5 Tips for Live Gigging Musicians - How to Keep Getting Booked for Live Shows
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 24. 01. 2022
- If you wanted to get booked for shows and continue getting booked at those venues, these tips are going to be extremely valuable for you as a solo musician.
I'm sort of catering this to solo acoustic gigs but these tips can be applied to any and all musicians, and for all gigs and venues.
Here are the tips and timelines:
01:50 - Tip 1: Scope out the venue and stage before your gig happens so that you're prepared (this will save you time, frustration, and will also help you build a stronger relationship between you and the venue owner and managers)
04:27 - Tip 2: Personally, I like to get to the venue an hour and a half before showtime. I know it takes me a maximum of 45 minutes to get set up and that gives me 45 minutes to relax before the show.
07:24 - Tip 3: This is a tough one, but make sure you're not too loud. If you're playing acoustic covers, the majority of people are there to have some drinks, food and chat with one another. If you're so loud that they can't hear their conversations amongst themselves, they'll more than likely get annoyed (no matter how good you are).
12:23 - Tip 4: Engage with the crowd but without overdoing it. A great example is to ask if there are any birthdays, engagements, etc. Also, if there are song requests that you don't know (or just refuse to play...I have some of those!), a good thing to do is tell them you have something better that they might like.
15:38 - Tip 5: This will almost guarantee that you always have future gigs at the venue...before you start, asking the owner or manager if there's anything that they'd like for you to promote between songs (like a new wine or beer, or food special, or event). Going this extra mile puts you ahead and it shows that you care.
The main venue you see me playing at in this video between tips is Keel and Curley Winery in Plant City, FL and this was one January 22nd, 2022.
This is actually one of my first gigs when I started doing these solo acoustic events a little over a year ago.
So, I huge thank you to the folks at Keel and Curley and also to Todd with Kuhl Management for getting me these gigs!
Keep it Metal,
Jason
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This guy's People Skills are off the charts!
Thank you...I've found that it takes much more than just showing up and playing. You get a lot further acting as a partner, to both the venue and people.
Preach, yo
(Donât let it go to yer head, Stallworth đ€šđ€)
It's funny you mentioned tip # 4 about requests.... I had a gig about 2 months ago where a person requested a song, I did not know that particular song and I said "Hi thanks for the request, while I do not know this particular song, I do know another one from the same artist is that ok?", expecting them to be ok with it.... to my surprise, the person actually got mad at me and didn't tip and complained about me to the venue because I was "not taking her request".... even through I had witnesses saying what I said to the lady, she left upset and didn't bother to tip me or the server because I did not play her specific song.... So I like you try to be very careful about taking requests and I hope and pray that the person requests something I do know. :) Love the channel and tips... Keep up the great work my friend
Thank you. And yeah, sometimes you get that odd ball. But for the most part, keep doing what you do.
As a band that plays only requests, we find that it is the ultimate crowd engager. If you want a memorable evening, show up without a setlist and play only requests. One tip would be not to ask people for their favorite song - ask them who their favorite band or artist is. Stacks the deck in your favor. You may not have a specific song by Elton John but I hope you have at least one!
Thatâs a great strategy, for sure.
Awesome ! Thanks Jason đ
Really glad this helped!
Great tips brother. Well done.
Glad this helped!
LOVE the tip about arriving at the venue 90 minutes early and getting set up before you chat! Thanks for sharing your gig knowledge and great music, Jason!
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Thank you and glad this helped! Yeah, having that time buffer relieves a lot of stress before the show!
dude u rock!!! so humble..subscribed
Thank you for the sub!
Thanks, Jason!
Youâre welcome and hope these tips help!
All your tips make so much sense, and I have rarely seen local musician implement themâŠthanks!
Thank you, brother! It's all about bringing value to the table and going that extra mile. It certainly pays off! (my schedule is getting full!)
Hey man Iâm new to this and have been wanting to push myself and perform at an open mic. Anyway seeing your content (found you today, on my 5th video) has been super helpful is knowing how to plan and what to expect. Iâm hoping by the end of the year I have have a 15 minute set list to perform but Iâll let you know! Keep making great content dude!
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Great stuff!. Although I am experienced I learned a few things. You seem like an awesome dude. Love hearing the pontificating of what we do.
Thank you, brother, and it's great to know you're out there doing!
Hello Jason ! Awesome tips !
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Love the content, I actually bought I line pod go thanks to your recommendation, and I'm doing my first open mic tomorrow night. Thanks so much Jason!
Awesome to hear that! And I hope that you get some paying gigs soon, as well! I have a complete tutorial on how to get started here (which I talk about open mic, too): czcams.com/video/dy0Ru6RHH9c/video.html
great tips dude thank you
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Iâm 100% using that last tip. Thatâs a really great and super helpful for any performers to get rebooked.
Thank you and glad this helped!
i forgot to say thanks dude, you have a great attitude man!
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really like your take on things ... especially the promoting events, products, stuff ... your right it's all about people.
Thanks for watching...I'm actually going to be creating a new channel soon specific for us live gigging solo musicians, so stay tuned! I'll make an announcement on here!
Great tips dude!!! I think the last tip is pure brilliance..... I'm stealing this
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I'd love to see you do some videos teaching your versions of some of the songs you do. A lot of them I would have never thought of trying acoustically. You rock!
Thank you. I plan to do some videos like that soon
Putting performance examples in between tip was a nice touch.
Thank you, I'm really glad to hear that so thank you for the feedback! I plan to continue putting more tips on here for playing live gigs. I also have a complete guide to getting started here: czcams.com/video/dy0Ru6RHH9c/video.html
Really ur advice and suggestions are very good I was playing with my band before now I don't have a band I plan out to start solo gig and l leaned more from you thank you so much love from India
Dude it's awesome to hear that! I have a complete tutorial on how to get started playing live gigs here: czcams.com/video/dy0Ru6RHH9c/video.html
Tip #5 is killer!
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Love that âTil Tuesday choice sir!
Thank you! I do a lot of deep cuts from the 80s at these shows!
Hi great video with excellent tips thanksđ
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Jason I am starting to work on a acoustic solo gig and really appreciate all the helpful info you have been giving me
I am a bassplayer for many years n decided itâs time to try my hand a solo gigs besides my regular band
Just wanted to thank you n hoping to be out by mid summer
Btw like n am a subscriber too
That's awesome that you're stepping out and doing this! I also have a complete guide on getting started that will help you here: czcams.com/video/dy0Ru6RHH9c/video.html
All Awesome Tips Jason! Volume Control is Soooo Important and I Love Your idea of asking the venue if there are any specials you can help them promote! Iâll use that going forward. Thank You!
Yes, I look at these gigs as building a partnership with the venues. So there's so much more than can come from what you're doing with that mentality!
@@jasonstallworthAnd as you say building that relationship is what is going to get you lasting repeat gigs at that venue. Thank You Jason. All advice is much appreciated!
Nice tips sir..I like it
Thank you, glad this helped!
You are an extremely likeable, genuine and personable guy Jason. An absolute born natural for passing on knowledge, advice and guidance. Keep up this fantastic work my friend, all the best, TonyO (UK)
Thank you, I really appreciate that and itâs great to know my videos are helping!
Best Iâve seen on CZcams on your subject matters Jason (and Iâm quite fussy). You inspire confidence
Thanks for the video. I subbed as well!
Thank you for the sub! And glad this helped
Keel & Curley isn't far from me and I would have dropped in but I really needed to get plants in my greenhouse before this freeze hits. That beer sounds good! I make a bit of beer on occasions.
Yeah, thatâs a really cool and relaxing place!
Time to chill after setup is important! Nothing worse than busting arss setting up then playing right after. Having time to settle down is a must! This guy's tips are spot on. My wife and I have an acoustic duo and play around 3 times per month. Now, if he could tell us how to get past the 1st set jitters, I'd love to get that figured out lol.
Oh, those jitters will always be there! lol
But I think that's a good thing to have because it just means we care about what we do and we want to put on the best show we possibly can!
That one pre-show beer helps!
And it's awesome to hear that you and your wife and playing out on a regular basis!
great advise, ive been gigging for the best part of 27 years and if id have known some of these tips back when i was 17 id have done better. I do all these tips myself as i play for tourists here in Greece through the summer and get through around 150 gigs, the ego tip is probably the hardest one to do as sometimes you can feel very deflated when people are not paying attention. My tip is to make sure you play to the staff too because if they enjoy it, their good vibes will pass on to the customers.
Oh I bet playing in Greece is cool! We need to visit there someday! Playing to the staff is great advice! Cause if they don't like you, they'll complain and you won't get booked again!
Hey Jason one thing also about outdoor gigs in cooler weather here in Florida is sound travels further in cool temps.
Because sound moves faster in warm air than colder air, the wave bends away from the warm air and back toward the ground. That's why sound is able to travel farther in chilly weather
Dude, I didnât even think about that! Thank youâŠGreat info!
@@jasonstallworth cause you don't need to think about that. Unless you play too loud.
Tip 1 only works when the gig is close to youâŠ..youre not driving 3 hours for a sniffâŠbut yeah, be as prepared as can be⊠you can even prepare a stage act. Engaging with the crowd is always a good ideaâŠ.when playing these type of gigs its not about you the musician.however once you start playing more of your own music and you might want to have people paying to see you, then its good to already have your name out there and have a somewhat good nameâŠ..
Having a solid performance is very important, but even more important is knowing how to sell yourself without any notes being played
Dude, you nailed it! Yeah, these types of gigs are definitely not about the musician...you're basically background music! And that hurts a lot of egos but once you accept that, you can start engaging and really create some fans! It's kinda funny how that works! If you go in there with the ego thinking everyone is there just for you, you'll be disappointed and that will show!
Wonderful content, positive attitude, and a great voice to listen to lol! Jason I have a question-how do you go about getting your first gig these days? Iâm starting up again and Iâm not sure if handing a demo CD to a manager is still affective ha ha! Thanks so much for the great videos.
Thank you, brother. I'm in the process of creating a video on how to get started playing live solo gigs, so that's coming soon! But to answer your immediate question, it's best to have videos online that you can share, even if it's you going to an open mic and filming yourself. More to come on this! I have a LOT of tips to share and I'm going to give a complete strategy.
Youre my listening therapy while Im in our sauna. I listen to these instructional tip videos like once a day. I do a Miller-Boyette sitcom theme mash up and a lot of your songs you have in your lists! Im really close to having a 3 hr set to play out. Ive already reached out to our biggest booking production company in Tidewater Va. You should do Lady in red or some 10cc shit! Woo! \mm/
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You are great and you are very similar to my act ... i have 2 tips .....1. consider a tc helicon harmony singer pedal it will be a game changer for your show . 2. consider a simple looper pedal like boss makes your act will be mutch fuller . These two additions will help you to sound bigger .....and when soloing bigger is better
Thank you. I recently got the Ditto X4 looper (I'll have a video coming out on that soon). I've tried harmonizer pedals and hear many using that live, but I just don't care for the way they sound.
For dynamics, I have my wife come up a sing a couple songs towards the end of each set.
Listen to Till Tuesday perform Voices Carry from the Live At The Ritz show. Hook up some great speakers or headphones.
Love their stuff!
Nice guitar playing @15:00
Thank you, I appreciate that đ Quick question - would you prefer a CZcams channel that's dedicated to playing live solo gigs? I've been bouncing the idea back and forth on whether to create a new channel (as this one has been primarily about metal guitar) vs. just keeping it all on this channel. Would love your feedback and suggestions.
That's good advice brother,,or should I say Bro Country!! Lol
Many moons ago we got a gig and never knew nothing and it was outside on a flatbed trailer at a Biker bar,,cool that we knew most everyone but it definitely wasn't a garage we were use to!! But after about an hour of jamming we got the sound right! Thanks again for the tips and I love how you blow off the comments on the" Country Bro "! Hey ,maybe that could be your logo! Bro Country! NOT!! LOL HAVE A GREAT TIME JAMMING!
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Try a Bose L1 or similar system. Spreads sound evenly without blasting the front table.
Since, Iâve gotten the EV Evolve 50M and itâs worked great for my shows. I have a video on it here (though Iâve updated some other items since I made this): czcams.com/video/PwKvC6dMITE/video.htmlsi=ex8f1wMZ2vPvooUi
Great tips man. Thanks a ton!
Do you change the key of the songs you cover to match your voice or do you just choose songs that are in your range. Thanks for the tips. Really appreciate it!
I always change the key. About 70% of the songs I sing are way out of my range if I were to sing them in their original key. This video explains a simple method (and I'll be doing another going more into depth soon): czcams.com/video/DNofS3dCDiw/video.html
Awesome video Jason I used a lot of these tips at my first gig the other week and it was so godamn awesome! I'm curious how long do you typically play for or how much material do these venues typically want from you? Curious what an average play time or material time is for gigs like this
Dude, congrats on your first gig (now you're addicted to playing live!!!)
Around my area (Tampa), gigs are typically 3-4 hours. I actually have another video on building your set list here and I talk more about how many songs you need and such: czcams.com/video/FImy9inrrMc/video.html
@@jasonstallworth Thank you so much for the help it is much appreciated! I will give that video a watch to keep building my set. And yes I am dying to keep playing gigs I love it so much!
Hi Jason,Great advice. Could you please tone down the heavy metal background please. Thanks & God Bless .continued success.. Kujo , Tn.
Canât change videos already uploaded but I try to watch the volume on other videos
As far as the style, thatâs really what Iâm about more so than playing acoustic shows
Hiya your videos are very helpful..i am in the process of setting up my first gig as i have a few venues interested and im wondering if there is any apps you use for remembering lyrics whilst on stage? Thanks
Hi Alex, it's great to hear you're hitting the stage soon! I use an iPad for lyrics and I'll be sharing a video on how I use it soon so stay tuned!
Music sounds really good. Could you explain how you set up your gear to get your sound. Do you run the Pod into the board...or straight in the PA speakers? On your Pod...how do you find is the best way to set it up for acoustic guitar....then to switch to your electric. Can you get a wide spread stereo affect with your setup? Thaks so much...keep Rockin...!!!
Iâm definitely going to be making some more videos on my live gigs and setup! Stay tuned!
@@jasonstallworth Thanks Jason. I am looking at playing out again, just cant carry weight, so lighter the better for me. I will look forward to seeing how you set things up.
Being easy as an artist should go without saying..... prima donna đ and in a small gig, face the speakers towards the back wall ..... Phil Spector trick.....
Yeah that can certainly work for small venues! I'll just go with one speaker for those cases.
Great info thanks, How about playing originals ?
I throw in originals here and there. And I think itâs great to do that.
hi Jason great bay the way can you tell me how you record your live gigs the sound is realy good which is not easy all the best john
Dude, I had an older video here but I plan to do a newer version of this soon: czcams.com/video/TMGTjeNAZ7A/video.html
.... Have a pre beer.... Good tip!
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Great tips. Probably not an issue for full fledged gigs, but do you find that they let you bring a bit of a rig with you for Open Mike Nights? If I bring my Grace Designs Felix Preamp/DI, will they have any issue with me connecting it?
Thatâs a great question and I donât see that as an issue. Iâm actually hosting open mic here in Tampa the last 3 Wednesdays in April and I have no issue with anyone bringing their gear.
I actually have my POD Go connected for guitarists if they want to use it. But they can bring their own preamp as well.
I`ve been out of the performing loop over 5 years. I was shocked at how terrible my voice is when I decided to sing along to some karaoke last night (not in public thankfully). Very depressing and shocking. I could do takes and get a recording done that sounds right but my voice has no strength, endurance, or anything now. I`m in disbelief and instantly lost all the confidence I once had.
Man, if it's really something you desire to get back into, you'll be surprised how quickly it all comes back to you once you start using your voice daily. I go through vocal exercises every single day, usually on the way home from the gym so I encourage you to start that up. Of course, I'm playing out every weekend these days so that also helps. But the daily consistency will bring you back up to speed in no time.
@@jasonstallworth Due to medical issues I`ve been at my sister`s house since 2016 and can`t practice. I`m supposed to be moving soon into my own place nearby. I bought a new mixer, speakers, two new mics, everything needed to connect everything, some oddball effects to mess around with, and two new acoustic/electric guitars to replace my worn out one. It will be nice to be able to sing again. But can I avoid covid until that day comes living with someone who works at a hospital? It pisses me off! I was supposed to have moved a year ago but it keeps getting put off because of other people. Everything is ready to go but now the people on my lot are taking their sweet time getting out of my way. The guy living on the other lot decided to BURN his trailer instead of moving it and I`m not living on top of a contaminated, smelly pile of toxic cinders.
Is there a way to find out ahead of time where you will be playing your gigs because I would love to come see you perform as well
Yeah, I post all of my live gigs on my website (home page): www.jasonstallworth.com/
And from there, you'll see my FB and IG links; I also keep folks up to date there, we well!
@@jasonstallworth Awesome thank you so much!
Hi Jason.. Let me ask you are'nt you not tired playing standing infront of your audience. Since most of your songs are like standard,folk,solo.that reminds me of the unplugged.like Eric Clapton and the rest..sitting while playing.. What brand of your guitar you are using and the microphone..was it shure 58? Just of of my curiosity..
Dude, I used to sit and play all the time for acoustic shows but for some reason, I like standing better. For me, it seems to help me be more engaged. And I also want to keep up that stamina (just had 3 shows this weekend).
The guitar is a Takamine G Series (I just bought a new Martin last week...more to come on that).
The mic is a Shure Beta 58a. I do have the SM58 as a backup but I really like the Beta 58a.
what super super low buget friendly gear would you recommend to try a gig, i have my guitar, 1 amp , 1 pa, and a mic. everything is just directly plugged in. would that be alright to start with?
I don't recommend anything low budget if you're going to be playing live shows. You want to sound the best that you can. It doesn't mean you have to spend a ton of money but you definitely want quality gear.
This is my current setup: czcams.com/video/8ljF5v5Pcp8/video.html
Did you have stage fright when you first started playing on stage and if so, how did you overcome it?
That's a great question and I may do a separate video on that. I don't get stage fright - I truly love it up there! But I do get a little nervous and anxious before every show. And I don't think that's something that will ever go away, and not sure I want it to. I like to feel that excitement and it really pushes you to do your best every time. But if you're just starting out, one of the best ways to overcome stage fright is to do some open mics! Those are awesome for building up your confidence and getting used to performing in front of a crowd.
@@jasonstallworth I shall try when I feel confident enough in my playing, thanks a ton!đ
Can u pliz mention the songs which u sang on this video I only know summer of sixty nine
I've got another video here (recent) and the song list is in the description: czcams.com/video/NdicFj9Xibw/video.html
This is a really weird question but... have you ever been to Puerto Rico? Why do ask? Because you have a very particular deep voice that I am certain I've heard it before. I'm almost sure I have talked to you before. I'm also a working musician so it's probably very likely that we've been at the same place at some point, if you have ever been here in Puerto Rico.
Never been to PR. Only times outside of the US have been Thailand
How to keep getting booked? Don't suck. There's the shortened version. You're welcome.
Lol, that's certainly a big part. But if you want next-level results and build long-term partnerships, it takes more than just not sucking
Gig check.... What's the going Winery rate around the Country?
I don't quite understand your question. As far as wineries, we only have a couple in my area
@@jasonstallworth we have several dozen in our area. The going rate seems to start at 250.... At the coffee shops/bars its like 100 or tips or .... Open mic:/ breweries are a bit better like 150.... Northern Michigan
@@wildhorsemusic1111 That's a great rate for wineries and it's about the same here (for 4-hour shows).
Youâre a single act youâd be happy with whatever they pay you $300 but in a three-piece band they start lowballing âŠ.we walk away
Yeah itâs a bit tougher (and less pay individually) for bands. This is why I talked one of my buddyâs into doing solo gigs in addition to his band!
thx!! song at 18:35?
Voices Carry by Til Tuesday. Always loved that tune
@@jasonstallworth Awesome! thanks again for the great solo acoustic content. Ive been binge watching it, very hellpful.
Acoustic tip #23 bring extra 9 volt batteries tip #24 know how to play happy birthday song
Definitely batteries!!!
@@jasonstallworth lol yep itâs a gig ruined if you donât
Why don't you use backing tracks or drum machine?
I donât care for the way that sounds and it ends up sounding like karaoke to me.
Even solo acoustic & drum machine?
@@user-jo2ro6wg9e Iâm not saying you should use it. I just prefer not to. I have a few friends that play out that use tracks and drum machines.
This is what I do: czcams.com/video/4Q6LaFpyXmU/video.html
So the video isn't about keep getting more gigs. That is left up to his booking agent
Itâs absolutely about getting more gigs (and keeping them once you get them). Sure, the booking agent will make the call but itâs on you to perform well and build that relationship. And not all venues use booking agents. About 3/4âs of my gigs are books through the venue.
Oh I forgot the very important one...... don't be late... you are not Beyonce or Madonna đ
Oh man, that's extremely important!!
It's easy to book solo shows, and being 1/2 good. That show there, don't care at all about the music.
Maybe where youâre at but itâs actually not that easy here. Thereâs a lot of competition. And this place Iâm at in the video supports live music, otherwise they wouldnât bother with the expense.
Iâm assuming youâre loaded up with gigs and do this for a living if itâs easy for you, and thatâs good for you!
Tip for playing live: Donât drink and play, it hurts your voice.
I definitely donât recommend drinking a lot, either way. Certainly donât recommend liquor or wine as that will dry out your voice
I cannot hide my disgust for bro country and have told audiences and anyone who will listen that I refuse to listen to it, learn it, sing it....zero. It makes me sick.
I don't think I've ever heard of 'bro country' before. But, yeah, part of playing live is finding that balance of playing what you enjoy and what the crowd is going to enjoy. In my case, and this makes things a little easier, is I stick to a very particular genre and era, 70s and 80s rock and some pop. So if and when I do get requests, they're typically already in that genre. If your play list is more broad and kind of all over the place, then you can expect requests to also be broader.
@@jasonstallworth Bro country all has the same beat and the same lyrics about girls in Daisy Dukes, tractors, tailgates, Bud Light, dirt roads, etc.
@@baneverything5580 lolâŠyeah, definitely not my thing
Hey man Iâm new to this and have been wanting to push myself and perform at an open mic. Anyway seeing your content (found you today, on my 5th video) has been super helpful is knowing how to plan and what to expect. Iâm hoping by the end of the year I have have a 15 minute set list to perform but Iâll let you know! Keep making great content mate đȘ
Glad this helped. Yeah, 15 minutes for open mic is perfect. For paid gigs, you'll want at least 2-3 hours worth of music (most gigs are my are are 3-4 hours). I've got more content for this coming!
Hey Ashley! đđ»ââïž Natalia here.
I have been performing live at various venues for a bit over 15 years now. I find it so exciting that youâre open and ready to share your talents with the world! đ I am all for helping encourage other females to get into the industry because we have shortage of female musicians where Iâm from! I know, itâs crazy! đ„č If youâre open to chatting a bit about some the struggles youâve been having starting up, I would love to exchange insights! I think that itâs amazing that youâre starting to build the courage to take those steps into performing live!! đ«
đ¶đ€đžâșïž Super informal convo if youâre open to helping answer a few questions for my research. I am so happy to share any helpful tips with you about getting into the industry. đ„° Do let me know if youâre up to chatting! Thanks darlin! Just so you know Iâm human, this is me âșïžđđ»ââïž www.nataliafaculo.com