Are pauses between songs important?

[Da LadY In Red]

Hello, my band really likes to open our sets with a sort of block of songs. This means we'll play a couple of songs right in a row with no pauses or applauses. I'm wondering if this could be detrimental to our performances. How you might ask? Here's an explanation.

Back in middle school, my drama teacher taught me that you need tame the audience. If a funny one liner comes by, you should pause for the audience's laugh. Otherwise, if you'll train the audience not to laugh because they'll shut up immediately to hear the next line. This means both less energy for the show and the audience won't think they're having as good of a time.

So, does this mentality play into music as well? Does giving the audience a chance to celebrate make the interaction between the band and the audience that much stronger?

While this effect might not means much when put into effect on just the first 2-3 songs, what if we play a big, recognizable opener? Everyone in our area loves Dave Matthews Band, so shouldn't we let them applause us after we play it as our first song or should we just move onto the next song?

Thanks for the advice.

[Sundogue]

Play it by ear, so to speak.

A gig is a musical event. Not a pass/fail test. If you don't tune in to what's going on around you, what's the point?

Some trudge right on through their set list as if it were a race, and others' pause between songs lasts an eternity.

Neither is right or wrong and there certainly is no formula that works for every gig. Act and react. Play and be aware. It makes for more enjoyment for the band and the crowd.

[MuzikMan]

IMO if the crowd is on the dance floor you should keep going or you will clear that floor and lose momentum. I've seen it happen many times before. People generally come to see a band play - not talk.

There may be times when it is appropriate to pause between songs but I can't think of any.

[Sundogue]

Originally Posted by MuzikMan

There may be times when it is appropriate to pause between songs but I can't think of any.

When a lot of the dancers that bring most of the others out on the dance floor want to make a request.

When you've got something to say that the crowd wants to hear.

When there is a lot of interaction between the crowd and the band besides dancing.

It all depends on the gig and the situation, and when taken in the context of the moment, it may be appropriate.

But I agree, generally if you have a lot of people out on the dance floor shakin' it...keep them shakin' it. That goes for breaks in between sets too, not just between songs.

[nudge]

IMO, Go for it, but be aware of what it's like to be at a gig.

Your audience can't go on forever. They need a break every now and then to catch their breath. And some of the most memorable gigs are when there is crowd interaction. eg at this placebo gig back in december they stopped playing and got the crowd singing happy birthday to brian (molko, singer). Wembely 05 they were building up the guest star (robert smith from the cure) saying a little about the songs ("now this next song we wrote about 10 years ago" pause for cheer "but we actually decided to re-write it agin" crowd goes huh cud this be the piano teenage angst/heamoglobin? no that was only 7 years ago hmm. "last week . . ." cue screams and they play 36 degrees.) they have a lot of lines before songs actually, my fave being 'now, there are some lucky people here tonight who will be going home to a boyfriend or girlfriend. Some very lucky and very good looking people may be going home with a rock star. For the rest of you, remember, there is always a 12" friend waiting for you. this song is bionic/this song is about robot ****.' however, when they played a song they hadn't played in 8 years, they just went straight into it. ****ing amazing. just to give and example, not to rant about 'cebo or anything lol.

I'd say if you like going for it, do maybe one, three straight off, pause, one or two more, pause, go for it, pause, couple of songs, etc. just to vary it and give the crowd a chance to catch their breath and find their shoes/stand up again.

[Spoiled Grape]

It really depends on the moment.

If the gig is going great, the fans are rockin', and we have "the crowd in a bag" than we'll just go from one song to a next with minor pauses.

You need a pause every once in a while to get a drink/tune or so.

If the gig is going rough, we'll have more pauses, and attempt to develop a band/crowd relationship that is outside of music. Alot of back and forth comments between the two mics and the audience.

[buffordbass]

I agree with most of the others, you have to read the crowd. You MUST be prepared though to link 2 or 3 songs together if the dance floor is really working. The kiss of death for a band is to linger, tune and talk too much between songs!!

[lawsonman]

We try to do 2-4 songs with no breaks.Whoever starts the next song automaticially just starts it when we're finished with the current one.I think it adds a little bit of a professional touch.

