Here is a list of tips and tricks I put together for the gigging musician. These insights have been gathered over twenty plus years in the live music industry. 

Showing Up Late – When you are late you are behind and when you are behind your show is suffering from the get go. By being on time you can elevate headaches for the manager on duty. You being late will put the staff in a foul mood . Being on time is crucial to your success. It gives you a peace of mind.

The anxiety of rushing or being late, or forgetting something will go away if you are set up with ample time. It also gives you a chance to scout out the guests, management and staff. You want the staff on your side and when you are late…that will never happen.

Not Preparing – Forgetting back up batteries or a mic stand or your iPad holder is never a good thing. I understand things happen and stuff gets misplaced. It’s not the loosing of this material that is the issue. It’s the mind-frame of forgetting a piece of the puzzle. You know the lost key syndrom. It’s tough to move forward when you mind is elsewhere.

Blasting Your Ego – Want to know a musician I’ll never book? The one with the ego! No one cares how good you think you are! It’s not necessary to tell everyone in the room who you played with, where you have been and how good you are. When the ego dies the soul awakes

Half Assing It – It’s never “just” a bar gig! Or a free exposure gig. Play every gig to your full potential. This is how you make fans, get better opportunities and move forward. And if all else fails you walk away with a killer practice session.

Not Wanting To Be There – This is a reoccurring problem. After awhile anyone can get get burned out. Especially when you are doing the same thing over and over. I completely get it. And if you have reached this point in your career. Then tell the agent or venue owner its your last gig. You are not doing anyone any favors by showing up in a foul mood. Your body language and facial features give it away. Take this as a postive sign. It’s ok to move on.

Talking up a storm – Rambling nonsense over the microphone is not doing you any good. No one want’s to hear it.Think about what you are saying before you say it. Perfect your story telling like you perfect your songs and you’ll win the crowd over.

Not Having Enough Material-  Make sure your setlist can cover the allotted time frame. This excludes request.

Only Representing Yourself – When you take the gig think about all the parties involved. You are representing the venue, festival and agent. Take pride and what you do and who you are doing it for. If you don’t like the agent or venue don’t play for them. But when you decide to commit to playing represent all parties of interest.

Squabbling With Your Band Members While Performing:. This looks horrible and can be seen from a mile away. Leave the drama at home.

Consuming Too Much – Whether it’s your drug of choice or you downed too many IPa’s. Know your limit. This goes back to representing yourself and the venue or agent. Wait till after the show. I am not saying don’t drink or don’t smoke. I am saying know your limit.