I just got back from a weekend holiday at the beach. While there I saw live music twice, and both times it was a solo act (guitar/vocals at a restaurant) In both cases the guy was getting a good response from the audience in spite of the fact that there's only so much variation you can get out of one instrument and one voice.
Neither act used backing tracks or even a vocal processor to add harmony. One thing they both did was to use audience participation as part of the act (sing along stuff and schtick)
If nothing else, I liked that fact that audiences are getting used to being entertained by a single musician
I just got back from a weekend holiday at the beach. While there I saw live music twice, and both times it was a solo act (guitar/vocals at a restaurant) In both cases the guy was getting a good response from the audience in spite of the fact that there's only so much variation you can get out of one instrument and one voice.
Neither act used backing tracks or even a vocal processor to add harmony. One thing they both did was to use audience participation as part of the act (sing along stuff and schtick)
If nothing else, I liked that fact that audiences are getting used to being entertained by a single musician
Great news indeed . . . now if I can just live long enough to make it in these venues! :>
There's a fellow by the name of Tommy Emmanuel who never uses backing tracks and seldom plays with a band.
My favorite quote from him was after a particularly rousing performance of his. He stepped up to the mic and said "who needs a friggin' band?"
yeah, Tommy is awesome! ...but most of us will never compare to Tommy Emmanuel, so I speak to the person who uses BIAB to make backing tracks. My goal in this forum is to find examples that offer encouragement for the average musician to get out there and try something.
I speak to the person who uses BIAB to make backing tracks.
Well, … , I’m definitely included in that category since I’ve been doing just that for a few years or so now. I’m still a rookie, but I learn a little each time I use it.
There’s nothing wrong with using backing tracks, … , but don’t discount the possibility of playing solo either. It really also depends on whether you’re playing background music for people who are eating or otherwise ignoring you.
These folks are gonna want backing tracks, aka a full band sound.
But if you’ve got folks that will actually pay attention and listen to you, … , then a “solo” performance sans backing tracks might be in order.
I play as a solo act. I use mp3 backing tracks. Some of these are purchased and some I make with BIAB where I cant find the Mp3 backing. I purchased thousands of mp3 karaoke tracks and these work a treat in a party situation for audience participation.
Last night I played at the sailing club where I am at a regatta and it was great fun. I even had one guy who has lost his voice from the previous night in the pub singing (or trying to sing) Joe Cocker's "You can leave your hat on". It was hilarious. I only really let the audience loose on the karaoke tracks when it is late at night and then only for about one or two songs and then I take control again.
They have asked me to play again tonight. Oh well, another late night in the pub after a day on the water...
If nothing else, I liked that fact that audiences are getting used to being entertained by a single musician
I don't think that good audience response is dictated by the number of entertainers onstage, nor whether there are any kind of backing tracks or autoaccompaniment going on, the real common denominator is Strong Performance and that can be accomplished no matter what the presentation consists of, solo entertainer all the way up to the bigband and orchestral and everything in between.
As sn exsmple, this performer evidently has done what it takes to deliver the Strong Performance. Be careful about assuming that it is the performer's audience participation that made the difference, for another person may try the same without striving for and achieving that Strong Performance ability - and it wouldn't work the same.
I don't think that good audience response is dictated by the number of entertainers onstage, nor whether there are any kind of backing tracks or autoaccompaniment going on, the real common denominator is Strong Performance and that can be accomplished no matter what the presentation consists of, solo entertainer all the way up to the bigband and orchestral and everything in between.
I agree completely...
but the main point of my original post was more about opportunity than anything else.
In the past people seeking solo gigs have met resistance not only from people who hire the musicians, but also from audience members who say that anything less than a full band is "not real music"
I see that changing... maybe not as fast as I'd like to see it... but when high visibility places like resorts hire solo acts, to me that signifies a change in perception.