[BassChuck]

Originally Posted by lawsonman

We try to do 2-4 songs with no breaks.Whoever starts the next song automaticially just starts it when we're finished with the current one.I think it adds a little bit of a professional touch.

Same in my band. If there are more than 5 seconds between tunes its bad. Gotta keep it moving. We link songs all the time.... if one tune is called, it is understood that the 2 or 3 songs that link with it are also called and we go right into them... if a song starts with one or two players, they will start the intro during the last note of the song before.

[Tbone912]

Cover Bands: Don't Pause

Original Bands: Pause, interact

right?

[Sundogue]

Originally Posted by Tbone912

Cover Bands: Don't Pause
Original Bands: Pause, interact

right?

No.

I've been a part of both for over 25 years and if anything I've found the opposite to be true.

When you're in a cover band, if people are dancing (provided you actually play danceable music) you shouldn't pause (or not for very long) if they are out on the dance floor. However, because they are dancing, if they are dancing a lot they will want a break themselves (and any good band will know when that is, because their actions tell you).

If you are in an original band, chances are they are just going to be watching you (unless your originals are extremely danceable...because most people want to dance to something familiar). If they are just sitting there taking your music in, if you have long pauses between songs, they will just continue to watch you...doing nothing.

But again, it's all about the gig, the situation and the moment. Only you and your band can really make the observations and the determine if it's right or not. Anyone who thinks there is a formula, or always a right or wrong way to approach this at every gig, is not paying attention to their audience, or aware of what they want.

[QORC]

doing songs in block is the way real pro bands do it. Taking a break after every song tends to make crowds lose interest. It drives me crazy that my band can't do more of that. What you need is a really good drummer to carry things like that off (we don't.)

[lonegroover]

Brief pauses. Let them show their appreciation and emotionally "buy into their own enjoyment" so to speak.

[NickyBass]

Often, I will just start the beginning groove of the next tune, and the drummer and I will vamp while someone talks. Personally, I hate dead space. I don't know if it's good or bad.

[Sundogue]

Originally Posted by QORC

doing songs in block is the way real pro bands do it. Taking a break after every song tends to make crowds lose interest. It drives me crazy that my band can't do more of that. What you need is a really good drummer to carry things like that off (we don't.)

I agree. Taking a break between every (or even most) song is simply unprofessional because it shows a lack of organization. If you have a set list, how hard is it for the person who starts the next song, to just start it?

If that person is waiting on another band member, unless the pause is gear malfunction (broken string on a guitarist's only guitar, amp/speaker failure, etc.) that only means one thing...someone who is causing the delay needs to get their act together.

[agreatheight]

Originally Posted by Tbone912

Cover Bands: Don't Pause

Original Bands: Pause, interact

right?

I agree with that, more or less. In cover bands I do think it's a good idea to string songs together into blocks, to keep the momentum up, but you do need breaks in there at some point. People will need to get a drink, chat for a second, etc, PLUS your guitard is gonna need to tune up. I think three songs in a row is the limit, unless a special situation calls for something unique.

In original bands, I think breaks are important so that the audience knows when songs are over, and they can clap if they dig it. I do think that all pauses should be brief, and all interaction tight and to the point.

[invader3k]

Like everyone says, it's good to go with the flow, and keep your momentum going. If a pause is needed (say, the guitarist is switching axes, or the vocalist needs a drink of water) someone should be talking! It doesn't matter...plug the bar, your website, intro the next tune, tell a joke....just do _something_ so that the audience isn't standing around while the band is looking around at each other, and no one knows what's happening!

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by Tbone912

Cover Bands: Don't Pause

Original Bands: Pause, interact

right?

Not really.

[supermonkey]

In both my original and cover gigs we plan the entire set, including places to pause. We try not to let more than a few seconds pass without either playing the next song or saying something (preferably entertaining and non-stupid) to the audience.

[kansas666]

Just to reiterate;

If the dance floor is hopping keep the music going. But don't over-do it. The goal here is to make money. If everyone is on the dance floor, they are not buying drinks. Pause every few songs for the cause.