A big gig for us coming up in about an hour, any tips?

[JFS0197]

Soon my band have got our biggest gig yet, quite local, but it's a battle of the bands with about 6 other acts - and I need tips to make out live show something entertaining!

I'm not happy enough with our original demos to post a link, they were done half a year ago now and since then we have far better songs. Not to mention it is out of tune and the timing isn't right, we were just happy at the time to have recorded songs!

We are getting much more natural on stage, especially since around a year ago I made a very similar thread asking for tips for our first gig. It's just I wondered if anyone can suggest anything to make the actual performance more exciting, rather than just five boys with guitars microphones and drums!

We've been rehearsing a lot, and despite being quite typical in set up (two guitars, bass, drums, singer) I think we have the potential to be different to your average 'indie' act. Any help in doing this live would be appreciated, especially as this is going to be the sort of 200-in-attendance-nerve-fest where I concentrate too hard on just getting it right, rather than any charisma.

Thanks,

Tom
xo

(and I promise to post the new demos when they're done:) )

[robot hand]

hey man, hope this went well!

[JFS0197]

thanks a lot :) it did go really well thanks, we probably played the best we ever have.

only thing was, being the nature of a battle of the bands an all, that even though we were very very pleased with the performance - we didn't win, and it puts a big downer on proceedings! makes it feel like a failure no matter how the actual gig went!

never mind :\

[robot hand]

oh i dunno, i wouldn't count that as a failure.. taking a step in the right direction is nothing but good eh?! :)

[JFS0197]

yeah suppose so!

being good live is one of those things that can basically only be improved with actually doing it. whereas you can make your songs better by rehearsing and putting time into them, playing live just needs actual experience.

you can never expect the sort of obstacles, problems and feelings that occur when you're on stage in front of people with lights focused on your face etc, rehearsing doesn't prepare you for that.

we've got a gig a month up until christmas at the moment, and going for as many as possible, but getting booked is difficult. i do love it though, nothing beats the feeling of coming off stage after a good gig :)

[rubbsled]

and I need tips to make out live show something entertaining!

Fireworks. and topless dancers. I guarantee you'll win.