As a cover band, we had to do four 45 min sets a night. But we had 5 sets in rotation because although we practiced the sets in order, most times the audience would change throughout the night. The first set was always great songs that weren't really danceable because people were filtering in and would have a few drinks first. But the 2nd set on we'd start the list and then do something most bands can't or refuse to do and that's READING THE CROWD! If everybody"s dancing and the energy is high, don't go to a slower song just because it's on the list. Keep it going! And nobody AND I MEAN NOBODY SPEAKS INTO THE MIC EXCEPT THE LEAD SINGER!
You are loosing a class one way to knock them off their bar stools if you don't start out with a "bang".It's not called an opener for nothing, you know and you only get one chance to make a good first impression. I don't know where you are playing but we have a full or nearly full house when we start playing.If people are trickling in then you should start later. Remember - You are paid to be a whiskey salesman and the owners don't want to wast the time they paid for with you playing to an empty house. - By the tine we hit the second set people have had a couple and are starting to loosen up. We make sure to have lots of "Horsepower" tunes in the second set. - In the 3d set we play requests (But we write out a cast in iron set list for them) . We put most of the belly rubbin; tunes in the last set just before motel time.
@@kickingxriit's handy or some people. I as a singer, who also needs more training, can't sing that long straight. Some people can but most singers would probably struggle.
It also helps to record it. This way one can be conscious of anything they may be doing at certain parts of the performance, which may not be "100%" so to speak. Then, break the habit of doing so, when seeing how lame it looks. Thus filling the performance with elements of their strengths, not their weaknesses. It also helps to work out the lead singer's banter as well. Like rehearsing that, with the performance. As in not sitting there like ”Ok, I do this banter for XYZ seconds at this point, where I say ABC...” Actually do it, as one would in the performance. Pauses for smiling or laughing and all. This way, at the points he goes into it, the guitarist knows at 7 minutes and 10 seconds into the show, he has exactly 31 seconds to strap in a differently tuned guitar for the next song. Or with the banter at 16 minutes and 23 seconds, the bassist knows he has 28 seconds to take off his jacket if he's getting too hot, then strap back into his bass. Where they know if they can do these things in that short amount of time... Because they've rehearsed it.
Everyone leading a band “today” should already know this before taking a leadership role. Even that guy knows it’s subjective. Everyone and thing is different you must be experienced and a professional problem solver to lead a band.
I remember reading a study a number of years ago, where one of the findings was that the most hated thing said at a concert, is something anything akin to "Here's a song from our new album."
Cool tips here! One thing I always do in addition to the tempo/mood curve is the "rising key" approach, i.e. avoid putting songs in the same key next to each other and if possible start on a "low" key and gradually go higher throughout the set (i.e. a starter would be in E, followed by a song in F, then G# etc.). This especially usefull in genre's with lots of similar songs (such as blues, punk and rockabilly) and an absolute life-saver for solo acoustic performers. if it turns out the songs you want to play revolve around a few comfortable keys you find easy to play or sing, block them up in smaller sub-sets of songs in different keys (E, G, A, C, E, A, C, E, G, A for example) or transpose some songs a (semi)tone up or down if you have lots of songs in the same key. Use a capo if you required specific chord voicings or get badass with CAGED chords
It's like writing a story. Intro (set the tone), story builders (message and details), climax (ramp it up!), resolution (tone/message summary), outro (closure). I needed this
I was the owner and part of the band. Everything you said is 💯% spot on! I played Irish trad on the West Coast USA. It was fast moving, with many songs not being over 3-5 min in length...so we'd string 2,3,4 jigs together...and that was "one song"...I'd do them on the computer, color coding them. GREEN for fast songs, whether they were instrumental or vocals- didn't matter. BLUE for medium tempo, yellow for slow (airs, ballads) I could then, with a glance...SEE how thick our 1st set list was with these songs! Was the first set comprised of all yellow? Half blue? No green? This helped me out TREMENDOUSLY! 1st Set: Green-Instrumental Green-vocal Blue-vocal Blue- vocal Yellow- vocal Blue-instrumental Blue- instrumental Green- vocal I could ALSO pinpoint if I had too many vocals versus instrumentals in any one 3 hour set! How long they were...and where to insert a joke, or a story, or some historical context, relative to the song...BANTER... My bandmates had NO CLUE how in depth this was for me!!!
When you have a set list that isn't thought out and isn't working the worst thing that happens on stage is you start trying to adapt it to fit the room. Say you want to skip one slow song to keep the energy up from the last song; one band mate gets confused, another gets insulted for mucking with the set list, another frantically flips through their disorganized book trying to find the next song, another didn't hear you when you said skip and keep's yelling "what's next what's next?" The next day somebody quits.
A thought on 'cover versions can show up your own material in a bad light' - it can work the other way round. If the cover song is familiar to the audience, and you play it in a similar arrangement to the original, they will judge your performance against that original, so you better be damn good. Whereas at least with your own songs, nobody can tell you you're 'playing them wrong'.
The way I have been setting it up. I use Musi for listening to beats and instrumentals and lay out my albums with playlists. I do the same for setlists. I listen the tracks and seeing how the energy and all of that is and order in a way that everything flows great.
I don't play many covers. Even with 25 years of busking I've mostly done my own thing. Personally I tend to take a cover and make it my own. Play it your own way. I find this helps engage the audience but get them to appreciate that this is about you and your music not someone else who's not there... Good tips. Thanx
Thank you so much for taking the time to make these vids. As a part time cover band we've been rocking out for about ten years. In 3 weeks we have a corporate gig for Bjorn from Abbas company here in Stockholm, Sweden ..... shit just got real!!!! I have no doubts about our ability to deliver but your tips help. Keep up the good work. Cheers, John.
I've seen a set list tip (from Tom Robinson) for the support act is to start with a great attention grabbing song, then your best loud song, then a quiet song, then a cover, then a fantastic last song to go off to great applause and a desire to hear more.
I agree with all of this, but I would like to add another point. I think bands should come up with an intro to the set, because whilst I agree you should start with your best song, unless you are the headline act (and even then it can sometimes happen) there is a chance people will miss the first song. I go to 2-3 gigs a week and more often than not, if the band is relatively unknown, when they start their first song people are still at the bar or outside smoking, so will miss that crucial first song.
