In all the years I've been in the biz, I learned a lot about how to survive and not take a day job.

I found I need covers, popular songs for the age group in front of me.

Reading the audience in a new venue is important. What are they wearing, shoes, fashions, hairstyles, etc. This gives you an idea of what they are into. Play something safe first, and make friends. This is very essential, then judge the response for every song after, and that helps you decided what to play next. I don't do set lists, because I'm not clairvoyant and don't know what they will want in 10 minutes from now.

And something safe is usually a cover.

Don't let anyone tell you that you are selling out. You're playing music and getting paid for it.

In school, I was first tenor in the all-state band, every year that I was eligible, and was given section leader, which is typically given to the first alto by default. When I graduated, I tried to join the Air Force Band, figuring I could pass the audition, but when I went for my scheduled physical, I just got over a bronchitis attack, and they gave me a 4F rating.

That's when I went on the road with a rock band. It was a good time. Playing singles bars, before DJs took that away, hitting on the females (I was 18 and well, you know), seeing this great country and getting paid for it.

We did covers, and if that was selling out, selling out is a good thing.

At one time during my career, I wished I was in a jazz band, but I know and knew I couldn't pay the rent that way. So I did covers.

If you ask me what kind of band I want to be in today? It wouldn't be a jazz band, it wouldn't be a tribute band either. I would miss the variety.

I'm in a duo that does big band swing, rock from 50s to 90s, country, Caribbean, more modern pop, a bit of jazz, occasionally a swing band song, some Latin American, and so on. Putting on the different hats and trying my best to be authentic in each different genre is fun for me. Our songlist https://www.nortonmusic.com/cats/songlist.html

I want to be in a variety band.

Many years ago, when I got out of the singles bars and started playing more adult venues, another musician gave me some great advice. He said “If you want to stay working in this business, you have to be a chameleon.” That served me well, I've played in a few different genre bands, and was never out of work until the COVID lockdown.

So for those who want to stay working, I'm passing that advice on to you. Be a chameleon, and have fun. Those who call you a sell-out probably aren't getting steady work.


Notes ♫

Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

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