10 Tips Before Playing Your Set

I've played quite a few shows this year and I've also been at a lot more than I've played. Here's ten quick tips that will make your set go a little smoother.


10. Show Up on Time - better yet show up a little bit early this gives you time to do everything you need to and not be rushed plus it looks better on your behalf rather showing up 10 mins before you where supposed to play.

9. Introduce yourself to the Sound Guy - they usually are the one calling the shots for the night, if you talk to them before your set when you show up (see why it pays to be early?) this way they can get an idea of what you need set up (number of microphones, number of amps, ect..)

8. Introduce yourself to the other bands - This way you get to network, chances are you aren't always going to be playing shows with all your friends so this is a way to make new ones.

7. Watch the other bands Set - Or at least a few songs, when you're trying to get ready to play it's understandable that you need to get "in the zone" but they're not going to stay around to see you if you didn't watch them. It's a mutual respect thing, we are all in this together.

6.Don't get too Drunk - This one is really a fine line to cross, but being absolutely hammered and not being able to play your set, makes you look like an ass. Theres always time to drink after but if you insist on it before you play, you better start getting loaded at band practice and start practicing drunk.

5. Check Your Tone - It's actually the quickest thing you can do but most effective. Theres a high chance when you where putting your amp in your vehicle you bumped the knobs on your amp or maybe someone played with them without you knowing (figgity band members are terrible for this and they don't even
realize they've changed anything). This way you sound just the way you want to before hitting the stage.

4. Tune - This ones a no brainer

3. Set Up and Take Down as Fast as Possible - The quicker you set up the more time you have on stage. The quicker you take your gear down the faster it is for the next band to play. I know you want to talk to all your friend's who just saw you play but they can wait the 5 minutes it takes for you to haul your gear off the stage and we know you payed a lot for those gold tipped cables but you can wrap them up after you're off the stage. Also give the band you're playing with a hand with their gear I'm sure they'll appreciate the help after playing a set.

2. Be informed about the Show - Thank venues and band's you're playing with they are all part of the reason it's happening in the first place, plus it shows that you actually care about whats happening.

1. Poop - Make sure you use the washroom to do whatever it is that you have to do in there because no one's going to wait while you do!