Lee Allen but surely you want to attract people at the start of your set by playing one of, if not your best songs? That way people will watch the rest of your set if all the songs are good
Scott Williamson absolutely, but before you play that first song, you need to play an intro to get people in front of the stage. That’s what the best local bands I’ve seen do, and it works. Let me be clear, the intro is just that, and intro, not your first song, which as Damo said should be your best.
It could be an instrumental piece, or could simply be just making feedback with your amps and rolling the cymbals on the kit. it needs to be something that lasts for about 30 seconds to a minute, making a lot of noise to say to everyone 'We're here, we're on stage and you better be at the front or you'll miss it'. This is also the first opportunity to say who you are. If this can lead into the first song then even better. For an idea of what I mean, search for Halestorm live at Kalamazoo state theatre. They don't need to to do an intro, but they do anyway, and it really gets the crowd going.
Thanks Damo! Awesome stuff again. Another thing to do is write the keys and tempos on the set sheet. See that the Keys work well together. A couple songs in the same key often work well together. Going a whole tone up (eg G to A) makes a nice lift. Awkward key changes can be softened by doing a drum intro, which takes the focus off the key and onto the rhythm. There's a lot more on this that's quite readily available. Lastly, check out a guy named Tom Jackson. He's literally written THE book on live performances. His work, like Damo's is priceless.
The more musically informed your songlist is w/ little notations .. it is actually a personal score ie,, key , tempo little nuances and accsents, for each set perfection will be reached. .
Great advice and I don’t know about you guys but I learned something here that has baffled me for years?? Game changer for me and from now on it’s my songs and no more covers...Thank You Damien...my fellow musicians subscribe and support this great man with all you can ..this guy has the X Factor !!!
Thank you so much for this. My first gig is this summer and I rewrote my setlist based on these tips and now I’m even more hyped for this show it’s gonna be so much better now
YES!!! 👏 We’ve played with much better musicians than us but we’ve ended up owning the night because we see our primary responsibility is to “Put on a Show” There’s good stuff here that will help us take it up another notch- thank you 🙏
Great video. This is gold. Some other tips I heard recently included Don't restrict yourself to playing the arrangements as they were recorded. When playing live you can draw the songs out and extend sections if it showcases playing skills or insights audiences joining in. The tip about crafting a show is good. Instead of seeing how many songs you can cram into a time slot. Which I've been guilty of. Thanks Damo
Damian Keyes, Paul Jackson Music is right Since fronting my own show, I’ll take the time in a song following say the solo, or a chorus, and have the rest of the band sit on the groove whilst I take stock of the audience, make sure they are engaged, see who is out there and what they are doing. It also gives you time to hear how the levels are on stage. Speaking of openers..... I have two styles of openers: one which is a hit them between the eyes, blow them away solid, and a couple that eases people into the show. The Sunday afternoon set. The second ones we use more often than the first given the gigs we have been doing. They layer the instruments up one at a time, over a verse or two and then during the song pop into something funky or rocky in the middle. We aim to get people tapping their foot, or nodding their heads before they realise what’s going on. It also gives the sound guy plenty of opportunity to get the drums and bass levelled out before things get too hectic. I’ll group three songs together for the opener, and tie them in musically via a planned transition ending that finishes where the next song starts. Often making the second song a cover that fits our genre. And then into a strong third song being one of our own. We’ve assaulted their ears for a good solid 10-12-15 minutes depending on the room before we stop to say hi. Thank the audience for coming down, In the small rooms, I will introduce and thank some important people....the bar staff, and get the audience to applaud them. This usually gets us drinks after, and good reports back to management. I then say who we are and announce our feature song of the night which will be the track we are pushing for plays......when we record it..... The end of that song, we will drop into a simple drum groove where I call for action on the feature song. The groove drops into the next couple of songs finishing that cluster with a dancy Latin original number that features each of the band members and a drum and percussion break that we get the audience to clap along to. It has a big finish. There is a short chat break, where I introduce the band, remind them of who we are, congratulate them for coming down and get them to applaud themselves. I’ll then pull out an acousticish cover that everyone knows, that I can play to get them all singing along to. As soon as that finishes and everyone cheers themselves, we bring in the drums and bass, over a guitar change and once we’re set, hit them between the eyes. For the last two or three, of which the last song has a call and response and catchy melody. Over the ending of the last song, I’ll shout out an all encompassing thank you to everyone and tell them who we are, repeat the name, and tell them to come see us afterwards and buy us a drink. Trick is to finish on chord 4. So if you’re in E, finish on the A. It’s the best way to make people want to hear more. That’s how, as an unrecognised grandpa’s belly button fluff type original band, we keep people entertained and have them coming up to us afterwards, and why venues have always asked us when do we want to come back. We fixed the line up changes, just waiting for the new bass player to come back from some serious family health issues so we can get this show working, and get the material recorded. Family comes first.
I’ve been struggling with the correct set list for several months now, and finally your video made my day! Thanks a lot, Damian. Your tips helped me right away and I had tested and finally finished my performance list before the video ended. Take care!
Great video! I would recommend to anyone reading that if they are an original band playing to mostly strangers (or trying to attract new.fans) to mix a well known cover into their set early. People will recognize it and give you their attention. Then hit them with your single or whatever song you can reel them in with.
Toni H if I understand covering songs in a live setting correctly, most establishments that have live bands will have a license permitting the majority of copyrighted songs to be performed.
This is fabulous! When performing as a solo, singing vibraphone player, I have found it nerve wracking to be on stage alone with no plan, which is less fun for me. Somehow I have lucked out and chosen songs on the fly that work, however, time to take my act to a different level. I cut up my set list and rearranged it as you suggested, with some dialogue written in, for my next performance. I'll be starting with my best song, dance party in the middle and a big finish. Thanks for your help, Damien!
Great advice here. A tip I would throw in is for band members to work on their banter. Most bands spend loads of time rehearsing for shows, but never plan or rehearse banter. Then when there is a guitar change or lull in the set, someone gets terrified of the silence and tries to fill it with some awkward rambling. As an audience member, I’d rather 20 seconds of silence from the stage than a bad, nervous joke from the keyboard player. Also, banter should come from one to two of the bands members and mostly from the singer. Don’t do the Mumford and Sons thing where the keyboard dude does a lot of the banter.
