|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
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. Hang in there John. You're awesome. Thanks Pat for the nice comments. It is frustrating however I continue to push on. I've been programming all of the lighting cues into my songs.What a cool visual it makes. I took it out on the porch at night. Nice. Construction on the Casino has started and it won't be long. The Cherokees are going to make this Casino their new focus point because of the proximity to Atlanta & Chattanooga. We also have a regional airport. Mr. Trump has also been here looking at property. NC and especially WNC is so $$$$ starved that it wouldn't surprise me, with Trump's involvement that this County goes 100% gaming like Atlantic City in New Jersey, He was involved there as well. Time will tell.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,987 |
I played a solo gig for many months after the band I was in self destructed and I was left with the bookings to fill.
It worked pretty good. It was just me with an acoustic guitar and the people in the clubs loved it. You have to be in touch with the patrons and get them involved.
With today's electronics and backing tracks so easy to make in BB..... I would probably opt to use the fuller sounding tracks..... but whether it's a band or a solo act, connection with the audience is the key. Without an involved audience you have nothing.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
*Audience Feedback" should always be on your mind when performing.
Learn to feel the audience response in realtime.
If it feels like you are losing them, don't plod on to the end of that long song, end it. Go immediately to another.
Always keep the transaction in mind when performing.
That transaction is simple enough, your audience are the people who are really paying you, NOT the club, venue, etc.
The audience is spending money in that venue that is used to pay us.
LOVE your audience.
It will pay dividends.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725 |
If I missed this in the thread I apologize.
All great points but I'll add that it is always good to do some research as to just who your audience will be prior to any gig, as this will help you prepare. And when I say prepare I mean in everyway leaving no stone unturned from the demographics of your audience, playlist and woodshedding that playlist, the order and timing in-between songs of your playlist to the layout of the venue.
Never skimp on preparation for any gig, whether you are a monthly or even nightly performer at the same venue. In fact I have a few monthly gigs that book a year or two in advance so I do my very best to bring the audience a new playlist every month.
Some audiences like to listen, some like to talk and could not care less what or even if you are playing, while others like to hear that beat so they can dance. Very often you get all three and when you can show each of these groups love, well that's when you have earned your pay.
Just my 2 cents FWIW.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Danny,
Wise words from a seasoned professional.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Danny,
Wise words from a seasoned professional. absolutely! Mac's post too!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Danny,
Wise words from a seasoned professional. absolutely! Mac's post too! Very true. I read Mac's post yesterday and then I responded to Danny's post from today. Both are spot on.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,987 |
I played a house band gig for 2.5 years. Same club, same staff, same band members, same people in the audience. And the same songs.
We actually did try to add 2 or 3 new songs to our set list on any given Wednesday night practice session. They were in the sets on that weekend.
The main thing we looked at was.... can the people dance to it? Slow or fast, didn't matter. Try to limit the length of the song to 3 minutes max. People can only dance for so long before they get tired or bored.
No medleys of 4 songs that go on for 5 minutes..... we would see people leaving after the second tune in the medley.
Start the set with a fast song and end it on a fast one. Two fast songs, one slow,,,, repeat that formula. Keep the show moving.... if you're not playing, someone should be talking, telling a joke, or cutting up in some manner..... no dead air.
No matter how much we liked a song, it the people didn't like it, we took it out of the set list. No matter how much we hated a song, if the people liked it, we kept it in the set list. (Wipe out, Swinging, Toot Toot, and several others)
That band was good in so many ways, but most importantly, we knew what the audience wanted and we gave it to them week after week.
Our first gig, people in the club knew the last band had been fired after having been there for some time.....and here we came.... we played the first song, a fast one.....and the people just sat and stared. No one got up to dance. At the end of the song, silence..... so the drummer says over the PA.... "Are y'all just gonna set there like bumps on a log and let us have all the fun?"..... then without a pause, he counts off the next tune..... suddenly, half the club jumped up and was on the dance floor....and they stayed that was for the next 2.5 years. What a fun gig that was.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
I have another post about StreetJelly.com here -- it seems like a fine way to practice your solo act (for those that are not that experienced at performing). For experienced folks, maybe you can find a few new fans. Although the site is mainly made up of other performers at the moment, I did run into a non-musician listener-only last night during someone else's show.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 236
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 236 |
Hey Robb, thanks for turning us on to Darrell Scott! He is great! I haven't heard of him before now.
Todd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Hey Robb, thanks for turning us on to Darrell Scott! He is great! I haven't heard of him before now. Darrell Scott has a lot of really good songs. My favorite is about a small coal town near where I grew up called "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive". Patty Lovelace did a great version of Darrell's song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqDVObM1kxc
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 236
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 236 |
Yeah Bob, I checked out her version. It's good but Darrell has truckloads of soul.
Todd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Yeah Bob, I checked out her version. It's good but Darrell has truckloads of soul. Indeed he does. I've seen him a couple of times at Merlefest in NC.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116 |
You have one guitar and one voice, so don't do "Seven Bridges Road".
Rita Coolidge proved with her recording of Seven Bridges Road that it can be performed beautifully without being in four part harmony.
Keith
2026 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,481
Posts805,532
Members40,127
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean