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If only I knew then what I know now...

#101
To make setting up the PA much easier, label each main/monitor/mic stand/cab as to where it goes on the stage (left/right/drums/lead vocals, etc). I saw this done on the back of a PA main with a small stencil and spray paint. It could even be done with reflective paint to show up in low-light settings.

Then label each jack with a unique letter or number. Then label each cable with the matching letter or number. This would include mics and the mixer input they use. With this method the same cable gets plugged into the same jack each time and anyone can help setup the PA. I've seen this done with a little bit of duct tape and a marker. Maybe there's a more permanent type solution that could be suggested.

You can even diagram the PA setup, laminate the picture and paste it to the inside of the mixer cover to give a more specific idea as to where everything should be placed.

This really helps in dimly lit venues and when you're in a hurry, no matter how much experience you have. And, everyone in the band can help LILO the PA, quickly and efficiently. If each person that helps is assigned a specific job, then everyone goes home that much quicker.
 
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#104
stewart8980 said:
if anything that could effect your mood or mental stability happens before a gig. chances are it'll be as successful as Hellen Keller landing a 747 on an aircraft carrier during Hurricane Katrina. Try to rebook if you can.
Click to expand...
How about this? If anything that could affect your mood or mental stability happens before a gig, suck it up and deliver a good and professional show anyway. Or get out of the live music business, before you are forced out.
 
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#107
I was told to touch the strings with the back of your hand. If you get a real jolt it would make your hand grip and you continue to get shocked, if you touch with the back of your hand and get shocked your hand should fall away and break the contact.

Fortunately I've never had to find out if this is good advice or not.

Stumbo said:
When you first approach the mic at a gig, always test the ground by holding your strings with your left hand and quickly touching the mic with your finger. (reverse for lefties).

Too many people have been shocked and injured by starting their vocals and while singing, touch the mic with their lips and receive a terrible pain.
Click to expand...
 
#108
Better yet, try this. Holding your bass by the wood only, lift it up and touch the strings to your mike. This is assuming your strings are grounded to your bass' insides.
If you hear a "zap" or see a spark, you have a problem. But at least you weren't shocked!
I've saved myself a fried lip a lot of times this way.
 
#109
I wrote this for another thread, but Stumbo suggested that I put it here, as well. Here you go. It's about naming a band (click the ">" symbol to see the post in context):

Dave Muscato said:
No. It Googles terribly, for one. Important qualifications for a band name (not exhaustive):

1. Your website comes up first in Google (there are other factors at play there, though).
2. www.yourbandname.com is available, or can be purchased for a reasonable price.
3. Easy to spell, easy to remember. Benefit of the Doubt is terribly generic and easy to forget, in my opinion.
4. Ideally, it would be a name you can trademark one day. You cannot trademark a phrase like Benefit of the Doubt. The easiest names to trademark are made-up names, e.g. Metallica or The Beatles (spelled that way, rather than like actual beetles).
5. Ideally, your band name would not have spaces or any other characters in it. Metallica and Incubus are good examples. It makes it easier to Google you, and for bots & crawlers to index news about you, and for record stores & people to alphabetize your band name in iTunes or iPod playlists, etc.

There are other things you can do to help your name "stick." These are just a few things to look for before you decide on one. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
 
#110
Well, here's my contribution to the thread:

If your friends ask you to play with them and form a band, while you know they are lazy-butts, just DON'T!
No matter how much they'll put on your friendship, don't agree. They won't get better cos they're your friends, nor it will be easy to get away from that afterwards.
 
#111
I thought this was interesting:

Off-stage relationship:

Penn Jillette has told interviewer Larry King that a big part of the duo's success and longevity is due to the fact that they have never been close friends. They enjoy working together immensely, but have little in common besides magic. As a result of their drastically different lifestyles and interests, they rarely socialize or interact when not working. Jillette believes that their partnership succeeds precisely because they give each other a great deal of space off-stage.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penn_and_Teller#Off-stage_relationship
 
#112
These responses are so true, I almost feel I can't add anything more to the thread. But I'll try. Make sure you draw a thick line between your original songs and covers. In other words, make sure your covers aren't just an "interpretation" of another band's song. I've heard from a few people that these half-assed cover songs sounds unprofessional. I think the audience really wants to hear an original version of a cover (if that cover is instantly recognizable). But-all this depends on what role your band plays. That's another one, figure out what role your band should play. Figure this out with the whole band.
 
#113
perplexicon said:
These responses are so true, I almost feel I can't add anything more to the thread. But I'll try. Make sure you draw a thick line between your original songs and covers. In other words, make sure your covers aren't just an "interpretation" of another band's song. I've heard from a few people that these half-assed cover songs sounds unprofessional. I think the audience really wants to hear an original version of a cover (if that cover is instantly recognizable). But-all this depends on what role your band plays. That's another one, figure out what role your band should play. Figure this out with the whole band.
Click to expand...

In summary, what you are trying to say here is that cover versions should be accurate copies of the original, except for when they shouldn't.

In which case I entirely agree.

S.P.
 
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#115
If you're ever drunk to a rehearsal or gig, get out. Or rather, as long as you're not intoxicated beyond the point of performing.

Since my drummer plays like he were playing live at all times, we have to use mutes on the drums during practice (i.e, a few t shirts over the drums).

The bass should never drown everything out. I've learned that the hard way, because my amp is just way too loud.

If the guitarist is going to improvise solos, make sure he tells you how many measures long it'll be so you don't get totally thrown off.

Always bring a backup.
 
#120
If someone says something you don't understand (don't walk off trying to figure out what they mean or why they said what they said) there's no downside to politely asking them to repeat what they said and ask (right then)for more details about what they said and why they said it. Or how they reached their conclusion or what information they have to back up what they said.

Also, given the above, it's okay for you to express your opinion, thoughts, observations, etc. if someone else is doing the same.

You can find out pretty quick who's b.s'ing you by asking a few questions.

If the other party won't explain and/or doesn't want to hear your opinions, you have to ask "What's really going on?" and decide whether the situation still requires your presence.
 

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