Hey Jeff, great advice for starting out solo gigging, I would add a great confidence builder Open Mic Nights are a great place to start. Met great people who gave great advice and feedback. this week I'm playing a Nursing Home, Farmers Market and a Brewery
Good word, JEFFERY! All of us, including the guys are playing for 50 years, still have nervous moments. This advice is absolute gold for those of us who have played in bands, and have now decided to do it alone as a solo act. Thanks for the encouragement!
Hi Jeff, I had to chuckle cause I think you were talking about me with the 7 hour gig I had about a year ago. Needless to say, I repeated a bunch of songs. The winery had a new set of people come in every hour for a special barrel tasting so it was a new audience about every hour. Yes, confidence is a tricky thing and I struggle a lot with it. Not to get into any psychological rabbit hole but so much of confidence seems to form when we're young. My son has no fear playing in front of people or singing on stage in a play. We encouraged him all his life and loved and celebrated every moment he stepped out "on stage" whether it was music or sports or whatever. This past year he joined the Marine Corps. and talk about a confidence booster, he's doing things I've only dreamed about. When I was growing up, no one in my family was a performer of any kind. I kinda hid in the background doing my thing with lots of other family drama going on around me. By 8th grade I gave up on choir, and the school band and drama. I don't have a lot of experience solo gigging over the years - maybe 3 or 4 times a year but, I always get people coming up and tipping and saying how much they enjoy it and they really like my voice but I hesitate trying to get out there more and drumming up more gigs, which of course, would give me more confidence. I'll be retiring from my "regular" job in less than a year and really hoping to get out and do this more to build that confidence. Practicing, even if it's only 10-15 minutes some days, keeps me and my fingers in the game and builds that confidence when I really know the songs. And yes, you're right about performing with friends and places where they love you and support you and can also be honest with you. Thanks for your insights and honesty, Jeff.
Another great video. Confidence is a bit of a thing I still struggle with until I play my first tune. That’s why I choose a tune I am very comfortable with, always goes well, gets rid of my nerves then I’m in the groove. I just try and have fun and hopefully bring people along with me. Party on!
Hey Wayne... Thank you for the shout !! excellent point on picking songs that are simple & easy... that's what I do to warm up at the beginning of the show... Keep Rockin my brother !!
Before playing solo gigs, I played in bands and duos, which provided the opportunity to build a set list and learn stagecraft, making me feel confident that I could perform all by myself. Baby steps, as Jeffrey says.
Great video as always Jeffrey. Confidence is something that we never have enough of. Probably rightly I think that it gives me an edge as it gets my adrenaline going just before I start my set. It sort of focuses me and kick starts everything. I have also started to film my rehearsals so I can work on my weaknesses. It's work in progress. Keep rocking and soothing souls man 🎸🎤👍
Hey Jeffery! Regarding building confidence... I played in working bands for 25 years. I then sat the guitar down for over 20 years (got married, started a family, etc.). A few years ago I decided to pick up my acoustic guitar with the possibility of doing a solo gig. I am at the point that I have over a hundred songs (mixture of classic rock & country). I must admit that since I haven't performed in public in almost 30 years that my confidence is not where I would like it to be. In order to ease back into performing I plan on doing a few open mic nights to get the feel of being back on stage. Hopefully that will boost the confidence level. I was curious what your take is on doing open mics. Love your videos! Thank you for sharing your story. Keep Rockin' my friend!
Bingo !! open mics are exactly what you said... a warm up for bigger and better things, just a stepping stone.. I also think there great for trying out your original music. sometimes you need a little break... LOL I get... time to sooth souls & make smiles. Rock on Robert !