Wow. When I started watching this video I thought they won't think of cutting up a set list to make it easy to reorganize them as they're planning it...... lo and behold it's the first thing you did! I made a video about this quite a while ago. I'll also put down the tempos of the songs in the form of a letter s for slow, m for medium, f for fast. Playing in a club you might want to have one or two slow songs in the middle for people to dance that only dance slow songs. Great tip with cutting up the setlist.
"We all know it....10 - 15 min before the gig we are arguing backstage to where put which song" Actually, no. I never have had this experience. In my band we talk about the set at least 2 weeks before the gig and from that point on play the set again and again, trying to figure out if this order transports the things we want to transport and when we want. We even plan between which songs the singer could or should talk to the people etc. After watching the whole video I guess we are doing not that bad of a job with our setlist planing :D
Danime Great. That night you turn up to a gig and the audience is completely different, you can ignore them entirely and do what you planned 2 weeks earlier. Good plan 👍
That's the way I see it. Your act is burned into your brain, maybe a heads up to slot a new song in somewhere (or take one out) but that's about it. For theatre gigs or large venues a setlist is a must but it's usually done with a marker on A4 in 5 minutes usually by 1 person.
@@goodyking6732 How many sets do you have? unless you've got more than 1 you're going to have to give your 'completely different' audience the same as you give everyone else. Not many bands I know who have more than one set.
I live in Nashville Tennessee. Cover bands make more money and get more gigs than original bands or singer songwriters. I strongly agree with a few of the things you talk about. I write songs on 3x5 cards and shuffle them around to build the set list so that was good to hear that you said the same thing. Dead silence between songs is a complete energy killer. Rehearse the set list. Figure out who stands where and when they go where. Turning around and banging into the bass player isn’t a cool thing.
Hey Damian, great tips! thanks for the video! Just one question, when you say unsigned bands should keep their gigs short to 20-25 minutes, would it be a good idea to make the set longer if you add cover songs that people know and can sing along to?
Hello! Yeah that could help and sometimes you don't get a choice as a promoter will ask you to play longer, however getting on and tearing it up really helps.. I made a video on this.. I'd love your thoughts - ruclips.net/video/W5yD8MbPTTg/видео.html
I remember before my bands first show, my bandmates told me not to do guitar changes, so I told them I would only do them for string breaks or big tuning changes (such as standard to drop C#), but when I told them to put the different tuning songs together, they ignored me. Can’t blame guitarists for time wasting with changing instrument then
A set list needs to be readable from performing positions. We wrote all the song names on manila folders in BIG black perma marker and cut them into strips. Then used velcro to attach them in order to a floor easel.
Instead of 25 minutes, when my former band was starting out we always had a rule of 3-5 songs as the opener. Once we moved up in the lineup and weren’t opening the show (we were in the middle of the lineup), we said up to 7 songs. And when we did headline (at least in our hometown where we had the venue packed out to see us) we’d still limit our set list to 8-10 songs at absolute max. Our first show we played 3 songs, yet those 3 songs left an impact on the audience.
It’s my voice that captures them.. Then my lyrics but I’ve yet to write songs yet that are as good as some of the tunes I cover . A part of that is because they love the way I do it. But my live crowd likes a balance of both . But I definitely hooked on writing
Thanks for all these great advices! I really appreciate people like you takes the time to give us a little more of perspective. Greetings from Costa Rica lml
OPENING SONG - get that right and you're halfway there. Cheap Trick LIVE AT THE BUDOKAN opened with Hello There and the rest fell into place. Queen started their LIVE AID performance with Bohemian Rhapsody, then nailed hit after hit to follow... I'd seen them do that a few times before. AC/DC with Bon Scott would open with RIFF RAFF in the late seventies... you can't fail to smile when you hear that song... Uriah Heep opened with STEALIN' on the Sweet Freedom tour of 1973 and blew us away with the dry ice, single spotlight on a dark stage, then a flood of colour when the full band came in. I also remember someone commenting on how PINK FLOYD would get a round of applause for LIGHTING changes in their shows at Earls Court, so it's not all about songs and setlists... how you PRESENT yourself and ENTERTAIN the audience is a big part of it as well.... but YES... opening song every time.
For the first concert of Klem Schen a young french rapper we had the opportunity to know the setlist before the show 30.10.2021 Paris at Châtelet la place hip hop. 15 tracks including 2 times the Best title, 1 feat and 1 unknow title.
Solid tips! The worst thing is gaps between songs...that's where you lose the audience after having worked so hard to get them engaged. So, yes, plan the show and rehearse the show. It's a show!
Could you do a video on how different it is to frame a 20-minute set list vs. an hour? I've done 3 hour shows before but that was a cover band, it was easy. Now I'm in an all-originals band, my own band and I'm just trying to be as prepared as possible...
Damian Keyes awesome! Thank you, Damien! Not just for this but everything! Your videos are not just an invaluable resource but an inspiration to keep doing what we’re doing!
I think bands doing live covers nowadays is extremely important. The audience wants to hear songs they know. The band doing it will become better as an ensemble. Most importantly, the songwriters and publishers will be compensated by the PRO’s with their songs being publicly performed.
Interesting point. I have no probs with covers as long they are well thought out and not there to distract from the original music.. But you are right a great cover can really do a job on a gig 🙂
I prefer renditions to covers. Good example would be Love Buzz by Nirvana. Great energy but totally different feel than the original. Gives you a chance to make it your own.
Just found your channel! Your videos are really helping me out! You're like the musicians google, if i have an issue i'm not sure about you seem to have a video on it! Thanks a lot :)
The 18 march 2018 in Pompano at Club Cinema Xtentacion perform his old, best and new songs on his last concert where he performed at least 45 minutes alone .
What's your opinion on when to introduce yourself as a band? We've always done it after the first song because we try to reel people in then announce who we are. What do you feel about this?
Awesome advice as always. Especially the part about what you're doing with the dead air in between songs. Really important not to be fumbling around. Also, Damian, you may have seen me post as 'No Gas Productions' before, but this is my band's brand new RUclips account. I hear our page is awesome.
