HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR BAND GIG - MUSICIAN ADVICE / TOP 10 TIPS

[@jackhumphries3503]

Very helpful to solo performers too! Thanks again damo! X

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks Jack. If I can help with anything just hit me up! :)

[@jackhumphries3503]

Damian Keyes maybe a hint with regards to self promo. I watched your video saying to take control as the promoter as it were when being solo vs being in a band. I recently posted a picture of a poster for a gig along with pictures on some flyers I made myself to give to people around the area on the night of the gig. Where do I draw the line between promoting a gig and looking like I'm desperate for people to turn up?! Or is there a line? Do you think people would see I've made flyers and think, "shit this guy is really struggling with getting crowds" or would it raise more interest! Any help regarding specifically soloists with self promotion would be great. Or a link to a video if I've missed it! Peace xx

[@DamianKeyes]

I would say the line is very far away.. To start with the self promotion is all about giving people value to come down and lots of gentle reminders.. I wouldn't worry about home made stuff it has a certain charm about it. I think you could spend a month promoting a gig but in different ways.. Rather than bombarding people online you could ask in different ways, do competitions, make funny songs to remind people so it feels like you are asking them again and again but they wont mind as its fun or funny or different :)

[@The_Warpath]

I've been gigging for 25 years, and I can say that these are absolutely critical. I don't care who you are, or what genre you are, this is what you need to be doing. I've heard these tips in one way or another over the years but never have I seen them so well organized and presented. I'm going to write down the list and print it on a huge banner to display in my studio.

[@bluetrane65]

You can put your band name on the bass drum to get the name out

[@daveg4236]

Jason Blasingame we had banner made with our band name and logo and used a frame to told hit up. It covered up our backline. And we had lights on them.

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

@@daveg4236 Both that and the kick head both help but having done both at every gig, we STILL have idiots come up and say "hey what was the name of your band?" Even when we're the only one on the bill playing at a bar or something. People don't pay attention that well especially when they've been drinking so you kind of have to hold their hand.

[@CyroSchmidt]

Ok, so I’ve watched the video and tried shouting “I AM DAMIAN KEYES” during my first song, but it seemed kinda pointless.

[@DamianKeyes]

Cyro Scariot Schmidt i reckon you should do exactly the same another 50 times... you won’t know unless you shout ‘I AM DAMIAN KEYES!’ Many many more times 😊

[@xxlplldlq1307]

0:50 *1. DON'T PLAY VENUES TOO BIG* 1:27 *2. FILL THE SPACE ON STAGE* 2:02 *3. THINK ABOUT YOUR STAGE CLOTHES* 2:21 *4. DON'T PLAY FOR TOO LONG* 2:54 *5. USE TIME ON GIGS WISELY* 3:36 *6. OPEN YOUR SET STRONG* 5:06 *7. TELL PEOPLE YOUR BAND NAME* 5:49 *8. AVOID PLAYING COVERS* 6:40 *9. FRONT THE BAND CONFIDENTLY* 8:21 *10. MEET THE AUDIENCE*

[@ToddBarrow]

Finally someone who knows the business.

[@DamianKeyes]

Thank you so much Todd! 🙂🙏

[@andycrowley]

Awesome video and great points, the effort put in here really shows!

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks Andy, I defo want to do more videos like this. Still trying to take your advice and build more searchable content :)

[@schotanusser]

1. Close your eyes 2. Listen to this guy. 3. Littlefinger?

[@niilonevalainen2884]

Illuminati confirmed...

[@byyourleave5080]

We've been wanting ideas on how to tighten up our live set, as people seem to be responding. well to us. This is the best video we could have found. Props Damo, thank you for all of your helpful knowledge and advice!

