First time playing a huge stage - any tips?

ToreFagerheim · 06-10-2012, 03:20 PM

So my band Shadowmind got booked to Øyesletta Live 2012, where we will play on the same stage as Hammerfall and Amaranthe, and the stage is 10x30 metres. We are used to only playing tiny clubs where we barely have and space at all on stage, and now we're going to play this seriously huge stage.

We've already decided to invest in Line 6 G30 wireless for guitars and bass.

What do I need to know about playing stages this size? Anyone got tips to share?

Ocara-Jacob · 06-10-2012, 04:41 PM

Don't just stand there and make it awkward for all those watching

I actually play on small stages, so I'm trying to imagine walking onto a large stage for the first time... Sounds scary. Yeah. Move around a little. That's all I got for ya.

danresn · 06-10-2012, 06:49 PM

I'm not in a band, so I can't really give advice, but congratulations for getting on a large stage

TimSE · 06-10-2012, 06:52 PM

Best thing you can do is have fun with it and not worry. Gigs are always way more fun when you can tell the band are having a wicked time.
Plus itl be wicked to make the most of the space

Phlegethon · 06-10-2012, 10:22 PM

I have one suggestion: practice all of the things that you would need to do to have a show run smoothly, but make sure to practice them until you CAN'T get it wrong. a couple of relevant examples (you may already do these things, they just reinforce my main point)

as far as setups for venues goes: make sure that everything is in working order and that you have backups for all of your major things(guitars, amps ... etc); make sure that everything that's routine about setting up goes as quickly as possible and have a well practiced system in place to take care of any glitches that can happen at a live show

in regard to the performance aspect: rehearse with the mantra "perfect practice makes perfect". try to anticipate what it'll be like on the big stage and rehearse accordingly. if your rehearsal space isn't big enough to mimic the actual stage, then take elements (the previously mentioned "move around" would be one example) that would be important to have down and rehearse these items during band practice.

it all boils down to how well prepared are you going to be when you hit the big stage. seeing as this is a new thing, it would be best to put everything under the microscope, examine it, and then work at what you find. the more rehearsed you are, the easier this is going to be ... which will translate into a superior performance.

to sum it up:

dedicated, focused practice on important things will make perfect. nothing less.

planning how to get around stage problems before they happen will make any actual problems during the show easier to handle. experience is no substitution for prevention.

take a cue from nigel tufnel's amps: make sure things about this show go to 11. why? because it'll make things more enjoyable for everybody from you and your band to the audience

McBonez · 06-13-2012, 05:43 PM

As awkward as it's going to sound...

Rehearse how you want the show to go. It feels weird at a jam session, but it's better than going on stage and looking extremely unorganized.

RevDrucifer · 06-13-2012, 05:48 PM

If you got a huge yard to use, I'd take your amp outside and jam while walking far away from it, get used to how it feels and sounds. It won't be exactly like being onstage, but it'll be close.

The more you can expect and anticipate what it'll feel/sound like (in every aspect of the bands performance), the easier it'll be to get up there and jam.

McBonez · 06-13-2012, 08:06 PM

And then the neighbours get a free show, too!

KingAenarion · 06-14-2012, 07:44 AM

Interaction!

Watch footage of bands you like and know have reps as good live bands.

One of my favourite bands to see live is Machine Head. They just slay with their presence on stage.

iRaiseTheDead · 06-14-2012, 04:29 PM

Play it like you normally play

mcd · 06-18-2012, 01:07 PM

biggest show i think i played was around 1100-1500 people amphitheater, and one thing i can say is play like you own the thing! I imagined i was in the local dive i was use to and knew everyone in the audience and we had a great show, minus the rain and the bad ground on my amp! oh and bring a back up amp or head

supercolio · 06-23-2012, 08:18 AM

Don't wander too far away from the monitors. You want to hear what you're playing

Also, isn't G30 limited to 30 meters? I bet you don't have 30 meters of walking space, but if you do, don't start doing stage runs

It might be a bit akward to realize you can't hear yourself.

wrongnote85 · 06-23-2012, 08:23 AM

the move around advice is good, but only if your keep in mind that this big stage does have boundaries. don't fall off.

