How To Turn A Show In Front Of 8 People Into One Of Your Most Important Shows

[Musformation.co]

Hey everyone, I just put this up today, but thought it could really help everyone hear, people seem to be way into it
http://musformation.com/2009/05/how-to-turn-a-show-in-front-of-8-people-into-one-of-your-most-important-shows.html

[tsswitch]

Great article I think!

My last band played only two shows to about 10 people each (we had a ton of songs and it was a long time in the making).
Our first show we were lucky and the people there were really into it. I think it was because we were the only punk band of the night, and they wanted to make the best of it. They were even chanting for an encore after the other band played. That got me really excited (our first show and they loved us! I was thinking).

But our second show people were all just lining the walls looking only slightly amused and afraid to get anywhere near the band. Guys from the other bands were sitting in chairs right in front of us basically ignoring us. I was getting really frustrated, and I could feel the disappointment coming through on my face and in the between song banter. That was our second and last show (due to members moving).

Looking back, I really wish I would have treated that show differently. I understand now that people aren't trying to offend the band by not dancing/moshing... I would have done the same thing! It takes an especially ballsy person to get the mosh pit started and act like your enjoying yourself when everyone else is just standing around.
But yeah, if I could do it again I'd have given it my all, and I'd have played the whole show with a big genuine smile... And I'd have really enjoyed it, instead of leaving slightly bitter and annoyed.

Oh well, you live you learn... I will apply that experience to my new band.

[dietoseeyoufail]

Great article

[GamabuntaSS]

I agree,nice article.
I'll keep it in mind the next time I play a show with a small crowd
:-)

[lew_1987]

Good advice, although most of it should be common sense. That's how music should be done.

[Metal Now]

That's one good article.

[fanberlinboy]

"Being a dick doesn't make you seem like a rockstar, it makes you seem like a dick"

I found that really funny haha. Good article, though. Just curious, what was the semi-popular band that you saw play for a small crowd?

[JoeJealousy]

great article... i can think of about 347 bands that need to read it and follow its teachings

[Musformation.co]

copeland

[Dicebox]

Great article! I really liked what you said about socializing with the other bands. I think a lot of the times small bands trying to make it in their "scene" tend to see other band as competition and not potential fans. Think about it, the people in bands obviously love music and are more willing to throw out some money for merch if you make friends with them and they like your music. I would say that any musician would be more likely to dish out money for a CD than a casual listener who came to hear their friends band.

[lolseamus]

i agree 100% with this article