New Acoustic Performer

[greenonion]

I have played in bands before, but recently had the opportunity to play an acoustic venue for the local library open house. During the performance which I played for 3 hours, I had many people ask for a card or information about my services. None of which I had since I had not intended to be taking bookings. I did give a few people my phone number but didn`t think much of it. A lady from the local paper was there and asked if she could conduct an interview. I gave her some information and she was very interested in my playing history, which, at various times I was in various bands but never performed solo. Anyway, The local paper ran a full page deal with my photo and the interview and my phone has not stopped ringing. I ran out, bought a small PA, made up some business cards and a promo flyer and hit a few local pubs. I am now booked for the next month as a regular at two places, have a fall summer concert booking, a coffee house gig and a private party !!!

 

The small PA has worked out great and I have made enough to pay for it, and I have a Yamaha PSR I have used for some backing tracks on some songs.

 

I am now looking at setting up a web site to keep the momentum going. I am a little nervous because it has happened so fast that my act is not totally polished so I am working diligently to stay fresh and improve the show. My guitar playing is fine but my vocals struggle on a few songs. I am playing the standard stuff......Jimmy Buffett, Van Morrison, Stones, Eagles, Bon Jovi, Clapton............

 

It gets tricky to ballance the time between Family and of course, "I have a day-time job I`m doing allright "

 

Any advice from solo players would be appreciated, We have a great music scene and the market for this is great. I want to be careful not to over-commit or over sell. Also, I would like to spread out some of the Venues so they are not repetitious.

 

Also, I look forward to participating in this forum as well.

 

 

Thanks

[Michael Martin]

Great to have you join us here and congrats on the quick success! You must have what it takes. I'm curious: which small PA system did you get, and are you happy with it?

[Freeman Keller]

Welcome to the group. When you get your site up post the link. Also, if you have some mp3's or YouTube vid or anything link that too. Many of us like to listen to our fellow forumites.

[greenonion]

I bought a B52 Matrix 200 Watt, and the reason is it was not expensive, came with all accessories like stands etc and is easy to set up. Admitedly, there are some features that it does not have that I will probably want like abiltiy to actually run a monitor, it does have a stereo out that I could run to a small powered speaker for a monitor, but the thing has been great for the gig`s I`ve been doing. I even had a buddy sit in one night and we did a few songs together and the PA was good for that as well.

[Mikeo]

I have played many many many either solo shows or with a friend of mine.

 

I use either a Fender Passport, the SWR Cal Blonde or my newest purchase a Fishman Loudbox 130.

 

 

I stoped last year performing, but may return soon.

 

Mix up the set list, play stuff that you like, don't worry about playing the song like the record, try some different stuff. Most of all have fun

[carguy]

 

Welcome to the group. When you get your site up post the link. Also, if you have some mp3's or YouTube vid or anything link that too. Many of us like to listen to our fellow forumites.

 

 

Also welcome from me. Can't wait to hear clips!

[mrmoe]

Mikeo......ever work down in the amherst area?.....another mike o

[jerime]

I've been throwing the idea of performing solo around for a while now. I've been playing in bands now for almost 10 years, I'm in 2 right now and I'm also involved in a solo recording project. I love the idea of just packing up an acoustic or 2 and a small PA and heading out. After almost 10 years of hauling around a trailer full of equipment it seems like a no brainer. Not to mention relying heavily on other people to get the job done.

[greenonion]

As much as I enjoyed playing in the bands I`ve been in, playing solo has many benifits. The pros are you play what you want when you want, you book the gigs, you have all the control and you make more money on an individual basis. The cons are the commeraderie with band mates and the special moments in bands when everything clicks and the whole stage presence deal.

 

I think if you give it a try you would enjoy it, it takes a bit to get fully confident but once you get there, it works out. I actually played "Can`t get next to you" the other night and did each vocal part as we used to do it in the band, it was fun but on stuff like that you miss the band members.

 

Good luck and let us know if you go for it.

[guitarist21]

If you can get over the stigma some people attach to it, getting a Music Myspace may be a great thing for your performing career. It can put you in touch with a lot of local artists who can help get you gigs, as well as give potential venues something to look at when considering having you play. It is also a great, free way to have folks listen to your music while they can read a little bit about you, view your upcoming shows, see what music you like, etc.

 

I have a Music Myspace and couldn't be happier with how it has put me in touch with both venues, other artists, and people coming to the shows. I carry around a couple of business cards with my name, Myspace address, phone number, and email at every show/studio job I do.

 

Good luck!

 

Ellen