So the biggest problem I have come across since becoming involved in this promoting lark is getting bands to agree to play last on the bill. This is usually around 10:30-10:45. No bugger wants to play at this time.
I remember the days when this was the ultimate goal. The thing is, in a showcase situation with every band playing 30 minutes, the last on the bill isn't what it used to be. There's not the prestige. The importance. The band's name isn't any bigger on the gig-flyer. The room isn't fuller. The crowd aren't gagging to hear you any more than they were to hear the previous band. They're more likely gagging for some quietude and fresh air, or the opposite, some quiet and a fag. It's simply the short-straw.
The problem seems to arise for two main reasons:
1) the necessity to get home and relieve the babysitter, and
2) not playing to an empty room because the audience has gone home... to relieve the babysitter.
Every gig I book creates this problem.
The question is how to overcome it? Should we start earlier in the evening, say at 8pm. This would mean soundchecking half an hour earlier. Early sound checks though are also a problem. 6-6:30 seems to be the preferred time for this. Though I have to say, soundchecks are generally very swift when they involve mature musicians. This is mature musicians at their most mature. And polite(to the soundman). And sharing (with the other bands).
Suggestions please, on a comment board....
