5 Rules for Playing Live

So I'm not a master of the music industry or anything, but I have been to more than my share of shows. There is a surplus of great music out there and the best music doesn't always rise to the top (Nickelback...). There are things you as a gigging musician can do about it. Once you've booked that gig, which is a pain in the ass in itself, make sure you do the following:

1) Promote.
So many bands focus solely on their sound. In a perfect world, the music would speak for itself; the best music would rise to the top. Merit alone doesn't work in politics and it certainly doesn't work in music. You have to get out there and post flyers, send invites via social networking sites, and generally promote the hell out of every show. If you are in Austin, be sure to get your event listed on sites like Do512.com.

Posting a note on MySpace is never enough. Network with the other bands (see number 3) and make sure everyone is doing their best to get people to the venue. Peoples' time is precious and you want it. You have to market yourself to convince them to stop listening to you on MySpace and actually get out to see you...especially when they have to deal with unfavorable parking situations.

2) Arrive early.
This really shouldn't need a lot of explaining. Arrive early to load in and chat with the sound guy and definitely catch the sets of bands before you. Arriving 15 minutes before your set isn't cool and reflects poorly on you. Venues and booking agents don't forget that stuff. For my guys, if we have a show at 11pm, we are all there by 9.

3) Know the lineup.
This is commonly overlooked. A lot of bands I see don't really have a good idea of who is on before and after them. Sure they know the name of the band, but that's it. Network with the other bands beforehand to promote and talk with them at the gig. If your styles mesh really well, figure out a way to play together again. I know it sucks to think about music from a business perspective, but the cliché really is true: It's not what you know, it's who you know.


4) Play like the place is sold out.
This is more of a personal preference, but it makes a difference. Say you promote your event for weeks and only 20 people are there. Sure you're bummed, but don't show it when you play. Your goal is to make sure those 20 people show up every time from now on. Playing like there are hundreds of people there will prepare you for when that actually is the case.

Part of playing like it is sold out is ignoring mistakes you make in your playing. Don't even acknowledge them, verbally or non-verbally. We can't tell the difference unless it was totally glaring, and even if it was a showstopper we'll forget soon enough.

5) Stay late.
Be the first one there and the last to leave. Chat with the other bands, the bartenders, the booking guy, fans, etc. Hand out some stickers or CDs to people you talk with. Be social. Another good reason to stay late is to pick up your cash (if you were lucky enough to get a paying gig). Don't wait until the next day or later; venues sometimes "misplace" the money.

So that's it; five simple things to help you out when playing live.