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Fun Stuff => BAND => Topic started by: Kill.kenada on 15 Feb 2009, 05:44
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I feel a bit of a novice for asking, but, I'm a drummer playing my first ever gig next month.
Can anyone give me any tips, or advice?
Things I need to prepare for? (People throwing rotten fruit etc.)
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Hard to describe really.
I'll try and upload one of our songs, I haven't recorded with them yet, so they've just recorded with a drum track...
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Couldn't find any decent demos really.
This is just an acoustic version of one we'll be playing on the night.
http://www.mediaf!re.com/?sharekey=608d3126b242d31a4c17ca8801618ef7e04e75f6e8ebb871
(sorry about the state of the link)
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Whatever you do, have extra sticks within arm's reach, easily available. You probably will drop or break at some point, and you really dont want to look like an asshole floundering with 1 stick for more than a second or two. Oh, and double check all your hardware, pedals etc etc, make sure everything's tight, bass pedal coming apart in the middle of a song will kill you.
Also, don't focus on the crowd.
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Whatever you do, have extra sticks within arm's reach, easily available. You probably will drop or break at some point, and you really dont want to look like an asshole floundering with 1 stick for more than a second or two. Oh, and double check all your hardware, pedals etc etc, make sure everything's tight, bass pedal coming apart in the middle of a song will kill you.
Also, don't focus on the crowd.
This. Good advice right here.
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Extra sticks.
Learn the songs inside and out.
Remember that while you hold the songs together, you aren't the one in charge. Let the singer get their words out first.
Don't necessarily smash the fuck out of your kit. If you're miced up it's not necessary, if you're in too small a venue it's overpowering.
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Oh yeah, definitely pay attention to dynamics and timing. Basically, try to keep your chops under control, keep solid time, and just do your best to hold the band together. That's your most important job.
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Exercise so you don't burnout after a couple of songs.
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Thanks for the tips guys.
I know I'll really have to resist thinking about the crowd. I'm extremely nervous.
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Imagine they are in their underwear.
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Luckily, I've never really had a problem with stage fright, 'cause I seem to be confident enough in my musical ability when I get on stage that I know I'll do pretty well. And it also helps that I've been performing in public since I was like... 5.
But when nerves do come along, there are a few things I think about to calm me down. First off, if you know the songs well enough, your body will just do it for you. If you can clear your mind enough, muscle memory will take over and you'll just do it without thinking about it. The worst I ever play on stage is when I'm thinking about what I'm doing, because when you analyze where your arms are going, where you are in the song, that mistake you just made, etc. your worried brain get in the way of your creative mind, and it screws you all up. So just chill out, let the music flow through you (as cheesy as it sounds), and you'll do great.
The second thing is that most audiences don't know anything about music. They come out for a good time, to dance, or whatever else, but almost nobody is analyzing every aspect of your performance. So even if you do mess up, nobody really notices.
Lastly, as a musician, you're an artist. A lot of people stress out about playing in front of people because they'll be judged, or when a painter shows stuff off for the first time, it's a little nerve-wrecking. But you have to think about it like this: you enjoy the music you're playing, because if you didn't, you probably wouldn't be doing it in the first place. And if YOU like it, chances are that there are a million other people out there who will like it too if you give them a chance to hear it. Think of it not so much as putting yourself on the chopping block, but rather sharing something great with the people around you. There will always be people who'll try to bring you down and say it's not good, but if you're confident in yourself and your art, I guarantee a lot more people will love it. And making people happy is always fun, right?
Good luck, and I know you'll do well.
</made-for-tv movie speech>
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As counter-intuitive as it sounds, it's true what this man or woman is saying. If you think about what you're doing, you're going to mess up. Even if you do on accident, just keep going. You're the only one who'll know.
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I got man-parts, for future reference.
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At the end of your set be sure to kick the drum set to pieces and throw random bits of it at the audience.
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Spontaneously combust for maximum effect.
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Here's my advice: Just play... *shrug*
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Play the symbols with your head, its always a crowd pleaser.
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Wow SuburbanRhythm, probably the most moving piece of advice I've ever had!
Can you recite that down the phone to me just before I go on? haha!
Seriously though, thanks a lot everyone. I suppose you're right about people not really noticing if you mess up.
If any of you are in Sheffield, UK on the 18th of march, come see us play, haha.
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What is your band called? I live in Sheffield so i might be able to come along.
[Can't promise though, things always end up preventing me from getting to gigs. Stupid other people]
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We're called Gosper.
Playing The Harley.
I can't find it advertised anywhere yet though.
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Hah, my university is literally on top of the Harley. Its a great little pub thats always got bands on. I know one of the promoters who puts shows on there. I'm sure i'll hear about it soon enough.
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Ah yeah?
I'm at Hallam Uni.
I venture up to Sheff Uni for Offbeat and occasionally fuzz.
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For non-Sheffielders, fuzz is a club night. I wasn't being sexist.
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Yeah, i'm usually at offbeat but i missed the last one. I don't go to fuzz much any more though, the bands have gotten so much worse in comparison to last year. The only good headline was Metronomy really, and Slow Club were good last week.