Congratulations on 1500 subscribers !!! Always enjoy the vids ... Good point about Confidence . I think a lot musicians tend to question themselves and critique themselves sometimes too much . Confidence is the key . Some things maybe to talk about -------What is a sample of one of your sets, what is a sample of something you are working on , What is your routine for learning a new tune . what are your thoughts about choosing a new tune . Do you look for any modern day tunes ... or do you stick to the classic stuff . ? When writing a new song, do you come up with music first or lyrics or whatever happens , happens ? Just some shit to talk about . Always enjoy hanging with ya Jeffrey ! Regards from Florida
Much like the 45 "b" side of CW McCall's Convoy, circa 1975ish, "Long Lonesome Road" (through the lifetime of a trucker), so to sometimes is the solo gigging life! No matter how seasoned, there should be a healthy dose of nervousness before each gig, as it's evidence of noncomplacency. Keep doing what you do!
Yes as said in the comments Open Mic Nights are a great start. I've been doing more with the Beat buddy and it has set me apart from the other solo acts in my area. It has really helped me up my game
Hey, bitchin’ board, man! I’ve gone to a small multi-FX pedal since I switched to solo acoustic, but I do miss my apedal board at times. I used to use that same Donner delay and loved it! ✌️
I believe I mentioned in the vlog... depending on how long your songs are... if there are shorter songs... 11-12. longer songs... 9-10 your set should be about 45 mins long and a 10-15min break... hope that help my man thank you for the shout !!
Dude !!! it frickin sucks out there right now.... very weird times.. besides the high cost of everything.. a lot of venues are pulling back on the live music cuz of their food cost and everything else... crazy.. gonna be doing a vlog on just what you commented... Hit everywhere hit them two & three times... all it takes is one door to open and you're in... I'm kinda goin through the same shit right now...hang in there and keep pushing forward... a door will open brother
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Hey Jeff, great advice for starting out solo gigging, I would add a great confidence builder Open Mic Nights are a great place to start. Met great people who gave great advice and feedback. this week I'm playing a Nursing Home, Farmers Market and a Brewery
Hell yes brother... soothe those souls my brother !!! so good to hear !!
Good word, JEFFERY! All of us, including the guys are playing for 50 years, still have nervous moments. This advice is absolute gold for those of us who have played in bands, and have now decided to do it alone as a solo act. Thanks for the encouragement!
Thank you brother for hangin with me !
Hi Jeff, I had to chuckle cause I think you were talking about me with the 7 hour gig I had about a year ago. Needless to say, I repeated a bunch of songs. The winery had a new set of people come in every hour for a special barrel tasting so it was a new audience about every hour.
Yes, confidence is a tricky thing and I struggle a lot with it. Not to get into any psychological rabbit hole but so much of confidence seems to form when we're young. My son has no fear playing in front of people or singing on stage in a play. We encouraged him all his life and loved and celebrated every moment he stepped out "on stage" whether it was music or sports or whatever. This past year he joined the Marine Corps. and talk about a confidence booster, he's doing things I've only dreamed about. When I was growing up, no one in my family was a performer of any kind. I kinda hid in the background doing my thing with lots of other family drama going on around me. By 8th grade I gave up on choir, and the school band and drama.
I don't have a lot of experience solo gigging over the years - maybe 3 or 4 times a year but, I always get people coming up and tipping and saying how much they enjoy it and they really like my voice but I hesitate trying to get out there more and drumming up more gigs, which of course, would give me more confidence. I'll be retiring from my "regular" job in less than a year and really hoping to get out and do this more to build that confidence. Practicing, even if it's only 10-15 minutes some days, keeps me and my fingers in the game and builds that confidence when I really know the songs.
And yes, you're right about performing with friends and places where they love you and support you and can also be honest with you. Thanks for your insights and honesty, Jeff.
Another great video. Confidence is a bit of a thing I still struggle with until I play my first tune. That’s why I choose a tune I am very comfortable with, always goes well, gets rid of my nerves then I’m in the groove. I just try and have fun and hopefully bring people along with me.
Party on!
Hey Wayne... Thank you for the shout !! excellent point on picking songs that are simple & easy... that's what I do to warm up at the beginning of the show... Keep Rockin my brother !!
