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Posted by: Enucleation Apr 3 2009, 03:26 AM

My band was just accepted into a battle of the bands for a thing (that's actually right next to my house) called BamaJam. Its pretty much country and alt rock. Was kinda cool last year I got to see ZZ Top and Gov't Mule for free but they were the only good bands there.

But anywho it was the first 40 or so bands to sign up and we were in that list I guess. So our second show is gonna be battle.

I noticed last show that I didn't have a really problem with stage fright, and people said I had good stage presence so on that I'm okay. I was more nervous during soundcheck XD

We have a 20 minute spot and our songs are pretty long, 5-8 minutes so we will probably play 2-3 songs

Really I'm just asking if anyone has any tips for a show like this. Things I assume, are going to be a lot different and I just hope that I don't get disheartened after seeing other bands play because we will be the only metal band playing among pop/emo and rock bands

Posted by: Jesse Apr 3 2009, 06:21 AM

I've got a crazy idea. Strap a bottle or anything to your headstock? Then after the song, you put some kind fireworks rocket in there and shoot it off. Sure is spectacular.

Posted by: Enucleation Apr 3 2009, 06:29 AM

HA! That would be awesome!

Posted by: ZakkWylde Apr 3 2009, 08:02 AM

Don't do any fancy stuff, that will only make you look like your trying too hard!

Crush them with an absolutely flawless performance! Nothing earns more respect and votes in a contest than a tight band that feels natural on stage. Rehearse your fingers off with your band until you can play your 20min programm in your sleep, try to move a little on stage (don't overdo it with stage moves but a little headbaning or posing looks better than just standing there and looking a your fretboard...) Also a sympathic frontman who can make the crowd going is a big plus in a contest!

Posted by: Koopid Apr 3 2009, 09:32 AM

+1

I am doing a battle of the band competition with my band now too. I have no idea how its going since public votes are a big factor (read: most friends equal most votes) and we wont get the results until next week. But I know some of the jury members and they say that a good tight performance weighs more than fancy stagemoves.

I noticed that I move more and more every performance without thinking about it (watching the videos after). I think it is because I feel more and more natural on stage, and that I know the songs better and better and don't have to concentrate so much on the actual playing

So, rehearse a LOT and don't do anything that doesnt feel natural to you is a good concept I think

Posted by: superize Apr 3 2009, 10:39 AM

All i can say is have fun and good luck with the show

Posted by: Paiva Apr 3 2009, 11:26 AM

Burn your guitar Hendrix style

Of course the other ideas above MAY be better

Posted by: sted Apr 3 2009, 11:31 AM

Yeah good luck man, cant offer advice as i dont play gigs but i think theyll be looking for talent rather than gimmicks, try and post some vids, would love to see them if possible!!

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Apr 3 2009, 07:17 PM

I wouldn't agree there entirely, I think stage performance is an important part of competitions. The best bands all have great stage presence, and they move around a lot, seem relaxed, smile, and make contact with an audience. So this is what I would recommend. Doing some fancy/crazy stuff here and there is pretty cool if you ask me - I think the audience would appreciate that. I don't think there's nothing wrong when the audience thinks you were trying hard - it's the competition in the end, and you have to try hard! I think it will only make the band deserve the respect of the audience, cause they will realize that that the band was "trying for them".
All other things have to be perfect as well, well rehearsed, and balanced show, good set list, and even band position can sometimes mean a lot when doing these shows.

Good luck Enucleation!