Amazing advise. The only bands that I can think of that don’t do this are Pearl Jam and The Grateful Dead. And none of us are in those bands. Lol. Even a cover band can learn a lot from this. Thanks brother, keep up the great work.
now... I have for every album this one banging, fast song that catches your attention, but I wouldn't really call it my biggest songs, it's just makes you want more... on the other hand I have my singles that of course are the very best songs, but I feel like, the are better after already having the audiences attention An example of my field of expertice would be Architects (if you don't know them, just check out the following songs): altough they have real hits like Doomsday (or also Gravedigger, Gone with the wind,...) but as an intro the song Nihilist is still the most fitting... I think you get my point, but what's your opinion on this?
I feel what youre saying about opening with the strongest song, but also wonder if ending with your strongest song is also just as viable? Warm them up with something, then leave them wanting more by having your last song being the strongest and most catchy?
I think most artist will always work towards a big finish but most neglect the intro and try and build into a set. I would suggest the best advice is to write a song specifically as an opening track similar to Let Me Entertain you or I Predict A Riot. Arrangement, lyrics and subject matter are very fitting to open a show 🙂
Damian can you do video on stagecraft? How to move (especially vocalists) Performance boundaries. I’ve seen some great bands with amazing songs and they ruin it by moving and dancing uncontrollably.
Sick content as always. One thing I haven't found you speak more on is the mentality of 'recording quality'... is it best to save up for proper recording and do it 'pro', or is it OK to go the route of bedroom recording and have something that is not quite 'pro' standard, but the benefit is you can get more music/content out quicker.. Im struggling with this at the moment, as bandmates don't want to pay, but I personally see the value in quality recordings... It's a constant shit fight!!
This is such a great question. While it is subjective and depending on how good the quality of DIY recordings, I usually would recommend getting the best recordings possible (due to time and budget) without upsetting the bands momentum. It's crucial to keep the band moving forward and a lot of artists/bands fall into the perfection trap which can be hugely time consuming and damaging to the growth. But having recordings you are proud of that stand the test of time really help too. SO! I would say if you can afford pro recordings and can get them done relatively quickly its always going to be better. I guess the question is... why are they fighting you? Is it not wanting to spend the money or is it to spend the money on something more beneficial? Let me know and let's keep this going
Awesome reply, thanks Damian... The topic of money gets heated in the band...I guess it boils down to penny pinching.. money doesnt go far where I live (SE Asia). Also all the songs were written by me (every instrument haha)... so I kind of get the impression they feel that I should be paying for it since it's 'my project' .. Do you think it is unfair for the main writer/leader of the band to pay the majority of the recording? Thanks in advance!
Hey Damian, i am looking forward to to your response to @Commit 's question regarding band members not wanting to open their wallets because all the songs were written and composed by you and it sort of seems like your project. What do you do at that point because it sorts of puts a halt to any sort growth ( with regards to recording quality music at a pro studio or putting a bit of money on promotion) within the band as everyone is sitting on the fence. Of course, not everyone can be like Ed sheeran who can perform an amazing set without a band. What would you advice? Btw absolutely love your channel.
Hello Damon and Monkeys! I am new here so I am just catching up on the videos. I did not see a video for this topic hence why I ask but; Do you have a video on how to write a song? How to being to write a perfect song? What makes a perfect song? I suppose that was more than one question but all related. 😊 Thanks a bunch and keep making these amazing videos! Claudia
"Hi... I'm just waiting for this guy". Literally every gig with my band. We have specific no guitar songs because gear changes got so long or because dude would RUN TO THE BATHROOM!!
Only thing I would add is during instrument changes have the rest of band create filler music that leads into the next song. Example same key, tempo, feel as next song just more improv aka (rehearsed improv)
As a cover band, we had to do four 45 min sets a night. But we had 5 sets in rotation because although we practiced the sets in order, most times the audience would change throughout the night. The first set was always great songs that weren't really danceable because people were filtering in and would have a few drinks first. But the 2nd set on we'd start the list and then do something most bands can't or refuse to do and that's READING THE CROWD! If everybody"s dancing and the energy is high, don't go to a slower song just because it's on the list. Keep it going! And nobody AND I MEAN NOBODY SPEAKS INTO THE MIC EXCEPT THE LEAD SINGER!
U ever heard of concept?
45 min sets isnt that boring havin* so much breaks? We only play two sets one set of 38 then a 20 min break then 14 to finish
You are loosing a class one way to knock them off their bar stools if you don't start out with a "bang".It's not called an opener for nothing, you know and you only get one chance to make a good first impression. I don't know where you are playing but we have a full or nearly full house when we start playing.If people are trickling in then you should start later. Remember - You are paid to be a whiskey salesman and the owners don't want to wast the time they paid for with you playing to an empty house. -
By the tine we hit the second set people have had a couple and are starting to loosen up. We make sure to have lots of "Horsepower" tunes in the second set. - In the 3d set we play requests (But we write out a cast in iron set list for them) . We put most of the belly rubbin; tunes in the last set just before motel time.
@@kickingxriit's handy or some people. I as a singer, who also needs more training, can't sing that long straight. Some people can but most singers would probably struggle.
@@f1rebreather123 fair enough
REHEARSE THE SHOW! Yes, Damian, THANK YOU!!!!! Jesus, everyone who leads a band needs to watch this
It also helps to record it. This way one can be conscious of anything they may be doing at certain parts of the performance, which may not be "100%" so to speak. Then, break the habit of doing so, when seeing how lame it looks. Thus filling the performance with elements of their strengths, not their weaknesses.
It also helps to work out the lead singer's banter as well. Like rehearsing that, with the performance. As in not sitting there like ”Ok, I do this banter for XYZ seconds at this point, where I say ABC...” Actually do it, as one would in the performance. Pauses for smiling or laughing and all.
This way, at the points he goes into it, the guitarist knows at 7 minutes and 10 seconds into the show, he has exactly 31 seconds to strap in a differently tuned guitar for the next song. Or with the banter at 16 minutes and 23 seconds, the bassist knows he has 28 seconds to take off his jacket if he's getting too hot, then strap back into his bass. Where they know if they can do these things in that short amount of time... Because they've rehearsed it.
