not even Wilco. It's so fucking good that I can't understand why not.

I recently learned it and played it for people a number of times. It's my second favorite Wilco song.

What kind of people will be attending this party? What I mean by that is, what are their musical tastes? Cause if you play things people know even half the words to, your set will be infinitely better. If you're playing guitar at a party you want to play songs with simple lyrics that everyone can yell out.

Therefore, I second Blister in the Sun. Brown Eyed Girl (Van Morrison) maybe as well.

[imapiratearg]

If I was going to play things people at this party know, I would be playing Taking Back Sunday and Panic! at the Disco songs.  I wish to avoid subjecting myself to such torture.

I am not playing to impress a girl.  I will be 100% honest, and say that I am playing "No Children" for two reasons.

1. It's my favorite Mountain Goats song.
2. My ex-girlfriend will be attending the party.  Probably with her new boyfriend.

Bitterness!

If you absolutely have to play something "emotional" (like Bright Eyes) why not just play "Blister In the Sun"?  It's incredibly easy to play and everyone will sing along and have a fun time.

I never said I absolutely had to play something emotional.

[Jackie Blue]

If the attendees are fans of those kind of bands, I tihnk you're pretty much screwed no matter what you do.

Sorry, just being honest.  Having played a lot of live shows, I can speak from experience about playing for the wrong audience.

How long will you play for?  How well do you know these people?  How well do they like you?  The ex-girlfriend thing does not bode well.  Neither does the fact that you said you "volunteered yourself".

Playing at a house party can work.  But the more details you provide, the less of a good idea this seems like.

[imapiratearg]

Well, they're my friends.  So they'll enjoy whatever I play.  And I volunteered myself, because I didn't know what to get the birthday girl.  So it's kind of my birthday present.  I'm playing right after a ska band.  I can't be any worse off for this crowd than them.

And honestly, I couldn't give half a shit if she's there or not.  I'd still play "No Children" because it's a damn good song, in my opinion.

[Jackie Blue]

Well, they're my friends.  So they'll enjoy whatever I play.

I envy your youthful naivety.  Unless you're being sarcastic.

You should have said earlier that other people are playing music.  You can't do any worse than a ska band, so just do whatever.

Except Bright Eyes.  Really, don't do Bright Eyes.  (I am a huge Bright Eyes fan, mind you.)  But when people do Bright Eyes it's basically the equivalent of saying "Hey guys, I wish I was Conor Oberst, but I'm not, so um, maybe if I play one of his songs...?"

[Spinless]

Zerodrone and I are on pretty much the same page here. But I say Okkervil River aren't quite 'there' yet, they're still safe.

Ex-girlfriend you say? Sluttering!

[KickThatBathProf]

Uh...
"Happy Birthday"?

[Johnny C]

On a more serious suggestion note, Silkworm's "Miracle Mile" is a fine tune for these sorts of occasions.

I prefer "Never Met A Man I Didn't Like." People respond remarkably well if you spit the line, "Been weeks since I had a good, ffffffuck!"

I assume you're not playing much more than half an hour to forty minutes. Any longer and you'll probably just be dragging it out. That leaves you about six to eight songs, I'd wager.

[costacide]

Do some LSD before you go on.  Either that or about 3 shots of the cheapest whiskey you can find.  Or, for some really fun times, about half a bottle of cough syrup, THEN whiskey, then beer.  You'll feel like hammered shit yet with the youthful energy of an Olympian marathon runner.

About 3 songs in switch it up with a rendition of Black Flag's "My War" and 2/3 of the way through that, flip out as the drugs start to finally kick in, smash something, attack a random partyer, and bite them on the face.  You might not make it as a singer-songwriter, but you'll probably get invited to alot more parties.

[Ballard]

I envy your youthful naivety.

[Cernunnos]

Tommy

You forgot ramming it in.

[Spinless]

One day we'll have a thread where someone asks for advice and we will not suggest -

i) Becoming Circus Drunk.
ii) Ingesting large quantities of very heavy drugs.
iii) Setting something on fire.
iv) Biting someone on the face.
v) Something involving the Stooges and/or Slint.

Not in my life time but eventually it will happen.

Perhaps I accomplished all of these on one night.
Guys, when you set something on fire, make sure it isn't yourself!

[Johnny C]

Unless, of course, there's nothing left to burn.

[David_Dovey]

Johnny:

[imapiratearg]

Agreed.

[Roivas]

I may be too late to offer poinant advice but just do the Johnny Cash trick of 'hiding' behind your guitar. I would also suggest pretending the guitar is a weapon so you feel more comfortable, just don't imagine the blade too close to your crotch or you'll be distracted the whole time.
I would also say play an accoustic version of Irianian Masterbater but that would be hard to learn in less than ten hours.

[yossarian07]

I will need more information because this could either be totally fine or a complete ego-destroying trainwreck.  What songs are you going to play?

Well, my set list, thing,  so far is:

"One Great City!" by The Weakerthans
"No Children" by The Mountain Goats

I love you.
Two of my favorite songs to play on acoustic.
And I'd reccomend "Plus Ones" if you're going to change the Okkervil River song. It's pretty fun to play and one of their more light-hearted songs.

[dalconnsuch]

as someone who has been performing for several years and was touring all this summer i have this to say:

rehearse! make sure you can play and sing every song you play, several songs! not rehearsing over and over and over again is SUICIDE!

thats really all you need to know, make sure you have a setlist and make sure you can play all the songs your gonna play do a "pre-concert" a few times

[2HourHiatus]

Try to make sure you don't stand there like a block of wood. It's good to be active when performing. At least a little active. Or you could just break into a sweet free-form jazz improv jam.