Short sets?

[abbub]

We've been offered an opening set for a local bar/music venue. We're a relatively new band, just finishing up our first album with only a couple of gigs under our belts. Our original material is very well received, and we're super tight.

The issue is that we're one of only two bands playing, and the booking guy at the bar has offered us a 30 minute set, starting at 9:30 on a Sunday. Most of our songs are around 7 minutes long, so that's realistically about four songs for us.

I told the guitarist to email back to the booking guy, say we'd like to have 45 minutes, and that we're willing to show up earlier to set up, and start playing at 9:00 or 9:15 to make this happen. He agrees that a 30 minute set is pretty lame, but also said he didn't want to seem 'ungrateful'. I said, "Ungrateful? We've been working our asses off for over a year writing and perfecting these songs, which we're going to perform for a pitcher of beer, some food, and 20% of the door. It's extremely likely that well over 90% of the crowd will be there to see us." I don't think that asking for an extra fifteen minutes is a big deal. I'm not convinced that 30 minutes is worth dragging my gear across town for, and I'm really reluctant to try to get my friends out for such a short show.

Questions:

Is a thirty-minute set common these days? Especially when there are only two bands playing? This band is my first foray back into music after taking about 8 years off, but it seems to me that 45 minutes to an hour used to be the bare minimum you'd offer an opener.

Is it 'ungrateful' to ask for 15 more minutes, especially if we're willing to be flexible and show up early to achieve this?

Am I wrong to think that the attitude of thinking that's it's 'ungrateful' is part of what's wrong with music these days?

 

[john_g]

I dont know how common a 30 minute set is, but it really cant hurt to ask for 45. Do it respectfully and accept it if they say no. On the flip side, I wouldnt toss the gig for 15 extra minutes.

 

[marko138]

With two bands, assuming both are originals, 45 mins isn't out of line. I certainly wouldn't go any longer than that. I'd actually shoot for 35-40 minutes.

 

[abbub]

Oh, we're not going to toss the gig, and I will try to get our people out to it, despite my reluctance, because I expect it'll be playing to an empty room if we don't. 45 minutes would give us enough time to play about six songs, which I think is reasonable for an opening act. I just thought it was odd to ask a band to come, set up their gear, and then play for a half an hour when there's only two bands. It's not like this show will give us much of that highly coveted 'exposure' that so many promoters seem to be selling.

 

[Shabz]

Seems a bit short, but on the other hand if you've only played a couple of shows you might not have any reputation with this organiser in which case they will want to keep your first appearance short

I'd see it as a chance to build some reputation with the booking person/venue

 

[Joe Louvar]

We've been offered an opening set for a local bar/music venue. We're a relatively new band, just finishing up our first album with only a couple of gigs under our belts. Our original material is very well received, and we're super tight.

The issue is that we're one of only two bands playing, and the booking guy at the bar has offered us a 30 minute set, starting at 9:30 on a Sunday. Most of our songs are around 7 minutes long, so that's realistically about four songs for us.

I told the guitarist to email back to the booking guy, say we'd like to have 45 minutes, and that we're willing to show up earlier to set up, and start playing at 9:00 or 9:15 to make this happen. He agrees that a 30 minute set is pretty lame, but also said he didn't want to seem 'ungrateful'. I said, "Ungrateful? We've been working our asses off for over a year writing and perfecting these songs, which we're going to perform for a pitcher of beer, some food, and 20% of the door. It's extremely likely that well over 90% of the crowd will be there to see us." I don't think that asking for an extra fifteen minutes is a big deal. I'm not convinced that 30 minutes is worth dragging my gear across town for, and I'm really reluctant to try to get my friends out for such a short show.

Questions:

Is a thirty-minute set common these days? Especially when there are only two bands playing? This band is my first foray back into music after taking about 8 years off, but it seems to me that 45 minutes to an hour used to be the bare minimum you'd offer an opener.

Is it 'ungrateful' to ask for 15 more minutes, especially if we're willing to be flexible and show up early to achieve this?

Am I wrong to think that the attitude of thinking that's it's 'ungrateful' is part of what's wrong with music these days?

Go ahead and ask, but be prepared for a no answer too. Good luck.

Cheers

 

[marmadaddy]

It all really depends on your goals. When a band is new, performing experience as a unit is like money in the bank. If the goal is to see how far you can take this band and try to make a living from it, almost any gig will be of benefit. And sometimes the exposure to other bands and their network is the most valuable takeaway.

