Choosing Set Lists: Techniques?

Subject: Choosing Set Lists: Techniques?
From: Knicke
Date: 11 Dec 00 - 12:57 PM

Hi, all. For those regular and not-so-regular performers out there: I'm just curious how you guys go about deciding what you're going to play. I have a bunch of friends that have gigs every so often, and they ALL do it differently; some of them have the whole thing listed out beforehand, some of them just get up and play what they feel like playing. What do YOU do?

Knicke

Subject: RE: Choosing Set Lists: Techniques?
From: sophocleese
Date: 11 Dec 00 - 01:43 PM

I like to organize a set list which can then be changed as circumstances indicate. When I organize a set list I try not to put too many pieces that are too similar close together. Even when it changes I can see that I was saving particular songs fo rthe end and not use them up before I need to.

Subject: RE: Choosing Set Lists: Techniques?
From: Bert
Date: 11 Dec 00 - 02:28 PM

Put the funny songs at the end.

Subject: RE: Choosing Set Lists: Techniques?
From: Willie-O
Date: 11 Dec 00 - 02:28 PM

Put something fairly easy-going at the beginning...and for the end of a set, choose something with enough audience impact that it's a hard one to follow.

Generally lighter stuff for the first set (dinner music), rowdier later. I try not to have to retune my guitar, or switch guitars, too too often, but as soph says you don't put stuff back-to-back that's TOO similar. Varying keys and tempos is important.

For a full evening gig, I don't go in with a complete set list, but try to have a cheat-list of tunes in various categories, cause I forget which ones I know while on stage.

W-O

Subject: RE: Choosing Set Lists: Techniques?
From: GUEST,MTed
Date: 11 Dec 00 - 02:32 PM

I used to pick songs as I played them, in response to the audience's mood, but now (on the rare occasions I play out) I write out my sets, time them, and rehearse them in order. There always has to be room to change things, so I make the list long, then "trim to fit" at performance time(easier for me to have on list that I cut from, rather than two lists, one to cut, and one of possible adds). I have found, that I now need to have the written music, chords, and lyrics on hand and in performance order for quick and panicked reference, because in recent years I have had a lot of memory problems, and I've been known to have to fake my way out of songs I've been doing for thirty or forty years)--

Even with all the preparation, I nearly always I end up adding a song or two in response to requests or a special occasion, and I keep this very spontaneous, which is to say, I play as much or as little as I remember, then fill out the rest "creatively", doing a sing-a-long, having audience members to perform. or whatever--

When I worked with a dance band I got into the habit of working from a pre-arranged set list, and discovered that you need less material and less rehearsal when you do it that way, and you have much more control over your show--

Subject: RE: Choosing Set Lists: Techniques?
From: Bernard
Date: 11 Dec 00 - 02:44 PM

I like to start with something rowdy, with an easy chorus, and finish with something totally daft.

In between, I try to vary the content as much as possible, to keep the audience interested. I often finish a song with an intrumental - the most requested is 'The Man Who Waters the Workers' Beer' followed by 'Blaze Away' on my accordion.

It's an advantage being able to play a few instruments, too, though a pain to lug around!!

Very rarely do I work to a 'set list' - I tend to have a shortlist of probables, and wing it from there. That way I can allow the audience to 'choose' their preferred material, so to speak...

Subject: RE: Choosing Set Lists: Techniques?
From: The Shambles
Date: 11 Dec 00 - 03:12 PM

When you are on your own, you should aim to please the audience first and then yourself.

It tends to be more difficult with a band. You have to devise a list that will keep them happy and enable them to show their talents, to the full. Sometimes the audience can be forgotten.

Subject: RE: Choosing Set Lists: Techniques?
From: whistledon
Date: 11 Dec 00 - 03:19 PM

when I play I like to have a cheat list on the floor so I can glance at it from time to time. In this way I can be sure not to always play the same tunes or sing the same songs, but rather do the newer ones that I have just learned. Also, I like to be able to feel the energy in the audience and work from there. Having a list on the floor prevents my mind from going blank. Slan, whistledon

Subject: RE: Choosing Set Lists: Techniques?
From: Bernard
Date: 11 Dec 00 - 05:30 PM

I agree, Shambles - if you are obviously enjoying yourself, it is infectious, and the audience are drawn in by it.

Some people, however, are completely oblivious of the audience...

Subject: RE: Choosing Set Lists: Techniques?
From: Mooh
Date: 11 Dec 00 - 08:40 PM

What seems to be working for me at this moment, though I've only tried it in public a couple of times and with friends a few times, is to use small groupings of songs (maybe 3 or 4) with only maybe one instrument change in the middle. That way I can still combine songs and tunes I like together without committing to a whole set at a time, and plan the instrument changes more gracefully. Each small set of songs has its own dynamic and somehow seems to fit pretty good with any other small set.

My biggest grief is smooth instrument changes because I like to use several guitars for the variety of sounds. The right chat/joke/gag/dedication can distract the audience from the technical changes and smooth out the transition. I personally like historical context or irony but any kind of skilled storytelling will work. Having said that however, sometimes a quick change without talk can preserve the mood.

I like this thread. Mooh.

Subject: RE: Choosing Set Lists: Techniques?
From: Naemanson
Date: 11 Dec 00 - 10:43 PM

Well, gorsh, I only know two songs. One of them's Yankee Doodle and the other'n ain't,

Tune in to Paltalk at 8:00 on Thursday to hear what the other one is.

Subject: RE: Choosing Set Lists: Techniques?
From: ddw
Date: 11 Dec 00 - 11:51 PM

I like to open with something up-tempo, but one that I'm so familiar with I hardly have to think about it. That gives me time to adjust to mike, seating, lights and audience while getting their attention. The second piece us usually also up-tempo, but with more intricate guitar. After that, I just try to mix up tempos, topics, etc. to keep the audience guessing what's next. And always try to leave them with something they'll remember and want more of — usually raucus and/or funny. And if I get an encore — which, of course, is a BIG if — I try to make 'em cry. Don't know why, but people seem to love to cry at the end of concerts.

david

Subject: RE: Choosing Set Lists: Techniques?
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 12 Dec 00 - 05:41 AM

David, there seem to be two schools of thought on how to finish: one is your way, and the other is to do 'em the other way around. I'm never quite sure (from observatiuon of other people's performances) which methos works better, but they both seem pretty good.

Steve

Subject: RE: Choosing Set Lists: Techniques?
From: GUEST,MTed
Date: 12 Dec 00 - 10:45 AM

The thing is to build a set that conveys your stage personality to the audience--Shambles point about pleasing the audience is really the critical thing, but not every stage personality can please every audience, if for instance, your audience wants "Mr LasVegas" and you are "Mr.Sensitive and Vulnerable", you are also "Mr. Lead Balloon"

Subject: RE: Choosing Set Lists: Techniques?
From: The Shambles
Date: 12 Dec 00 - 01:20 PM

I think in those circumstances, it is probably best to make the list a short one....