Everyone leading a band “today” should already know this before taking a leadership role. Even that guy knows it’s subjective. Everyone and thing is different you must be experienced and a professional problem solver to lead a band.
I remember reading a study a number of years ago, where one of the findings was that the most hated thing said at a concert, is something anything akin to "Here's a song from our new album."
InstaBlaster.
Cool tips here! One thing I always do in addition to the tempo/mood curve is the "rising key" approach, i.e. avoid putting songs in the same key next to each other and if possible start on a "low" key and gradually go higher throughout the set (i.e. a starter would be in E, followed by a song in F, then G# etc.). This especially usefull in genre's with lots of similar songs (such as blues, punk and rockabilly) and an absolute life-saver for solo acoustic performers. if it turns out the songs you want to play revolve around a few comfortable keys you find easy to play or sing, block them up in smaller sub-sets of songs in different keys (E, G, A, C, E, A, C, E, G, A for example) or transpose some songs a (semi)tone up or down if you have lots of songs in the same key. Use a capo if you required specific chord voicings or get badass with CAGED chords
It's like writing a story. Intro (set the tone), story builders (message and details), climax (ramp it up!), resolution (tone/message summary), outro (closure). I needed this
I was the owner and part of the band. Everything you said is 💯% spot on! I played Irish trad on the West Coast USA. It was fast moving, with many songs not being over 3-5 min in length...so we'd string 2,3,4 jigs together...and that was "one song"...I'd do them on the computer, color coding them. GREEN for fast songs, whether they were instrumental or vocals- didn't matter.
BLUE for medium tempo, yellow for slow (airs, ballads) I could then, with a glance...SEE how thick our 1st set list was with these songs! Was the first set comprised of all yellow? Half blue? No green?
This helped me out TREMENDOUSLY!
1st Set:
Green-Instrumental
Green-vocal
Blue-vocal
Blue- vocal
Yellow- vocal
Blue-instrumental
Blue- instrumental
Green- vocal
I could ALSO pinpoint if I had too many vocals versus instrumentals in any one 3 hour set! How long they were...and where to insert a joke, or a story, or some historical context, relative to the song...BANTER...
My bandmates had NO CLUE how in depth this was for me!!!
I watched this video years ago, and it completely changed the way I organized my setlists!!
When you have a set list that isn't thought out and isn't working the worst thing that happens on stage is you start trying to adapt it to fit the room. Say you want to skip one slow song to keep the energy up from the last song; one band mate gets confused, another gets insulted for mucking with the set list, another frantically flips through their disorganized book trying to find the next song, another didn't hear you when you said skip and keep's yelling "what's next what's next?" The next day somebody quits.
Awesome info!
1. 60% great show : right song in right order
2. 3:30 first song
3. 5:45 tempo
4. killer intro and outro
5. 07:50 masaages of band
legend
A thought on 'cover versions can show up your own material in a bad light' - it can work the other way round. If the cover song is familiar to the audience, and you play it in a similar arrangement to the original, they will judge your performance against that original, so you better be damn good. Whereas at least with your own songs, nobody can tell you you're 'playing them wrong'.
Valuable info put across in a down to earth way! Well done !
The way I have been setting it up. I use Musi for listening to beats and instrumentals and lay out my albums with playlists. I do the same for setlists. I listen the tracks and seeing how the energy and all of that is and order in a way that everything flows great.
I don't play many covers. Even with 25 years of busking I've mostly done my own thing. Personally I tend to take a cover and make it my own. Play it your own way. I find this helps engage the audience but get them to appreciate that this is about you and your music not someone else who's not there... Good tips. Thanx
Thank you so much for taking the time to make these vids. As a part time cover band we've been rocking out for about ten years. In 3 weeks we have a corporate gig for Bjorn from Abbas company here in Stockholm, Sweden ..... shit just got real!!!! I have no doubts about our ability to deliver but your tips help. Keep up the good work. Cheers, John.
Wrap-It Solutions thank you so much! Good luck with the gig make sure you enjoy it as much as you smash it! Rock and Roll!! 😊
I've seen a set list tip (from Tom Robinson) for the support act is to start with a great attention grabbing song, then your best loud song, then a quiet song, then a cover, then a fantastic last song to go off to great applause and a desire to hear more.
I agree with all of this, but I would like to add another point. I think bands should come up with an intro to the set, because whilst I agree you should start with your best song, unless you are the headline act (and even then it can sometimes happen) there is a chance people will miss the first song. I go to 2-3 gigs a week and more often than not, if the band is relatively unknown, when they start their first song people are still at the bar or outside smoking, so will miss that crucial first song.
Lee Allen solid point. Almost literally every show I’ve had resulted in the lowest attendance at the beginning of my set.
Lee Allen but surely you want to attract people at the start of your set by playing one of, if not your best songs? That way people will watch the rest of your set if all the songs are good
Scott Williamson absolutely, but before you play that first song, you need to play an intro to get people in front of the stage. That’s what the best local bands I’ve seen do, and it works.
Let me be clear, the intro is just that, and intro, not your first song, which as Damo said should be your best.
Lee Allen by Intro do you mean an instrumental or something?
It could be an instrumental piece, or could simply be just making feedback with your amps and rolling the cymbals on the kit. it needs to be something that lasts for about 30 seconds to a minute, making a lot of noise to say to everyone 'We're here, we're on stage and you better be at the front or you'll miss it'. This is also the first opportunity to say who you are. If this can lead into the first song then even better. For an idea of what I mean, search for Halestorm live at Kalamazoo state theatre. They don't need to to do an intro, but they do anyway, and it really gets the crowd going.
Thanks Damo! Awesome stuff again.
Another thing to do is write the keys and tempos on the set sheet.
See that the Keys work well together. A couple songs in the same key often work well together.
Going a whole tone up (eg G to A) makes a nice lift.
Awkward key changes can be softened by doing a drum intro, which takes the focus off the key and onto the rhythm.
There's a lot more on this that's quite readily available.
Lastly, check out a guy named Tom Jackson. He's literally written THE book on live performances. His work, like Damo's is priceless.
I will defo check him out, thanks Dustin!
