When you walk on stage at the start of the show people are paying a lot of attention to the visual, the reality that YOU are on stage. They’re taking in your vibe, the way you look, what the gear looks like, maybe even the sound of the lead singers voice.
They’re not thinking “How do I like this first song?”…they’re thinking “This band just walked on stage, what do I think about them”.
The audience is subconsciously distracted from the actual music and melody by the intense visual and energy (hopefully) that you are unveiling to them.
I’m not saying you can burn a song at the top of the set.
I’m not saying you can play a dud song first and it won’t matter. But it IS the exact reason why U2 comes out and plays a brand new song FIRST that most of the audience has never heard, but then follows it up, second, with the slammin hit that everyone knows.
During the first song, it doesn’t matter what they play, everyone is just thinking “holy crap, its U2!!!”.
I know, you’re not U2…yet.
Still, you walking out on stage is a powerful thing.
Remember that. Use that.
In that moment, YOU are everyone’s focus, not necessarily the music.
p.s. Make no mistake, every song must be great at serving its place in the set.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com