ISRAFEL · 07-02-2012, 10:08 PM

Make tons of sweet faces and rock star poses. And like the rest of everyone says, jam out at practice like its live, turn the lights down and shred it up. Just try not to put any holes in the ceiling like myself. It's embarrassing everytime I try to explain that one...

Contra · 07-02-2012, 11:52 PM

This is traditionally a tip for vocals, but it does wonders for instrumentalists as well imo--play to the kind folks way in the back row, not just the people in front. You'll sound bigger and more interesting to more people if you don't forget to include everyone in the venue. Try to get into the mindset to play out as far as you can.

sage · 07-04-2012, 01:18 PM

Quote from Jason Lee's character in Almost Famous:

"I work just as hard or harder than anybody on that stage. You know what I do? I connect. I get people off. I look for the guy who isn't getting off, and I make him get off."

Make sure you connect with the audience the same way you would in a smaller venue. That kid who is just learning the guitar, he's watching your hands. You should spot him and make sure he gets a really good ....ing look at your solo. There should be about 70 or 80 of them in the first 30 feet of the audience. Make lots of eye contact. If you can reach them, high five the people getting the shit beat out of them just to maintain their spot in front of the stage.

And this will sound scary: play it like it's the last time you'll ever get the opportunity. This could be your "retirement from big ....ing stages" show. Make sure they remember you.

Destructionuponusguitar · 07-06-2012, 08:34 AM

Crank the volume on the bass and guitars at a bigger venue unlike at smaller clubs where you have to lay back on the volume and rely on the PA to get equal volume. So crank the volume but keep it equal. Also constantly keep checking to see if everyone is in tune even before you go on (you dont want to risk it at a big show) last, a couple people already said it but dont look like a zombie on stage and try to get the crowed involved. show them that you are really into the music youre playing. It doesnt have to be textbook perfect. For example, what ive noticed what gets people pumped is our vocalist will literally reach out grab some kids collar and scream in his face. He hasnt gotten punched in the face yet so i guess that means it works haha.

brutalwizard · 07-06-2012, 09:48 AM

GET DOWN

butterschnapps · 07-06-2012, 10:09 AM

I'm excited for you. I'd be scared as ...., I'm not going to lie. I have a problem playing in front of people still. I don't like doing any of the stuff I enjoy around others. Even having someone watch me use a computer bothers me.

Luke Acacia · 07-07-2012, 07:48 PM

You just have to own the stage, its not as hard as it sounds if you enjoy your music and can play it comfortably.
I remember the first time I played a big stage I was shitting myself but as soon as I was out there, I transformed into some demon. Hopefully the same thing happens for you.
Good luck

madmurphy13 · 07-10-2012, 05:24 AM

I think I'd try and imagine I was 20ft tall, like a huge, awesome, ogre of metal. Just don't get too wrapped up in it all and appear egotistical on stage, I feel there's a fine line between putting on a show and coming across as being in love with yourself and the crowd can smell that a mile off.

Congrats anyway dude, sounds like a great opportunity

CosmoHack · 07-10-2012, 07:00 AM

Playing in a huge stage is always great. I always thought that feeling the breeze of air while playing live gives a sensation of liberty that, usually, can't be felt in a regular venue. Enjoy it.

I assume that is an open air festival so, adding to the other tips, an important tech thing: be careful while moving all around the stage and getting outside the stage monitors range. If you don't use an in-ear monitor system it may be difficult to you to hear something. Remember that the acoustic of an open stage doesn't work like those from the clubs.

Enjoy!

Loomer · 07-12-2012, 04:52 AM

Two words:

Break.

Dance.

Mprinsje · 07-12-2012, 05:33 AM

do the dillinger

xxvicarious · 07-13-2012, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToreFagerheim

What do I need to know about playing stages this size? Anyone got tips to share?

Move around, dont be boring.
And pay attention to your monitors.

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06-10-2012, 03:20 PM	#1
ToreFagerheim SS.org Regular Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Norway Posts: 227 Thanked: 13 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	First time playing a huge stage - any tips? So my band Shadowmind got booked to Øyesletta Live 2012, where we will play on the same stage as Hammerfall and Amaranthe, and the stage is 10x30 metres. We are used to only playing tiny clubs where we barely have and space at all on stage, and now we're going to play this seriously huge stage. We've already decided to invest in Line 6 G30 wireless for guitars and bass. What do I need to know about playing stages this size? Anyone got tips to share? Bigfan likes this. My metal band "Shadowmind": http://www.facebook.com/shadowmindband http://shadowmind.bandcamp.com/ Like my official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/guitartore

06-10-2012, 06:52 PM	#4
TimSE SS Contributor Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 4,161 Thanked: 140 Feedback Score: 7 reviews	Best thing you can do is have fun with it and not worry. Gigs are always way more fun when you can tell the band are having a wicked time. Plus itl be wicked to make the most of the space Luke Acacia likes this. www.facebook.com/tempusfusionband http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/to-...ll/id507292058

06-10-2012, 10:22 PM	#5
Phlegethon SS.org Regular Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: ON, Canada Posts: 315 Thanked: 6 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I have one suggestion: practice all of the things that you would need to do to have a show run smoothly, but make sure to practice them until you CAN'T get it wrong. a couple of relevant examples (you may already do these things, they just reinforce my main point) as far as setups for venues goes: make sure that everything is in working order and that you have backups for all of your major things(guitars, amps ... etc); make sure that everything that's routine about setting up goes as quickly as possible and have a well practiced system in place to take care of any glitches that can happen at a live show in regard to the performance aspect: rehearse with the mantra "perfect practice makes perfect". try to anticipate what it'll be like on the big stage and rehearse accordingly. if your rehearsal space isn't big enough to mimic the actual stage, then take elements (the previously mentioned "move around" would be one example) that would be important to have down and rehearse these items during band practice. it all boils down to how well prepared are you going to be when you hit the big stage. seeing as this is a new thing, it would be best to put everything under the microscope, examine it, and then work at what you find. the more rehearsed you are, the easier this is going to be ... which will translate into a superior performance. to sum it up: dedicated, focused practice on important things will make perfect. nothing less. planning how to get around stage problems before they happen will make any actual problems during the show easier to handle. experience is no substitution for prevention. take a cue from nigel tufnel's amps: make sure things about this show go to 11. why? because it'll make things more enjoyable for everybody from you and your band to the audience Contributing writer for guitars canada: www.guitarscanada.com Guitar lessons for the Hamilton region in southern ontario in the comfort of your home, contact me via PM or the following email address: odetoanote@gmail.com

06-13-2012, 05:43 PM	#6
McBonez SS.org Regular Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 568 Thanked: 13 Feedback Score: 8 reviews	As awkward as it's going to sound... Rehearse how you want the show to go. It feels weird at a jam session, but it's better than going on stage and looking extremely unorganized. CYBERSYN and xxvicarious like this.

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06-10-2012, 04:41 PM	#2
Ocara-Jacob The SS.org Idiot Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Mason, OH Posts: 720 Thanked: 15 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Don't just stand there and make it awkward for all those watching I actually play on small stages, so I'm trying to imagine walking onto a large stage for the first time... Sounds scary. Yeah. Move around a little. That's all I got for ya.

