After a many hours of practice, you have finally scored your first gig. That's awesome. This is an important step for a band. All those hours paid off and now you are going to get paid. However, a bands first time can be either heaven or hell depending on how this first gig goes. It can determine their music career.
These days, most bands usually get a school or party gig or a shared bill with a few other bands as their first gig. Either way, the experience of the first gig should be enjoyable and exciting. You don't want it to turn into a nasty experience with everything going wrong, which it will if you are not prepared.
First, you need to rehearse, rehearse, rehearse, and rehearse more! No matter how many times you have performed your songs in the garage, when you get on stage it will all sound different, and, if you don't know your part 110%, you will get it wrong. In the garage, you are in one small room and quite close to your fellow band mates. On stage, you can be separated a lot and you may not be able to hear the other guys or what they are playing. If you know your songs very well, you will be able play no matter what sound problems you have.
Second, be confident in your ability. Rehearse your songs in the order you will perform them especially if you are doing a short set. If you are doing a whole night, rehearse your whole song list as if you are actually doing the gig. This will alert you to any problems such as guitar changes, pedal set up changes, singers needing a "breather" that may make you look disorganized on stage.
Write a song list/order for all the band members and a few spares if the gig is using a sound or lighting guy. Make notes if you want any special effects done for you by the sound man. Each member should write notes on his or her list if they need to remember certain things such as pedal adjustments or guitar changes. With your equipment, give it a full check before the show. If something is worn or breaking, replace it with a fresh set. This is your first gig so you want everything to be perfect.
Make sure you have new batteries for pedals and especially tuners, and for any wireless systems you may be using. And don't forget a guitar stand or two!! Have a spare lead close by even if you are using wireless system as it is a good back up. a lot of bands, label everything clearly with your name or at least some special markings. A lot of time things disappear at these shows.
Remember that you are doing this for the music and that no matter what happens this will always be a great experience. It will be something you tell your kids and grand kids about- the day you were a star. Relax and enjoy the moment. The less stress you put on yourself, the more exciting it will be. - 20768
These days, most bands usually get a school or party gig or a shared bill with a few other bands as their first gig. Either way, the experience of the first gig should be enjoyable and exciting. You don't want it to turn into a nasty experience with everything going wrong, which it will if you are not prepared.
First, you need to rehearse, rehearse, rehearse, and rehearse more! No matter how many times you have performed your songs in the garage, when you get on stage it will all sound different, and, if you don't know your part 110%, you will get it wrong. In the garage, you are in one small room and quite close to your fellow band mates. On stage, you can be separated a lot and you may not be able to hear the other guys or what they are playing. If you know your songs very well, you will be able play no matter what sound problems you have.
Second, be confident in your ability. Rehearse your songs in the order you will perform them especially if you are doing a short set. If you are doing a whole night, rehearse your whole song list as if you are actually doing the gig. This will alert you to any problems such as guitar changes, pedal set up changes, singers needing a "breather" that may make you look disorganized on stage.
Write a song list/order for all the band members and a few spares if the gig is using a sound or lighting guy. Make notes if you want any special effects done for you by the sound man. Each member should write notes on his or her list if they need to remember certain things such as pedal adjustments or guitar changes. With your equipment, give it a full check before the show. If something is worn or breaking, replace it with a fresh set. This is your first gig so you want everything to be perfect.
Make sure you have new batteries for pedals and especially tuners, and for any wireless systems you may be using. And don't forget a guitar stand or two!! Have a spare lead close by even if you are using wireless system as it is a good back up. a lot of bands, label everything clearly with your name or at least some special markings. A lot of time things disappear at these shows.
Remember that you are doing this for the music and that no matter what happens this will always be a great experience. It will be something you tell your kids and grand kids about- the day you were a star. Relax and enjoy the moment. The less stress you put on yourself, the more exciting it will be. - 20768
About the Author:
Matt James has been writing about the music industry for many years. He has been recording with various record companies and has been in many bands. For more information, tips, and advice, check out his website, guitar legends to learn more about guitars, music, and the greatest rockers of all time.
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