What's a song you absolutely LOVE, but would NEVER play at a gig? Maybe it doesn't suit your voice, it's too obscure, goes on for nine minutes, has 14 chord changes before the first chorus, or you already know the audience would stare at you like you'd just started reading from the electricity bill. We all have songs we'd love to play if audiences weren't involved. What's yours, and why doesn't it make the setlist?

I just got back from a great gig. We played a prestigious private golf course end of summer party. Not a huge crowd, but we played really well, and the audience was into it. The booker who took a chance on us was a sweetheart, who could not have been more kind. She came up to us at our break and said that each member asked to have us back! What a great feeling! Even got fed and watered (and the food was dynamite!) We made a point to talk to the audience on break and try and engage. What a great night, everything just clicked. Just wanted to share, it can get frustrating playing those middling gigs, but the good ones make it all worth it!

Quick heads up everyone, I've opened a new Gear category for any gear-related questions or discussions. PA systems, guitars, pedals, mixers, mics, backing track setups, things that have made your life easier, or expensive things you bought because another musician told you that you absolutely needed one. 😂 We've already got plenty of experience in the group, so if you've got a gear question, throw it in there. And if you know the answer to someone else's, jump in and help them out.

The conventional wisdom is to start the night with an upbeat song, not a slow ballad, but not to waste a strong banger this early. Let'em know that you are here! That is easy to say, but quite a balancing act. Maybe I would understand better if we created a list of songs that are upbeat and strong, but not wasted in the warm-up. I haven't tried it with audiences, but my guess is 1. I've just seen a face - Beatles

Has anyone listened to the new YT episode? Musicians Everyone Hates Playing With The top 10 reasons are pretty spot. I was in a band with TWO Daves. I was also in a band with lead singer/lead Dunning Kreuger guitarist. Holy jeezuz in hockey skates. If it was a 12-bar blues song, we would have to contend with playing anywhere from 6 to 31 bars of something. Now, he threatened to punch me in the throat for recommending a metronome/drum track to play against in rehearsal and practice. "I don't no metronome" Well maybe, but you need a grammar lesson too. He was also the biggest drinker. Mind we were getting scale wages here ie two beers and a pizza. I cannot eat pizza nor drink beer for biochemical reasons. This asshole would drink 9-11 pints of micro-brew over a two hour set. This one guy represented maybe 6 of the top 10 list. In a big band, the top 10 list is likely well represented. In a duo, there's no room for it. Cheers.