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Top 10 Tips for Bands
Top 10 tips for playing live and building a following
Mailing list – get a mailing list of people who are interested in your act. Have cards ready for people to fill out at gigs and store it on a database. Then you know who to email with news about the act.
Don’t play while someone is talking – if someone is talking to the audience, don’t play your instrument. Look at the person talking to give the impression to the audience they are worth listening to
Talk slower – when talking, don’t talk to fast and don’t speak too close to the microphone. If the3 rest of the band are quiet the audience should hear you, even if you are a few inches from the microphone.
Banner/logo/website – When you perform have a banner behind you with at least the name of the band on. I have seen so many bands but never known their name. Try to put your logo (you do have one don’t you?) and your web address on too.
Make your look match your sound – If you look punk but play country your audience will be confused and you’ll lose many of them.
Sell merchandise – have badges, t shirts, CDs, etc. on sale somewhere. Set up a table somewhere if you can. You can have your mailing list cards there too.
Turn down so vocals can be heard – yes, I know it’s sacrilege, but in most acts the vocals should be the most important thing and there is a limit to how high they can be turned before feedback sets in. So if you all turn down or play softer they will be heard better.
My Space/Face book – Make use of the internet to build yourself a following around the world. Stay in touch with your fans and bring them closer to you.
Web site – both of the above should link to your web site which should be the centre of your act universe. Tell your mailing list about it. Keep it up to date. Sell your merchandise and promote your gigs there.
Eye contact / performance – When performing maximise eye contact with your audience. This doesn’t just apply to singers. All of the act need to interact with the audience so they feel more involved and important.
Rehearse – practise like crazy before you get to the studio. Focus on difficult bits to get them right. Get it so you can play it in your sleep before you start paying studio rates.
New strings / skins – treat yourself to knew strings/skins before you get to the studio. You’ll get a better sound.
Tune up properly – if you’re not sure get the engineer to help. Use a tuner.
Singer – plenty of sleep the night before so your voice is relaxed and fresh. And no alcohol or dairy products for at least a few hours before singing helps your voice. Smoking? – nuff said.
Record sensitive vocals before raucous ones – otherwise you’ll weaken your voice for the more delicate parts.
Meet the producer / engineer before the session. Discuss your project with them. Make sure they understand what you want. Play them some songs. Make sure you are happy and comfortable with them. If you’re not, find a different producer / engineer.
Be organised – plan ahead. If you need extra people, equipment, etc. make sure it will be available, ready and in place. Make sure all the band can get there on time. Organise transport / alarm calls in advance.
Take spares – strings, skins, sticks, water bottles, etc.
Don’t mix on the same day you record – after recording loud music for a day your ears will be tired. Book your mixing session for another day when your ears are fresh.
Don’t mix by committee. You may have heard the phrase “everything louder than everything else” and if the whole band is there everyone will want their instrument loudest (or in some cases hidden). Choose one or two members to sit in on the mix and (assuming you chose your producer / engineer well initially) trust your engineer / producer’s advice. He/she’s the professional.
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