First gig this weekend....testing the waters

the art guy · #1 07-06-2009, 09:01 AM

My band is playing at a friend's party this coming Saturday. It's not a "real" gig, I guess, but we're using it to break in the band before trying to pursue actual venues, bars, etc. It's not paid (unless you count beer), but I think it should be mutually beneficial: the party hosts get live music, and we get to test out our songs live in a less-pressure situation.

The strange part for me is this: although I've been a musician my whole life and have played in countless ensembles (jazz, classical, etc.), I've never performed live on bass (or in a rock band at all, for that matter). So on the one hand I'm a little nervous, but probably not nearly as much as most guys who haven't gigged at all before.

Anyway, I'm very excited......I hope it goes well, because this group really gets along well. While we're not trying to make it big or anything (we're in our 30's, have kids and jobs, etc.), we are hoping to keep this going locally for a while. And we're playing original music.

So my point is.....uh.....I'm not sure. I'm just excited.

I hope this is the appropriate forum for this, by the way.

lorenk · #2 07-06-2009, 12:46 PM

Good luck

In my experience house parties are always a nice relaxed environment to play in.

PS I dig the band

wittynamehere · #3 07-06-2009, 12:54 PM

Hey man, hope it goes well, I really like your sound, that good, loose midwestern groove that sounds especially good live

oldrocker · #4 07-06-2009, 04:21 PM

Have fun - nothing wrong with playing for beer and enjoyment.

totallyfrozen · #5 07-06-2009, 05:27 PM

Congrats!
The band is fortunate to have a guy who's been musical all his life on bass. That's probably the best place for you to help the band sound it's best. We all know the bass is often underrated in the band. If they're nervous too, they'll be glad to have you on bass. Good for you, man!
Have fun!

the art guy · #6 07-07-2009, 09:11 AM

Thanks to everyone for the kind words. We're practicing tonight, and trying to work out a setlist, etc. Should be fun. And thanks for the band compliments too - we're obviously not playing really technical or difficult music, but the sound we have is just what we're going for: that "loose, midwestern" groove that lies somewhere between country and rock.

jimmy rocket · #7 07-07-2009, 09:23 AM

I feel ya.

I've been playing music forever, in all sorts of ensembles (jazz, symphonic, gospel, etc) and even toured on bass with a rock group, but that seems like ages ago. I've been married for 7 years and I've not been in a band for the last 6 and a half of them. Just a few months ago I started playing with a band again and our first gig is coming up next week. It's a house party as well, so perhaps the house party is the new fad for bands comprised of 30+ year olds.

I wouldn't say I'm nervous, but it is a bit like walking out onto the surface of a strange planet.

SlyTaco · #8 07-07-2009, 09:26 AM

Good luck man! I'm in the exact same boat, 30, never played a "venue gig" just parties. Just played a 4th of July party last Saturday outside. It freakin ruled, playing at parties is fun no need to be worried. Enjoy the free beer!!!

the art guy · #9 07-11-2009, 01:39 PM

About to leave for setup/soundcheck. I'll check back in after the gig.....probably tomorrow. Thanks again to everyone for all the kind words.

the art guy · #10 07-12-2009, 11:34 AM

Well, that was certainly fun. A quick recap:

Set one: about 15 songs that we had practiced (some originals, some covers).

Set two: about 15 songs that we had never attempted before.

General summary: set 2 was more fun, but both went as well or better than I had expected. Lots of beer, lots of intoxicated people, and at least one naked cowbell player. He was not a member of the band, thankfully.

J. Crawford · #11 07-12-2009, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the art guy

Well, that was certainly fun. A quick recap:

Set one: about 15 songs that we had practiced (some originals, some covers).

Set two: about 15 songs that we had never attempted before.

General summary: set 2 was more fun, but both went as well or better than I had expected. Lots of beer, lots of intoxicated people, and at least one naked cowbell player. She was not a member of the band, which sucks...

I fixed that for better results at your next gig.

the art guy · #12 07-12-2009, 11:41 AM

Yeah, no doubt. But if we can get naked dudes at gig #1, then how many do we have to play until the ladies follow suit........?

Pitbull Growl · #13 07-12-2009, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the art guy

Yeah, no doubt. But if we can get naked dudes at gig #1, then how many do we have to play until the ladies follow suit........?

That all depends on how much beer is served

J. Crawford · #14 07-12-2009, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pitbull Growl

That all depends on how much beer is served

Touché.