So my band debut show is about a month away. We were compiling the set list the other night, didn’t think much of it at the time as we’ve just been in the practice bubble for what seems like forever (we started this project nearly two years ago).
Having a chat to my brother last night, i spoke about the set being 17 songs 14 original and 3 covers, to which he pointed out to me that was mental, nobody will have the attention to sit/stand through over an hour for a new band playing songs they don’t know.
I think he has a valid point and i just hasn’t stood back and considered it from the punters point of view.
So question, ideal set length for a new band playing predominantly their own material. I’m not thinking it should be no more than ten tunes?
Or do we just be incredibly self indulgent and play the set as we have it?
Gotta speak to the boys tonight about it when we have our next practice.
Comments
We’ve got one support band.
If it's any form of rock or metal you're going to want to cap it at 45 minutes I'd say.
I'd also say that you'll be able to judge for yourself on the night because people will drift off when they get bored.
Are people paying to get in and see you? Or is the sort of place that will be busy anyway and you happen to be the band playing that night?
And as Moe says depends a bit on the music and the crowd. Some flexibility isn't a bad thing.
Remember covers don’t have to be like the record!
Sorry to be negative but that’s how I see it from experience.
Great news however that you managed to get the gig bonus points if it’s a payer
I'll time the set tonight, see if we can get 45 mins with maybe 10-15 mins more to chuck on if it's going well.
i like suggestion of a 3 to 1 originals to covers ratio to keep attention and keeping it tight. A lot more will rest in your banter with the audience Who you are, your influences, a fave cover you like and then your stuff.. that sounds better!
Let them know they are special to you but celebrate the specialness of the occasion with them. You have to win the audience.. if you look happy and excited to be there (and your songs do their stuff) you should just project confidence and engage them. These are your first ‘fans’. They will be able to tell their kids and grandkids they were there at your fist gig!
Got cards and stuff to give out? CD/Mp3, facebook / social tags, etc, so they can help promote.
.... unless your tunes are shoegazing Elbow / Radiohead like dirges.. then all bets are off.
Or you could do extra covers you don't want to do in order to keep the room onside. More people will stay, more people will dance, but they'll forget about you by Tuesday.
Honestly, I'd do the originals, and see how you feel about it after the event before deciding what path to take.
Bandcamp
Spotify, Apple et al