There are plenty of opening acts on national tours who spend all day on a bus just to get 20 minutes.

 

[buldog5151bass]

He may be under time constraints - as said above, be polite and make the offer. Rather than phrasing it that you deserve more time, tell him that you have a great 45 minute set, and don't mind coming earlier to give him more bang for his buck.

The worst thing is he says no.

 

[RustyAxe]

A 30 minute opening set is not bad, and very common. In the right place at the right time, it can be a good 0pportunity to hawk CDs and other merchandise ... and to get seen and heard. I'll be opening for a nationally known Piedmont blues singer/player/songwriter in August, and playing a 30 minute set about 70 miles from home. Pay is ridiculously low ... I'll make little more than gas money and get a free meal. But I'm a HUGE fan of the headliner, like the venue and its owners, and expect to sell at least 20 CDs that night (at this point I'm already turning a huge profit on that CD).

 

[LukeSlywalker]

30 minute opening set on a Sunday night ? And your band has a bigger draw than the "headliner"? Something doesn't make sense here. It looks to me like the promoter or other band is trying to use your band for your fans but have you play the least timepossible. I could be wrong. I know I wouldn't take that gig though. If you know you have a draw, book your own show

 

[buldog5151bass]

I've always said if a band can fill a house on their own, they are better off doing it themselves, sans promoter, unless that promoter can provide some legitimate benefit (real access to larger gigs down the road, etc.).

 

[abbub]

30 minute opening set on a Sunday night ? And your band has a bigger draw than the "headliner"?

Well, the 'bigger draw than the headliner' is because we're local and the other band is from out of town, so we'll get all of our friends and co-workers out. I think that the other band is at about the same place in their 'career' that we are, if Facebook is any indication. I just don't think they have that big of a local following, and I know that it's hard to draw people in from out of town, especially on a Sunday night.

 

[abbub]

A 30 minute opening set is not bad, and very common. In the right place at the right time, it can be a good 0pportunity to hawk CDs and other merchandise ... and to get seen and heard. I'll be opening for a nationally known Piedmont blues singer/player/songwriter in August, and playing a 30 minute set about 70 miles from home. Pay is ridiculously low ... I'll make little more than gas money and get a free meal. But I'm a HUGE fan of the headliner, like the venue and its owners, and expect to sell at least 20 CDs that night (at this point I'm already turning a huge profit on that CD).

That's awesome. It sound like you're not only going to be selling CDs, but also getting a bit of real exposure. If this were a nationally known touring act, it'd be a whole different can of worms.

 

[Kmonk]

We've been offered an opening set for a local bar/music venue. We're a relatively new band, just finishing up our first album with only a couple of gigs under our belts. Our original material is very well received, and we're super tight.

The issue is that we're one of only two bands playing, and the booking guy at the bar has offered us a 30 minute set, starting at 9:30 on a Sunday. Most of our songs are around 7 minutes long, so that's realistically about four songs for us.

I told the guitarist to email back to the booking guy, say we'd like to have 45 minutes, and that we're willing to show up earlier to set up, and start playing at 9:00 or 9:15 to make this happen. He agrees that a 30 minute set is pretty lame, but also said he didn't want to seem 'ungrateful'. I said, "Ungrateful? We've been working our asses off for over a year writing and perfecting these songs, which we're going to perform for a pitcher of beer, some food, and 20% of the door. It's extremely likely that well over 90% of the crowd will be there to see us." I don't think that asking for an extra fifteen minutes is a big deal. I'm not convinced that 30 minutes is worth dragging my gear across town for, and I'm really reluctant to try to get my friends out for such a short show.

Questions:

Is a thirty-minute set common these days? Especially when there are only two bands playing? This band is my first foray back into music after taking about 8 years off, but it seems to me that 45 minutes to an hour used to be the bare minimum you'd offer an opener.

Is it 'ungrateful' to ask for 15 more minutes, especially if we're willing to be flexible and show up early to achieve this?

Am I wrong to think that the attitude of thinking that's it's 'ungrateful' is part of what's wrong with music these days?