06-10-2012, 06:49 PM	#3
danresn SS.org Regular Join Date: May 2012 Location: QLD, Australia Posts: 140 Thanked: 3 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I'm not in a band, so I can't really give advice, but congratulations for getting on a large stage

06-13-2012, 05:48 PM	#7
RevDrucifer SS.org Regular Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Posts: 628 Thanked: 5 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	If you got a huge yard to use, I'd take your amp outside and jam while walking far away from it, get used to how it feels and sounds. It won't be exactly like being onstage, but it'll be close. The more you can expect and anticipate what it'll feel/sound like (in every aspect of the bands performance), the easier it'll be to get up there and jam. CYBERSYN likes this.

06-13-2012, 08:06 PM	#8
McBonez SS.org Regular Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 568 Thanked: 13 Feedback Score: 8 reviews	And then the neighbours get a free show, too!

06-14-2012, 07:44 AM	#9
KingAenarion Resident Studio Nerd Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 2,798 Thanked: 16 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Interaction! Watch footage of bands you like and know have reps as good live bands. One of my favourite bands to see live is Machine Head. They just slay with their presence on stage. simonk likes this. My band - Ex Curia - Prog metal in an Opeth meets Machine Head kind of way Difference Engine Productions - My recording and mixing business. Difference Engine Productions

06-14-2012, 04:29 PM	#10
iRaiseTheDead Ashes Of Rebirth Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,798 Thanked: 22 Feedback Score: 2 reviews	Play it like you normally play \m/ My Band: www.facebook.com/AshesOfRebirth My Soundcloud: (riffs and song ideas) www.soundcloud.com/iRaiseTheDead My Design Page: www.facebook.com/RaiseTheDeadDesign

06-18-2012, 01:07 PM	#11
mcd stuff and thangs Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: hawaii usa Posts: 919 Thanked: 7 Feedback Score: 17 reviews	biggest show i think i played was around 1100-1500 people amphitheater, and one thing i can say is play like you own the thing! I imagined i was in the local dive i was use to and knew everyone in the audience and we had a great show, minus the rain and the bad ground on my amp! oh and bring a back up amp or head

06-23-2012, 08:18 AM	#12
supercolio Super-spy Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Finland Posts: 64 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Don't wander too far away from the monitors. You want to hear what you're playing Also, isn't G30 limited to 30 meters? I bet you don't have 30 meters of walking space, but if you do, don't start doing stage runs It might be a bit akward to realize you can't hear yourself.

06-23-2012, 08:23 AM	#13
wrongnote85 SS.org Regular Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Matool Posts: 487 Thanked: 9 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	the move around advice is good, but only if your keep in mind that this big stage does have boundaries. don't fall off. The Official Traverser ReverbNation http://www.reverbnation.com/traverserofficial The Official Traverser Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Traverserofficial

07-06-2012, 09:48 AM	#18
brutalwizard Pretty Your Petunia Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: idaho Posts: 2,807 Thanked: 100 $brutalwizard is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $brutalwizard is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $brutalwizard is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $brutalwizard is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $brutalwizard is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $brutalwizard is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $brutalwizard is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ Feedback Score: 8 reviews	GET DOWN Check out my band http://www.facebook.com/ForsythiaOfficial My youtube youtube.com/therealgtarbeast666 I don't think that we ever thought of it as the equivalent of music, as the end-goal was to buy more in-game slut clothes-- schecterwhore on rock band Im a super chill mellow ambient slut. --7 STRINGS OF HATE

07-12-2012, 04:52 AM	#23
Loomer Comfortably Dumb Join Date: May 2006 Location: Denmark Posts: 2,797 Thanked: 40 $Loomer is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Loomer is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Loomer is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Loomer is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Loomer is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Loomer is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Loomer is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Two words: Break. Dance. Mprinsje and Luke Acacia like this.

07-12-2012, 05:33 AM	#24
Mprinsje st. anger ain't bad! Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Gouda, Netherlands Posts: 851 Thanked: 13 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	do the dillinger Loomer likes this.

