Originally Posted by
Quadcam79
Thanks Drummer.
Here are some tips I've found:
1. Agree on a list of new songs to learn before you start practicing.
"Do you know this one?"
"No, how about this song..."
Make out a list of 20 songs with each person choosing 5 , so there's no hurt feelings , and make sure everybody has audio copies of all songs. Learn 4 songs each week, choosing 1 from each person's 5. Start a new list when the 20 are done. This solves many problems: What are we going to play? I've never heard that, how does it go? We never play my stuff! What are we practicing for next time?
#2. The first rehearsal or gig at which you get too drunk to play is your last.
First of all I grew up with an abusive alcoholic father, So seeing people completely wasted brings bad memories. That said, I dont mind if you have a few drinks, I even buy beer just for band practice. But, when the drinking starts affecting the band we're going to have issues.
3. Pay attention to dynamics, Less is often more. The powerful parts will be twice as powerful if you don't play with the same power all the time.
4. Networking- It's not about what you know; it's about who you know
5. Zoom H2 + Audio-Technia Pro24 + 9-foot mic stand in the back of the room @ every gig = exponential increase in quality of performances, for a total cost of $300. RECORD EVERY SHOW. Burn to CD and give out to your band as "homework." What worked? What didn't? How long did we take between songs, and was it too long? What did we forget to tell the audience that we should have? Did we thank the soundguy and the club for having us? Did we plug our CDs and website at least twice? Did we announce the drink specials? Did we announce our next show? How did we play? What cues did we miss? etc. You can also post the recordings to your website for fans to download.
6. have business cards made, be sure to include the band website/myspace page on the card and have some readily available during the gig.
Whiteboard- buy one and post it at rehearsal, use it to note song arrangements, set list, songs you want to put on the back burner , notes, etc.
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