Oh, how I wish I'd had this video 40 years ago. I knew all of this, but I learned it the hard way. To those of you just starting out....Tom Robinson is 100% on everything he said. But let me add just one more: NEVER wear a watch! Nothing looks crappier than an entertainer looking at his watch. It looks like he/she has better places to be. Thanks for a great video!
I started gigging again pre-Covid, mainly open mics. Just me on stage, sometimes with backing tracks , often singing a cappella. I love singing for the audience, not "at" the audience. Some great tips here, thanks Tom., can't wait to start singing live again!
I have no idea why this clip appeared on my recommended lit, and I inwardly groaned when I saw how long it was... But I'm so glad I watched it Now going to send the link to a few people I know Stunning stuff
Thanking you Tom. Great advice for everyone performing. We need this for every venue and band that want some impact. Cheers & beers .. Kujo in Tennessee.. 👍😎
Thank you Tom Robinson! I am a fan of you and your music. More please! I work as a busker singing 4 -5 hours per day, six days a week. Your videos are helpful.
From someone who has been doing this a long time and learned many of the useful tips the hard way, this is an incredible resource for people coming into the industry
Very true. The amount of money I spent on gear, and the hours I spent on practice and time. The sound guy puts out what what he/she thinks works for the venue, bit you show is what works for the performer
So much great information here! I completely agree with the vocal microphone recommendation. I've been performing a long time now--guitar, keys, lead and backing vocals. About five years ago I started singing lead on more of our material--mostly through a Shure SM57 microphone cuz that is the mic I've always used for vocals ... even back in high school (long time ago!). A couple years went by and my 'voice' became a more critical part of our show. So I went on a tone quest to find the best mic possible for MY voice. I reached out to a well known local audio engineer ... shared my goal ... and met him with 6 or so mics that he had in mind for me to try. Also ... I had a fellow - musician whose ears I trust join us for the audition. Honestly ... I was ready to invest up to $1000 or more--given that the lead vocal is arguably the most important part of a show. Thankfully ... I didn't have to spend that amount. After trying a few mics that were just o.k. I auditioned the Sennheiser e865 condenser microphone. BINGO! Wow! Should have done this years ago. This mic captures the clarity, resonance, and sonic range I was after. And ... its under $300! Please note that I use this mic for live performance ... not recording. It may or may not be the right mic for you ... but I would encourage all who take their singing seriously to consider this process. This microphone has been a game changer for me! Not that it makes a difference to me but I believe this mic is/or was Ed Sheerhan's 'go to' mic for live performance.
I was right about leaving d stage quick while still being applauded. It was back n d 70' 80's 90's till early 2K's... Now im busking... cant do that anymore cz i got to fix up my gear. A busker cant have a roadie. It wont look good.😎
You absolutely crushed it! I've been performing with bands for over 14 years but only recently started performing solo and this video is incredibly useful and full of great advice - and awesome music, too. Cheers! Axel.
I have found sometimes the space given to you to set up and preform due to the gigging area is limited to an area thats not what it should be, but with a little thinking and common sense you can make it work . yes never ket let the lack of area no matter how small get to you, you just make it work for you.
Thanks Tom! Like most of everyone else here, I'm a solo artist and I plan on playing gigs (for the first time since I used to play open mic nights as a teen) ~ and I definitely absorbed quite a bit of your advice here. But not even just that, I also plan to be on a music segment (for our local news station) soon, and I needed all the advice I could get! It all made so much sense, thank you for making this and uploading it as well. I feel confident within myself.