The more musically informed your songlist is w/ little notations .. it is actually a personal score ie,, key , tempo little nuances and accsents,
for each set perfection will be reached. .
DAMIAN KEYES I love watching your vids I have learnt a lot from you THANK YOU!!
Great advice and I don’t know about you guys but I learned something here that has baffled me for years?? Game changer for me and from now on it’s my songs and no more covers...Thank You Damien...my fellow musicians subscribe and support this great man with all you can ..this guy has the X Factor !!!
Thank you so much for this. My first gig is this summer and I rewrote my setlist based on these tips and now I’m even more hyped for this show it’s gonna be so much better now
YES!!! 👏
We’ve played with much better musicians than us but we’ve ended up owning the night because we see our primary responsibility is to “Put on a Show”
There’s good stuff here that will help us take it up another notch- thank you 🙏
Great video. This is gold. Some other tips I heard recently included Don't restrict yourself to playing the arrangements as they were recorded. When playing live you can draw the songs out and extend sections if it showcases playing skills or insights audiences joining in.
The tip about crafting a show is good.
Instead of seeing how many songs you can cram into a time slot. Which I've been guilty of.
Thanks Damo
Good ideas dude love this!
Damian Keyes, Paul Jackson Music is right
Since fronting my own show, I’ll take the time in a song following say the solo, or a chorus, and have the rest of the band sit on the groove whilst I take stock of the audience, make sure they are engaged, see who is out there and what they are doing.
It also gives you time to hear how the levels are on stage.
Speaking of openers.....
I have two styles of openers: one which is a hit them between the eyes, blow them away solid, and a couple that eases people into the show. The Sunday afternoon set. The second ones we use more often than the first given the gigs we have been doing. They layer the instruments up one at a time, over a verse or two and then during the song pop into something funky or rocky in the middle. We aim to get people tapping their foot, or nodding their heads before they realise what’s going on. It also gives the sound guy plenty of opportunity to get the drums and bass levelled out before things get too hectic.
I’ll group three songs together for the opener, and tie them in musically via a planned transition ending that finishes where the next song starts. Often making the second song a cover that fits our genre. And then into a strong third song being one of our own.
We’ve assaulted their ears for a good solid 10-12-15 minutes depending on the room before we stop to say hi. Thank the audience for coming down,
In the small rooms, I will introduce and thank some important people....the bar staff, and get the audience to applaud them. This usually gets us drinks after, and good reports back to management.
I then say who we are and announce our feature song of the night which will be the track we are pushing for plays......when we record it.....
The end of that song, we will drop into a simple drum groove where I call for action on the feature song.
The groove drops into the next couple of songs finishing that cluster with a dancy Latin original number that features each of the band members and a drum and percussion break that we get the audience to clap along to. It has a big finish.
There is a short chat break, where I introduce the band, remind them of who we are, congratulate them for coming down and get them to applaud themselves.
I’ll then pull out an acousticish cover that everyone knows, that I can play to get them all singing along to.
As soon as that finishes and everyone cheers themselves, we bring in the drums and bass, over a guitar change and once we’re set, hit them between the eyes. For the last two or three, of which the last song has a call and response and catchy melody.
Over the ending of the last song, I’ll shout out an all encompassing thank you to everyone and tell them who we are, repeat the name, and tell them to come see us afterwards and buy us a drink.
Trick is to finish on chord 4. So if you’re in E, finish on the A. It’s the best way to make people want to hear more.
That’s how, as an unrecognised grandpa’s belly button fluff type original band, we keep people entertained and have them coming up to us afterwards, and why venues have always asked us when do we want to come back.
We fixed the line up changes, just waiting for the new bass player to come back from some serious family health issues so we can get this show working, and get the material recorded. Family comes first.
Excellent content and 100% relevant no matter what the size or scope of the band is.
I'm always taking notes from your videos, I learn so much. Thank you Damian, I've been waiting for this one
Thanks Laetitia! Let me know if you have any ideas for videos you think I could help with
Literally sitting here with my note book!
💯💯💯
I’ve been struggling with the correct set list for several months now, and finally your video made my day! Thanks a lot, Damian. Your tips helped me right away and I had tested and finally finished my performance list before the video ended. Take care!
Nice tips, man. Much appreciated. Subscribed!!! ❤
Welcome!
Great video! I would recommend to anyone reading that if they are an original band playing to mostly strangers (or trying to attract new.fans) to mix a well known cover into their set early. People will recognize it and give you their attention. Then hit them with your single or whatever song you can reel them in with.
But don't you need copyrights to play covers? It's not your material...
Toni H if I understand covering songs in a live setting correctly, most establishments that have live bands will have a license permitting the majority of copyrighted songs to be performed.
@@Jonathan-Hamlett thank you for this reply. Very kind of you, sir 🙏🎼
Very helpful video. Thanks for sharing your insights.
This is fabulous! When performing as a solo, singing vibraphone player, I have found it nerve wracking to be on stage alone with no plan, which is less fun for me. Somehow I have lucked out and chosen songs on the fly that work, however, time to take my act to a different level. I cut up my set list and rearranged it as you suggested, with some dialogue written in, for my next performance. I'll be starting with my best song, dance party in the middle and a big finish. Thanks for your help, Damien!
So true. Lack of preparation = anxiety as a musician
Thank you Damo
I'm practicing study in trying to learn the business thank you Danny keys for putting stuff out there
really good tips! Thank you so much! Will make my life easier, different and much better! You're banging
Great advice here.
A tip I would throw in is for band members to work on their banter. Most bands spend loads of time rehearsing for shows, but never plan or rehearse banter. Then when there is a guitar change or lull in the set, someone gets terrified of the silence and tries to fill it with some awkward rambling.
As an audience member, I’d rather 20 seconds of silence from the stage than a bad, nervous joke from the keyboard player.
Also, banter should come from one to two of the bands members and mostly from the singer.
Don’t do the Mumford and Sons thing where the keyboard dude does a lot of the banter.
Freakin awesome advice, thanks mate!
Wow dude. That’s so enlightening. Your a genius!
Great Tips! Much Gratitude for sharing this information!
Wow. When I started watching this video I thought they won't think of cutting up a set list to make it easy to reorganize them as they're planning it...... lo and behold it's the first thing you did!