[@derickmls14]

Finally someone teaches these kids something about stage presence cause I️ look at some bands and just be like....what are u wearing....etc all of that is extremely important

[@knowthemusician7740]

Dallas Bentley well said Dallas! I agree with you, your look is very important! Take pride in being an entertainer and develop stage charisma and presence 😎👍

[@LandonVR]

I don’t even have a band and I doubt I’ll even have to ability to but I like watching these videos and dreaming

[@swaggypanda1808]

I've seen a followup guy to a band who just played acoustic guitar and sang called Myles Knight, and I found him to be better than the 4 other bands that had played after him. He had a great connection with the audience and had some funny stuff to say and was just relaxing and super down to earth and was super nice to the audience on his way out. The singer of Ruby Tuesdays spoke to me that night too and he was super nice too, I think being polite and on the same level as your listeners is a huge part of getting people to enjoy your band a lot more, that's the way I see it anyway.

[@bobbykanemusictube]

Seriously good tips. People tend to like my jokes. But I think You're right. I should leave them out and just be direct. I tend to play three - four hour solo gigs quite often. But, for the full band gigs (which can also be three hour sets) I'll scale back the humor a bit and just keep the music flowing. Thanks for this.

[@LuckySings]

I dunno why this video doesn't have a million views. I am yet to find a video on here that explains better than you in a down to earth manner regarding this issue. Thanks a lot. This was very helpful and all upcoming bands needs to hear this!!!!!

[@DamianKeyes]

Thank you so much! That has made my day!

[@RealKevM]

Point 6 is an incredible point and something I already do. Too many bands/artists don't do this. Great video.

[@themannycabo]

This is great stuff man. I appreciate you sharing and gave me great insight to my personal music. Cheers and many blessings. MC

[@OrangePony75]

Different cultures, I guess, but here in MX you most definitely NEED to play at least one cover when starting a new band. The craziest the crossover, the better: cumbia-symphonic, hard rock-lounge, bolero-jazz, you name it.

[@wurzbacherartistsagency6247]

This is an excellent video! SO well done and killer advice. We are a full-service talent agency and we could not agree more with this information. What does Damian do? Is he a booking agent or consultant? Man! This guy is good!

[@BoxtapeRocksYou]

Concorde2 is my favourite by a mile too. Seen everyone from Biffy Clyro ("back in the day") though Hell Is For Heroes and Toyah Wilcox there ;)

[@DamianKeyes]

Such a great venue! I hope it stays there forever! :)

[@ashtheturtle]

Hey Damo, once again awesome video! I'd love to see you make a video about how a band can go from getting a slot supporting bigger bands and how to work your way up the ranks. Is there need for a manager? A label? Thanks in advance :)

[@DamianKeyes]

Ash I will get on these thank you so much for the support and the idea :)

[@Conanmorlang]

Wow, very nice advice, thanks a bunch. Let me add some nice feedback. I play with two underground metal bands for some quite time now and we never learned about stage presence of the band. This has resulted in a lack of structure and organization in our live performances making them go somewhat randomly. Our music si not the worst (I hope), but sometimes, ppl would tell us that the music was fine but not all of us looked engaged, or that we made too big of a pause here and there, or that the way we danced to the music was awkward. Since the whole band is pretty much just pot-heads doing what they like (smoking pot and playing metal) we never really thought about it that much and said things as "We will just naturaly wing it and we ll see, it will at least be authentic." Yea, our shows were definitely authentic xD I can already see how this could improve our shows in a really short time and I'm gonna try it rn. I will translate the points back to my native language and present it to the potheads. (I also like weed, sorry :D) Wish me luck!!

[@maryfrankmusic7385]

I now feel more confident for my first show. Focus, patience, and hope!! Thank you!!!

[@PyroY.T.]

As the frontman of my own band, I can say that fronting the band confidently is key. Sometimes it’s very nerve racking to get up on a stage and talk to people but ever since I’ve been doing that the shows just feel better. Better crowd interaction, more CD or merch sales, and an overall sense of success. These tips helped me out so much and now I’m going to be using the same tips at our show tonight.

[@TakeFlight]

Please don't wear all black or plain t shirt ans jeans

[@CoolRushBand]

Love it. Especially #3 and meeting with some resistance.

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks guys 🙂🙏

[@AquaAnim]

Never played a show were we played 20-25. Its always been 30-45 min always at the request of the person booking the show.

[@bublok]

Agreed. Depends on the quality of the material, too.

[@dmdx7045]

Its my firs time performing (im a new lead) and im really nervous and now im here at youtube watching videos like this

[@knowthemusician7740]

Low Level Play Hey friend I hope your performances are going really good for you! Hopefully you are able to relax and just have fun doing what you love to do.... always remember to be animated, and smile ALOT! people want to see that you are having fun up there! best of luck to you and your entire band 😎👍

[@MsShorta]

Soooo nice your tips....soooo nice!

[@stevieearworms4815]

Thanks for that, Damian. Really useful points. The 'black clothing' issue is a classic. Many times I've had that conversation. Do you look cool in the photoshoot? Sure! Do you disappear into the backdrop on stage? Absolutely!!

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks Stevie, yeah you're right all of a sudden you are a head bobbing around magically!

[@regulahjoeshmoe2633]

your channel has really grown congrats man

[@czechthisoutMAN]

good tips, so many forget to use the space on stage effectively and I am also very guilty of forgetting to tell people who I am :)

[@dallascowboys75006]

Another great video -- I find myself putting your advice into practice every week as I find new (old) videos of yours. Peace from Texas!

[@simongreyson3477]

This is the best video I've seen on the subject! Thank you

[@niesmiertelnii]

Cool tips, that's what we are doing about the gig. Greetings man 🤘

[@MusicUnLtd.]

Superb practical tips, thank you!

[@claudetteallain253]

This is amazing advice! Thanks so much.

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks so much Claudette 🙂🙂🙂

[@angelathomas1159]

Thank you !!!

[@smokestackbluesband1433]

Thanks Damian, plenty to think about

[@mikkelchandler5503]

Thanks Damian Rock on !!

[@stratstart]

Great advice! Thank you my man!

[@LegPuppy]

so many good points. point 7, totally agree, bands never say who they are.

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks dude! Yeah my ultimate pet peeve is wandering around asking people who the band are lol HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR TONIGHT!

[@LegPuppy]

I've been watching all your videos, they are great. I've also taken on board loads of things you said. We did a gig last night, got people to get their phones out and like us. Def worked. Looking forward to catching up in 2018

[@DamianKeyes]

Amazing! Keep me posted and lets smash 2018!

[@vestal9195]

Crap, I hit a person during the show before you said metaphorically :(

[@discokillers8674]

Good and to the point. Great job

[@nicgalano854]

this is so helpful. great video tol. thanks

[@MaryMichelleWorthy]

About to play a major gig, thank you for this advice

[@Jacksmusicshack]

Just joined a band..so this helps!

[@cobeybrown8192]

Damian your videos are helping me very much. I’ve been taking your advice on how to run my band’s social media and how to set up gigs more effectively and I’m beginning to feel an extra layer of confidence and motivation from you. Thank you :)

[@DamianKeyes]

Hi Cobey thank you so much, that really means a lot :) I have some new ideas for some new content which i will be releasing soon but i'd really value feedback with regards vlogs vs tips vs rants etc

[@cobeybrown8192]

Damian Keyes Of course, I will gladly be giving feedback and listening in to everything

[@damienajithdenipitiya4011]

Thanks Damien for the wonderful Ideas. WOw

[@Cojomo]

You help me so much bro thank you

[@majorcyrus9969]

Good advice specially for keyboard players who hidden back on stage

[@albertrd.9342]

Tip #4 We are a local cover band. Most of the gigs we play want us to do three sets at 1.25 hours long. We have even been asked not to take a break at all.

[@DamianKeyes]

+Albert Rd. wow! They want 4 hours of music? Or have I got the maths wrong? Where are you based?

