Drummer- first show advice

[apsterling]

My band got our first show booked for three weeks from now and it's already sorta getting to me as the drummer and having never truly played a show, despite having played for 6 years now (not counting concert band/marching band/jazz band with school)- and I don't want to screw it up.

What type of things should I bring with me- aside from drums/cymbals and hardware, a tuning key, and an extra pair or two of sticks. What type of set up time do smaller venues give you, and do they frown on a non-ported kick- also, do they give you any control over how they mic your kit? Seeing as I play open handed I don't want the snare mic'd in a bad area, etcetera. Would I need any equipment outside the in-ear monitors to use them as such?

From a playing standpoint, what are some ways to avoid getting nerve-racked and what do you suggest for focusing on the rest of the band despite the distractions?

I'm not new to the kit, just new to performing with it- the only "shows" on it were with school and kinda nerve-racking but not really, so I'm hoping pop punk will be more fun on stage. Thanks in advance for any answers, they're much appreciated.

[remoteCONTROL]

what venue are you playing? I'm just gonna go through your list of questions and try to tackle them.

-everything you're bringing already (kit, cymbals, sticks, key) is set. maybe water if the venue isn't providing it, they usually do tho.
-you usually get 10-15 minutes of set up time. piece together your kit right before you go on. put everything on stands, make sure all the lugs are tight. then have everyone in the band help carry stuff up there before they start setting up.
-if they are micing your kit (sometimes they only mic the kick drum, sometimes more...if its a smaller venue they usually wont mic everything), then the sound guy will be back there placing the mics. if something is getting in the way, its no big deal if you slide it out of your way (usually, ask the guy tho)
-if you're using in-ears, make sure you bring an extra 9-volt. im a vocalist, but i still keep my in-ear stuff seperate in its own case...the actual in-ears, the cables, batteries, all that stuff. just go through the check list at practice and make sure its all together.

all in all dude, its not that big of a deal. everyone is usually so chill about everything. if you guys are opening the show, you'll have ample time to set up and everything will be good to go before kids even walk in the door.

ps. we're touring down there in july so come hang out!

[splitsecond]

My band got our first show booked for three weeks from now and it's already sorta getting to me as the drummer and having never truly played a show, despite having played for 6 years now (not counting concert band/marching band/jazz band with school)- and I don't want to screw it up.

What type of things should I bring with me- aside from drums/cymbals and hardware, a tuning key, and an extra pair or two of sticks. What type of set up time do smaller venues give you, and do they frown on a non-ported kick- also, do they give you any control over how they mic your kit? Seeing as I play open handed I don't want the snare mic'd in a bad area, etcetera. Would I need any equipment outside the in-ear monitors to use them as such?

From a playing standpoint, what are some ways to avoid getting nerve-racked and what do you suggest for focusing on the rest of the band despite the distractions?

I'm not new to the kit, just new to performing with it- the only "shows" on it were with school and kinda nerve-racking but not really, so I'm hoping pop punk will be more fun on stage. Thanks in advance for any answers, they're much appreciated.

Az kids, sweet. Where are you playing? I have played many many venues in the phx area, maybe I can give you some insight.

[apsterling]

Az kids, sweet. Where are you playing? I have played many many venues in the phx area, maybe I can give you some insight.

I'll be sure to take a bottle or two of water, I'm thinking.
We're playing at The PhiX.

[Thursdaysox]

Additionally, I suggest stretching out before you go on. I know if I forget to, i'll end up regretting it when my legs are cramping up halfway through the set haha. Other than that it sounds like you're ready to roll. Have fun!

[splitsecond]

I'll be sure to take a bottle or two of water, I'm thinking.
We're playing at The PhiX.

The Phix is special. They have decent monitors and sound considering it is basically an empty warehouse. It can get hot as shit on stage, and I can't remember if they provide water or not. Who is the promoter?

[apsterling]

Additionally, I suggest stretching out before you go on. I know if I forget to, i'll end up regretting it when my legs are cramping up halfway through the set haha. Other than that it sounds like you're ready to roll. Have fun!

