Rock City Studios wanted to add some humor to some very real issues that can hamper an up and coming band’s success. Working in conjunction with the talented Jared Sagal of Rockerrazzi Filmz, we created this Ten Commandments parody for your viewing enjoyment.
The Commandments (or what we refer to as "Combandments"):
1. Don't Back Out Of A Show
Backing out of a show is one thing that can get you blacklisted from a venue and maybe other venues. The music network is a small tight knit community and word can get around fast about the integrity of a band.
If you must back out of a show, do it in a timely manner and do everything you can to find a replacement especially if you are leaving a venue high and dry. Timely notice and a reasonable excuse are usually acceptable to a venue. If you are within two weeks or less of the show date, then finding a suitable replacement for your band is highly recommended and would be the professional thing to do. Unless you have a valid reason for backing out of a show in an untimely manner, do everything you can not to miss your scheduled show even if it means adjusting how you perform (such as with a missing band member).
2. Don't Overbook The Venue Or Town
We are sure some bands can be guilty of this as it often happens. You’re excited to perform and want to get as much live stage time as possible. Do not think that you need to play every show you are offered in the area. In fact, some venues may include a stipulation in your performance contract to agree not to perform within a certain distance away from the venue within a two week period for example. Remember, less can be more in this instance.
A better option would be to go out in the scene and network with other local bands of a similar genre by attending their shows and planning to set up future shows with them to share their fans. You can also network with their fans in the audience and let them know about your band.
3. Don't Be Late
Being on time goes along with the integrity of your band. If you are expected to be late, then call the venue ahead of time. Also, the late band trick is pretty transparent to a venue. That is when a band arrives late in a ploy to get a later slot on the bill which may be seen as advantageous. However, this type of manipulation is never tolerated by venues.
4. Only Tune (your guitars/bass) When Muted
A highly avoidable live show blunder. Make sure you are muted before you start tuning your guitar or bass - the pro thing to do.
5. If You Can't Pay For It - Don't Break It
If you are an up and coming band, it is not advisable to do antics that are reminiscent of 70’s and 80’s rock stars. If it is your stuff that is fine, as long as it is cleared with the production team in advance to make sure that the venue or the audience will not be harmed.
6. Don't Play An Encore No One Asks For
A sure way to alienate your band in the scene is to play an encore that no one asks to hear. Especially true if you are not even the headliner. Your band will surely be looked at in a negative way by the venue staff, the other bands on the bill, and potentially even the audience.
7. Don't "Cup" The Mic
Cupping the microphone while singing is a sure way to expose your band as unprofessional. This is a no no practice that is a sure way to demonstrate your band’s naiveté and another way to make your vocals sound bad.
8. Be Respectful
Sure, you’re in a cool band and your building fans more and more each show. You’ve worked hard in town to build up your following. Or maybe you are just starting out and are thinking that you are all that! With this new found glory and hubris, you find it necessary to treat the staff and the other bands as pee-ons. Make sure your introspective eye is turned on full blast and stay nice and be humble. That attitude will take you places even if your band is still struggling on development. Being nice and respectful goes a long way!
9. Stay for the other bands (on the bill)
Related to being respectful is staying for all the other bands, before and after your set. If you leave, your fans leave. Also it is advisable to encourage your fans to stay around for the other bands and co-promote the other bands to your fans. For the sport of music this is what it takes to be a great team player in a difficult arena.
10. Promote Your Band
No matter what show you have coming up you need to promote your own band. What we noticed though with the bands that had previously brought a good number of fans to other shows who now were entitled to not do pre-sale tickets - they neglected to promote their show! Thus, their fans did not show up. The venue should promote the show as well but your band and band members are the best option for show promotion. In the end, promoting your own show makes your band look professional and impresses the venue. Also, it is supporting the local music scene in general.
There are many more tips to abide by but we wanted to keep the list manageable! We welcome any comments, questions or suggestions and happy music making! Being in a band can be a beautiful and magical time in one’s life.
