What really works for local bands?

[BassFinger]

I guess this question results from not getting out enough to hear other bands. I rarely make it out except when I play.

What do you think is the most important element to a sucessful, local band? It can't be all of these things because I know of a few groups that seem to do fine with one or the other. I'm just trying to gather a few opinions.

1. Excellent, technical playing skills.
2. Just gotta look good....doesn't matter how you play.
3. Dazzling light show.
4. Excellent mix in the PA.
5. Choice of music includes many songs people don't know...you just play them well.
6. Play the same old crap that everybody dances too...but still play it well.
7. Play the same old crap...and suck at it. Live with the attitude that you are not playing to other musicians.
8. Play country music.

Add some more ideas on making yourself sucessful. I'm not trying to be a . I also know that there is no quick, easy method. I'm just getting some ideas.

[Trucula]

I think another thing is to appriciate the people who come to see you
This is done by talking to everyone and thanking them often. Don't look down on anyone...take time to talk to everyone, get off the ego trip...your not stars!..make them understand your just like them and you appiciate them coming to see/hear you...Have fun onstage and people feed off that and connect with you..Let them know your human, that you make mistakes too and that you don't feel your "God's gift to the music world"..Because people DO pick up on that! Just be humble, because its goes allot farther then someone with an attitude!

Just my opinion...and they are like a#$holes...everyone has one....just some stink more! Maybe I am wrong!

[onegunguitar]

I think another thing is to appriciate the people who come to see you
This is done by talking to everyone and thanking them often. Don't look down on anyone...take time to talk to everyone, get off the ego trip...your not stars!..make them understand your just like them and you appiciate them coming to see/hear you...Have fun onstage and people feed off that and connect with you..Let them know your human, that you make mistakes too and that you don't feel your "God's gift to the music world"..Because people DO pick up on that! Just be humble, because its goes allot farther then someone with an attitude!

Just my opinion...and they are like a#$holes...everyone has one....just some stink more! Maybe I am wrong!

Well said.

[BDR]

Three words: Free chocolate bars.

r:>)

[Rich]

Right on, Trucula... I've witnessed bands that aren't that "great" but they have fun and everyone there has fun. That's what it's really all about. Going out and having fun. If it's not fun, why do it...

[DrumAndDestroy]

I think another thing is to appriciate the people who come to see you
This is done by talking to everyone and thanking them often. Don't look down on anyone...take time to talk to everyone, get off the ego trip...your not stars!..make them understand your just like them and you appiciate them coming to see/hear you...Have fun onstage and people feed off that and connect with you..Let them know your human, that you make mistakes too and that you don't feel your "God's gift to the music world"..Because people DO pick up on that! Just be humble, because its goes allot farther then someone with an attitude!

Just my opinion...and they are like a#$holes...everyone has one....just some stink more! Maybe I am wrong!

Right on. It's amazing how many people think they are rockstars because they can cover the latest Breaking Benjamin tune.

[bassist_25]

Three words: Free chocolate bars.

r:>)

Indeed, if more bands realized that this is the true key to success, then records labels would be going crazy signing new acts.

[DirtySanchez]

We (Fedup) like to play all original music, so we play many songs people don't know. So I'm gonna have to say it's our looks.

[bassist_25]

Sorry to double post, but Bob does bring up a good point. Some people may think that handing out candy bars and having a funny quote from my guitar player in my signature every week is dumb, but the truth of the matter is you just cannot take yourself too seriously. I've met way too many pretentious people around here, and they just make themselves look like idiots with the rockstar attitude. Hell, we've even had a band request financial payment to play a benefit gig that we organized last summer. Trust me, people can pick up on it if you think that you're all that and a bag of chips (especially BBQ chips). When performing, command the stage like you're Bon Jovi (or insert any other performer of your choosing). When off stage, put the ego in the guitar case.

[bassist_25]

We (Fedup) like to play all original music, so we play many songs people don't know. So I'm gonna have to say it's our looks.

[songsmith]

Now, that's one secure dude right there. Despite his obvious physical shortcomings and lack of handsomeness, he persists, and revels in his ugliness. The fat guy's probably pretty cool with himself, too.

My former band, Thin Ice was one of those bands... one or two of the guys were pretty good musicians, but the rest of us simply put on the most fun show we could, and it seemed to work. Big PA and lights really did seem to help... it sort of showed we were serious and were making an effort. I don't need a big PA to be impressed by a band these days, and I certainly have no need for that myself now, but if you play heavy music, it's almost an imperative. Luckily, gear doesn't cost much more that it did then, and is much more compact and efficient. The old-timers here will attest to the futility of dragging Altec A-7's and double-Perkins boxes up flights of stairs, amp racks that required 4 guys to lift, and 16-channel consoles the size of a small sofa (with zero FX and peak lights that went on when somebody sneezed in the back of the room).
I think the other thing we did that really worked was to keep working our originals in the set list, but not be overly pushy with them. One or two a set is good for most bar crowds, and little by little, people start to accept them like they do covers. Next thing we knew, people were singing along, which is extremely gratifying.
Also, play the occasional gig opening for some really great band in an area you don't normally play. It keeps you grounded ego-wise, opens new territory, and keeps you from getting too comfortable. Rock and roll isn't supposed to be comfortable, it's supposed to be rebellion.
Most importantly, enjoy the struggle. The best part of climbing Everest isn't the view from the top. It's telling your grandkids about how you climbed Everest.-------->JMS

[BDR]

Now, that's one secure dude right there. Despite his obvious physical shortcomings and lack of handsomeness, he persists, and revels in his ugliness. The fat guy's probably pretty cool with himself, too.

