Elitism at gigs

[punkjazzben]

Bingo. Hipsters ignore the crap out of us, even though we play funk rock and some people usually get into the vibe of it. But I've never seen hipsters who appear to genuinely enjoy themselves at any gig anyway, so I just figure that they're a crowd of old men/women at heart and are too cool/glum for life.

Where abouts in Aus are you man? I'm in Melbourne, seemingly the heart of the hipster movement...

Country south west Victoria at the moment. Lived in South Yarra for three years though (shudder) and I have countless mates that have migrated to the Carlton and Brunswick area. My recent bad playing experiences have been all when we've travelled up to play in Melbourne. Hipster central it is, and so many bands just playing to sound like the most recent Pitchfork favorite.

Doesn't help that each band member usually walks away with about $15 at the end of the night, either. I'm not saying its all bad. I've had fun gigs there, but the less fun ones do leave a bad taste in your mouth.

We have a few pubs here in the sticks that we always play at and we always get a good crowd who just want to dance and have a good time, we get drinks, food, accommodation and exceptional pay on top of that (no door deals).

While I was living there I was doing jazz and classical work, which is a different scene entirely, though.

 

[Wadge]

That happens on occassion. In one of my bands, I play with a singer/musician who is a small celebrity in my area. He used to be a very popular DJ. In any case, we are very frequently booked to play weddings and we basically charge an obscene sum of money to play an hour and a half set, which might at most run to two hours. But it is a full on high energy set which is intended to get people dancing and partying.

Sometimes the guests are immediately up for a party whilst at others they need some coaxing. But it sometimes happens that the guests are just not in party mode at all and can hardly be convinced to dance.

This is a problem for us because we cannot just play background music because we've been contracted specifically to make people dance (i.e. its our responsibility to make them!!!!) - that, and we need to justify our fee.

In these cases we'll try simply everything to get them going. As a final resort we'll get the bride and groom to dance and ask the guests to join them - that usually gets them but boy they can be tough.

 

[invader3k]

Sometimes the crowd is just like that. We just played a gig Saturday night at a local bar. This was our second gig there. Place was pretty full, but for the most part, people just sat on their hands. Some polite clapping in between songs, but no one really dancing for the most part. After the gig, the bar owners were really happy with us and gave us another booking on the spot. I figure if the owners are happy, it doesn't matter too much how the crowd acts.

 

[timbros]

If you aren't getting a good crowd response you can always limit the silence by going straight into the next song.

That will keep the other people in the bar from noticing that no one is clapping for you........or you can take requests. That always helps!

Take care,
Timbros.

 

[invader3k]

Some easy stage banter helps during those awkward silences too:

"Everyone still having fun this evening?"
(One or two people clap or yell something).
"All right! Two people are having fun! We'll take it!"

 

[pineapplerobot]

to the OP

Sounds like you toured through Omaha.

 

[BluesOnBass]

+1..I have never played and not got an applause after we finish a song. PLUS I always stop what I am doing and stop talking to who ever I am talking to and clap for ANY band after they finish a song, dont matter if they suck or not, I CLAP...It is just the right thing to do.

+1 same here, and if I really do like them I yell out too. I have often seen the crowd follow my lead when I start the clapping. If nothing else, I appreciate the effort it takes to prepare and get up there to perform. Also, if I've really liked a band, I will send them a message on Facebook later expressing my appreciation. I like it when people do this when we play, so I do the same for other bands.