Show Etiquette
Finally, a few things we like to see from bands we work with. 99% of you already know these things, but for the 1% who don't... Please...
Before The Show
- Call us if you need to cancel as soon as you know. There is no excuse for just not showing up without notice.
- Understand that we might need to change your set time even if all your fans expect you to play at some other time. It is unfortunate, but sometimes it happens.
- Remember that someone has to play first / last / early / late / in the middle of the show. Please don't grouse about the set order. We try to mix it up. Someday if you're still around you'll be the band that gets to play the "best" spot.
On Stage
- Set up quickly and keep the show moving. People didn't come to the show to watch you tune and fiddle with your equipment.
- Don't break down your drums, wind cables and pack your guitars on stage. Move them off the stage first so we can get the next band on.
- Don't expect us to know how to fix / set up your gear. We probably have a spare cable if you need one, but if something breaks you'd better have a spare or know a friendly band that will loan you something.
- If it takes too long to fix it comes out of your set time.
- Don't go over your set time. If you're not sure ask.
- Encourage your fans to go to your merch table after your set, as opposed to chatting with you on the stage.
- If you don't have enough music to fill out the time don't pad it by playing that cover you learned yesterday or pulling out that crappy song you haven't played in years. Better to finish early and strong and leave them wanting more.
- Keep your amps stage volume at a reasonable level. Give the sound guy a chance to give you a good mix.
- If you're have trouble hearing something in the monitors let the sound guy know, but relax because it might be as good as it can be and the audience can hear you just fine anyway.
- It's always nice to mention the bands playing after you, thank the ones before you and ask your fans to stick around and support them. Hopefully others will give you the same courtesy.
- If you're playing another show with us in a month or two by all means mention that too!
At The Venue
- Don't sell tickets outside the venue.
- Respect the other bands. Don't hang out outside smoking with your fans or play them an acoustic set in the parking lot while other bands are playing. Golden rule rules!
- If you are the opening band or play early in the show, don't play your set and leave... that's just not cool.
- Set an example for your fans - stick around and respect the other bands the way you would want them to respect you.
- Respect the venue and the people that work there because if you don't it could go away. Encourage your fans to do the same.
After The Show
- We pay bands based on attendance, draw, distance traveled and taking into account our expenses. Unless we have a prearranged agreement we don't guarantee anything.
- If you've been treated poorly by us or anyone else at the show let us know... calmly and professionally. We do our best, but sometimes we make mistakes.
- Treat us well and we'll do the same for you.
Wanna read some more about how we operate?
Read some of the
Frequently Asked Questions.