After many years of preparation, hesitation, sweat, and tears...I've decided to start a solo keyboard act. I have been in a few bands, and as much fun as that can be (and annoying), I'd like to actually play some original keyboard music, solo.....as risky as that may be.
The music is a fusion of jazz, electronic, new age, with a dose of JMJ added for seasoning. (I'll be using an M3 and Triton classic btw.)
So far, I have some tentative gigs at local coffee houses. So my questions are:
Does anyone else here play original synth music live, and how well are you received?
How long are your sets?
Do you play any non-original music in your sets?
What should I charge for an average gig?
Any other information appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Hello Synthoid,
Sorry, But i don't have an answer to any of your questions. But i'd thought i would just reply and wish you the best of luck and congratulate you for getting the courage to go solo! I really hope that everything goes well for you and that some1 that knows something can help you out!
I stopped gigging 5+ years ago when Faye was born but I'm going back on the road soon. This time I'm going back on my own. Did it before for a good number of years and it's pretty alright. The money is much better for sure.
So based on what it was like 5 years ago.....
Does anyone else here play original synth music live, and how well are you received?
Never more than 2 instrumentals in one night, regardless if they where original tunes or covers.
How long are your sets?
2 Hours with a 10 min break in between. I'd play a CD during the break.
Do you play any non-original music in your sets?
Original Music doesn't go down anywhere near as good as the same old crap people are used to hearing, so in a night we never played anything more than 2 original tunes.
What should I charge for an average gig?
A one man act gets anything between 150 to 180 Euro here. That's a little over 250 USD.
Don't know how much use this information will be to you since I'm in Ireland. But hopefully one of your fellow country men will join in here.
Sill me, I thought you where refering to pub work. I didn't read your post right.
You should have no worries at all. I've played many restaurants in my time and it was all instrumental.
I haven't done live music in forever. I think original synth music is tough to sell in the US. You would have to be really amazing. Are you singing? If not, then I think it will be a tough row to hoe. The original music market was great back before dance music took over. Now DJs rule and people want cover tunes.
After saying all this, I would hope that you would give it a good try. If you love what you are doing....It will show on stage. I would be extra patient before I went out again. I truly wish you well. I would like to hear how it goes if you give it a try.
jazlover wrote: I think original synth music is tough to sell in the US.
Yes I agree..... Not sure why quality synth/keyboard music fell out of favor though. I still enjoy listening to people like JMJ, Susan Ciani, Vangelis, et al.
Keep in mind though, I'm looking for coffee house gigs; no weddings, bars, or parties. I don't want to compete in that market or be "Joe Cool," I just really enjoy my music and want to play live--as unusual as that may be in this day and age.
if you come here in Italy you have only one man band performing old crappy songs... I saied "performing" cos many of them do not even play, they just pretend to do it and sing 250€ for a night (2 hours of concert) though...
Currently I do play with a pop/rock cover band. And in the past I have done a one man show all-electronica thing. There are several conclusions I have drawn from my experience. It may or may not be anything new to you, but I will share either way.
1. People always seem to be receptive to live music when there is a band. But when it is a one man show, the audience is much tougher, especially if you are the "background" music instead of the feature event that people have specifically paid to see you.
2. Live Electronica is best served up as a jazzy new age thing. The more epic sounding you are to a small crowd, the more uncomfortable they seem to be. Additionally, the more ethereal the performance, you get the same result. So find the happy medium. Lots of piano-like sounds on top of whatever you are doing will keep it real for them.
3. A one man show is not as respected as a band so getting your wage is harder. Karaoke DJ's make between $50-100 per hour, and so should you at the bare minimum. You can't expect more since a lot of what you are doing will be originals that likely few have heard. Make sure you bring a crowd with you. In a small venue like where you are, get at least a $10 per hour tab. So three hours you could charge $150-200 plus a $25-30 tab. If the owner is too iffy, tell him the first gig is half price (except for the tab). If it is clear that the night was really slow, just a handful of people over a long period of time, offer to "work with them" on the price. But I find it good to bring a few people with me, and I always invite a ton of my friends.
4. The more familiarity the audience is with what you are playing the more likely they will offer up a reaction (unless you somehow just wow them with your mad skills). But avoid "sleepers" that turn you into a lounge lizard act (both your music and covers). Never play "Misty".
5. Have fun and look like you are having fun. Never let them see you sweat. If they perceive you are into it, the audience will likely be more inclined to join you. Smile and make audience contact.
6. If you missed it above, invite everyone you know! Tell them up front you need moral support. That will encourage them to cheer you on. Others in the audience will catch on. In between sets GO INTO THE AUDIENCE! Meet everyone you can. NEVER ask if they enjoyed the music, HOWEVER...ask if they are enjoying themselves. They will likely offer up the same feedback, but it takes the focus off of you which can be annoying as hell. If one table is particularly active with excitement, in between sets, go offer to buy their drinks or something like that on your tab. If it is a coffee shop, offer them another joe on you.
You have a lot of courage and guts which I admire. I've wanted for ages to do a solo spoken word over electrconica thing live but I have such unbelievable stage fright and I can't remember my lyrics when I'm nervous so i feel like I'm doomed. Do keep us posted here. You may breathe some courage into the rest of us who are interested in this sort of thing.
JonSolo wrote: Live Electronica is best served up as a jazzy new age thing. The more epic sounding you are to a small crowd, the more uncomfortable they seem to be.
What is an epic sound?
JonSolo wrote:A one man show is not as respected as a band so getting your wage is harder. Karaoke DJ's make between $50-100 per hour, and so should you at the bare minimum.
That's what I was expecting.....no prob.
JonSolo wrote:Have fun and look like you are having fun. Never let them see you sweat.
You are the second person to mention this. Not only do I have to practice my music, I have to practice smiling as well.
Epic- some Jordan Rudess solo, the "big" Yanni and John Tesh songs, soundtracky kind of stuff.
By epic I mean big sounding. If you are in a quaint environment, huge soundscapes are not going to go over as well as piano with a light string sound behind it.
250€ for a night (2 hours of concert) though...