07-02-2012, 10:08 PM	#14
ISRAFEL ss.org Regular Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 26 Thanked: 3 / 1 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Make tons of sweet faces and rock star poses. And like the rest of everyone says, jam out at practice like its live, turn the lights down and shred it up. Just try not to put any holes in the ceiling like myself. It's embarrassing everytime I try to explain that one...

07-02-2012, 11:52 PM	#15
Contra ss.org Regular Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 35 Thanked: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	This is traditionally a tip for vocals, but it does wonders for instrumentalists as well imo--play to the kind folks way in the back row, not just the people in front. You'll sound bigger and more interesting to more people if you don't forget to include everyone in the venue. Try to get into the mindset to play out as far as you can.

07-04-2012, 01:18 PM	#16
sage Banned Join Date: May 2011 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,313 Thanked: 16 Feedback Score: 5 reviews	Quote from Jason Lee's character in Almost Famous: "I work just as hard or harder than anybody on that stage. You know what I do? I connect. I get people off. I look for the guy who isn't getting off, and I make him get off." Make sure you connect with the audience the same way you would in a smaller venue. That kid who is just learning the guitar, he's watching your hands. You should spot him and make sure he gets a really good ....ing look at your solo. There should be about 70 or 80 of them in the first 30 feet of the audience. Make lots of eye contact. If you can reach them, high five the people getting the shit beat out of them just to maintain their spot in front of the stage. And this will sound scary: play it like it's the last time you'll ever get the opportunity. This could be your "retirement from big ....ing stages" show. Make sure they remember you.

07-06-2012, 08:34 AM	#17
Destructionuponusguitar Destructionguitarist Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Saylorsburg, PA Posts: 19 Thanked: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Crank the volume on the bass and guitars at a bigger venue unlike at smaller clubs where you have to lay back on the volume and rely on the PA to get equal volume. So crank the volume but keep it equal. Also constantly keep checking to see if everyone is in tune even before you go on (you dont want to risk it at a big show) last, a couple people already said it but dont look like a zombie on stage and try to get the crowed involved. show them that you are really into the music youre playing. It doesnt have to be textbook perfect. For example, what ive noticed what gets people pumped is our vocalist will literally reach out grab some kids collar and scream in his face. He hasnt gotten punched in the face yet so i guess that means it works haha.

07-06-2012, 10:09 AM	#19
butterschnapps (´･ω･`) Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 249 Thanked: 4 Feedback Score: 2 reviews	I'm excited for you. I'd be scared as ...., I'm not going to lie. I have a problem playing in front of people still. I don't like doing any of the stuff I enjoy around others. Even having someone watch me use a computer bothers me.

07-07-2012, 07:48 PM	#20
Luke Acacia STRAYA Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Australia Posts: 489 Thanked: 3 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	You just have to own the stage, its not as hard as it sounds if you enjoy your music and can play it comfortably. I remember the first time I played a big stage I was shitting myself but as soon as I was out there, I transformed into some demon. Hopefully the same thing happens for you. Good luck

07-10-2012, 05:24 AM	#21
madmurphy13 Avenging Myself Join Date: May 2008 Location: UK Posts: 68 Thanked: 2 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I think I'd try and imagine I was 20ft tall, like a huge, awesome, ogre of metal. Just don't get too wrapped up in it all and appear egotistical on stage, I feel there's a fine line between putting on a show and coming across as being in love with yourself and the crowd can smell that a mile off. Congrats anyway dude, sounds like a great opportunity

07-10-2012, 07:00 AM	#22
CosmoHack ss.org Regular Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Madrid Posts: 7 Thanked: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Playing in a huge stage is always great. I always thought that feeling the breeze of air while playing live gives a sensation of liberty that, usually, can't be felt in a regular venue. Enjoy it. I assume that is an open air festival so, adding to the other tips, an important tech thing: be careful while moving all around the stage and getting outside the stage monitors range. If you don't use an in-ear monitor system it may be difficult to you to hear something. Remember that the acoustic of an open stage doesn't work like those from the clubs. Enjoy!

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