Emu XL-7 & MP-7 User's Group

Well that all does apply, but my situation is a bit diefferent. I'm 
wanting to go out on my own music though. I do like to DJ, but I prefer to 
perfrom my own music. 

>>>Ok, I wasn't too sure about that. I like to Dj too but I'm with you, 
playing live is so much better.  The only reason I even started DJing in 
the first palce, was because I got sick of breaking down my whole studio 
every weekend to play live (only to have the party get busted before I 
even went on too).  Grabbing a bag of records seemed easier (it's way 
easier!). <<<

My main thing is to be professional, I've been around too many bands to 
know that's a rare thing and 
probably what's holding them back. 

>>>I know a lot of people that have this issue.  A good friend of my was 
in this DJ spin off contest Spundae was holding last summer.  Even though 
he was the first DJ, he still rocked the place something fierce and was 
going to win (promoters told me).  However the rest of the night he 
proceeded to get drunk as a skunk and made an ass of himself in the 
process and thus lost the contest.  <<<

Very good tips.. Something as simple as keeping a few demos and business 
cards with you can be very effective, which oddly I never thought of.

>>>This has helped me a lot, you'll meet someone and they'll start talking 
about you music and ask for a CD.  Always handy not having to say "umm, I 
don't have any right now".  Even if I don't have a CD, I can at least give 
them a  business card with my website addy on it.  That way they can go 
and check out the tunes that way. <<<

Im curious about how to approach people, club managers and the like, about 
performing. At first I figure a good place to play is a pub type setting 
that reguarly features local bands then eventually move up to more club 
type settings. How much of a difference is there between the two? 

>>>Huge differences depending on the club size. Clubs primary focus and 
reason for being there is to showcase the music.  So they're a lot more 
strict with their artist contracts from my experience.  Also, the people 
running the club or bookings KNOW good music, so if you screw up (no 
pressure!) then you might not get another chance.  The pub scene seems a 
lot more laid back, and agreements are typically verbal versus written 
contracts.  Depends on where you're from really, and what type of clubs 
we're talking about here. I think that the pub method is good because it 
gives you a chance to go out and do your thing with slightly less 
pressure. Playing live is so much work, so it's good to get some practice 
in before you try and go to a bigger settings like a club, where the crowd 
is a lot more knowledgeable too.<<<

Like contracts and percentage of the door type things? I figure the first 
thing I need to do is put together a press kit, sample CD and various 
other liteature.

>>>Typically most bigger clubs let the promoter keep a large percentage of 
the door, and they make most of their money on drinks.  Pubs and smaller 
venues seem to deal more with flat rates (Ie, you get $200, they keep the 
door and the drinks), which can be a benefit if you're not sure how many 
people you can draw.  If you're just the performer, then you'll get a flat 
rate.  If it's your first gig, then you may only get a couple free drinks 
and $50, but it's a start (and c'mon, we'd all do it for free anyway, 
right?)

If you're pushing a live act then you definitely want to do a CD of 
yourself playing live.  Keep it realistic though, don't do things on the 
CD that you know you probably wouldn't want to do live.  It's not going to 
do any good to give them a CD that it took you 80 passes to get right, 
when you only get 1 shot to do it for real.  As for literature, keep it 
short and to the point.  Let them know of any other parties and clubs 
you've been at, any CD releases you have, any special gear you might need 
for a live show (powerstrips, etc), and what type of music your live set 
is.  More often than not that stuff gets the cursory glance and gets 
pitched in the can.  It's the CD that will sell them.  Speaking of which, 
make sure you have your contact info on everything you give them: the CD 
itself, the CD cover, the info letter, etc.  Promoters are always losing 
contact info, so don't make it easy on them. :) <<<

I may be a bit paranoid, but I want to avoid looking like the beer bottle 
holding "f*&# yea!!" band member and more like a pro. 

>>>That's not paranoid at all and it's great attitude to have.  If you're 
cool to peopel they'll be cool with you, nuf said. <<<

Also, great advice again, may I copy it to a DJ bbs that I am on? Thanks!

>>>Sure, just include my website addy ok?  http://rEalm.iuma.com <<<

More tips for playing live:

- Practice tearing down and setting up in near darkness.  Seriously, get 
to know your rig inside and out, so you can do it quickly, confidently, in 
the dark if need be, and most importantly you can do it right each time!
- Back ups.  Always carry back ups of any files you may need, sysex dumps 
of all your patches, etc.  Pain in the ass with the XX-7's since they only 
back up to PC's, but it's all you have so use it.  Chances are someone 
will have a laptop you can use, but don't count on it.
- Bring extras of everything.  Have a bag with doubles of all your cables, 
mains and audio ones.  Bring a few extra extension power cords too.
- Buy a small flashlight and keep it with your live stuff.  I use one of 
those AAA battery mini-mag lights.  Small but still bright enough to see 
in your rack.
- Bring adaptors (this is a biggy).  I went to radio shack back when I was 
doing the live thing all the time and bought practically 2 of every audio 
cable adaptor they sell.  1/4" to RCA, 1/4" to XLR, etc.  I don't know how 
many times I've been to party and they were trying to set up the sound but 
no one had the right adaptor for the amplifier or something.  Cheap to do.
- Always have a back up plan.  If you're in the middle of your set and 
something crashes, get's knocked over, etc, have a plan in the back of 
your head to address it.  Professionalism = being prepared for the 
unexpected.
- Look like you're having fun.  Yeah, you're probably nervous or scared as 
all hell, but at least look liek you're havin a good time. A couple of 
drinks before hand will help you relax, but as I'm sure you know it's good 
to not over do it.

rEalm




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