10/13/2018 0 Comments On Band Etiquette - INetworking is one of the most important jobs in music, and to help ensure you stay on everyone's good side, you had better be professional and that takes practicing etiquette.
Prioritize the length of set and keeping an eye on time. If you go over your set time, it's not cool. It's a dick move. I've seen bands go over for an hour. One song can slide over midway, and if you're really good and the audience is demanding an encore from you in the middle of the lineup and the other bands okay it after you ask, you can do it. Otherwise, take into account that there may be 3-5 bands in a night, someone has to get up early for work, to drive far, etc., and they may even be last in the set. Plus, no matter how great you are or you think you are, people may leave if you go over and that hurts the following bands. So, pay attention to your time and mainly only play for the agreed set time - nobody wants to have to pull plugs or never play together again. And also, don't be afraid to warn a band and tell them they have 10 minutes left, and call them out kindly after if it happens - it helps everyone, and maybe they don't get it, yet. Treat it as an honest mistake. Secondly, loading and unloading gear to and from the stage quickly is also one of the most important things for a smooth show with everyone's set times balanced and punctual. Before the show starts, the first band should have the drum kit and amps already up, with backlined equipment behind if possible. Then, whatever isn't being borrowed or backlined needs to move quickly. You typically have 15 minutes if all went right, so disassemble only when absolutely necessary for equipment safety. But drummers need to carry off their equipment as full pieces, not cymbal by cymbal, stand by stand. Pull it to a hallway, away from the stage, etc., and disassemble off-stage. And still, try to keep it out of the way for other loading musicians and guests. For me, I pull off my kick pedal and a precarious low tom, and everything else is carried off in full. Pulling off your stuff in full is so much more efficient on time, especially with help. And overall, when you aren't cutting into the next bands' times, you are giving them all great relief. And for that, I thank you.
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