Live Bands and Gigs

Why should one gig equal one gig when it can equal five? Here are some quick tips to make the most out of your gigs:

1. Get A Banner
Having a banner is an often overlooked, yet effective way to get your band name out there. You will be surprised at how many people will hear and see your band but have no idea who you are. You can have a banner made by visiting your nearest office supply store or going old skool and painting over an old beer banner. Be sure to include a link to your website at the bottom. Banners will usually range between $20-$150 depending on the graphics, size, and material. Be sure that it is big enough to be clearly scene by audience members, yet portable. Keep your atmospheres in mind also. How often do you play in a dark club or daytime outside?

2. Avoid The “Band Table Of Doom”
Your girlfriend will be there for you after the gig, audience members may not be! I am surprised at the number of bands that I see get off stage, go directly to their band table (which is sometimes BEHIND the stage) and not talk to anyone. I once saw a guy go off stage, immediately had his girlfriend wrap her arms around him, and did not move until it was time to go back on stage. That was very unwelcoming and I felt like I would be intruding if I tried to network.

I have also worked with bands at bigger venues that go off stage and straight back to their band hotel room, not to return until it is time to perform again. These are usually the same bands that are most difficult to work with and are not very outgoing. I notice the crowds react differently to these bands as well.

3. Creative Hand Stamps
Instead of drawing Xs on people’s hands with a permanent marker, consider making a custom hand stamp. Custom hand stamps can be made from materials at office supply stores. Consider stamping the link to your Myspace account so people remember to add you when they get home after the gig. You could also create something such as your band logo as a hand stamp.

4. Record All Of Your Performances
An audio or visual recording of your performances can be used for promotional or educational needs. A previous band of mine used to videotape every performance and then analyze what was happening in terms of stage presence, crowd interaction, etc. This made us grow as a band. You also never know when a magical moment may happen onstage, which makes it the best performance of that song and can be used in the future. Having a visual recording will give you a glimpse through the audience eyes and will make you more critical about yourself for future gigs. Not to mention it could be nostalgic years from now.

Source: www.ultimate-guitar.com