As a relatively small band, your first booked gig experiences can be extremely exciting. Not only does it mark a level of confidence in the band which is a milestone in itself, but it can help you begin to get your name out there, showcasing some of the music you have written or some of the covers you have arranged.
Of course, showing up on the day with your instruments and your enthusiasm is often a great place to start, and necessary for this to succeed.
That being said, if you only show up with that, you may find yourself wanting and unable to perform as well as you might have.
While it’s important to note that you’re not be selling out stadiums as you begin your humble project, it doesn’t hurt to curate a little professionalism and ensure you’re prepared.
Even the most unruly punk bands are professional when it comes to their music and the preparations they put in place to entertain their audience, and for that approach, the following advice may help you:
Know Your Equipment
Know the equipment that you’ll be using ahead of time. You may wish to visit here to equip yourself with excellent PA systems and mixers you can bring with you to ensure the most reliable experience.
Sometimes, yet rarely, open mic events will have certain equipment you can utilize, but it’s always best to be familiar with your own stuff.
This allows you to set up and troubleshoot before your audience arrives easily, and it can give your bandmates a growing sense of calm and appreciation.
Curate Your Setlist
Knowing your setlist will help you structure your show and slowly ramp up the experience.
It can feel free to play whatever songs are requested simply or to go with the feeling of your evening, but a professional setlist can help you hit all the music you wish to promote and to do so in a manner that holds ordered creative intent behind it.
You also get to spread out some of your best well-known songs so that they can be played when the most people are in the venue.
Practice, Practice, Practice
No matter how skilled you are, or how confident you feel, you can always run the risk of playing a bum note or struggling to keep your timing. It happens. Don’t be afraid of practising beforehand, nor think it’s out of your reach.
Even the best bands practice. This way, you can enjoy the night without wondering if your arrangements could use tweaking.
Even if it’s to warm up or to add or remove a song from your setlist, practice is the only way to ace the show and gain many new fans.
With this advice, we hope you can slay your first gig experience. This is your moment, so be sure to take it.