I hadn't thought about that, which is something I'll definitely do now that it's been mentioned.

[apsterling]

The Phix is special. They have decent monitors and sound considering it is basically an empty warehouse. It can get hot as shit on stage, and I can't remember if they provide water or not. Who is the promoter?

If I recall correctly it's Malia Productions.

[splitsecond]

If I recall correctly it's Malia Productions.

hahaha, of course it is. any idea what kind of presale/pay he offered you guys? and i am pretty sure he supplies water for the bands, but i could be wrong.

[apsterling]

hahaha, of course it is. any idea what kind of presale/pay he offered you guys? and i am pretty sure he supplies water for the bands, but i could be wrong.

I'm not a hundred percent sure cause our guitarist set it all up, but he mentioned something about $4 for presale tickets, and $100 for the show, or something to that effect. Not quite sure though. I'm just stoked to play, everyone else can squabble over those details if I get to play in the end. Maybe later down the line that'll change but for now I'm just glad to get up on stage.

[splitsecond]

I'm not a hundred percent sure cause our guitarist set it all up, but he mentioned something about $4 for presale tickets, and $100 for the show, or something to that effect. Not quite sure though. I'm just stoked to play, everyone else can squabble over those details if I get to play in the end. Maybe later down the line that'll change but for now I'm just glad to get up on stage.

Yeah I am actually surprised he picked that show up, it is way outside of his box. Let me know how it goes and how he ends up paying/treating you guys, I am curious to know. He generally only picks bands he is managing or bands he knows can hustle presale tickets at their school to play shows. Good luck with the show, you will be fine. The Phix is mellow and you probably wont even be able to see the crowd from where you sit on stage.

[apsterling]

Yeah I am actually surprised he picked that show up, it is way outside of his box. Let me know how it goes and how he ends up paying/treating you guys, I am curious to know. He generally only picks bands he is managing or bands he knows can hustle presale tickets at their school to play shows. Good luck with the show, you will be fine. The Phix is mellow and you probably wont even be able to see the crowd from where you sit on stage.

That's the key right there- our guitarist and bassist have played shows for him before in previous bands and must have succeeded in that regard. There's a pretty strong core of people (30-40) at my school who listen to stuff related to hardcore/pop-punk that of which, many will certainly be coming and most likely bring friends from other schools, so that's probably why he did it. 20 can quickly become 100.

Thanks for the advice, I'm super stoked- should be fun if nothing else, and it'll be a musical refresher.

[splitsecond]

That's the key right there- our guitarist and bassist have played shows for him before in previous bands and must have succeeded in that regard. There's a pretty strong core of people (30-40) at my school who listen to stuff related to hardcore/pop-punk that of which, many will certainly be coming and most likely bring friends from other schools, so that's probably why he did it. 20 can quickly become 100.

Thanks for the advice, I'm super stoked- should be fun if nothing else, and it'll be a musical refresher.

I am not surprised by that at all. What were their other bands?

[apsterling]

I am not surprised by that at all. What were their other bands?

I dunno the names of their past bands- all I know is they were pretty much straight pop punk bands, and covered Going Away To College at one of their shows (because we got on the subject when we decided to play it at practice) If that helps? We got offered a show at the clubhouse which I was super surprised by, but we had to turn it down cause I've got a school band concert the same night, which I can't just drop out on. I dunno. I hope we don't wiff this show or else a lot of stuff will get harder to do.

[muttley]

Yeah I am actually surprised he picked that show up, it is way outside of his box. Let me know how it goes and how he ends up paying/treating you guys, I am curious to know. He generally only picks bands he is managing or bands he knows can hustle presale tickets at their school to play shows. Good luck with the show, you will be fine. The Phix is mellow and you probably wont even be able to see the crowd from where you sit on stage.

just out of curiousity, how big is the phix compared to modified, or the clubhouse?

[PopPunkKid]

Hey man, good luck.

You'll get onstage, be nervous for about a second, and then you'll feel at home and it'll all go away. At least thats how it happened for me.