In my opinion, the answer to your last question is YES you are wrong. I have been to major concerts where the opener only got to do 5 songs. The Beach Boys just played Boston's 4th of July show. They were given enough time to perform 3 songs. You stated that you have only done a couple of gigs. If that's the case, you have no way of knowing that "90% of the crowd" will be there to see you. To assume so, makes you sound egotistical. You said you have been working for over a year on your material. The owner of the venue doesn't really care how long you have been working and it is actually irrelevant. All they care about is getting a good crowd and selling alcohol. If there is a good crowd and the bar sells drinks, they will more than likely ask you back for a longer set at a later date. The fact that you don't think its worth "dragging" your gear across town is worth your time, also makes you sound egotistical. Your attitude comes across like you think you are better than that. You are an original band. The more you play, the more people will hear you and the better chance you have of becoming successful. Playing for an audience is a privilege. They do you a favor by showing up to listening to you, the band does not do them a favor by showing up an playing. Do the gig and look at it as a paid rehearsal and an opportunity to network.

 

[Kragnorak]

35 minutes to me is more appropriate for a show with 6 to 8 bands. I have done 30 minute opening sets for a major act with a three bands on a bill. But yes, it seems short if you're the only opener. Good luck with the negotiation!

 

[gregmon79]

Im also in an original band and 30 to 40 min sets seem to be the norm around these parts (Chicago). It never hurts to ask but I doubt theyll give it to you. And honestly, I had it to you for busting your butts the last year and I mean no disrespect, but most people might say something along the lines of so what, a year?! Try doing it for 5 to 10 years and barely getting what you want at a gig. Its just the way it is. Most places I play and the people/companies that book them want us to put at least 25 to 50 asses in the seats before we can even commit to the gig. And again, this is for a 30 min set. I hate it actually. But being in an original band at the mercy of booking agents and the venues we play at, we dont have much choice. All you can do ask, be respectful and professional and see what happens.

 

[gregmon79]

In my opinion, the answer to your last question is YES you are wrong. I have been to major concerts where the opener only got to do 5 songs. The Beach Boys just played Boston's 4th of July show. They were given enough time to perform 3 songs. You stated that you have only done a couple of gigs. If that's the case, you have no way of knowing that "90% of the crowd" will be there to see you. To assume so, makes you sound egotistical. You said you have been working for over a year on your material. The owner of the venue doesn't really care how long you have been working and it is actually irrelevant. All they care about is getting a good crowd and selling alcohol. If there is a good crowd and the bar sells drinks, they will more than likely ask you back for a longer set at a later date. The fact that you don't think its worth "dragging" your gear across town is worth your time, also makes you sound egotistical. Your attitude comes across like you think you are better than that. You are an original band. The more you play, the more people will hear you and the better chance you have of becoming successful. Playing for an audience is a privilege. They do you a favor by showing up to listening to you, the band does not do them a favor by showing up an playing. Do the gig and look at it as a paid rehearsal and an opportunity to network.

I couldnt agree more with this. You have a long long road ahead of you OP if youre "expecting" some of the things you seem to be.....

 

[heynorm]

I saw Brooks and Dunn as an opening act, only a few years back, picked by the headliner, the Rolling Stones. They didn't even talk, just played their tunes, knowing most people were not there to hear them, or even knew who they were.

 

[abbub]

If that's the case, you have no way of knowing that "90% of the crowd" will be there to see you. To assume so, makes you sound egotistical.

Certainly not trying to sound egotistical. And it's definitely not a criticism of the other band, or even particular praise for us, for that matter. In fact, if the opposite were true, and we were playing down in Denver, I'm well aware of the fact that 90% of the crowd would be there to see whatever Denver-based band we'd be playing with, and only a few people would make the drive down to see us. That's just the way music works, especially given the relative newness of both bands and that early friend-based following. Your friends are all about your music when it's easy, but only a *very* small percentage of them are willing to drive more than an hour to see you play, especially on a Sunday night. I've been in enough bands to know that this is the case. As I said, our friends will have to drive 10 minutes to get to a downtown there were already planning to go to, anyway. You're right, I could be wrong about this, but based on my 20 years of playing music, I suspect there's a pretty good chance that I'm right.

 

[abbub]

I couldnt agree more with this. You have a long long road ahead of you OP if youre "expecting" some of the things you seem to be.....

I'm not expecting anything beyond hopefully getting 10-15 more minutes and the not-unreasonable expectation that we'll probably have a much easier time drawing in more people on a Sunday night because we're playing in the city we live in? I think you guys may be reading way more into my thread than I posted?