I'll use John DeJardins (aka Silvertones) as an example. Johns act is VERY well prepared. Its interesting, and John is an extremely talented musician and singer. But he only gets fringe opportunities because he's still running into that brick wall of perception that defines live music as being a whole band. Based on his posts, I'd say John has been plenty discouraged and it makes me mad that anybody would deny him the opportunity to show what he has up his sleeve.
That's my main point... but I totally agree that its still up to the solo artist to serve up a strong performance once the opportunity arrives. (I think John does that)
Somebody who gets up and sucks doesn't deserve a second gig. What bothers me is when somebody like John gets up and does a good job, and the local yokels decide it wasn't real music so they don't give him a second chance. But it looks like that's changing. How long it takes to get from the coastal resorts to western NC is another question.
I play as a solo act. I use mp3 backing tracks. Some of these are purchased and some I make with BIAB where I cant find the Mp3 backing. I purchased thousands of mp3 karaoke tracks and these work a treat in a party situation for audience participation.
Last night I played at the sailing club where I am at a regatta and it was great fun. I even had one guy who has lost his voice from the previous night in the pub singing (or trying to sing) Joe Cocker's "You can leave your hat on". It was hilarious. I only really let the audience loose on the karaoke tracks when it is late at night and then only for about one or two songs and then I take control again.
They have asked me to play again tonight. Oh well, another late night in the pub after a day on the water...
Jo, you strike me as a person who has figured out where your natural audience is, and you've gone to where they are. My hat is off to you.. what you're doing works! You are having fun providing enjoyment to others! What a win-win situation THAT is!
I speak to the person who uses BIAB to make backing tracks.
Well, … , I’m definitely included in that category since I’ve been doing just that for a few years or so now. I’m still a rookie, but I learn a little each time I use it.
There’s nothing wrong with using backing tracks, … , but don’t discount the possibility of playing solo either. It really also depends on whether you’re playing background music for people who are eating or otherwise ignoring you.
These folks are gonna want backing tracks, aka a full band sound.
But if you’ve got folks that will actually pay attention and listen to you, … , then a “solo” performance sans backing tracks might be in order.
Dunno. YMMV.
I agree completely. Bottom line is that gigs are different, and what works in one venue doesn't work in another. I would hate to pay $150 for a stadium concert and see ONE of the Eagles come out and play along with backing tracks!
But it would be overkill to hear a full band in a restaurant when I'm trying to hold a conversation with friends.
Most of us grew up playing in full bands. We watched that work go away. Some of us quit playing, some kept the full band and adjusted to fewer gigs, others went solo, while others became hybrid acts offering live music/karaoke/DJ
Given the choice, I'd always rather hear a stunning performance by somebody with real talent and a tight band. But there's no doubt that technology has created lots of new possibilities. I see this forum as a way for people to make others aware of whats working, what's trending, what's possible. If anybody picks up the ball and runs with it, Cool.
There are possibly MORE ways to play music now than ever before.
As sn exsmple, this performer evidently has done what it takes to deliver the Strong Performance. Be careful about assuming that it is the performer's audience participation that made the difference, for another person may try the same without striving for and achieving that Strong Performance ability - and it wouldn't work the same.
--Mac
I think a perfect example is Miss Peaches’ version of “ At Last ”. Ain’t nobody matched Etta’s version of that song IMHO!
Unfortunately, talent is not distributed evenly. <actually that may be a good thing>. TE could likely bang on the back of his guitar while he performs (...I think he has done this) and still keep an audience in their seats.
In my case, even I could not listen to 20 minutes of solo me. But with a little BIAB backing, some VLT harmonies, a nice PA and what ever other tool I can apply, I don't send them rushing to the exit.
BIAB – 2025, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud (Tip: No need to create a SC account to hear music - just hit ESC ).
It also depends on who is listening and what you are playing. If you are playing "Segovia" type guitar, there is really no "here comes a solo" spot because it is ALL solo.
