Got the gig!- How to spice up the show?

[TechMetalMan]

Some of you may remember me asking me about stage placement for amps to get the maximum sound dispersement for a high school talent show.

 

Well, we auditioned and we made it in, which was a surprise. Our song was a heavyish rock original that was an instrumental and we were up against a band who ripped on Hendrix's Foxy Lady (they made it too) and some emo/pop/rock type bands. I figured one other mainstream band would take it simply because that would possibly please the crowd more tastewise...but I guess we were tighter and had better sound.

 

Now my next question-

 

How do you guys spice up your shows, stage presence wise?

 

I know that we had been pretty bland at practices but I made a point to do some light little headbangs and move around and smile a bit during the audition. My bassist made sure to move a tiny bit. My drummer is good with getting into it because he hits so hard.

My second guitarist stays still and watches me so he makes sure hes on most of the time.

 

Now keep in mind- this is a high school audience.

 

Im just thinking that I will get everyone else moving a bit with some little headbangs. My bassist and guitarist have this idea for a riff where they slide ffrom the 2nd to the 12th fret to raise up and slam the guitars back down.

 

We were also considering some stupid little masks for some humor for the second and last night (the one that is REALLY packed in) that we would fling off at some point in the show.

 

Sorry im rambling....im just excited...

[THX1138]

My only advice is to try to not sweat it too much and just have fun with it. If you look like you're having the time of your life, its much easier for your audience to dig it. A couple little semi-choreographed moves here and there may add somethin to the show, but for the most part, just get out there and own the stage during your performance.

 

 

Talent shows... brings back some cool memories. When I was in tenth grade, the band I was in did Peace Sells - Megadeth. In 11th grade it was Stairway to Heaven (yes, they allowed us to play the whole thing). Then when I was a senior, we did a rock original... we won the talent show that year. I've played 1,000+ shows since then all over the eastern part of the U.S.... but that moment, when they announced us as the winner is still one of my best on-stage memories.

 

 

Good luck man. Enjoy it.

[LateGreats]

 

Originally posted by TechMetalMan How do you guys spice up your shows, stage presence wise?

 

 

Light a monkey on fire and beat him with a stick. Nobody can follow that.

[bdemon]

Learn your music as well as you possibly can--then learn it better. That will also help in your confidence & adding your stage theatrics.

[Singin' Dave]

Don't sweat rehearsed moves too much (i.e. "Ok, now I have to throw in soime headbangs..."), just relax and feel the music and have as much fun as possible. The audience can pick up on what is real and what is contrived.

 

I would ditch the gimmicky mask idea. They'll be super hot and screw up your playing.

 

 

Above all, be rehearsed, confident, make eye contact with the audience and HAVE FUN!

[ping0y]

I was wondering since i might go to my talent show this year for high school, when auditioning, did you have to bring all your equipment?

 

Because bringing multiple guitars and a drum set and amps is just a hassle to deal with. And bring a 40 pound tube amp and just using it for 3-4 minutes is so much for just a small little audition.

 

Also another question, who were the people judging to decide who would get in the talent show, teachers, staff, etc.

[JBJ]

do what feels natural. sometimes u need to make a conscious effort to smile or move about but dont do it to detriment of the music.

 

my bands lucky that we've been playign with each other logn enogh and spend enough time with each other that we really do feed off of each other so when we look at each other we can guess what we're goin to do if we're goin to do some sort of "move"

 

only thing we properly make a point of doing in synch and altogether is the status quo lunges when we cover rockin all over the world and to be fair i nicked that from watching bon jovi cover quo.

[TechMetalMan]

 

Originally posted by THX1138 My only advice is to try to not sweat it too much and just have fun with it. If you look like you're having the time of your life, its much easier for your audience to dig it. A couple little semi-choreographed moves here and there may add somethin to the show, but for the most part, just get out there and own the stage during your performance. Talent shows... brings back some cool memories. When I was in tenth grade, the band I was in did Peace Sells - Megadeth. In 11th grade it was Stairway to Heaven (yes, they allowed us to play the whole thing). Then when I was a senior, we did a rock original... we won the talent show that year. I've played 1,000+ shows since then all over the eastern part of the U.S.... but that moment, when they announced us as the winner is still one of my best on-stage memories. Good luck man. Enjoy it.

 

 

Thanks man. This show wont have any winner, not a competition, just a "showing off" of sorts.

[TechMetalMan]

Originally posted by bdemon Learn your music as well as you possibly can--then learn it better. That will also help in your confidence & adding your stage theatrics.

 

I think that is why i was the only one moving during the audition. I have the song down very well, but my other guitarist still struggles with timing/rythm a bit so he basically watched me the whole time.

[TechMetalMan]

 

Originally posted by Singin' Dave Don't sweat rehearsed moves too much (i.e. "Ok, now I have to throw in soime headbangs..."), just relax and feel the music and have as much fun as possible. The audience can pick up on what is real and what is contrived. I would ditch the gimmicky mask idea. They'll be super hot and screw up your playing. Above all, be rehearsed, confident, make eye contact with the audience and HAVE FUN!