remember for the guitar you can change the strings a day before the gig if you wanted to I change and cleaned my guitar yesterday which is Thursday and have a gig sunday for solo guitar/backround music. the important thing is to get the strings to the right tuning when you change them and to stretch them out with your fingers and keep tuning it and repeat the stretching until they don't go out of tune.it also helps for me that I have a $3000 taylor acoustic guitar. make sure you get a good sound its so important. also ive had a string break once, one time I had the piece break where plug the guitar in (where you can put a guitar strap on for acoustic).but I had a backup guitar with me and it saved the day. if you ever break a string in the middle of a performance keep going whatever your doing don't stop until the end of the song people will find that impressive. even if you have to improvise something completely different. I actually broke a string twice now that I remember. I was 19 years old(26 now) and I just stopped the song. a man right by me said why did you stop just because you broke a string. when I do backround music/solo guitar I have my sets written on paper with a variety of styles of music.if you do solo guitar its also a really helpful skill to be able to improvise on the spot.i have a gig where I play for 4 hours straight for a brunch at a fancy place. at this gig I now play every week and basicly they got rid of all the musicians before me because im a virtuoso guitar player and bring fans just to see me play acoustic fingerstyle/ loop pedal jams. you know your good if people tip on their way out or people constantly telling you how much they enjoyed your music your amazing! also and I cant stress this enough have business cards at least! make them look professional.put them on a mini table by your tip jar(if the place will allow you to use a tip jar).I use Vistaprint for my cards. if you do great or amazing a lot of people will ask for them as they tell you your awesome I loved your music. have backup strings,guitar, cables, I always bring 9v batterys for my acoustic guitars and more. just think of anyway you can be as prepared as possible. be desirable and show the person paying you why your the right choice.also do not be late ever, or cancel a performance.thats why I get continuous gigs.so many musicians are lazy and cancel.only cancel if its an emergency.ive only canceled one gig because my dad was in the hospital for a heart issue. most people will understand.and when I came back the next week people were asking how my dad was. if your really really good like I am remember to be humble. and always work on your craft.also stretch your fingers everyday or they will become weak and ache. Thanks for the video it was very informational. I just thought of adding my experience to help others. also if your just starting out your going to be nervous its normal. as you keep playing out it will go away and you'll get maybe a tiny tiny bit nervous at worst. o and after thanksgiving start playing some Christmas music people will love that.im just giving my advice on my personal experience. I also appreciate this video its very helpful. good luck everyone!!!
Great Vid... Thank you sooo much. With your help I'll be changing the way I set things up for sure...I've got a daytime job and I'm doin' alright (thank you very moooch), and I been playing out small time for long time now and I never really gave much thought to my bar stage, but I'll be making some changes now .. Can't thank you enough, Cheers!
This is dope! Best in depth prep lesson ive seen on the internet yet! I have a major self confidence issue when it comes to not only being vocal but being vocal while playing live. It only lasts through the first song now. Where as before i felt like that the entire show. I know its working. I love it and hate it. I dont want people to hear the fear in my voice. But i also dont want to get to a point of it being another job and not getting nervous at all. In other words i want that spark and spontaneity but dont want it to dominate me while on stage!
Thanks Tom. your a real life line to us down in the thick of it. great info. My Band is called the WEEDS. were gearing up to send you our Amazing song end of may time.. Getting our focas day organised. and setting up activity around that date ready for when you play it!..Keep an ear out. Your a good man TR. Pete.:)
Used these techniques last Thursday at my very first open mic at a bar full of people! Very helpful as it was a success! Mostly haha Still a few wrong chord changes.....
some excellent points. However next to being well-rehearsed your sound reinforcement mix and EQ is crucial. Never ever turn your mains towards the center of the stage even slightly so that you can hear them, sonically they cancel each other out in front of the stage making your sound thin. EQ your acoustics so they sound rich deep bright and bold. Not the rubber bands going over a cardboard box.
Hi Tom, I play vibraphone, washtub bass, sing w/ keyboard for chord changes. Love "Get into the zone." BTW, I created a channel so people can see what I do, to land solo gigs. It worked! Your suggestions keep me coming back, to improve the look and sound of my set. Thanks!
My gig is not a "show".. dinner house guests.. I'm background music.. occasionally they will tip me n thank me for playing at a low volume to where they can actually hear each other talk..
Have to correct something: He said not to change strings right before the gig because they'll go continually out of tune. My advice: You only need to learn to stretch them by hand!!!! ...the strings won't go out of tune because the stretch will defeat the elasticity.
Around 4:45 he mentions that you can buy Martin strings for cheap. Quick note on what I believe is a better option for working musicians, most of whom will already know this: Coated strings are worth the extra money if you like the sound of new strings. Some people prefer the warmer sound of old strings, but I personally do not (although I do prefer the warmer sound of phosphor bronze [the darker, copper colored strings] to 80/20). As previously stated, I used to change strings twice a month. Now I change strings once a month, and if you’re a working musician, you already know that adds up over time. Especially when you have 3 or more guitars that you gig with. If you’re a classical guitarist I’d recommend against coated strings though. Just not the same to my ear. Maybe a little too bright. Idk, the coated nylon strings just don’t sound the same to me, and they’re like twice the cost so in that case I personally don’t find it to be worth the money.
