• From: Blantyre, Nr Glasgow Scotland
  • Registered: 2006-09-21
  • Posts: 67

Topic: How do you build a set list for your band / solo gigs?

This is probably a silly question but how do you build a set list for a band / gig?

There are obviously some things you have to do. Such as play stuff that you know and play to your crowd.

But how do you decide what to play when?

For example should you start slowly and then build up or open with a barnstormer?

Do you do three fast to one slow and two medium tempo?

I know it depends on the band, the gig and the crowd, but how do you do it?

Many thanks

David

Gutar Player, Singer, Entertainer  - At least in my own mind.
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 2,662

Re: How do you build a set list for your band / solo gigs?

Start and finish strong, upbeat, fun, and familiar. Usually a 6/1 ratio of upbeat to slow song selection. Most importantly is to play to your crowd. Look around and do a mental age group survey. Be flexible with your song selection and establish a connection, verbally or eye to eye connecting. I also recommend not to be overly assertive with your crowd. Sometimes, more times than not, a musician is not gonna be satisfied with the response, or lack thereof, they get from a crowd. When and if this occurs just keep doin' what you're doin' and enjoy every second of it. Your joy and elation will transcend to your audience and it'll be almost impossible for the crowd not to dig you.

Give everything but up.
  • From: derbyshire
  • Registered: 2007-05-17
  • Posts: 2,844

Re: How do you build a set list for your band / solo gigs?

age of you audience could be a key factor of what type of songs to play...

love is life ,life is for love,keep a true heart and live life to the full....stay cool

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