I made a video about this quite a while ago. I'll also put down the tempos of the songs in the form of a letter s for slow, m for medium, f for fast. Playing in a club you might want to have one or two slow songs in the middle for people to dance that only dance slow songs.
Great tip with cutting up the setlist.
Good video! Could you do a video on how to be a good front man? Kind of things to say, when to talk etc
"We all know it....10 - 15 min before the gig we are arguing backstage to where put which song"
Actually, no. I never have had this experience. In my band we talk about the set at least 2 weeks before the gig and from that point on play the set again and again, trying to figure out if this order transports the things we want to transport and when we want. We even plan between which songs the singer could or should talk to the people etc.
After watching the whole video I guess we are doing not that bad of a job with our setlist planing :D
Correct.
Danime
Great. That night you turn up to a gig and the audience is completely different, you can ignore them entirely and do what you planned 2 weeks earlier. Good plan 👍
That's the way I see it. Your act is burned into your brain, maybe a heads up to slot a new song in somewhere (or take one out) but that's about it. For theatre gigs or large venues a setlist is a must but it's usually done with a marker on A4 in 5 minutes usually by 1 person.
@@goodyking6732 How many sets do you have? unless you've got more than 1 you're going to have to give your 'completely different' audience the same as you give everyone else. Not many bands I know who have more than one set.
that's great, you guyz have it figured out. i've been there about which song goes where. it's the beginning of the end
I live in Nashville Tennessee.
Cover bands make more money and get more gigs than original bands or singer songwriters.
I strongly agree with a few of the things you talk about. I write songs on 3x5 cards and shuffle them around to build the set list so that was good to hear that you said the same thing.
Dead silence between songs is a complete energy killer.
Rehearse the set list. Figure out who stands where and when they go where. Turning around and banging into the bass player isn’t a cool thing.
Great to see you kid!
Hey Damian, great tips! thanks for the video! Just one question, when you say unsigned bands should keep their gigs short to 20-25 minutes, would it be a good idea to make the set longer if you add cover songs that people know and can sing along to?
Hello! Yeah that could help and sometimes you don't get a choice as a promoter will ask you to play longer, however getting on and tearing it up really helps.. I made a video on this.. I'd love your thoughts - ruclips.net/video/W5yD8MbPTTg/видео.html
Good one Damian! Couple of pearls of wisdom in there! Doing some shorter sets might be cool! :)
I remember before my bands first show, my bandmates told me not to do guitar changes, so I told them I would only do them for string breaks or big tuning changes (such as standard to drop C#), but when I told them to put the different tuning songs together, they ignored me. Can’t blame guitarists for time wasting with changing instrument then
Loved the suicide silence bit lol, great and helpful vid btw
I love that phrase! Thank you!
I love the way Paramore arranges their sets!
For rock-heavy rock band, would you recommend to include a ballad in ten songs setlist? A concert for about an hour
Great tipps Damian! Thanks so much! ;D
A set list needs to be readable from performing positions. We wrote all the song names on manila folders in BIG black perma marker and cut them into strips. Then used velcro to attach them in order to a floor easel.
Instead of 25 minutes, when my former band was starting out we always had a rule of 3-5 songs as the opener. Once we moved up in the lineup and weren’t opening the show (we were in the middle of the lineup), we said up to 7 songs. And when we did headline (at least in our hometown where we had the venue packed out to see us) we’d still limit our set list to 8-10 songs at absolute max. Our first show we played 3 songs, yet those 3 songs left an impact on the audience.
Adam I love this! It's such a smart strategy! As an audience member watching I would defo appreciate watching and want to come back for more!
It’s my voice that captures them..
Then my lyrics but I’ve yet to write songs yet that are as good as some of the tunes I cover . A part of that is because they love the way I do it. But my live crowd likes a balance of both .
But I definitely hooked on writing
Thanks for all these great advices! I really appreciate people like you takes the time to give us a little more of perspective. Greetings from Costa Rica lml
Great tips!!!!
Great advice enjoyed your points
Another vid getting a replay in prep for a stage return ✌🏻
Love the info on stagecraft! I’ve found so little knowledgeable content on the nuts and bolts of how to put on a good show. Good stuff!
OPENING SONG - get that right and you're halfway there.
Cheap Trick LIVE AT THE BUDOKAN opened with Hello There and the rest fell into place. Queen started their LIVE AID performance with Bohemian Rhapsody, then nailed hit after hit to follow... I'd seen them do that a few times before. AC/DC with Bon Scott would open with RIFF RAFF in the late seventies... you can't fail to smile when you hear that song... Uriah Heep opened with STEALIN' on the Sweet Freedom tour of 1973 and blew us away with the dry ice, single spotlight on a dark stage, then a flood of colour when the full band came in. I also remember someone commenting on how PINK FLOYD would get a round of applause for LIGHTING changes in their shows at Earls Court, so it's not all about songs and setlists... how you PRESENT yourself and ENTERTAIN the audience is a big part of it as well.... but YES... opening song every time.
For the first concert of Klem Schen a young french rapper we had the opportunity to know the setlist before the show 30.10.2021 Paris at Châtelet la place hip hop.
15 tracks including 2 times the Best title, 1 feat and 1 unknow title.
Solid tips! The worst thing is gaps between songs...that's where you lose the audience after having worked so hard to get them engaged. So, yes, plan the show and rehearse the show. It's a show!
So don’t do a cover of family reunion by blink 182 as the first song at my first show ever?
Much appreciated as always
Solid advice
Thank you! so much value here!
Love the advice absolutely fantastic I watch a lot of your videos and I learned a lot thank you
Thank you so much Antonio!
you give really the best advice ever.. huge fan of your videos !!
This is some great stuff!
Could you do a video on how different it is to frame a 20-minute set list vs. an hour? I've done 3 hour shows before but that was a cover band, it was easy. Now I'm in an all-originals band, my own band and I'm just trying to be as prepared as possible...
Jeb Atman thanks Jeb, I will make a start on planning this video and record it ASAP 😊 thanks for this!
Damian Keyes awesome! Thank you, Damien! Not just for this but everything! Your videos are not just an invaluable resource but an inspiration to keep doing what we’re doing!
