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First gig tomorrow night!

Stilettoprefer

Stilettoprefer

Nov 26, 2010
2,011
163
#1
It's finally here! My first gig as a rock musician! Since I'm used to standing in the back of a crowded jazz rhythm section, I don't really have any stage presence...

Any tips on stage presence? Also, attire tips? It's an old all ages club in Washington, and it's all teenage bands performing, so a suit would just make me look like a douche haha.
 
#2
Look at the other musicians on stage with you. Interact with them.
Look at specific people in the audience. Interact with them.
Otherwise let the music do the talking and go with the flow.
Do not grimace when you F**k up! (you will and no notices or cares.)
Laugh and smile.
Wear comfortable shoes.
 
#5
what kind of rock music man?

I'm not trying to tell you to check my band out, but go on facebook and check out "centrefold" thats my band i play for - take a look at what I'm wearing. I have fairly tight fit jeans, leather wristband and a chainwristband black shirt and a wallet chain. I also wear black sneakers. most of the guys in my band wear the same thing and we get compliments for "looking like our music would expect you to look"

just an idea but I'm not sure what type of music you play.

as far as tips, dont worry about messing up, it will happen but dont make a big deal about it.

Honestly I will tell you this. It takes time to look at the audience and smile/look to be having fun ect. Just go out there and do your thing man - it will all come in time
 
#6
It sounds silly, but take 10 minutes before you go on to find someplace away from all the hubbub and get a good stretch!

For me it makes all the difference in the world since I'm not a teenager and invincible anymore - I'll do stuff like the v-sit-reach, touch and hold toes, around-the-world, side bends.

Best of luck!
 
#10
thanks guys!!!:) I'm thinking cut-off skinny jeans and a rusty-red v-neck (bass is trans red over figured maple) black shoes, black hat. Pretty much normal clothes for me haha.

We play a little bit of everything haha. Prog rock, metal, punk, and blues. Everyone in the band comes from different ends of the musical spectrum, so the music we write and our sound reflects that:P But it totally works and sounds good! I'll definitely post pics and footage of the show in this thread when I can!!!

Anyways, I'm gonna shower and eat then skidadil over to the drummers for some last minute practice before packing the van and heading up!

PEACE!
 
#11
Take an extra strap, an extra bass or at least some strings and an extra instrument cable. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!

Drink plenty of water, take a nervous pee before hand and go have fun.

And remember to post photos so we can share in your triumph!
 
#12
If you're singing, drink even more water!!!!!! I can't stress that enough, its killer if you don't.

Wear whatever's comfortable, you'll be doing a fair bit of moving around. That's another thing too - try not to just stand still, UNLESS moving throws off your playing significantly. If you look pumped, the crowd will usually get pumped. Oooooooooh ya try not to leave really long gaps between songs, cuz it can get preeeeeetty awk hahahahaha

And of course be yourself, cuz most of the time people can tell when you're not. And cuz its just a good thing to do in general :-P

Oh ya and that having fun thing...that's probably good too :-P
 
#16
If you're anything like me and many others, you'll probably end up playing regularly at different places. It helps to approach playing shows the same way athletes (especially hockey players) approach games. Develop a pre-set ritual, and don't stray from it; it will help calm nerves and get you ready. Here's my pre-set ritual:
1. Eat (peanut butter Clif bar and grape gatorade)
2. Listen to "pump up" music on my ipod.
3. Stretch
4. Run through scales or basic lines to limber up my fingers.
5. Go pee.
6. Jump up and down.
 
#18
IT WAS INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!! soon as I get pictures (tomorrow probably) I'll post them on here!!!!!

The manager even came up and asked for the band leaders number so that he could invite us back!!!:D

Unfortunately, we didn't make any money on this one (not enough people showed up), but we got a connection and it was our first time playing there anyways:P
 

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