Courtesy, that’s still a thing, right?
So the gig last night was definitely fun, but there was a bit taken away by the actions of one of the other bands, to the point where I decided to write up some tips to my fellow musicians on simple ways to not be an egotistical dick.
When your set is done, get off the stage
Shows are almost guaranteed to run later than expected, but when you unnecessarily waste time, you’re creating a bad experience for everyone. Example: Last night the band before us took their time setting up and so started 15 minutes later than they were supposed to, played their full set, then took even more time getting off the stage (at least another 15-20 minutes!), all of which forced us (and the band after us) to cut short our set to make up for the extra time they took. Not cool, guys, not cool.
Whenever possible, support your fellow musicians
Look, this is simple. Talk to the other bands, maybe try to get your friends into them, don’t show up just before your set and leave right after. Stick around and listen and show support, isn’t the idea to be in this together? Obviously certain exceptions are understandable, but at least make an effort. PS, sitting around outside the club, not paying any attention, just so you can get paid at the end of the night, is not supporting your fellow musicians.
Leave your ego out of it
You’re in a local band, maybe you’ve amassed a good following, garnered some popularity, but when you come in acting like you’re some kind of big shot rock star who’s better than everybody else? Well then, as they say, ur doin it wrong. Having a rack of 10 guitars on stage and not actually using a single one of them doesn’t make you look cool, it makes you look like jackass. Of course a good stage show is important, but when you’re focused more on looking like rock stars than playing? It’s so obviously fake that all it accomplishes is making you look like you’re trying too hard. The show is supposed to be about the music, not a beauty contest.
Make love, not war
The music industry tries to force this idea of competition, that you have to be better, you have to stand out if you want to “make it.” I say fuck that. Stop worrying about trying to a record deal, trying to get “noticed” and just go out there and do what you love. Besides, I like to believe you’d get a lot farther, or at least get more enjoyment out of it, if you make friends instead of alienate yourself from everyone.
OK, that’s all for my ranting, and now, back to the music!
