Larry
"Uncle Larry"
You know we talk about drumming so much here that I thought it might be a nice detour to discuss things that perhaps you or your band does that are proven to engage the crowd. I mean TBH, out of all the musicians I am in contact with....only maybe 5% really get that it's really about entertaining the crowd first and music 2nd..in a live setting, when people are there to see a band.
So, even though most of us probably don't have vocal mics onstage, I thought we could throw out observations about what IYO works, what doesn't work, and anything related to engaging the crowd for the entertainment aspect. Talking to the crowd. It's probably the easiest thing to do to get people to like your band, talk to them with the skills of someone who really knows what to say and how to do it.
My contribution? Haven't witnessed that much great entertaining TBH. One guy I know truly gets this concept. Crowds respond to this guy, because the words just flow. And he's a naturally funny guy. He is in my 6 piece band. He's not the leader though and is kept in check. (disagree with that)
One other interesting observation I've learned from the 6 piece band.... This band doesn't really have a dedicated frontman. Vocal duties are bandied about. This is the band that won a spot and is going to Memphis in a few months to compete in the International Blues Challenge. Right on Beale Street baby is where I'll be. Anyway, my point is that it hurts the band in that there is no dedicated front person. Our best singer sits down at the piano. That is what people look for in Blues it seems, one dominant figure. Preferably who is standing up. I'm thinking that applies generally. Audiences like to have a strong focal point. When is there is no clear leader...that works against us in Memphis, and I'm guessing, elsewhere.
So any cool things your band does to get the peoples juices flowing?
So, even though most of us probably don't have vocal mics onstage, I thought we could throw out observations about what IYO works, what doesn't work, and anything related to engaging the crowd for the entertainment aspect. Talking to the crowd. It's probably the easiest thing to do to get people to like your band, talk to them with the skills of someone who really knows what to say and how to do it.
My contribution? Haven't witnessed that much great entertaining TBH. One guy I know truly gets this concept. Crowds respond to this guy, because the words just flow. And he's a naturally funny guy. He is in my 6 piece band. He's not the leader though and is kept in check. (disagree with that)
One other interesting observation I've learned from the 6 piece band.... This band doesn't really have a dedicated frontman. Vocal duties are bandied about. This is the band that won a spot and is going to Memphis in a few months to compete in the International Blues Challenge. Right on Beale Street baby is where I'll be. Anyway, my point is that it hurts the band in that there is no dedicated front person. Our best singer sits down at the piano. That is what people look for in Blues it seems, one dominant figure. Preferably who is standing up. I'm thinking that applies generally. Audiences like to have a strong focal point. When is there is no clear leader...that works against us in Memphis, and I'm guessing, elsewhere.
So any cool things your band does to get the peoples juices flowing?
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