As I began to read this post, I said to myself, "Where's the part where Johnny slam dunks me?"

... and there it is ...

r:>)

[Asundor]

Very well said Bob.

[DirtySanchez]

The fat guy is definitely cool with himself.

Seriously though, you have to have fun.
There's just as much a sales aspect of this job as anything else.
What are you selling?
A good time, of course.

That is much more important than what kind of guitar strings you use, or what famous Rockstar uses the same drumsticks or cymbals you do.

People go to shows to have a good time.
Give it to them.

Bob, knows what he's talking about, if you wanna see it in action just go see S.O.S. live. Those guys have a blast on stage.

[lonewolf]

6

Sometimes 7

[SpellboundByMetal]

EL Dirty Sanchezo is an awesome frontman. I love the shit he says onstage. Always makes me laugh.

[moxham123]

What do you think is the most important element to a sucessful, local band? It can't be all of these things because I know of a few groups that seem to do fine with one or the other. I'm just trying to gather a few opinions.

1. Excellent, technical playing skills.
2. Just gotta look good....doesn't matter how you play.
3. Dazzling light show.
4. Excellent mix in the PA.
5. Choice of music includes many songs people don't know...you just play them well.
6. Play the same old crap that everybody dances too...but still play it well.
7. Play the same old crap...and suck at it. Live with the attitude that you are not playing to other musicians.
8. Play country music.

1. First, and foremost, the right personnel is crucial on both a musical and personal level. Try to get along with each other in the band. You have to realize that you must be able to work together and have fun together or it will never work. You are all in it together through the good and bad and internal conflicts are not good for the whole band.
2. Definitely have fun. If people see you having fun, they will. When people leave a show, they don't remember every song you played or know if you played the right notes but they will remember if they had fun.
3. As said before, you must treat the people who come to see you with respect and thank them for coming. Appreciate them because they came to see you instead of another band that night.
4. Act professionally and business like in all your dealings.
5. Run the band as a business but still have fun.
6. Play as well as you can and always strive to get better.
7. Take your music seriously but never yourselves.
8. Play music that you enjoy but realize that you also have to play music the public enjoys. Try to find the right mix of tunes.

[songsmith]

. The fat guy's probably pretty cool with himself, too.

I say that as a fat guy myself. Jim Price's camera has a "lard-ass" setting which he uses everytime he snaps my pic, but mostly it's my own Butterball physique you see in those pictures.------>JMS

[DirtySanchez]

. The fat guy's probably pretty cool with himself, too.

Jim Price's camera has a "lard-ass" setting which he uses everytime he snaps my pic.------>JMS

LOL!!! DAMNIT JIM!

[Trucula]

Bob, knows what he's talking about, if you wanna see it in action just go see S.O.S. live. Those guys have a blast on stage.

Thanks Bro!!..for the kind words!

Or better yet, the comics of a FedUp show!!! I'll never forget the Aldo's night with you, HOC, Atomic Blonde, ECT. What a great match up for a great cause...5 bands working together and having a blast!! Great times...we have to do it again soon!

Thanks onegunguitar, Rich, DrumandDestroy, Paul, and Jason for agreeing. And great inputs by all, especially Johnny who can tell you allot about it too from experience.

[bassist4life2004]

Three words: Free chocolate bars.

r:>)

Fuckin right, thats why bad daze is the only band i go out to see. I put up with robs out of key singing all night just to see that shiny wrapper flying across the dance floor at me.

[HurricaneBob]

Before booking shows, put a bullet in Yoko's head....

[boot-man]

I agree with everyone. it's has to be all about the fun. my band kind of hit a point where we were starting to get stale. we needed something and wasn't sure what it was until reacently. we started having fun. not only with the crowd but with each other on stage. scince then our fan base has increased. and more venues are booking us. and by the way, as one myself, FAT GUYS RULE!!!!!!!

[BassFinger]

It seems like the general idea is to just have more fun playing. Well I guess it's time to break out the Jägermeister! Watch out...here I come.

[IScreamSLAYERatCoverBands]

Alcohol.

that's the only thing that works for local bands.

some sound good. others have great live shows... but without that alcohol... them asses wont be goin' nowhere..

6 centimeters left, 6 centimeters right, repeat up and down!