Joined
·
17 Posts
Does anyone have any insight or a magical formula for planning a set list? I've put together several set lists over the years trying to anticipate the audience demographics, type of gig/venue, time of performance, inebriation factor, danceability of the tunes, etc., but I find the whole exercise very complex and frustrating.
Of course there are some basic principals such as the first tune of the evening should be impressive, one that the band performs well. The last tune in each set should leave the audience wanting more. But is that it? Is it that simple? Maybe I'm over thinking it?
There advantages and disadvantages of having a prepared set list. It’s good being prepared and being able to roll from one tune into the next without a long interruption (very professional) however, that sometimes makes it difficult to react to the audience. The drummer in our band used to play in a band where they didn’t have a set play list. Their singer would read the audience and select songs from their repertoire that he felt kept the momentum going. I have no idea how he managed to keep track of what’s been played and what hasn’t. The must have had a huge pool of tunes to draw from. Personally, I like to know which tune I'm playing next so I can prepare for it (guitar change, etc.).
Does anyone have any suggestions or formula to follow??? Any “Trade secrets”???
We play classic rock and current rock tunes. We haven’t gigged a lot but our gigs are usually parties, golf tournament dinner/dance, fund raising events (no bars/clubs).
Also does anyone have suggestions for Rock/Classic Rock tunes that are a “must play”, guaranteed success, type of tune?
I appreciate your input. :rockon:
Of course there are some basic principals such as the first tune of the evening should be impressive, one that the band performs well. The last tune in each set should leave the audience wanting more. But is that it? Is it that simple? Maybe I'm over thinking it?
There advantages and disadvantages of having a prepared set list. It’s good being prepared and being able to roll from one tune into the next without a long interruption (very professional) however, that sometimes makes it difficult to react to the audience. The drummer in our band used to play in a band where they didn’t have a set play list. Their singer would read the audience and select songs from their repertoire that he felt kept the momentum going. I have no idea how he managed to keep track of what’s been played and what hasn’t. The must have had a huge pool of tunes to draw from. Personally, I like to know which tune I'm playing next so I can prepare for it (guitar change, etc.).
Does anyone have any suggestions or formula to follow??? Any “Trade secrets”???
We play classic rock and current rock tunes. We haven’t gigged a lot but our gigs are usually parties, golf tournament dinner/dance, fund raising events (no bars/clubs).
Also does anyone have suggestions for Rock/Classic Rock tunes that are a “must play”, guaranteed success, type of tune?
I appreciate your input. :rockon: