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13 Tips 'n' tricks

1) Talk with your band about who your favourite live acts are and why. What is it? Energy? Volume? Stage diving? You can spot a pro band by the time they reach thier first chorus. Keep dynamic!

2) Make sure your clean sound and effect sound are the same level. Nothing is worse after a distorted chorus than an ear-splitting guitar tone verse.

3) If you use pedals, make sure you put fresh batteries in, and try to use a power supply if possible. Don't be skimping on the pedal board, either, get one you can velcro down to so your pedals don't move on stage.

4) Reheasal is the key, but you gotta moderate it. Don't over rehearse, your brain will play tricks on you and make you feel like you've forgotten parts. Stop when you know you're ready.

5) Practice with your band as you would on stage, ie drummer at the back, everyone facing forward. No time for non-verbal cues on stage, my friends.

6) Don't go onstage in the same clothes you've been in all day. Have a seperate set of 'gig clothes' laid out to help you get into the mindset. This doesn't have to be a full leather suit with chains and spikes.

7) Make sure the singer is up to the mark. All eyes will be on him through about 80% of the show. Too many bands suffer unconfident frontmen who can bring down the whole show.

8) Entertain! Jesus, there are a hundred bands playing the same style music as you, no matter how unique your punk/funk-hybrid nu-metal soul sound may be, you need to stand out. