Get Ready To Gig!
In a previous article, I talked about preparing yourself for a band rehearsal. So now you’ve rehearsed and are ready to perform in front of an audience, how do you prepare yourself for your first gig? You are probably feeling nervous and apprehensive, but these feelings can be controlled if you are well prepared for the performance – take a look at the following points and use them as a check list to help you in your preparation.
1. Get to the venue early: This is extremely important. You need to make sure your equipment is connected and you are able to do a quick sound check. All manner of problems could arise in terms of equipment failure or other issues. If you are bringing your own PA equipment you should make sure it is all set up and sounding ok, but even if the venue supplies their own, you should still make sure it all works, and that other performance accessories such as effects pedals are hooked up and ready to go, bring a guitar tuner to ensure the guitars are tuned properly, and make sure the amp and microphone levels are all ok, the drums also need to be checked. Once this is all done you may have some spare time to grab a drink for some Dutch courage, but don’t get drunk before the gig, many bands have made this mistake before, and it doesn’t sound good!
2. Bring spares: No matter what instrument you play, it is vital that you bring along spare accessories, so guitar and bass players should have at least two or three spare sets of guitar strings and guitar picks, you never know when a string will break, and guitar picks can easily slip out of your fingers, you don’t want to be hunting around on the floor for it in the middle of a performance. If you are singing and playing, then it would be a good idea to buy a microphone stand with a pick holder included. Drummers should bring some spare drumsticks. It would also be a good idea to bring your own cables, as mentioned above you don’t want to get there and find the only guitar cable you have has now stopped working, just as you’re about to play.
3. Prepare a set list: You’ve probably rehearsed the set many times in the order they are to be played, but it is always wise to have a reminder pinned up on stage. It’s easy to forget in the heat of the moment!
4. Bring some recording equipment: Not essential, but always useful, if this Is your first gig it’s likely people will make mistakes, if you record you can listen back through and find out where you can improve.
5. Relax: It is natural to feel nervous and apprehensive about playing your first gig, but try to relax and focus on all the rehearsal and preparation you have done. Enjoy yourself on stage and your audience will enjoy watching your performance!
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