Members stratmansblues Posted November 12, 2013 Members Share Posted November 12, 2013 I've played quite a few solo gigs over the last 4 years and kind of wore my welcome out at my regular gigs.I feel that way because I didn't bring a big enough crowd to some shows and I didn't stay on top of learning new material. I have about 200 cover songs in my catalog. I am now having a hard time getting into new venues. I don't know where I need to focus my efforts at. For the time being, I am performing in a duo with a well known singer in the area. Have a look at a few of the sites I'm on and maybe you guys could give me some advice on what I need to do next. Thanks in advance. http://www.drewrobbins.com/http://www.gigmasters.com/Music/Drew-Robbins/http://www.gigsalad.com/drew_robbins_crossville Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members toober Posted November 12, 2013 Members Share Posted November 12, 2013 From the forums, it seems the crowd is more interested in 'the show'. Do you sit on a chair or stand in one place like george straight, or do you put on an entertaining show? Simple things can help engage the audience better like staring down a table, then move on to another table, turn around, bend down for a solo, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators daddymack Posted November 12, 2013 Moderators Share Posted November 12, 2013 I just looked at your website. Your website is your digital calling card, so it needs to reflect what you are offering. Remember, fans will look at your FB page, bar owners will go on to the website. Some easy hits:The picture of you sitting down playing...lose it....it makes you look low energy and dull. The dark gray background...lose it....it says...dull. Those innumerable pics of you on the railroad tracks...lose them....trite doesn't even begin to cover that...thank god I didn't see any in front of a brick wall. The sample songs...rethink them...use songs that you get right into the vocals immediately...the term 'guitarist/instructor'...lose it...you want to be known as an 'entertainer'...the list of gigs from 2 months ago... freshen up the website weekly [at minimum]...nothing says I don't give a rat's @$$ more than an out of date website... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members TIMKEYS Posted November 12, 2013 Members Share Posted November 12, 2013 From the demos the performance while not bad is kind of on the lifeless side. turn up the juice on your vocals with some passion. make it a 110 percent effort. Ditto on the be more of an entertainer. I would geuss you are also seeing more competition as full time bandleaders drop back to solo acts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Telecruiser Posted November 12, 2013 Members Share Posted November 12, 2013 daddymack wrote: The picture of you sitting down playing...lose it....it makes you look low energy and dull. The dark gray background...lose it....it says...dull. Those innumerable pics of you on the railroad tracks...lose them....trite doesn't even begin to cover that...thank god I didn't see any in front of a brick wall. The sample songs...rethink them...use songs that you get right into the vocals immediately...the term 'guitarist/instructor'...lose it...you want to be known as an 'entertainer'...the list of gigs from 2 months ago... freshen up the website weekly [at minimum]...nothing says I don't give a rat's @$$ more than an out of date website... ^^^THIS^^^ Well said! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Vito Corleone Posted November 12, 2013 Members Share Posted November 12, 2013 stratmansblues wrote: I've played quite a few solo gigs over the last 4 years ... I don't know where I need to focus my efforts at. The key to being a successful live performer is being able to read the audience and respond accordingly. For the most part, it's simply just paying attention to what works and doing "more that". Think about the best gigs, the best crowds and the best time you've had over the last four years. Which songs have gotten the best response? Which outfits that you've worn? Which between-song banter? Which stage moves? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Shaster Posted November 12, 2013 Members Share Posted November 12, 2013 Nothing wrong with your sound, but I would edit out the "I just turned the recorder on and now I'm sitting back down" sound from the beginning of Peaceful Easy.Maybe the gigs you do require a black T-shirt and jeans, but when you post pics on your homepage, show a little variety in your dress. If someone wanted to hire you for a non jeans gig, they would keep moving on to the next site. For instance in my area (Vancouver BC) one of the standard non suit and tie looks is black skinny jeans, a funky shirt worn on the outside, a hip sport jacket and a Porkpie hat. Frankly I'm tired of seeing that look but if it works.... So if there is something with a little more pizzazz that suits your area, try it out. A cowboy hat? An all black look? You know your market and target audience, think about what they might like to see.Here's some sample pics http://www.siegelent.com/siegelent_profile/victor-wellshttp://www.siegelent.com/siegelent_profile/wes-mackeyhttp://www.siegelent.com/siegelent_profile/max-zipurskyI realize the above are NOT suited to your style, but you can do your own thing.The second thing is the material. Do you really want to lead with a song I learned in 1976? Is there anything more current or less tired?Note that I'm not criticizing you, I'm just giving my first impression, which is all that potential buyers will get - one impression. Best to make it a good one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members stratmansblues Posted November 13, 2013 Author Members Share Posted November 13, 2013 Great input, very helpful advice from everyone. I have some work ahead of me. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.