Perhaps the most magical aspect of being a musician is getting up on stage and performing to a crowd of enthusiastic fans. Yet, there’s a certain level of etiquette and knowledge that you’ll need to have to ensure music promoters and other bands will want to keep working with you. Unfortunately, these unwritten, behind the scenes, rules are rarely spoken about openly. At The Insurance Emporium, we want your musical adventure to hit the high notes and that’s why we’re shining a spotlight on some of the secret dos and don’ts of playing live music.
Do be nice to other bands
Building a good reputation is key to ensuring your success in the music scene. That’s why it pays to be friendly to other bands that you share a bill with and, whenever you can, be sure to watch their set. It’s likely you’ll be performing alongside them again or they may even be able to put you in touch with promoters so that you can get more gigs.
Don’t let your set overrun
Stick to the set times that your promoter gives you. The other bands and the sound engineer certainly won’t appreciate it if you overrun into their time to prepare and perform. Plus, the venue owner and promoter will be relying on you to be on and off stage when required. That’s why it’s worth making sure you and your band is ready to play when required and you adapt your set to finish on time.
Do cooperate with the sound engineer
It’s this person’s job to make you sound great, so it’s worth cooperating well with them. Be sure to communicate any quirks in your set that they’ll need to be aware of, such as if you’re using pedals or you’ll be walking around with the mic. When the engineer asks to sound check particular instruments, be sure to play when asked and keep quiet otherwise. Above all, show them the respect they deserve!
Don’t damage equipment
If you need to borrow equipment from another band or the venue, whether it’s the house drum kit or another guitarist’s lead, make sure you take good care of it. Musicians often form a tight-knit community where everyone helps each other out – whether that’s arranging a gig or lending gear. That’s why you don’t want to get a reputation for breaking other musicians’ equipment!
Do play with confidence
Stage fright comes to even the most seasoned performer, every now and then. Yet, even if you are feeling very nervous, try to look confident for the sake of enhancing your show. It might even help to practice your performance during the rehearsals leading up to your gig. If you look like you’re enjoying your music then your audience will be more inclined to as well and then promoters will be more likely to book you again.
Playing live can be excellent fun and a potential gateway into a friendly and supportive group of fellow musicians and music lovers – just as long as you follow etiquette! Another thing that could be useful to have when playing live is musician’s insurance. At The Insurance Emporium, our Music Insurance includes cover for Loss Or Accidental Damage* as standard. Plus, new customers could get up to 25% Introductory Discount^. If this could hit the right notes with you then contact The Insurance Emporium today!
*In the event Your Musical Equipment or Musical Instrument is Lost or Accidentally Damaged; settlement is assessed on the price paid less Depreciation, sum insured or Market Value whichever is less.
^The 25% Introductory Discount is available on lunar and calendar monthly policies and policies where the premium is paid annually. The Introductory Discount is available for 12 premium payments on lunar and calendar monthly policies or one premium payment on annual policies.
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