Bluewine

As a bass player for over 50 years now I feel compelled to present some advice to anyone in a local band to ensure you're capitalizing on the opportunity live shows give you and to make sure your connecting with you audience. Because everyone has internet-connected phones, it's far too easy for people to become disconnected from your performance and relegate your music to background noise. However, there are a number of pitfalls I see band after band falling into that are easy to avoid. Take or leave the following, but I can almost guarantee that bands who put these things into practice will see improvement in their short and long-term audience engagement and growth: 1. Plan what you are going to say to your audience whenever you are not playing a song. I see far too many bands get stone-faced, have awkward pauses while they stare at each other waiting for someone to say anything meaningful, and then vomit up some meaningless word salad that people instantly forget the moment the next song starts. In addition to planning your transitions so that you don't look like idiots, make sure you include at least something that can potentially produce an ROI. Mention where people can go to find your music, when and where your next show is, your social media handles, etc. 2. Stop turning your backs to the audience! Doing this occasionally and briefly is fine, because I know sometimes you get into your groove and face each other, etc. However, I've literally seen people turn their backs to the audience for anywhere from 30 seconds to over a minute, and that is a VERY quick way to get your audience to disconnect. While we're on this subject, LOOK THEM IN THE EYES occasionally. Yes, it can be awkward if you overdo this, but neglecting eye contact all together is an egregious sin. Remember, that part of what you're doing while performing is selling yourselves to the audience. In sales, they always teach you to make eye contact with your customer, and this is no different. 3. Plan your set list to follow some kind of dynamic roller coaster. In other words, don't do a bunch of fast/heavy/upbeat songs in a row or vice versa with slower songs. Have some ups and some downs. Vary it up. Tell a story with your selection of songs and make their ordering purposeful and thoughtful. Designers of roller coasters understand this concept. They make the ascent to the top of the first drop deliberately slow to build suspense. They also don't have every twist, turn, and loop feel exactly the same. There is variety, and that ultimately bodes well for everyone. 4. If you play covers, spice them up a bit. Obviously, I'm not asking you to fundamentally change the song. However, adding some kind of twist to make it your own and the listening experience unique for the audience will make you more memorable. If your audience is engaged with you, and they should be, they'll pick up on even subtle things you do and likely appreciate them. 5. Talk to your audience before and after the show. Thank them for coming, and encourage them to follow up in whatever ways you have open to the public. Take selfies with them. I guarantee you that people appreciate this, whether it's apparent or not at the time. People will remember how you make them feel, and a pleasant conversation with them will drastically increase your chances of building a more long-term fan base. I would further state that you should be doing this on social media as well, even after you become "big". 6. Move around and get animated when you play/sing. Obviously, if you're doing highly technical stuff, then you can concentrate on your playing as needed, but don't stand there the entire show like a plank of wood. If it's not readily apparent that you're having fun on stage, I guarantee you your audience won't either. There are probably allot of variables depending on the band, what do you think. Blue

I'm still hanging in there guys. Busiest gigging summer of my life. Blue

Thanks Sylvia Blue

You are in my prayers for positive news Martthebass Blue

Thanks Silvia. I will. Blue

I'm hanging in there guys. I'm scheduled to go under the knife in October. I'll be in the hospital for 5 days. I'm goi g to finish our summer gig schedule and O have .y son's wedding in August. Yes, it's scary. I've been busy 5 gigs in for days last week.week. I'll be in touch , sooner than later. Blue aka Daryl

Thanks Mickey. Blue

Thanks Lozz, I'll be back soon. Blue

Hi Pete, I hope all is well with you and family.

Thanks Len, Much appreciated. Blue

Thanks Jack, I heard Glastonbury has been cancelled for 2021 . Is that true ? Blue

Thanks Skidder, It's going to be a long process. I'm waiting on a second opinion regarding surgery. Blue

I'm still here guys; The busiest gigging summer of my life and I get hit with health issues. I haven't had to cancel any shows yet The acoustic division of Maple Road is keeping us a float. We had to outdoor gigs on June 4th and June 5th. Nice weather and really cool crowds. This Thursday we have a Festival Gig in the afternoon and a Theatre gig Thursday night. We have moved away from the traditional 4 hour US bar gigs. To be honest I think it's a thing of the past. I hope the UK will open up a little more when it's save. I've lost 3 close friends to Covid. Stay in touch. Blue

Yeah, big stage/ venue gigs are more about the PA than your rig. As long as your using any type of pro level rig your ok. I play big gigs with 2 10 GK cab and a GK head Blue

*Bass Guitar is basically a service instrument. Nothing to have an ego about. *Stanley Clarke Blue

Dave, it's why I always say bands are better with fantastic people as opposed to fantastic singers and players. I know a very talented female bass player / lead vocalist however she never fits in with any band she joins. She doesn't understand a band is about compromise and team effort. Daryl

I haven't read all the comments. I suggest you invest in a wi fi based PA for the whole band instead of just the lead vocals. Even for small bar and pub gigs the band will sound better with everyone mixed through the same PA. Blue

Thanks EMG Blue

Thanks Nail Soup, Initially I wasn't a part of the acoustic division of Maple Road. I joined about a year ago. It's fun and less work than the full Maple Road band and it pays the same. Blue

Thanks Showman, I hope to report good news by the end of the month Daryl aka Blue

Much appreciated Thanks Daryl

You are correct. Here in the States you have to have more than one Pop Corn Stand to be competitive locally. I would imagine it's the same in the UK 🇬🇧 Daryl aka Blue

Yes, the main feature is Jenny, those are her songs. By the way that's Jenny's husband playing guitar. He also does sound and lights . He edited the audio tracks from the video. Maple Road is not done and has work this summer. However, it seems like it's easier to book the acoustic act. Same pay and easier set up and tear down. Daryl

Much appreciated Pete. Daryl