All I can do is sing so I guess I should do karaoke of my favourite songs including yours not to infringe on copyright am I allowed to do that and put my expression on the tracks please let me know x
I have an image no matter whether people see it or as good or bad its pretty hard not to notice me I really miss my music groups I've shared this post to my friends who actually have talent x
![TIMETHAI - ไม่อยากให้เป็นเขา (Why tho?) [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/o2qYlGVVtOw/mqdefault.jpg)
preparation is KEY. "if you have one of something you have zero. if you have two, you have one"
Oh, how I wish I'd had this video 40 years ago. I knew all of this, but I learned it the hard way. To those of you just starting out....Tom Robinson is 100% on everything he said. But let me add just one more: NEVER wear a watch! Nothing looks crappier than an entertainer looking at his watch. It looks like he/she has better places to be. Thanks for a great video!
I started gigging again pre-Covid, mainly open mics. Just me on stage, sometimes with backing tracks , often singing a cappella. I love singing for the audience, not "at" the audience. Some great tips here, thanks Tom., can't wait to start singing live again!
Very good! Bring an extra U Haul trailer in case the first one with all your other extra stuff breaks down.
Every so often, I come back here and rewatch the video for a refresher. These are really good concepts.
"The 4 c's of performing:
commitment,
conviction,
connection and
communication."
I have no idea why this clip appeared on my recommended lit, and I inwardly groaned when I saw how long it was...
But I'm so glad I watched it
Now going to send the link to a few people I know
Stunning stuff
ALL HAIL THE ALGORITHM LORD.
Thanking you Tom. Great advice for everyone performing. We need this for every venue and band that want some impact. Cheers & beers .. Kujo in Tennessee.. 👍😎
This video was so helpful I have my first paid gig next week and I can't wait
How was your gig ?))
My first paid gig is this month. :)
@@TheIcanntspel me too!
great presentation you did us a great service
This was a great watch. I remember back in the 90s Tom came to one of my band's earliest shows and gave me equally fantastic advice.
Great job. Tom is a national treasure
Still 100% valid 7 years after... that's real insight - thanks for doing this way back in the day TR - liked and sub'd 👍
In the midst of growing into solo gigging and there were just so many gems in this half hour it was truly a master class. Thanks much!!
...Great point at the 1:29 mark..."Find your OWN voice".....seldom mentioned but good point...
Thank you Tom Robinson! I am a fan of you and your music. More please!
I work as a busker singing 4 -5 hours per day, six days a week. Your videos are helpful.
Thank you sir
P. S. Tom, love the added pick guards! Continued success..😊😎👍
Just seen this. I’ve created a special playlist so I can find it again. What gems of information! Thank you.
Some very valuable advice here.
From someone who has been doing this a long time and learned many of the useful tips the hard way, this is an incredible resource for people coming into the industry
Really great material for performing artists old and new. Thank you Tom!
Very true. The amount of money I spent on gear, and the hours I spent on practice and time. The sound guy puts out what what he/she thinks works for the venue, bit you show is what works for the performer
Helpful overall.
Connecting with the audience was a great tip to give for an artist
So much great information here! I completely agree with the vocal microphone recommendation. I've been performing a long time now--guitar, keys, lead and backing vocals. About five years ago I started singing lead on more of our material--mostly through a Shure SM57 microphone cuz that is the mic I've always used for vocals ... even back in high school (long time ago!). A couple years went by and my 'voice' became a more critical part of our show. So I went on a tone quest to find the best mic possible for MY voice. I reached out to a well known local audio engineer ... shared my goal ... and met him with 6 or so mics that he had in mind for me to try. Also ... I had a fellow - musician whose ears I trust join us for the audition. Honestly ... I was ready to invest up to $1000 or more--given that the lead vocal is arguably the most important part of a show. Thankfully ... I didn't have to spend that amount. After trying a few mics that were just o.k. I auditioned the Sennheiser e865 condenser microphone. BINGO! Wow! Should have done this years ago. This mic captures the clarity, resonance, and sonic range I was after. And ... its under $300! Please note that I use this mic for live performance ... not recording. It may or may not be the right mic for you ... but I would encourage all who take their singing seriously to consider this process. This microphone has been a game changer for me! Not that it makes a difference to me but I believe this mic is/or was Ed Sheerhan's 'go to' mic for live performance.
I was right about leaving d stage quick while still being applauded. It was back n d 70' 80's 90's till early 2K's... Now im busking... cant do that anymore cz i got to fix up my gear. A busker cant have a roadie. It wont look good.😎
this was a great video! Thank you!
Excellent video ! Thank you!!
Lots of really good advice. I picked up a few pointers for my own solo performances.
Great advice!
this really helped me.
You absolutely crushed it! I've been performing with bands for over 14 years but only recently started performing solo and this video is incredibly useful and full of great advice - and awesome music, too. Cheers! Axel.
Hi Mr.Tom, simply FANTASTIC!
Excellent as always! The world needs more of such talks Tom!
The man is a legend.
Absolutely brilliant
This is brill Tom! Really really good
So glad I came across this. Thank you
Nice! You simplified this out really well
This was excellent information and it was so nice to see you really care about the people in the audience.
Great stuff. I'll definitely save this one to one of my playlists.
Pure gold!
Very nicely done
Wow that was such a fantastic talk by a master teacher, thanks so much Tom for sharing your wisdom on stagecraft in such a wonderful and effective way
Thank you for sharing this.
Great info and perspective!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Exelent thank you 35 yrs entertaining and I only knew 10 %
Good man😊❤
Thank you so much, some great ideas!
I have found sometimes the space given to you to set up and preform due to the gigging area is limited to an area thats not what it should be, but with a little thinking and
common sense you can make it work . yes never ket let the lack of area no matter how small get to you, you just make it work for you.
you got me laughing straight away you got me hooked thank you
A couple songs I sing make me rather emotional in the moment. Often to the point of tearing up, voice cracks. . How do I keep going when this happens?
I must say - he did look cool with those shades 😀
Thanks Tom! Like most of everyone else here, I'm a solo artist and I plan on playing gigs (for the first time since I used to play open mic nights as a teen) ~ and I definitely absorbed quite a bit of your advice here. But not even just that, I also plan to be on a music segment (for our local news station) soon, and I needed all the advice I could get! It all made so much sense, thank you for making this and uploading it as well. I feel confident within myself.
Stellar info
Thank you for your talk! It was so entertaining and pertinent to this day!
Just discovered you - how brilliant. Thank you for your help and advice :-)
remember for the guitar you can change the strings a day before the gig if you wanted to I change and cleaned my guitar yesterday which is Thursday and have a gig sunday for solo guitar/backround music. the important thing is to get the strings to the right tuning when you change them and to stretch them out with your fingers and keep tuning it and repeat the stretching until they don't go out of tune.it also helps for me that I have a $3000 taylor acoustic guitar. make sure you get a good sound its so important. also ive had a string break once, one time I had the piece break where plug the guitar in (where you can put a guitar strap on for acoustic).but I had a backup guitar with me and it saved the day. if you ever break a string in the middle of a performance keep going whatever your doing don't stop until the end of the song people will find that impressive. even if you have to improvise something completely different. I actually broke a string twice now that I remember. I was 19 years old(26 now) and I just stopped the song. a man right by me said why did you stop just because you broke a string. when I do backround music/solo guitar I have my sets written on paper with a variety of styles of music.if you do solo guitar its also a really helpful skill to be able to improvise on the spot.i have a gig where I play for 4 hours straight for a brunch at a fancy place. at this gig I now play every week and basicly they got rid of all the musicians before me because im a virtuoso guitar player and bring fans just to see me play acoustic fingerstyle/ loop pedal jams. you know your good if people tip on their way out or people constantly telling you how much they enjoyed your music your amazing! also and I cant stress this enough have business cards at least! make them look professional.put them on a mini table by your tip jar(if the place will allow you to use a tip jar).I use Vistaprint for my cards. if you do great or amazing a lot of people will ask for them as they tell you your awesome I loved your music. have backup strings,guitar, cables, I always bring 9v batterys for my acoustic guitars and more. just think of anyway you can be as prepared as possible. be desirable and show the person paying you why your the right choice.also do not be late ever, or cancel a performance.thats why I get continuous gigs.so many musicians are lazy and cancel.only cancel if its an emergency.ive only canceled one gig because my dad was in the hospital for a heart issue. most people will understand.and when I came back the next week people were asking how my dad was. if your really really good like I am remember to be humble. and always work on your craft.also stretch your fingers everyday or they will become weak and ache. Thanks for the video it was very informational. I just thought of adding my experience to help others. also if your just starting out your going to be nervous its normal. as you keep playing out it will go away and you'll get maybe a tiny tiny bit nervous at worst. o and after thanksgiving start playing some Christmas music people will love that.im just giving my advice on my personal experience. I also appreciate this video its very helpful. good luck everyone!!!
Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge, much appreciated
Great Vid... Thank you sooo much. With your help I'll be changing the way I set things up for sure...I've got a daytime job and I'm doin' alright (thank you very moooch), and I been playing out small time for long time now and I never really gave much thought to my bar stage, but I'll be making some changes now .. Can't thank you enough, Cheers!
This was great!
Good video thanks
EXELENTE, BENDICIONES
Invaluable information.
