Sarah5string Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 Woo! Our band has finally agreed and got our debut gig! 3 out of 5 of us have NEVER gigged before, whereas the other 2 have plenty of experience so are up for anything and know what they're doing. We're doing 2 originals and 5 covers. 2nd band on in a 4 band bill on the 30th August at the varsity in Wolverhampton. We've sorted out our setlist and are starting and finishing with our own tracks and padding out with the covers. Do any of you seasoned pros have any tips for a gig newbie? Personally I can't wait, I'm really excited, especially as it's a saturday night and usually people would have to work up to playing a saturday, especially new bands like us!!! wooooo! Any hints and tips are greatly welcomed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beerdragon Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 Just enjoy your self. dont worry about making mistakes, it will be all over in a flash and you will be looking forward to the next one. good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stewart Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 Be friendly to anyone/everyone you meet at the venue Don't get drunk Go to the loo before playing Take a bottle of water Take a towel/rag Keep your hands busy/warm before playing Take (and use) an RCD circuit breaker Put your rig near a rear wall (or even better a corner) Enjoy it Then remind me of all the other things I should have mentioned afterwards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dread Bass Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 make sure to remeber to put your lead through your strap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah5string Posted July 27, 2008 Author Share Posted July 27, 2008 whats an rcd circuit breaker? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MB1 Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 MB1. Good Luck!....Make sure you lock Mr Blobby in the kitchen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo63 Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 hi Sarah, An RCD circuit breaker basically stops and protects electricity spikes reaching equipment (including you the bass player) It trips when there's a spike in the power and cuts the supply [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Adaptor-Safety-Circuit-Breaker/dp/B000QIHU2M"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Adaptor-Safet...r/dp/B000QIHU2M[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Master blaster Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 make the most outa your sound check. make sure you are 100% happy with everything before you go on. and dont piss the sound man off... dont worry about mistakes you make as know one in the audience will pick up on them. And most of all HAVE FUN! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 Ear plugs (good ones) Sunglasses (not to look cool - you may be surprised by how bright those spotlights are) Chewing gum (avoid dry-mouth syndrome) Tuner (clip-on can be better than plug-in for gigs) Spare strap (you might be surprised) Spare lead (they let you down depressingly often) Spare battery (if your bass is active) Multi-tool (i.e. screwdrivers / pliers / etc.) Nail clippers (you just KNOW you're going to forget to trim them) On-stage ... above all, look like you're enjoying yourself, especially if you are! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah5string Posted July 27, 2008 Author Share Posted July 27, 2008 Thanks guys.... ooh can't wait! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah5string Posted July 27, 2008 Author Share Posted July 27, 2008 I'll be taking 2 basses... do you think I'll need to take my own stand? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnylager Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 (edited) [quote name='Sarah5string' post='249148' date='Jul 27 2008, 09:35 PM']I'll be taking 2 basses... do you think I'll need to take my own stand?[/quote] Yes. One for each bass. Enjoy it, and remember - you're only doing it for the kids! Edited July 27, 2008 by johnnylager Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 As well as the tips already mentioned: Offer to buy the sound engineer a drink nice and early - its amazing how helpful they can be if they are so minded If you fluff a line, don't beat yourself up - probably noone else noticed but you so just keep playing and keep smiling I always find it well sweaty on stage so a towel at the back of the stage or a towelling wristband are useful Good luck and enjoy! Clarky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah5string Posted July 27, 2008 Author Share Posted July 27, 2008 [quote name='johnnylager' post='249173' date='Jul 27 2008, 10:02 PM']Yes. One for each bass. Enjoy it, and remember - you're only doing it for the kids![/quote] I've got a double hanger so shouldn't be a prob and what kids.. its an 18+ venue.. lol! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clauster Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 Enjoy it! Enjoy it! Enjoy it! + all of the above If you're going to be going through a PA, expect to be DI'ed stright from your bass. If "Your Sound" needs pedals / amp tone / something else, find out who the sound engineer is NOW and get in touch with them asap. Oh and enjoy it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 You will almost certainly make mistakes, we all do, but don't worry about them. Your main worry on the night might be that you'll forget the songs, arrangements, notes, blah, but you WILL remember. I would make the first song one you are all most comfortable with. Don't have a band rehearsal the day of the gig. Agree a set list before hand and [u]print [/u]them using large type, preferably times roman bold. Don't hand write them. Make everything easy for your self by being organised, then you can concentrate on playing the songs. Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with having a stiff drink if you're nervous but don't overdo it. One thing I will say is that it's possible/probable your sound check monitor levels will will have changed when you go out to perform. Try not to worry about it until your first song's over, then try to get the sound guy to sort it, with minimal hand signals. BUT the singer's the priority so let them get their monitoring right before you try to. Like the other posts have said, enjoy it, have a laugh and don't pressure yourself! Hope it goes really well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bass_ferret Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 Yep - all of the above and you should be the best judge of whether you need a drink. All I can add is what I said before - try and check the venue out when other bands are playing there, so you know how big the stage is, what the punters are like and whether the sound man is a twat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahpook Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 be nice to the other bands, the sound engineer and the venue staff...everyone in fact. being a good live band is one thing, being a good live band who are pleasant to deal with is even better. oh, and have fun ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Funk Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 Don't freak out onstage when you realise you can't hear anything: yourself or the rest of the band. Just listen out for the snare drum/hi-hat and the lead vocalist. Don't be afraid to quickly, firmly and politely ask for more or less of whatever you need in the monitors after the first song on the night if the sound's all horrible. Chances are it'll be the cheap monitors and the sound engineer won't be able to do much to fix it - but it's worth piping up if there's a problem with levels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah5string Posted July 27, 2008 Author Share Posted July 27, 2008 Thanks guys.. knew I could rely on you.. any tips for the band practices leading up to the gig? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah5string Posted July 27, 2008 Author Share Posted July 27, 2008 [quote name='The Funk' post='249209' date='Jul 27 2008, 10:53 PM']Don't freak out onstage when you realise you can't hear anything: yourself or the rest of the band. Just listen out for the snare drum/hi-hat and the lead vocalist. Don't be afraid to quickly, firmly and politely ask for more or less of whatever you need in the monitors after the first song on the night if the sound's all horrible. Chances are it'll be the cheap monitors and the sound engineer won't be able to do much to fix it - but it's worth piping up if there's a problem with levels.[/quote] What do you mean can't hear anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Funk Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 [quote name='Sarah5string' post='249211' date='Jul 27 2008, 10:54 PM']any tips for the band practices leading up to the gig?[/quote] Keep it light and efficient. No need for any diva strops from anyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah5string Posted July 27, 2008 Author Share Posted July 27, 2008 [quote name='The Funk' post='249214' date='Jul 27 2008, 10:55 PM']Keep it light and efficient. No need for any diva strops from anyone.[/quote] Is piss taking and random shenanigans allowed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Funk Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 [quote name='Sarah5string' post='249213' date='Jul 27 2008, 10:55 PM']What do you mean can't hear anything. [/quote] When I started gigging I was amazed by just how appallingly bad the sound was onstage. Every gig - no matter where it is - I'm still just as amazed by how sh*t the sound always is onstage. You learn to adapt to it and listen out for the things you need to hear to stay in time/in tune/in the right part of the song. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahpook Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 [quote name='Sarah5string' post='249211' date='Jul 27 2008, 10:54 PM']Thanks guys.. knew I could rely on you.. any tips for the band practices leading up to the gig?[/quote] practice the set you're going to play, in the way you intend to play it is what i'd say... if you usually face inward in a circle when you practise, set up the room as if you're facing an audience...it's surprising how much you take cues from other band members without realising it... make sure all your stuff works too...now might be the time to replace that crackly lead or duff pot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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