Where to start performing gigs?

Question:I already have a band and we have some original songs but were going to start performing gigs soon and our singer says that the only REAL way to start is by covering other songs. I should mention now that he is a dip **** so i am not sure if i should believe him. It wont really be that hard to cover bands but it would set us back because we would have to learn new songs. So if anyone else performs can you tell me how you did it. I need to know if our band needs to learn new music or tell our singer to blow it out his ***.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I already have a band and we have some original songs but were going to start performing gigs soon and our singer says that the only REAL way to start is by covering other songs. I should mention now that he is a dip **** so i am not sure if i should believe him. It wont really be that hard to cover bands but it would set us back because we would have to learn new songs. So if anyone else performs can you tell me how you did it. I need to know if our band needs to learn new music or tell our singer to blow it out his ***.

Well, the way I see it, as musicians, your job is to entertain your audiences. Sometimes, doing your job means playing songs people already know and like so that they can dance or sing along or whatever. Sometimes it means giving them something new to listen to. Often it may mean giving them a bit of both. I think it depends on the gig.

A lot depends on where you're performing and for what kind of audience. If you're playing a wedding reception for example -- or any party or event where people just want to dance to music they already know -- forget the original material and be prepared to play covers all night.

If you're playing a bar where people are hanging out and drinking but not necessarily there to hear you, you can probably play some original stuff but I think you'll ALSO need to play cover songs that the crowd will recognize, to keep their interest.

If you're playing a club that features up and coming acts playing original music, you wouldn't play any covers at all unless you've come up with a really different version of a well-known song.

If you're not prepared to play covers at least some of the time, you may not get as many chances to play out and get paid for it. Something to think about.

If I understand you right, you already have a set or more of originals?

If that's the case, go to open-mic nights at local clubs where you can try out your material. Does the crowd respond enthusiastically? If so, no problems. If not, then you need to examine what's wrong with your material--and maybe nothing, it might just be a crappy audience--but in that case, consider covers.

u can always get a myspace! just kiddin....

the open mic idea is good!!! my band used to do that and its great!.....

FACE FACTS... you band is TOTALLY UNKNOWN... so playing your own music and nothing people KNOW... isn't going to endear you to audiences... Learn some well known songs you can play at a gig.

Once you are famous or even well known and you have a record or two that are successful... THEN you can start playing your own music.. because by then PEOPLE WILL WANT TO HEAR YOUR MUSIC.