[@albertrd.9342]

@@DamianKeyes Yes. 4 hours of music. I am from Southern Wisconsin. That's 4 hours with no break. Some of the bigger bands do it by staggering their breaks. One man will go to the bathroom while the rest of the band continues playing.

[@jnorriect]

No way in hell I'd ever play with no breaks. 3-75 minute sets ain't bad though, 10 minutes between. Give the audience a chance to order drinks and hit the bathroom/smoke break/etc

[@bestregardsband6912]

They better be paying you really well!

[@rosati1353]

Thanks Damian, always really inspiring!

[@DRCRANKNSTEIN]

very good tips- thank you

[@rhys2230]

Really useful, thanks 🙏🏻

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks Rhys! :)

[@paullennox2404]

Great video mate! Awesome venue too

[@naturebabies3513]

Appreciate you for this 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@DazzleRebel]

I've played there a few times with different bands over the years.

[@danisunseri5429]

Wow! Looovvvee this! Thank you soo much! 🙌

[@DamianKeyes]

Thank you so much Dani! 🙂🙂🙂

[@Fattcakesable]

Hello from Kansas City, just started watching your vids today

[@DamianKeyes]

AMAZING! Thank you so much! Kansas City sounds amazing i would like to visit, I hear you make a mean BBQ! :)

[@moconnell1000]

great video, i would like to see more on this topic.

[@yoiamhere4737]

Is it ok starting out with covers and then taking them out as we finish writing originals?

[@billyvalentine4365]

You need a top 10 tips to hold a camera steady.

[@DamianKeyes]

HA HA I might have to learn first :p

[@f1rebreather123]

Amazing advice

[@NickiTedesco]

cool video bro!

[@noxious5251]

AD.3 I would say the more important is to be consistent in terms of clothing throughout the band. I've seen the shows where everyone was wearing just a black t-shirts, with no logos on them and it looked cool, and it wasn't some beginner band, it was actually one of the biggest and most popular bands in Poland. But when one dude is wearing Metallica t-shirt, the other is wearing a hoodie, and the third person is wearing a shirt, it's just inconsistent. Just have your dresscode.

[@sebalyon]

5:39 Declan McKenna 💓💓💓

[@JustinLazlo]

With point #4 is it really such a bad thing if some people end up at the bar though? The venue owner is hiring you based on how many people you can bring that they can sell drinks to so I figure they'd be more likely to have you back if this happens.

[@johnhepi3844]

Thanks, very helpful

[@ClassicJukeboxBand]

This video should be called top ten tips for original bands.

[@thirdeyelandslide_]

No one really gives a shit about cover bands anyway lmao

[@MistaTrick]

Good stuff. I’m Mista Trick

[@craigcotter7476]

brilliant video.

[@mattic6]

0:51 skips the BS.

[@Jesse-mh6hv]

Thanks ☺️

[@judsonruddick5240]

I loved this video! I recently joined a band and will definitely use these tips during shows! Also, What advice would you give for a new member of an already established band.

[@deniz1205]

Do as your told by any member of the band not just the frontsman, always be at your best on and off stage, and be patient and earn your respect which could take years.

[@catalinabinga1167]

Hi, Judson! My name is Catalina and I'm from Livetraker.com. I understand that you have a band that's why I think that Livetraker could be helpful to you. To resume, this is the Best Software for Live Bands. Manage Audio, Lyrics, Videos, Midi Controls, Song List, Effects, Clicks and more with a single computer! We offer a full FREE demo with NO expiration. No credit card required. The only limit is about to manage till 5 songs at a time. You can download Free Functional Trial at www.livetraker.com Hope to be helpful to you! Good luck in all of your projects!

[@johnkhalkho798]

Very insightful - The least I can do is like and subscribe :)

[@zwaptheworld7129]

amazing !

[@autopilotmiscreants]

#6 is the best advice ever..