 

 

We have practiced with the masks, and we played ok. I dont totally dig the idea but im getting pressure from the others...

 

How is it that you make eye contact with a large audience? I've never been great at that, even when just making a speech or presentation in front of 20-30 people. Any advice? Just look out and it'll look like you are making eye contact with everyone?

[TechMetalMan]

 

Originally posted by ping0y I was wondering since i might go to my talent show this year for high school, when auditioning, did you have to bring all your equipment? Because bringing multiple guitars and a drum set and amps is just a hassle to deal with. And bring a 40 pound tube amp and just using it for 3-4 minutes is so much for just a small little audition. Also another question, who were the people judging to decide who would get in the talent show, teachers, staff, etc.

 

 

Yeah we had to bring everything. Two of us in my band (me and my other guitarist) are in our high school orchestra and are also in the specialty fiddling club so we are real good friends with the orchestra director. He has let us keep all of our drums and amps and guitars in a locked room. We also get to practice after school.

 

Yes, my amp is 80-90 pounds and it sucks to move around. Just try to see if you can leave your stuff there the night before or something.

 

Our talent show is headed by the Choir director. What he does is he brings in two other people who are not affiliated with the students ( i believe as i have never seen the other two judges) as judges and they get a say, but he gets the final say. If they like a band he can agree or disagree, he gets the final word.

[TechMetalMan]

 

Originally posted by JBJ do what feels natural. sometimes u need to make a conscious effort to smile or move about but dont do it to detriment of the music. my bands lucky that we've been playign with each other logn enogh and spend enough time with each other that we really do feed off of each other so when we look at each other we can guess what we're goin to do if we're goin to do some sort of "move" only thing we properly make a point of doing in synch and altogether is the status quo lunges when we cover rockin all over the world and to be fair i nicked that from watching bon jovi cover quo.

 

 

We have all been friends for a while and we have jammed together a bit but never have had a real steady band with a real practice schedule and such, so maybe that will just evolve.

 

 

Thanks everyone for the advice.

[Outrider]

There's a video on the internet somewhere of a band in what looks like a talent show, and they had the best idea/gimmick EVER...

 

During the guitar solo, two guys came onstage in a frkn DRAGON COSTUME! (one guy in front,one in back, like the stereotypical horse costume) The singer then drew out a fake sword and "slew the dragon."

 

That ruled.

 

"Slew the dragon" is NOT a sexual euphemism.

 

Anybody know where i can find that video clip again?

[Locke]

I've found that headbangs, running around and stuff like that has to come naturally in the rehersals. If it doesn't come naturally there, you know, without thinking about it, it won't come naturally on stage either. In fact, I sometimes have to consciously tell myself to just relax when I'm onstage and then I just can't keep still anymore and I end up movin' and groovin'. It has to come naturally from the groove of the music. Otherwise it'll most likely appear forced and marr the performance somewhat. The audience may not understand what it is that doesn't feel right but they'll feel it nonetheless. So just relax and go with the groove.

 

As for planned coreographies...they might be a good idea as long as there's like...one simultaneous slide, swing of the guitars or whatever during the gig. Too much coreography makes the whole thing appear rehearsed. So keep it simple and you should be just fine.

 

Oh yeah, remember to play well, too.

[JBJ]

 

Originally posted by TechMetalMan We have practiced with the masks, and we played ok. I dont totally dig the idea but im getting pressure from the others... How is it that you make eye contact with a large audience? I've never been great at that, even when just making a speech or presentation in front of 20-30 people. Any advice? Just look out and it'll look like you are making eye contact with everyone?

 

 

you don't actually make eye contact really.

 

I'#m not sure about your school set up but it'll probably be the same as mine and most venues.

 

Everyone can see you onstage but when you've got lights shinning on your facve and the rest of the room is dark, you're lucky if you can see the front couple of rows.

 

All you do is look at the back of the room. Imagine there's a little target there or hot woman or something you want to look at and look at it now and again but don't stare constantly. It is kinda wierd and hard to get a hold of at 1st but it's better doing that than looking across the stage or at your feet.

 

it's kinda hard to grasp until your in that situation and you it is a very conscious thing 1st time you're gigging ie where to look etc... but you can never go wrong with the back of the room tactic IMO.

 

it's different in pub setting where there is light all round, then you still d0o the back of the room thing but if you're going to make eye contact at leats do it with a hot girl near the front of the stage.

[RupertB]

Originally posted by TechMetalMan Im just thinking that I will get everyone else moving a bit with some little headbangs.

 

God, for a second I thought you typed "handbags".

 

The only two things I'd avoid completely are:

1) Sanding stock-still. You don't have to dance or jump, just MOVE!

2) Doing anything that looks affected or fake. The only time this approach works is if you take it to such extreme as to be comical. OK for a "fun" band but not a good approach if "seriously cool rock band" is what you're shooting for.

