Image via rhead.deviantart.com
Having an angle – something beyond just the music that your audience can walk away with to remember your band – is key. Something that separates you from the rest. Whether the guys in your band can play multiple instruments and you can pull off a "musical chairs" during the show, or the outfits you wear can transcend into the theatrical realm, or two or more guys are related to each other and it's a family-type band – all of these things can separate you from the musical herd.
The point of performing live is to build a following and to ensure the same people return, as well as those people spreading the word and growing the band's brand and draw power. Consider incorporating any of these three eye-opening "shticks" into your live shows, and you'll have people going home remembering not only your performance, but most importantly, your music.
1. Coordinate your clothing
The most common thing I see with young, fledgling performers is they head to a gig in their "street clothes," set up their equipment, and proceed to play onstage in short-sleeve shirts and jeans. Not only is this a ratty appearance, but clearly no thought or creativity went into presenting the band. When you look the same (or at times even worse) than people in the audience, it's only right to be viewed as just another person. Something as simple as every member wearing all black can showcase your group as having some cohesive, uniform appearance and not looking like a bunch of guys that came in off the street to perform.
Many bands take this a step further by either having a slick, sharp appearance or a theatrical/comedic one. For example, when I think of the band Devo, it's not just their song "Whip It" that comes to mind, but also those red, cylindrical hats and white jumpsuits they wear. Artists from Elton John to Lady Gaga have experimented with how outlandish and far they can take the uniform effect to wow an audience and be remembered for being different. It's up to you to find your appropriate style and how theatrical or sharp you wish to present your band, but either way, the idea is to present your band, not just show up and perform.
2. Give your audience at least one unexpected "wow" moment
Again, this all comes down to assuming you have the music aspect of your show in order – but what else can have people walking out of your show saying, "I can't believe those guys pulled that off"? Whether it's the singer jumping off the stage and singing from the audience during a chorus, or the drummer taking off his shirt before a solo and revving the crowd into a frenzy, these "wow moments" will have people walking out talking about you.
When I perform with my band, there's a moment during the show where there's an instrumental break and no singing. The bass player, two guitar players, and sax player approach the front of the stage in a line and wave the necks/bodies of their instruments in a Rockettes-style uniform movement, and the crowd goes nuts every night! Such a simple, choreographed gimmick or moment can wow a crowd – and believe me, it does.
3. The energy between you and your bandmates has a huge impact on the audience
Camaraderie and chemistry between the members of band is something an audience always picks up on. Any band can just stand in their respected places onstage and play, but the bands that smile, lock eyes with each other, laugh, and have onstage "moments" are the ones that audiences love to watch. When the band appears to be having just as much (or even more) fun than the audience, this in turn makes the crowd have more fun.
[6 Ways to Bond With Your Bandmates Outside of Rehearsal]
Introducing each member of the band by name during a performance will make the crowd feel like they know each one personally. Fans will be much more likely to approach you after the show and exchange a conversation. The nicer and more humble you are, the more these people will walk out saying, "I can't believe how down to earth and cool they are to talk to!" Simple idea, yes, but your fans will remember you and come back for more than just the music.
4. Don't be afraid to be different
Take a cue from unique bands like Radiohead that incorporate "different" – using a violin bow on a guitar to achieve a unique type of sound, for instance – and end up looking awesome because of it. Chris Cheney from the Living End uses a beer bottle to play a guitar solo, and then proceeds to drink the remaining beer! Or think of Jimi Hendrix playing guitar with his teeth, or Jerry Lee Lewis playing a piano with his foot. These unique, theatrical moments are what make a band's performance stand out from the rest.
Even something as simple as having band members switch instruments or play different ones will make you come across as a talented group of musicians to the audience. At the end of the day, talent is key – but being different and finding a hook can catapult your group into a remembered, talked-about phenomena.
There are thousands of bands out there – what makes yours different?
Vin Adinolfi is the founder and co-creator of the nationally acclaimed touring band, the Bronx Wanderers. Vin is also the songwriter, frontman, and producer for Lovebent, as well as the founder of WhichWay Records, which all of his music is released under.
