A Sound House Staff Member’s Tips for Performing Live

Now that we can finally feel the end of the year 2023 approaching, how is everyone doing? The days are getting colder, so please be careful not to catch a cold. Even if there is nothing wrong with me, all year long I have had the feeling that just being in an unlucky year makes me feel heavy. My unlucky year is finally coming to an end. It’s important to be in a good mood, isn’t it?

But that’s beside the point. I’m sure there are many people who started playing the guitar or bass this year, either because they are going on to higher education, moving on to the next grade, or under the influence of anime. I’m sure there are some of you out there who are thinking, “It’s time to form a band and start playing shows at live music clubs!” I would like to share things that you absolutely need to remember that will help you out when playing live, especially things that you can do right away to save yourself some time. Forgive me if this is all text.

1. Keep your belongings compact

This is pretty simple, but sometimes it’s difficult. Reducing what you don’t need is more difficult than increasing what you do need. The reason why you need to keep things compact is that this is where a large percentage of the problems that occur during a live concert start. They get lost, things get taken by mistake, get in the way, or are difficult to transport in the first place. In most cases, the bands perform together for a single event, and the waiting room is usually crammed with all the performers’ belongings. This is not an exaggeration. You might know that even a single guitar is quite bulky, but just imagine the amount of luggage, pedal boards, and instruments from each band. Also, when the time comes to change bands, they have to go back and forth between the stage and backstage with their instruments. Keeping your belongings compact prevents problems such as bumping or dropping them.

We carry a variety of cases, so take a look around for one!

⇒ List of Guitar Cases

2. Let’s check the operation

This is important. Musical instruments are ‘objects,’ so deterioration and damage are bound to happen. Also, since they are made of various materials such as metal, wood, and resin, there is always the possibility that an unexpected location may be in an unexpected state due to an unexpected cause. This is why routine maintenance and cleaning are important, but be sure to check the day before a live performance, especially to avoid panicking before the show. Is there a sound coming out? Is there no interruption of the sound after lightly shaking the jack? Are the strap pin screws tight enough? Are there no broken wires in the shielded cable? If you are also using an effects pedal, you should at least check that the switch switches properly. Also, if you are using an active instrument, make sure the batteries are new! A dead battery on stage is not cool!

For care and handling, refer to this page.

⇒ Guitar lessons for beginners

3. Let’s decide everything we need to do

Once a live concert starts, you will be more nervous than you think you would be and you won’t be able to think straight. Even as the author giving tips in this article, I still do. So, all members of the band should decide the order of songs, when to talk to the audience in between sets, know what you’re going to say, and so on. If you are prepared, you will be able to concentrate more on your performance than you thought possible, and this will lead to an awesome performance. Above all, if you are not prepared, you will end up making an awkward moment that will bore the audience. I respect any musicians who can ad-lib MC on the spot.

4. Final checks up to the rehearsal

If you have gathered all of your necessary belongings, checked to see if your instruments are working, and have decided what you’re going to play, all you have to do is wait for the rehearsal and the performance. Follow the set list and check the volume balance and standing position for each song. By the way! The stage is several times darker than you might imagine! Be careful where you step and your surroundings!

5. Do your best

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and be cool as best you can. That’s all!

6. Say hello to anyone involved on the day of the event

Be sure to greet the staff of the live music club, other performers, and anyone else involved on the day of the event. Lack of courtesy will ruin your performance. Also, be sure to organize your belongings and trash frequently. A good event is only possible if we take care of each other.

I wrote a lot more than I had originally planned on. My apologies.
I wrote a lot more than I had originally planned on. My apologies. However, I would be so happy if you got some idea out of the fact that performing at a live music club is much more individualized than you might imagine. Each live music club has its own detailed rules and regulations, but I hope that even with all of the instructions from the staff you can enjoy your live performances happily and pleasantly.