[Billystrat]

The best shows I have are the ones I'm most comfortable at. Comfortable meaning a few things: either it's a club we've played 25 times already and you know that the audience is their to see you or it's one of those bar gigs out in the sticks where no ones there, so you just forget the setlist and just play whatever you feel.

 

So before you go on, breathe, take a smoke (well not on school property lol) stretch out, make sure your guitar is in tune and have fun.

 

If you're relaxed you're going to play decent. You may not be Joe Perry, but if you're practiced up, your rig works, there is nothing to be worried about.

 

As they say in the hood: "Just Chilllllllllll man"

 

The stage moves will just naturally come from the Rock Gods above.

[BiggRedd]

Buy a cheap guitar, super cheap (doesn't even need to work), bring a guitar stand with you and when your done with the song, before the other guitarist sustain ends switch guitars and break it on the stage.

 

Punk rock dude. That will be some stage performance for your ass!!!!

[MDLMUSIC]

 

Originally posted by JBJ if you're going to make eye contact at leats do it with a hot girl near the front of the stage.

 

 

Your best bet is to pick out about ten or twelve good looking girls throughout the audience and smile at all of them periodically. Who knows, you might get lucky. Plus this way you establish eye contact with the entire crowd.

[brassic]

We're a different kind of band to you guys - all-girls dirty rock'n roll in the Suzi Quatro/Runaways kind of vein - but there's always one point in the set where the bass player and I get this sort of David Bowie/Mick Ronson thing going on where we're practically draped over each other and that always gets mentioned after the show:

 

http://www.titsofdeath.com/images/vynerst/ronsonbowie.jpg

 

But we never planned that, it's just that we tend to get a bit silly and Spinal Tap about everything and it goes from there. At one point I pretty much knocked her over then I jumped up to sing a chorus and cracked my head on the mic. That was pretty funny, but not everyone is going for laughs, I expect...

[unichord]

It's easier than you think....

 

Wireless.

 

Spend some time at both ends of the stage, walk out into the audience. Move around. Got enough time in your song - go to the back of the room. Concession stand. Sit with the cheerleaders.

 

Never seen it fail.

[TechMetalMan]

Thanks everone.

 

And thanks JBJ for clearing up the eye contact thing.

 

I think I will just keep it how it is at rehearsal, some fun little headbangs and some weird back spasms (well just some stretches back on the chorus, yes it is natural when i play).

 

We aren't trying to be super serious for this gig, just gonna go out there and have some fun. At this particular show everyone sits down in the auditorium (few hundred people i would guess) but we have some friends that will come up to the stage and cheer us on from the front.

 

Just gotta make sure my bandmates keep it flowin and loose too.

 

Ha, and about the whole wireless thing, that would be awesome as the auditorium is pretty damn big, i could probably walk slowly around the whole audience during the whole song...but i dont have access to that and I think I might feel that I am abandoning my mates, especially since it is our first show together.

 

Thanks again everyone!

[howdthattaste]

didn't jimi hendrix say something about gimics. he said all the world is is gimics. if you want to win with gimics, do gimics

 

if you want to win naturally, well just play, your members of your band are probably still contrentrating on playing the songs right. at some point they'll understand how to play it with their body, when the playing somes second nature. i dont believe i've seen a high school band just totally throwdown hardcore or light up the stage at 16 years old. it takes time, otherwise its a gimic.

 

 

 

on the contrary, ill contradict myself by saying that jimi had the lighter fluid and pre-broken guitars on the side stage and stuff.

[JBJ]

Originally posted by brassic We're a different kind of band to you guys - all-girls dirty rock'n roll in the Suzi Quatro/Runaways kind of vein - but there's always one point in the set where the bass player and I get this sort of David Bowie/Mick Ronson thing going on where we're practically draped over each other and that always gets mentioned after the show: http://www.titsofdeath.com/images/vynerst/ronsonbowie.jpg But we never planned that, it's just that we tend to get a bit silly and Spinal Tap about everything and it goes from there. At one point I pretty much knocked her over then I jumped up to sing a chorus and cracked my head on the mic. That was pretty funny, but not everyone is going for laughs, I expect...

 

in the words of the great intellect paris hilton, that's hot!!! :-) nothign wrong with a bit of spinal tap

 

 

btw i was out last night and a band were doing a set at the club i wound up in. it was painful to be honest. god bless the singer christ he tried and had he a better band behind them he woulda been great but when you're playign {censored}ty songs, your guitarist does nothign but look at his finger board and the bass player is staring at the amp as if he's having a blinking competition with it then you're {censored}ed and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one in the place who thought the singer looked good doing his thing but the rest of the band looked as if they shouldn't be up there at all.

[raggydoll]

Originally posted by TechMetalMan Im just thinking that I will get everyone else moving a bit with some little headbangs. My bassist and guitarist have this idea for a riff where they slide ffrom the 2nd to the 12th fret to raise up and slam the guitars back down.

 

your level of patheticness astounds me!

you actually need to contrive a headbang?

the raising up of the guitars sound like a kick ass move though!