If you mess up a little, don't sweat it... chances are nobody will even notice/care. I mess up at least once pretty much every show (granted, I also sing sometimes while playing so that complicates it a bit), and it's not a big deal.

[splitsecond]

I dunno the names of their past bands- all I know is they were pretty much straight pop punk bands, and covered Going Away To College at one of their shows (because we got on the subject when we decided to play it at practice) If that helps? We got offered a show at the clubhouse which I was super surprised by, but we had to turn it down cause I've got a school band concert the same night, which I can't just drop out on. I dunno. I hope we don't wiff this show or else a lot of stuff will get harder to do.

The worst thing you can do is let pressure to do well even enter your head. The best plan is to not give a fuck what people think, whether you draw 2 or 200, and play it like you mean it. that will endear you onto the crowd. Doesnt matter what the promoter thinks, he pretty much only gives a shit about making money, and there are plenty of other promoters to work with in az.

[splitsecond]

just out of curiousity, how big is the phix compared to modified, or the clubhouse?

phix is tiny. it is basically a 40 x60 room (if that) with a stage in a corner. i like it, but it echoes like crazy and is usually super hot or super cold inside because it is a block building with zero insulation.

[apsterling]

The worst thing you can do is let pressure to do well even enter your head. The best plan is to not give a fuck what people think, whether you draw 2 or 200, and play it like you mean it. that will endear you onto the crowd. Doesnt matter what the promoter thinks, he pretty much only gives a shit about making money, and there are plenty of other promoters to work with in az.

Yeah- that's our plan, we don't care if we come off too strong to start or whatever, we're just gonna hold ourselves honestly and seriously, and go out and play the best show we can. I was just sorta wondering what to expect from a first gig, which I now have a better idea of at this point, thanks to you and the others in the thread here.

[muttley]

phix is tiny. it is basically a 40 x60 room (if that) with a stage in a corner. i like it, but it echoes like crazy and is usually super hot or super cold inside because it is a block building with zero insulation.

oh, nice. that means the PBC show next friday is going to be insane.

Yeah- that's our plan, we don't care if we come off too strong to start or whatever, we're just gonna hold ourselves honestly and seriously, and go out and play the best show we can. I was just sorta wondering what to expect from a first gig, which I now have a better idea of at this point, thanks to you and the others in the thread here.

knock 'em dead, man.

[apsterling]

oh, nice. that means the PBC show next friday is going to be insane.



knock 'em dead, man.

Thanks. :-)

[ShShShark]

My band got our first show booked for three weeks from now and it's already sorta getting to me as the drummer and having never truly played a show, despite having played for 6 years now (not counting concert band/marching band/jazz band with school)- and I don't want to screw it up.

What type of things should I bring with me- aside from drums/cymbals and hardware, a tuning key, and an extra pair or two of sticks. What type of set up time do smaller venues give you, and do they frown on a non-ported kick- also, do they give you any control over how they mic your kit? Seeing as I play open handed I don't want the snare mic'd in a bad area, etcetera. Would I need any equipment outside the in-ear monitors to use them as such?

From a playing standpoint, what are some ways to avoid getting nerve-racked and what do you suggest for focusing on the rest of the band despite the distractions?

I'm not new to the kit, just new to performing with it- the only "shows" on it were with school and kinda nerve-racking but not really, so I'm hoping pop punk will be more fun on stage. Thanks in advance for any answers, they're much appreciated.

Ah the Phix. Cool beans man. Played there last year.

1. Be cool. You're in your element dude!! Live it up. Play well, and then worry about "rocking out". Also, if you mess up just play through it. Don't stop or make a funny face or shake your head. Chances are everyone missed it anyway.
2. Usually 10-15 min is set up time
3. If you don't want a mic to go somewhere the soundguy will find another good spot that works for you. remember, the sound guy is working essentially to YOUR requirements.
4. If you have in-ears, then hot dang. there will be a drum wedge usually. just let the sound guy know at load in that you have in ears.
5. I always love youtubing some videos of my fav drummers live before i play. it gets me all siked.
6. DONT FORGET TO STRETCH AND WARM UP!