Photo by Melanie van Leeuwen via stocksnap.io
There are times when you want a particular show to stand out: an album release, someone's birthday, a reunion performance, or even to avoid feeling monotonous after a long stretch of months playing the same set. Or maybe you just feel like throwing an unforgettable show – just because.
Anytime you perform, you're in a position to help make an incredible experience that people will permanently file away in their memories. That's not even overemphasizing. You totally have that power. (No pressure!) While a regular set can obviously be memorable on its own, why not – every once in a while – throw in something extra? These five foolproof ideas will definitely boost the panache factor of your show. And any degree of upping the ante is good.
1. Give away free stuff
There's an episode of Parks and Recreation that exaggerates just how much we love free stuff. At one of their wacky town hall meetings, everyone goes bonkers about the possibility of winning a plain blue shirt. Obviously, your giveaway should be more special than that. But the underlying message of that scene is true: people really, really do love free stuff. You can gift the hundredth person at your release show a free copy of the album, hand out download codes to the first 50, or go the random route and throw miscellaneous merch to the crowd after your set. Those are just a few ideas; pretty much any way you choose to reward fans is likely to go over well.
Another great option is to team up with other local creatives who are looking to grow their network or fanbase. We've always stressed that the more people you involve in a particular event, the wider its audience. A connection between the giveaway and your music, like stickers made by the same artist who designed your T-shirts, is ideal. But if you can't think of something so direct, don't fret. Any collaboration between independent, up-and-coming artists means access to each other's followings, so there's always a good chance both will gain new fans.
2. Fully embrace a theme
This one is especially useful for bands that play the same venue often: Redecorate to make the space feel brand new! We're not talking just a few streamers and party lights, though. Go all in!
Of course, the theme should make sense: tropical colors, inflatable palm trees, and limbo for a fun surf band, or a sock-hop style dance for a '50s rock-leaning outfit. Both of those are somewhat rudimentary; you can probably get more creative than that. A kitschy, tongue-in-cheek approach is reliably fun (and silly), but in certain situations, seriousness also works. Full-on frightening for Halloween or Friday the 13th are obvious possibilities, but there are others, too – a magical setting for an ethereal dream-pop group's show or a '20s speakeasy, just because.
The real key in any successful theme party, whatever that theme may be, is full commitment to the idea: special drinks, wall-to-wall decorations, bands outfitted in fitting attire, and anything else you can dream up to drive the point home. Here, more is definitely more.
3. Set up a DIY photo booth
There are likely plenty of companies in your city that offer this service, and some of them are probably really great. But if you're on a DIY budget, that could mean a good chunk of your small profit. Why not set up your own? You can hire a photographer if you've got the funds or trade with a friend for the favor, but letting people take the shots themselves is sometimes a bigger hit. You can control a DSLR camera's shutter via app and laptop, but an actual remote is even better in this scenario. (Most DSLRs, even older ones, are compatible with inexpensively priced remotes you can buy on Amazon.) Hand over the clicker to the party people and let them do their own shooting (just keep an eye on the camera, though). And if you don't have a fancy schmancy camera? Use a smartphone!
In terms of setting up your backdrop, there are limitless options. No, seriously – if you use a green screen, you can put anything you want behind the party people in question. Making a portable version doesn't take much time or money, according to IndyMogul. If you're not a super stickler for it looking realistic, then buying a green sheet, taping it taut against a flat wall, and setting up a spotlight or two may do the trick. (It did for me.)
If you don't want to go digital with your backdrop, there are plenty of ways to build an actual setup without overspending. Try local thrift shops for crafts (props, too!) to save on your dream. After that, check dollar stores and other bargain stores. Be sure to watermark your photos with your band name and the date (or whatever else makes sense for the event) before sharing all over social media – extra promo!
4. Invite special guests
This one requires some rehearsing if you want to ensure things run smoothly, but it's well worth investing the time. When is it not exciting when someone hops onstage unexpectedly to join the band currently playing? Invite a few members from another group on the same lineup for backup on the final song's chorus, or have a friend your fans will recognize for a cover of a tune they'll love to hear.
Bonus idea: Do a balloon drop
Who doesn't love a well-timed balloon drop? Unloading a ton of ballons on an unsuspecting crowd results in cheering and general hyper-happiness. Always. On its own, this single addition can give a show that extra dose of awesome.
Buy in bulk on Amazon for cheap, and blow 'em up with a bike or air mattress pump to avoid passing out before completing your task. The YouTube how-to below is intended for a kids' party, but whatever – balloon drops are awesome for all ages!
Get more tips for your live shows:
- Why (and How) to Shape Your Performance Like an Action Film
- 4 Things You Need in Your Pre-Show Ritual to Play Your Best
- 5 Creative Ways to to Turn Your Next Show Into a Memorable Event
- 10 Tips for Playing a Mindblowing Set (Other Than Playing Really F***ing Well)
Jhoni Jackson is an Atlanta-bred music journalist currently based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she juggles owning a venue called Club 77, freelance writing and, of course, going to the beach as often as possible.