Before playing solo gigs, I played in bands and duos, which provided the opportunity to build a set list and learn stagecraft, making me feel confident that I could perform all by myself. Baby steps, as Jeffrey says.
Perfect way to transition... Rock on brother !!
Great video as always Jeffrey. Confidence is something that we never have enough of. Probably rightly I think that it gives me an edge as it gets my adrenaline going just before I start my set. It sort of focuses me and kick starts everything. I have also started to film my rehearsals so I can work on my weaknesses. It's work in progress. Keep rocking and soothing souls man 🎸🎤👍
sounds like you are all over Steve... bring on the smiles brother !! and Thank you !!
Hey Jeffery! Regarding building confidence... I played in working bands for 25 years. I then sat the guitar down for over 20 years (got married, started a family, etc.). A few years ago I decided to pick up my acoustic guitar with the possibility of doing a solo gig. I am at the point that I have over a hundred songs (mixture of classic rock & country). I must admit that since I haven't performed in public in almost 30 years that my confidence is not where I would like it to be. In order to ease back into performing I plan on doing a few open mic nights to get the feel of being back on stage. Hopefully that will boost the confidence level. I was curious what your take is on doing open mics. Love your videos! Thank you for sharing your story. Keep Rockin' my friend!
Bingo !! open mics are exactly what you said... a warm up for bigger and better things, just a stepping stone.. I also think there great for trying out your original music. sometimes you need a little break... LOL I get... time to sooth souls & make smiles. Rock on Robert !
Congratulations on 1500 subscribers !!! Always enjoy the vids ... Good point about Confidence . I think a lot musicians tend to question themselves and critique themselves sometimes too much . Confidence is the key .
Some things maybe to talk about -------What is a sample of one of your sets, what is a sample of something you are working on , What is your routine for learning a new tune . what are your thoughts about choosing a new tune . Do you look for any modern day tunes ... or do you stick to the classic stuff . ? When writing a new song, do you come up with music first or lyrics or whatever happens , happens ? Just some shit to talk about .
Always enjoy hanging with ya Jeffrey ! Regards from Florida
I'm making note, for sure !!! LOL thank you brother for the kick start... Keep soothing the souls in that sunshine state, brother !!
Much like the 45 "b" side of CW McCall's Convoy, circa 1975ish, "Long Lonesome Road" (through the lifetime of a trucker), so to sometimes is the solo gigging life! No matter how seasoned, there should be a healthy dose of nervousness before each gig, as it's evidence of noncomplacency. Keep doing what you do!
Thank you my man !!!
Yes as said in the comments Open Mic Nights are a great start. I've been doing more with the Beat buddy and it has set me apart from the other solo acts in my area. It has really helped me up my game
Love it brother !!!
Hey, bitchin’ board, man! I’ve gone to a small multi-FX pedal since I switched to solo acoustic, but I do miss my apedal board at times. I used to use that same Donner delay and loved it! ✌️
Right on brother... I get it.. I love it too... keep bringing on those smiles !!
Man can you do a demo of your pedalboard? lots of cool pedals.
Will do
Hi Jeffery, how many songs would you consider is a set? 4-5 ? BTW I really enjoy your vids very inspiring Thank You!
I believe I mentioned in the vlog... depending on how long your songs are... if there are shorter songs... 11-12. longer songs... 9-10 your set should be about 45 mins long and a 10-15min break... hope that help my man thank you for the shout !!
@@thesologigginglife6566 Yes it does and Thanks again!
I'm pro level and I can't get gigs, it's sickening
Dude !!! it frickin sucks out there right now.... very weird times.. besides the high cost of everything.. a lot of venues are pulling back on the live music cuz of their food cost and everything else... crazy.. gonna be doing a vlog on just what you commented... Hit everywhere hit them two & three times... all it takes is one door to open and you're in... I'm kinda goin through the same shit right now...hang in there and keep pushing forward... a door will open brother