Shows. These can be kinds hard. Especially if it's your first time. It's gonna go great. Don't worry. Anyways, if you want to start playing anyways, you're gonna need to book places. Hand a demo CD, or send a link if you don't know the promoter/venue operator personally. There are venues everywhere for bands that are starting out. You can book shows by going to other bands shows. Stage etiquette is important. Your concerts shouldn't just be shredding.
Setting up and leaving. Do it quick. Drummers, have heads attached to the stands. Guitarists and bassists, have everything plugged in. The goal is speed. If there's a mixer dude, go introduce yourself to them. Be nice. Do what they except you to do. They'll ask you about your setup, and you'll have a soundcheck. And, each room is Goin to sound different. Chill. Be good at tuning.Have a setlist, So you know what you're going to play next. You should know how long you're supposed to play too. Don't go over it. If you're supposed to play for 3 hours, ya better know some covers. Your set time might include setup and takedown. That's why ya gotta get off and on fast.
Now, it's time to rock.
While you're on the stage, here are things you should do.
Thank the operators for having you, and thank other bands. Mention your mailing list. If you're somewhere far from home, mention you're looking for somewhere to stay. Be nice to the audience, goddammit! Tell people to stick around for the next band. That's nice.
Now for things you should never do. Don't yell at anyone. Don't talk about anyone badly. Don't damage anything that's not yours. Fuckass. Don't play longer than you're supposed to, jerk. Now, it's time to get your shit together and leave. Do not wind up your guitar cables. Just dont. Leave already.
Lulls make people bored, and leave. Make it quick, bitch. Ask if there is door money. Ask. Sometimes, I'd you don't ask, you won't get it at all. Say something like "Thank you so much for having us. So how'd we do on the door?" Tip the sound guy a few bucks. 3 - 5 should work. Also, split money between the band. Please. If there's a touring band, ask them to hook you up with a show. (places to rock, baby!)
If you're trying to tour by yourself, get ready for some fucking riots.
First, you need to pack. No, not in that way, ya dweeb. Take your music shit, and everything else on this list.
-phone
-charger
-socks
-hairbrush
-laptop
-games
-puzzles
-this wattpad book
-journal, pen
-shoes
-toothpaste, tooth brush
-nail clippers for you guitar and bass players
-lip balm
-deodorants
-lady shit
-underwear, bras
-Hoodies, shirts,
You should also have backup instruments. And the merch. And food. And your meds. And earplugs. Shows can get louder than monster jam. If the venues closed, you suck, find a new place or take a day off. Stay health, if you're sick, shows will suck.
Eat right, stay hydrated, sleep, And be nice to your ears.
And, You need to book a show. You can book shows by asking other bands, or looking online. You should avoid days off, unless you really need it. Two people should be in charge of booking. Keep a phone book, and scrawl the phone numbers and adresses. Go to small towns, you can make huge fans if your music is catchy and good enough. If other bands can hook you up, there you go. If they cant, they fucking suck. Search up venues on the internet. There you go. You might need to carry your cds with you, venues usually want demo CDS. Pay to play venues, avoid that. It sucks.
Have you made posters? No? Well then you can't promote 'er band. Sorry kiddos. Put your band name, website, and your artwork on the poster, then go to the previous chapters. If you need somewhere to stay, ask someonw at the venues, or just get an airbnb. Vans, tourbus, motor home, whateverthefuck, can break down easily. Get it checked often. Your welcome. Keep premixed coolant, and oil with you. Take the spare tires. Registration and insurance should be current.
Roadmance, is a no no. If your Hormones kick in, and you take it out on a fan, what have you gotten yourself into? If you have a girlfriend, or boyfriend, or your claimed person, dont. Please. After you're done touring,
-play with a puppy.
-swim.
-go outside, and appreciate that nature.
-do laundry.
-take a shower or bath. A really long one. Mayne bath, so you don't waste water.
- go with your bandmates somewhere.