[@agentfluff557thexboxgecko4]

Thank you, you’re amazing

[@Jonotheproducer]

These are great tips

[@frasershakes]

First post covid gig next month so why not have a watch?

[@songoflovemetalofficial]

great tips

[@angelhamskey2866]

Thanks for the video …

[@bestregardsband6912]

Great tips! What do you recommend for a four hour gig. You can't play for 30 minutes and then be done.

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks so much! For a 4 hour gig I recommend toilet breaks lol!

[@bhrisphoria428]

imagine fucking it up in the pit and you just slam into one of those support beams lol

[@blazegulizack]

can't tell you how many times I've been at festivals and seen a band member walking around right after they just played, Usually I would say hi or give them a high 5, and a lot of times they would ignore me

[@DamianKeyes]

It's crazy isn't it.. what an opportunity they are missing!

[@blazegulizack]

@@DamianKeyes as a musician, this never made sense to me

[@metalheadblues]

Probably just tired or thought they had a shit set

[@sue_m]

2:18 - a bit of color? But... I only wear black. All the time.

[@sue_m]

Honestly, I have thought about this. I recently saw a video of Concrete Blonde when they were touring with Sting (1991 maybe?). Johnette is wearing a long-sleeved black dress and black tights. For the few songs where she's not playing bass, only her face and hands are visible. But I only wear black. So I'm not really sure what the solution is here. Other than not to wear a long black velvet dress on a stage with a dark backdrop. 😺 do i break out the shiny pants and studded belt? Short skirts (I'm 6 feet tall.... Most skirts are short on me. 😸) and fishnets?

[@JOEYMUHA]

Hmmm. Not sure about a couple of these...

[@anthonylaplantepaquin3053]

Let's say you are the only band playing that Night, how long Do you recommand the show to be?

[@FreshMindTheBand]

Nice!

[@Scrapyy]

"point 2" *squeak*

[@ScratchRockLTD]

Must admit that this video doesn't come off as 'ways to improve your gig', but rather 'ways to improve your sales pitch'. An audience appreciates being treated as an audience, not as a customer. All of the jargon is better suited at a merch table.

[@bobleglob162]

20 minutes? It takes 10 - 15 to set up.

[@DamianKeyes]

Bob LeGlob it takes time to drive there as well.. sadly the audience doesn’t care. The bands who win are constantly thinking about the audiences needs and wants and not their own

[@cinzafenix08]

Cool 😎

[@DamianKeyes]

+somma pt thanks Somma

[@DamianKeyes]

+somma pt thanks Somma

[@bored-in-the-house3950]

You should do a video on why bands should tone down on being narcissistic arseholes too. Too many cocky kiddos thinking they’re special.

[@ShakerGER]

Point 2: Why not sit on the amp?

[@DamianKeyes]

Love that!

[@DestructX]

Good tips, but the constant photo sounds are annoying

[@MusicHead480]

1:40 basically you dont want to see Maynard from Tool lol

[@sue_m]

Or, at 1:45, John Deacon from Queen. 😸

[@CDgamesofficial]

Gg allin punched people in the face

[@kenneilangelo]

a little tip for video production (base on the most videos like this on youtube) you put your behind the scenes/bonus clips at the end of the video otherwise u give cringe

[@ugubu5359]

You can't wear pink clothes while playing Black Metal

[@GFGRRD]

Not with that attitude

[@baronvonwinkle1470]

I like the cut of your jib

[@DamianKeyes]

😂 I love that saying! Thanks 🙂🙂

[@whatwedointheshadows3349]

not wearing all black? seriously?

[@DamianKeyes]

Yeah live a little get some colour in your life! 🙂

[@AliJr_MetalGames_MetalGuitar]

If you want to look Black Metal, why not have metal spikes and some red on those clothes? It will look less bland.

[@whatwedointheshadows3349]

@@DamianKeyes shiny metal studs or bullet belt brass are both colors.