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2 similar sets in one night.

B

bass1351

Mar 6, 2012
10
0
Prague
#1
Hey.

I joined a band 6 months ago and now we are booking gigs in nearby cities. We have a setlist which is about 45min-1h, depending on speaks and other stuff.

My problem is, many venues wants two sets. We only have one at the moment and I feel a bit stupid playing the same set with max. 1h break in between... Is that only me? I'd like to hear from other people, who have more experience.

The thing is, this is the first gig with this group and we have one quite nice medium size venue booked and we'll get food and beer. They want to see how things go and how many people we bring and if everything goes well next time we'll talk about money too. Does it give a bad impression if we play two similar sets?

I know many other bands who would gladly join us for this gig, including my other band, but this band does not want others in there. I know we would at least double the audience if other known band joined... Other guys are many years younger than me with no experience in playing live. Maybe couple of acoustic songs at parties but that's it. I don't have much either, but still real venues and enough to get some kind of picture how things work. Should I try harder to turn their heads?

Which one would you choose, two bands with one set/band or one band with two similar sets?
 
#2
When I played 45-50 years ago, we played 5 - 40 minute sets (9pm to 2 am) and did not have similar sets. By today's standards, we were a cover band. Today, most those I know all want to do original stuff. Unfortunately, the number of people wanting to hear original material is smaller then those wanting to hear cover. It amazes me the number of musicians who have to sell the tickets to their performance in order too get a gig that pays. To answer your question IMO two bands with different sets is better that one band essentially repeating the same set. Good luck.
 
#3
Thank you for your reply.

We play originals. It's hard to get people to listen to unknown rock band for a full set. Specially because that venue kind of puts us to a test I would bring as much people as I can to keep bartenders busy...
 
#4
bass1351 said:
Thank you for your reply.

We play originals. It's hard to get people to listen to unknown rock band for a full set. Specially because that venue kind of puts us to a test I would bring as much people as I can to keep bartenders busy...
Click to expand...
You need to mix in two sets worth ofcovers then, or settle for playing the $30 a band, six bands in one night originals type gigs. Life is tough.

Don't feel too bad, not many people come to see my covers band either because we don't play the same 10 popular songs everyone else does. So in a way, I get the original bands dilemma.
 
#8
tspallone said:
I've found myself in this situation before and it burned my ass.

Why even book a gig if you're not ready to give a good performance for the night?

1st set = 1hr
20 minutes break
2nd set = 1hr 20 minutes
Go home

No songs repeated
Figure, about 35-40 songs. Get in the shed.
Click to expand...

Exactly.
Sounds like I really need to convince my band mates to get another band aboard.
 
#10
Even the big time all original bands have to do a cover or three. You have to give the listener a little something to recognize or you will lose their attention. I would say you need at least one cover for every 3-4 originals starting out then as your listener starts recognizing your stuff you can phase out the covers. Many big acts "made it" because of a cover tune(s). Not only will cover tunes help keep your listeners attention but they are great for filling time.
 
#14
tspallone said:
I've found myself in this situation before and it burned my ass.

Why even book a gig if you're not ready to give a good performance for the night?

1st set = 1hr
20 minutes break
2nd set = 1hr 20 minutes
Go home

No songs repeated
Figure, about 35-40 songs. Get in the shed.
Click to expand...
+1

If I went to see a band and they played the same set twice, I'd be asking for my money back. If you're not ready, you're not ready. It seems like no one wants to do the hard work of putting together a professional, polished act.
 
#15
You likely will only get one chance at a venue to show your stuff, especially when he is not paying you - he is seeing if you are worth booking again to pay. Stop spending time getting gigs, and get enough songs down first. Nothing wrong with some covers, unless the place is original-only. Even big name bands do some covers (I've seen Chicago, Elton John, The Who and others do them as encores).
 
#16
buldog5151bass said:
You likely will only get one chance at a venue to show your stuff, especially when he is not paying you - he is seeing if you are worth booking again to pay. Stop spending time getting gigs, and get enough songs down first. Nothing wrong with some covers, unless the place is original-only. Even big name bands do some covers (I've seen Chicago, Elton John, The Who and others do them as encores).
Click to expand...

This.

You only make a first impression once.
You said you know some other bands. Bring one along and give them your other set.
 
#17
Thank you all very much for sharing your thoughts.

I got an answer to my question: Do not play same songs. I agree! I would not want to do that.
Cover songs are not a problem. We will prepare a set, but it will not happen in three weeks.

Bringing other band was my first thought, but it's a problem to the other members.
Our guitarist has strong connections in the area and got the gig booked with one phonecall, which is nice, but too soon is too soon.
That's a kind of venue I would not want to cancel a show... I'll just have a little chat with the band... ;)

I know we have to work hard to get things going well.
It's difficult to convince the group to get another band there, and I would hate to tell them "I told you so" or start threatening them to not play that gig...
I understand their eagerness, but some reality wouldn't hurt.

I got pretty strong arguments from here, thanks! I'll use them.
 
#20
Well...if they are all originals and people are hearing them for the very first time, then maybe you could get away with it one time. Most of the general public might not even notice as your songs are still very unfamiliar to their ear. The smarter ones might say, "Gee...your music sounds all the same to me". Just mix up the second set a little different. If someone did call you out on that, then respond with something like, Yea, we were contracted to do 2 shows tonight. With that said, it would still be best to get a second band as other have mentioned.
Ok guys... you can now start throwing rocks at me now. :woot::D
 
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