Great tips... We will try to implement these things in our band Gigs.. Thank you sir
I think bands doing live covers nowadays is extremely important. The audience wants to hear songs they know. The band doing it will become better as an ensemble. Most importantly, the songwriters and publishers will be compensated by the PRO’s with their songs being publicly performed.
Interesting point. I have no probs with covers as long they are well thought out and not there to distract from the original music.. But you are right a great cover can really do a job on a gig 🙂
I prefer renditions to covers. Good example would be Love Buzz by Nirvana. Great energy but totally different feel than the original. Gives you a chance to make it your own.
Just found your channel! Your videos are really helping me out! You're like the musicians google, if i have an issue i'm not sure about you seem to have a video on it! Thanks a lot :)
The 18 march 2018 in Pompano at Club Cinema Xtentacion perform his old, best and new songs on his last concert where he performed at least 45 minutes alone .
Great stuff as always, Damo! You've given me some great ideas. Thanks again!
Cheers dude!
What's your opinion on when to introduce yourself as a band? We've always done it after the first song because we try to reel people in then announce who we are. What do you feel about this?
Awesome advice as always. Especially the part about what you're doing with the dead air in between songs. Really important not to be fumbling around. Also, Damian, you may have seen me post as 'No Gas Productions' before, but this is my band's brand new RUclips account. I hear our page is awesome.
Well im gonna go check it out now! 🙂🙂 Thanks for the heads up
Just curious, what was the name of your band? Been watching your videos all night and now I’m curious to check y’all out
Amazing advise. The only bands that I can think of that don’t do this are Pearl Jam and The Grateful Dead. And none of us are in those bands. Lol. Even a cover band can learn a lot from this. Thanks brother, keep up the great work.
Great advice. Keep the videos coming.
Thank you so much Debra
now... I have for every album this one banging, fast song that catches your attention, but I wouldn't really call it my biggest songs, it's just makes you want more... on the other hand I have my singles that of course are the very best songs, but I feel like, the are better after already having the audiences attention
An example of my field of expertice would be Architects (if you don't know them, just check out the following songs): altough they have real hits like Doomsday (or also Gravedigger, Gone with the wind,...) but as an intro the song Nihilist is still the most fitting...
I think you get my point, but what's your opinion on this?
Awesome summary
Great vid
I feel what youre saying about opening with the strongest song, but also wonder if ending with your strongest song is also just as viable? Warm them up with something, then leave them wanting more by having your last song being the strongest and most catchy?
I think most artist will always work towards a big finish but most neglect the intro and try and build into a set. I would suggest the best advice is to write a song specifically as an opening track similar to Let Me Entertain you or I Predict A Riot. Arrangement, lyrics and subject matter are very fitting to open a show 🙂
@@DamianKeyes Very good point! It doesn't have to be one or the other. Start AND end strong. Sage advice
Damian can you do video on stagecraft? How to move (especially vocalists) Performance boundaries. I’ve seen some great bands with amazing songs and they ruin it by moving and dancing uncontrollably.
Could you link your blog post of this video? I want to frame these words and hang it on my wall.
Sick content as always. One thing I haven't found you speak more on is the mentality of 'recording quality'... is it best to save up for proper recording and do it 'pro', or is it OK to go the route of bedroom recording and have something that is not quite 'pro' standard, but the benefit is you can get more music/content out quicker.. Im struggling with this at the moment, as bandmates don't want to pay, but I personally see the value in quality recordings... It's a constant shit fight!!
This is such a great question. While it is subjective and depending on how good the quality of DIY recordings, I usually would recommend getting the best recordings possible (due to time and budget) without upsetting the bands momentum. It's crucial to keep the band moving forward and a lot of artists/bands fall into the perfection trap which can be hugely time consuming and damaging to the growth.
But having recordings you are proud of that stand the test of time really help too. SO! I would say if you can afford pro recordings and can get them done relatively quickly its always going to be better.
I guess the question is... why are they fighting you? Is it not wanting to spend the money or is it to spend the money on something more beneficial?
Let me know and let's keep this going
Awesome reply, thanks Damian... The topic of money gets heated in the band...I guess it boils down to penny pinching.. money doesnt go far where I live (SE Asia). Also all the songs were written by me (every instrument haha)... so I kind of get the impression they feel that I should be paying for it since it's 'my project' .. Do you think it is unfair for the main writer/leader of the band to pay the majority of the recording?
Thanks in advance!
Hey Damian, i am looking forward to to your response to @Commit 's question regarding band members not wanting to open their wallets because all the songs were written and composed by you and it sort of seems like your project. What do you do at that point because it sorts of puts a halt to any sort growth ( with regards to recording quality music at a pro studio or putting a bit of money on promotion) within the band as everyone is sitting on the fence. Of course, not everyone can be like Ed sheeran who can perform an amazing set without a band. What would you advice? Btw absolutely love your channel.
Hello Damon and Monkeys!
I am new here so I am just catching up on the videos. I did not see a video for this topic hence why I ask but; Do you have a video on how to write a song? How to being to write a perfect song? What makes a perfect song? I suppose that was more than one question but all related. 😊
Thanks a bunch and keep making these amazing videos!
Claudia
Don't forget the keys of the songs and how they accent the other songs or drag them down depending on order!
I’m looking for how to number my songs on my album for a good order but most videos I’ve seen is like playing live set list
That chopping up bit i always do in my head. The downside is i sometimes forget the order i just arranged lol i'll try what you've suggested. Cheers
Can't believe I'm only JUST finding this video
"Hi... I'm just waiting for this guy". Literally every gig with my band. We have specific no guitar songs because gear changes got so long or because dude would RUN TO THE BATHROOM!!
💀💀💀
Good Points. "We'll be there . . . . . . Oo Yeah . . . . . " - Paul McCartney
we have a magnet board with all our songs on magnets and do it same as you
Well said!
Great great video definitely sharing with some friends
Thank you!
What about setlist for cover bands?
Only thing I would add is during instrument changes have the rest of band create filler music that leads into the next song. Example same key, tempo, feel as next song just more improv aka (rehearsed improv)
Great information, a four hour gig which is what I do can be a little more challenging. Any advice
Can you do a band leader video?