Getting the chance to play on TV

kcamsdog1387 · #1 09-04-2009, 12:21 PM

So I was approached by a guy who runs the open mic my band plays every week the other day to be a last minute fill in on a local TV show. If anyone from Boston knows, its The Steve Katsos Show on Arlington Public Access. I know, I know, PA channels aren't really much to be happy about, but this guy seems to have his stuff together. He showcases local celebrities, comics, and singer/songwriters. He just started his third season and wants to get a little more electric with his musical guests. The quality of his stuff is really good. Here's my friend Dave playing one of his songs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5yw9moDCzw

And here's his youtube page. http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSteveKatsosShow

So, what do you guys think. I feel that any chance to get yourself heard is a plus. Not to mention some high quality audio/video of some of our choice songs will be a plus.

Eilif · #2 09-04-2009, 12:32 PM

Do it! As long as they aren't asking you for anything but your time, it's a great opportunity. If they are asking you for money then you have a harder decision.

My band played on the WGN midday show last year and while it didn't bring us a ton of recognition or additional gigs, it was a great experiences and a great thing to put on our resume (which may have helped us get gigs)!

Practice hard, be prepared and look cool. Also, even though you may actually be in a side room with 1-5 people, do your best to look like your are playing before a huge audience.

Yerf Dog · #3 09-04-2009, 12:38 PM

Why not?

StyleOverShow · #4 09-04-2009, 12:46 PM

It will be great as a reference and you can use it for U-Tube promos.

There are many things going on in a TV shoot so just ignore all the lights, cameras and people staring at you from 10 feet away and focus on your act. Remember that it is the TV audience and not the jokers with the headsets on that you are playing to.

Do it!

kcamsdog1387 · #5 09-04-2009, 12:48 PM

Nice. It probably won't happen for at least another week or two. So I'll keep everyone posted and let you know whats going on. He usually invites his guests in the week before to sit in the audience to get a feel for the show. Should be fun.

agreatheight · #6 09-04-2009, 12:49 PM

I did one of those in the late 80s, lol, and it was subtly worthwhile. Fun experience, but nothing much more than that. Today, tho, you can certainly leverage those clips to the internet so, yeah, go do it.

lunarpollen · #7 09-04-2009, 12:57 PM

heheee... I got on the Uncle Floyd Show with a band I used to play (guitar) in...

Interceptor · #8 09-04-2009, 11:18 PM

Always a good thing. Good and weird.

Playing in a TV studio is very hard. There is so much stuff going on. And by the way, they really are happy when you show up on time, want nothing and are happy to do what ever they want. It is their show.

I've been on both sides of the glass on this. As a band member, you leave wondering what just transpired. As a station dude, you're like "now what will go wrong."

mrkreuzschlitz · #9 09-09-2009, 02:38 PM

Dedicate practice sessions to every aspect of it.

Your tightness would take one practice. Dissect the song, put it together, and then dissect it a few more times. NAIL the song.

Work on stage presence. The way you look on stage is different in front of a camera is different than in front of a crowd. Don't look awkward and not move, or "fake it." Sell your part.

Pick a good song that's 'everyone's favorite' (duh) and you'll be fine.

+1 to showing up on time btw. Good luck!