Every gig is an audition for another gig.
Each performance I give is an opportunity to give another performance.
This is one of my gigging tips that I share with working musicians. I was just talking about this again with my friends MJ and John yesterday, so I thought I would crystallize it here. Let me explain what I mean.
I always want to put my best foot forward. Creating opportunities for work in the music business is not easy. So I want to make the most of those opportunities when I get them.
When I get a call for a gig, that is just the beginning of the audition. This is when my preparation starts. At that point, I make sure I have all the details I need for the gig including venue address, times for load in/sound check/show, required attire, the pay and the songs we’ll be playing.
Then I make sure I am prepared with recordings of the material we’ll be playing if they are available. Sometimes I will even make a play list for that band, load it on my iPod, and listen to it for study. Since Charleston is a top wedding destination, most of the bands I play with are performing wedding receptions. So most of the new material these groups play are the first dances for the bride & groom, father & daughter, and mother & groom. Organizing the songs in a play list allows me to quickly listen to new tunes and to prioritize the creation of charts for those songs that need them.
Woody Allen once said something like,
80 percent of success is just showing up.
I believe that…regardless of the exact percentage. So I make sure I show up. I show up on time, if not early, with everything I need, a smile, and a good attitude. A smile and a good attitude, I have found, carry a lot more weight than who I know or what kind of instrument I play.
Here are a few questions to consider…
- Are you an asset to the group or venue you are working with?
- If you are a soloist, is your performance worthy of positive word-of-mouth?
- Are the people on stage and on the dance floor positively impacted by the music you are creating?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then you are likely passing your auditions and getting more calls for more work. If you can not answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then you likely are failing your auditions for future work. Sure you got this gig, but will you get called for the next one?
You never know who is going to hear you when you are playing.
You really don’t.
As Sonia Simone said,
You’re getting more chances than you realize to strut your stuff for someone who could help you.
There could be an international touring artist, a well-connected talent scout, or a soon-to-be bride attending your gig. And if they like what they hear, they might hire you or your band.
I believe that if you show up and do a good job then good things happen. When you put everything you have into your performance each night then the right opportunities will always present themselves. It’s pretty simple. Word travels fast. So I encourage you to ensure that good word is traveling when people are talking about your performance.
When you are a part of a regular working band or have a regular weekly gig at a local venue, giving your best on a nightly basis proves to the band leader(s) or the venue owner just how valuable you are. So while you may already have a few gigs on the books with a particular group or venue, you can ensure that you will get the first call when it’s time to book more shows by consistently adding value to their business. Sure you’ve got the gig for now. But how are you treating your performance on every show to ensure that you have the gig next week? Next month? Next year?
I believe this mind set ultimately translates to job security. You can’t control the economy, but you can certainly control your actions and your attitude. Not only will this approach eliminate complacency and keep you hungry, but it will also keep you humble.
Remember, every gig is an audition for another gig.
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You’re right on the money on this one, Will. I never slack off, always give 100% at every gig I play, and keep an eye and ear on everything around me, especially my rhythm section. Crowd is essential too.
“I show up on time, if not early, with everything I need, a smile, and a good attitude. A smile and a good attitude, I have found, carry a lot more weight than who I know or what kind of instrument I play.”
This is the most important paragraph in your article. Without this, a gigging musician will be flatlined. Have a good day.
Chris
@Chris Dodson: Thank you for sharing your insight into the mind of a working musician. I appreciate what you do before the job, on the job, and after the job. It has been a pleasure to work with you as a leader this year, and I look forward to sharing the stage with you again in the future!
Thanks, It’s so refreshing to see that the same attitude I’ve tried to carry can prevail, and that the “industry” ins’t a nasty place if you aren’t transmitting it also. You’re either part of the solution or you’re part of the problem. Then again slack off’s give us hard workers a good name.
@Shea Cardinalli: Thank you for weighing in on this topic. I appreciate you walking with the same attitude in your work. Agreed… the industry does not have to be a nasty place. Thoughtful, hard working musicians can continue to shape the industry for the positive and will always have their reputations measured against those that don’t show as much care. Care, humility and an understanding of the value you bring to every gig will carry you far. Thanks again for writing, Shea!