|
|
From Here's A Hint.
I believe this to be crucial to success on the local level. If the band's performance is not so much a transmission of notes from musician to audience, but a social event, people are going want to come. When I go out, the company is as important as the destination. I can spin indie records at home and drink much more cheaply than at Liberation Dance Party, but if I'm out with people, it makes all the difference. I think this is why a band that normally draws 40 or 50 people can draw in the hundreds for a CD release party. It has the "eventy" feel to it that gets the outliers to come out when they normally wouldn't for "any old show".
The real question, though, is how to make your shows feel events? Obviously, it helps to not suck and have interesting songs. It also helps to know a lot of people and make sure they know you're in a band. I think that key to that last bit is how you let them know. It's got to be honest and normal. It can't be weekly emails to everyone@yourcompany.com saying that you're playing some show. It has to be through real methods like conversation and human interaction. And even then, it has to be real. There's nothing more insulting than having a musician "network" with you. You can see the look in their eyes when you tell them you aren't in a band; they immediately start scoping for a "more important" mark. Those musicians ensure that I will not be patronizing them if I can help it.
Personally, I rather hate dealing with the "networkers" -- in music or otherwise. One of the things that I have had to get after the other people in various bands in which I've played is to mingle during breaks and after shows. It's not enough to go over and spend all of your time with your buddies from the office. Don't ignore them, but please take the time to talk to as many of the people who came out to see you as you can. It's the least you can do ('specially as they are willingly giving up large portions of their night and money to see/hear you play) and you just might make a new friend.
Posted by Casper at August 11, 2005 10:03 PM