Cool things to say between songs

[PBass101]

I hate bands that do anything more than introduce song names. I don't want to see musicians on a stage joking around with each other, trying to have conversations with the audience as a whole, etc.

I had a buddy who saw Bob Dylan live many years ago. I guess he did not say a word into the mic unless he was singing a song.

 

[capnsandwich]

Just stick your middle finger up at them and say "Up yours name of city here."

 

[nortonrider]

"We're gonna take y'all on a little trip to a place called........Hoogie Boogie Land!"



"Hey Sparky - Hey Sparkeeeeee!"

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

I had a buddy who saw Bob Dylan live many years ago. I guess he did not say a word into the mic unless he was singing a song.

I don't think the OP has the... eh... Gravitas of Mr Zimmerman (who here does?!?!)...

The fact is, if you're playing covers, you have to "entertain". If you're doing originals, you can afford to be artsy since you're playing on your terms.

 

[Crockettnj]

If you don't know how to "work" a crowd go back to the garage!

lol. Or you could just play.

My female singer and I (we front the band) have a whole series of themes we work up, never the same twice so as to keep it fresh. The banter between us keeps the crowd up and going she rags me, I rag her hell people think we are a couple! I have had more venue staff tell us that we are great fun to watch and listen to because of the interplay between us.

You guys have a schtick that you obviously enjoy and do well.

Then that sounds like it is PART of your gig. You cant force sincere comraderie. If it isnt part of you, dont do it. It'll REALLY show on stage.

If I saw your band I bet i'd be the guy in the back saying something like "hey, great bass tone. Nice cabs that cat is playin. But what's with the @%^$#% cheesy on-stage flirt banter?!

 

[rosstanium]

I like to introduce every song like this: "This song is called 'Thunderbeard' "

 

[backline112]

Dinosaur Jr once played with a loop going between songs that said "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" over and over until they started playing again. It was funny at first, but got annoying quick... which made it even funnier (to me, anyway).

But yeah- segues are the way to go.

LOL Made my day!

You could say something to the effect of:
-Ugh, it's pretty hot in here, isn't it? This next song is about heat, and how it is affecting global warming:

 

[HugheJapackage]

"We're gonna take y'all on a little trip to a place called........Hoogie Boogie Land!"



"Hey Sparky - Hey Sparkeeeeee!"

hahahaha that'll clear out the bar FAST

 

[FFTT]

Why do all the blues songs make you sing everything twice?

 

[Kenny Allyn]

lol. Or you could just play.




You guys have a schtick that you obviously enjoy and do well.

Then that sounds like it is PART of your gig. You cant force sincere comraderie. If it isnt part of you, dont do it. It'll REALLY show on stage.

If I saw your band I bet i'd be the guy in the back saying something like "hey, great bass tone. Nice cabs that cat is playin. But what's with the @%^$#% cheesy on-stage flirt banter?!

I hope you would enjoy the WHOLE show ... including the tone, bass cabs, playing and all:

Yes it works, and we keep it light and spontaneous Denise and I do have a natural chemistry on stage ... you can't force anything, the crowd picks up on that.

Hey if you can't do a stage show ... don't

... Besides she is BLONDE what a great target for my caustic jabs!

 

[anthowl]

after every two songs passionately kiss another member of the band.
if you run out of band members point this out and begin on the bar staff.

 

[seanm]

I like to introduce every song like this: "This song is called 'Thunderbeard' "

You call every song Thunderbeard? I guess that makes it easy to remember the titles.

I think this is one of those questions with no right answers. Some guys are great at talking up the crowd, some aren't. Some crowds like to feel the band is talking to them, some just want to hear the music and/or dance.

 

[Rudyboy98]

Anything more than a quick :"Thanks", "We'd appreciate it if you'd stop by and pick up our new CD at the door" or "God bless you all-Good night"

 

[Slaine01]

"....so, how come U.S. Marines aren't as tough as the Australian S.A.S ?..." (with a strong Aussie accent)

If they weren't listening to you before I reckon you'll have the bar's undivided attention now...

 

[Ubersheist]

Anything more than a quick :"Thanks", "We'd appreciate it if you'd stop by and pick up our new CD at the door" or "God bless you all-Good night"

I mostly agree. This should be the minimum, plus a "We got [insert name of next band coming] on next, so stick around!" if there's another band after you guys. Also, remember to mention your band name a few times.

Unless you're good at banter and have that natural talent for talking up the crowd, don't talk. Just a very quick "Thanks," with maybe a "the next song is "[insert song]."

Beyond the barest of minimum that you probably need to say, you should know that whatever you say will react well with a crowd or get them more interested. This is a tough thing to do, and usually takes years, if not decades to master. It brings to mind a Mark Twain quote:

It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.

Not quite the same here, but unless you know it'll engage the crowd, it'll do nothing but push them away or irritate them.

Tread lightly, but not too lightly, or you'll never get that type of good stage presence and banter that's so rare these days.

I suggest doing most of your banter midsong during breakdowns and bridges. It engages people more.

 

[tegnoto89]

If you're playing a bar, probably just keep playing songs with as little break in between as you can.

If people are there to watch you... I recommend checking out some Green Day live videos. Billie Joe Armstrong certainly isn't the greatest singer or guitarist out there, but he definitely knows how to work the crowd. Keep it short and sweet though.

And as for what NOT to do... Look at any live blink-182 video.

 

[BrandonMooberry]

After a song you guys play and nobody applauds, step up to the mic and open your mouth like you're going to say something. Step back, then step back up and say: "wombat pigeon sauce". That'll get you straight Claypool props.

 

[tom e smith]

I don't like a lot of banter, but if we're playing and no one is on the dance floor I like to introduce the next song by saying "We're going to slow things down and give you dancers a break". It usually gets a chuckle and gets a few people on the floor.

 

[seanm]

If you're playing a bar, probably just keep playing songs with as little break in between as you can.

If people are there to watch you... I recommend checking out some Green Day live videos. Billie Joe Armstrong certainly isn't the greatest singer or guitarist out there, but he definitely knows how to work the crowd. Keep it short and sweet though.

And as for what NOT to do... Look at any live blink-182 video.

Hat's off to you, that comparison works

I picked a random live Blink-182 video from youtube and the banter sucked. I picked a random live Green Day video and it was kinda cool.

 

[phatbass]

"Welcome to the third annual <location of bar> Nambla awards night"