This is dope! Best in depth prep lesson ive seen on the internet yet! I have a major self confidence issue when it comes to not only being vocal but being vocal while playing live. It only lasts through the first song now. Where as before i felt like that the entire show. I know its working. I love it and hate it. I dont want people to hear the fear in my voice. But i also dont want to get to a point of it being another job and not getting nervous at all. In other words i want that spark and spontaneity but dont want it to dominate me while on stage!
Invaluable Stuff!
This is goooold!!! Thank you sir, God bless yoo
Thank you Tom that was a great presentation with some great advice...thank you mate!
A nice good quality track can bore ?
Thank you so much 🙏🏻
Fantastic advice. I will be taking all of this on board. :-)
Helpful video, thank you
Great video thank you for the info.
Thanks Tom. your a real life line to us down in the thick of it. great info. My Band is called the WEEDS. were gearing up to send you our Amazing song end of may time.. Getting our focas day organised. and setting up activity around that date ready for when you play it!..Keep an ear out. Your a good man TR. Pete.:)
Thanks, good ideas are always helpful
I've greatly appreciated this talk. Very helpful. Thank you .
Thankyou
Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Spectacularly helpful insights!
Used these techniques last Thursday at my very first open mic at a bar full of people!
Very helpful as it was a success!
Mostly haha
Still a few wrong chord changes.....
I also suggest an acoustic amp and good pickup (not piezo!!) if you are using acoustic. This will give you more control over your sound.
Thanks Tom, it is good to hear advice from someone as well known as you, thanks man.
AWESOME TIPS...the 4 C's ...& the BLACK BACKDROD a GREAT ADVICES...the BAD VISUAL ASPECT is a MAJOR OVERLOOKED PART of many PERFORMANCES
some excellent points. However next to being well-rehearsed your sound reinforcement mix and EQ is crucial. Never ever turn your mains towards the center of the stage even slightly so that you can hear them, sonically they cancel each other out in front of the stage making your sound thin. EQ your acoustics so they sound rich deep bright and bold. Not the rubber bands going over a cardboard box.
Hi Tom, I play vibraphone, washtub bass, sing w/ keyboard for chord changes. Love "Get into the zone." BTW, I created a channel so people can see what I do, to land solo gigs. It worked! Your suggestions keep me coming back, to improve the look and sound of my set. Thanks!
Amazing advice. if not only to make better artists who follow his advice.
Thank you so much
top tier, thanks for posting!
Thought this might be a bit "naff"
Brilliant Talk
My gig is not a "show".. dinner house guests.. I'm background music.. occasionally they will tip me n thank me for playing at a low volume to where they can actually hear each other talk..
Have to correct something:
He said not to change strings right before the gig because they'll go continually out of tune.
My advice: You only need to learn to stretch them by hand!!!!
...the strings won't go out of tune because the stretch will defeat the elasticity.
Many excellent points there Tom, thank u..! 🔥💣 - @Acharich
Around 4:45 he mentions that you can buy Martin strings for cheap. Quick note on what I believe is a better option for working musicians, most of whom will already know this:
Coated strings are worth the extra money if you like the sound of new strings. Some people prefer the warmer sound of old strings, but I personally do not (although I do prefer the warmer sound of phosphor bronze [the darker, copper colored strings] to 80/20). As previously stated, I used to change strings twice a month. Now I change strings once a month, and if you’re a working musician, you already know that adds up over time. Especially when you have 3 or more guitars that you gig with.
If you’re a classical guitarist I’d recommend against coated strings though. Just not the same to my ear. Maybe a little too bright. Idk, the coated nylon strings just don’t sound the same to me, and they’re like twice the cost so in that case I personally don’t find it to be worth the money.
Excellent tip - thanks - will investigate !
All I can do is sing so I guess I should do karaoke of my favourite songs including yours not to infringe on copyright am I allowed to do that and put my expression on the tracks please let me know x
You shouldn’t be copyrighted for performing other people’s songs unless you’re trying to sell a recording of it. That should be fine
This is awesome material, thank you so fucking much
I have an image no matter whether people see it or as good or bad its pretty hard not to notice me I really miss my music groups I've shared this post to my friends who actually have talent x
60 minute gig...really? Where are these venues? I'm in the Tampa Orlando market, and the restaurant/bar scene gigs are 3-4 hours.
U.K. A better organized U.S. venue would have more performers per evening.
27:08 Anyone knows what song is that?
The song is 2-4-6-8 Motorway, which was a Tom Robinson Band single in 1977 - see th-cam.com/video/kGrnEc_3mYo/w-d-xo.html
Dude went zero to 100 real quick at 23:05
I wear shades. They are prescription.
who took a sip of water after hearing this? 10:33
21:58 yeww
THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO SIR