Selby In Concert
The right set list order is critical to the marketing of new bands at live events. The fact is, it takes a hell of a lot more than raw talent to make it in the music world. It takes stage presence, fan engagement, the right music and a keen marketing sense. Knowing how to tailor your set list for live events to connect with new listeners that may not be familiar with your music is one of the make or break factors when playing live.
I recently had the pleasure of attending a concert where Shoreline (Oy Vey, don’t judge them on their MySpace Page… the band rocks, the page SUCKS) was playing. What struck me most was, Shoreline was not the headliner but, they stole the show. Let’s track back. The show I attended was at a House of Blues affiliate club that caters only to signed acts. It’s more of a testing grounds for new talent where they can perfect their trade and get a handle on growing and controlling a fan base at live events. All the acts were professionals signed to labels but very few of the audience members, mostly college students, knew the songs. And the fact remains, most baby bands and new talent have not quite found their stage legs yet or know how to fully command an audience. It is exactly why they are playing at affiliate clubs. They are learning their craft and getting ready for larger audiences.
So, how did Shoreline stand out? It was simple. They got people to sing along to a song they all knew. I’m not gonna lie, they did a cover song. And before you start shaking your head and thinking that is only for wedding singers, the fact is they did 1 and they did it right and they used it as a marketing tool to get people to engage in their original music. And, yes, I know, you want to play original tunes and not cover pop junk, but there are ways to do it that are not schmaltzy and bubble gum. In the Shoreline’s case, somewhere towards the middle of their set, they covered The Black Eyed Peas “I’ve Got A Feeling.” The cover was fresh, with a punk/blues feel that never tried to mimic the BEP version. It was a revelation to watch the entire venue to stop in their tracks, face the stage, give complete attention to the act, dance and mouth the lyrics. Shoreline, in one simple cover, captured the full attention of an entire audience. But it didn’t end there. This is where their marketing prowess really shined. At the end of the cover, when they had the undivided audience attention, they introduced a new song. The song wasn’t spectacular but it was good and I guarantee you everyone listened and remembered it and The Shoreline.
Of course, like anything, putting your own unique sound and spin to the song is critical. Making it your own is what separates you from being a “cover band.” Just listen to some the unique twists these recognized artists have put on modern and classic tunes. (Disclosure: I am a huge connoisseur of unique cover tunes – here are a few of my favorites!)
Great unique covers:
Limp Bizkit – Wish You Were Here
Marty Casey – Hit Me Baby One More Time
Ra – Every Little Thing She Does is Magic
New Found Glory – I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing
Goodbye Earl – Me First and the Gimmee Gimmmes
Aloha Sex Juice – More Than Words
Know a great cover? Leave it in the comments with the artist who covered it and the song title and I will add it to the list and credit you!
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