Also factor in picking your material to fit what you do. Without toys or backing tracks, you have one guitar and one voice, so don't do "Seven Bridges Road".
Anymore I play so badly that I have to use the generated tracks. The arthritis is just so bad I can't grip a guitar neck properly and my fingers are so sore that my keyboard range and speed has been greatly diminished over the last 4 years. If I tried to play a completely solo acoustic type act it would be awful.
I know many people here who do solo acts. One uses home recorded full band. One uses just a drum machine. And one uses nothing but her voice and her piano. Each of them makes it clear what they do when they book, and all of them have live recording DVDs to present. And there are many more that are various levels of all of the above.
Boils down to the listener's ear I think. For my ear, I don't like solo guitar guys because if they do a solo there is no rhythm behind them (obviously) and as good as the solo can be, it's bland and boring to me to hear just a solo guitar. But that's just me, the guy who thinks music is defined by what AWB and Tower of Power did/do. Someone mentioned Tommy Emmanuel. He does what he does very well, but I'd be asleep by the 4th song. Give me TOP with that 5 piece horn section and driving beat any time. Again, that's me and I think I am in a HUGE minority because my tastes reflect the fact that I play and I came up with a certain kind of music. At 62 most "normal" people wouldn't like what I like. All of use here in the forums are at a different level from the people who wear the white belt and shoes and view entertainment as a quiet, relaxing night to sip champagne at the marina while the jazz trio plays. When I go hear music I want to feel it against my chest and suddenly notice that my feet are tapping. You can't listen to AWB and not feel the urge to move, and that's my taste.
. . . When I go hear music I want to feel it against my chest and suddenly notice that my feet are tapping. You can't listen to AWB and not feel the urge to move, and that's my taste.
Right on, Eddie. Our core musical tastes are slightly different, but the urge to feel the beat is the same. Not a comment on what any other performer does (or does not) do, just a shared value.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
In reading through the various posts, it occurred to me that most endeavors work on a point system, and it doesn't matter how you get the points as long as you get enough of them.
Some people get most of their points on the strength of their playing, and they use vocal processors to add points to their weak singing
Some people are killer vocalists, and they add points to the overall sound by using trax.
Some people are "pretty good" in their presentation, but they gain points thru audience participation.
And yes, some people are just good at everything... but they won't be playing at the places I'm playing, so I'm not really competing against them. Naturally, I'll try to do the best I can in each of those arenas, but my main goal is to keep from giving up because of my deficiencies. I'd rather find ways to compensate for my weaknesses in ways that don't undermine the overall performance by subtracting too many suck points.
heh. suck points. I'll have to remember that one, it made me laugh for a second.
But that's just me, the guy who thinks music is defined by what AWB and Tower of Power did/do.
yeah man! I grew up playing in horn bands... and I think part of the advantage offered by backing tracks is that you can recreate those songs without having to split the paycheck 12 ways.
People LOVE those songs... but the average 3 or 4 piece band simply can't reproduce that sound on stage, so they play what they CAN reproduce. This leaves a whole bunch of the best music from the past 50 years that NOBODY ELSE is covering live, the perfect musical niche for people like us who know how to bring it to the stage at an affordable price!
I may have posted this before.. if so I apologize for being redundant.
FWIW, I think another musical niche that is not being filled (locally at least) is all the great Motown and R&B music. The rich arrangements and lush orchestration make them perfect candidates for backing track application.
Around here, those songs aren't covered by the average cover band. Young musicians aren't playing the classics, and the older musicians are playing Country, classic rock and jazz.
I was at a jazz club one evening, and the band played one of the old classic Motown songs. Immediately the dance floor filled up.. and not just with old folks. The young waitresses put down their trays and danced too. That scene turned on a light in my mind that I won't soon forget. It just makes sense to play the music that your audience loves.
I don't like solo guitar guys because if they do a solo there is no rhythm behind them (obviously) and as good as the solo can be, it's bland and boring to me to hear just a solo guitar.
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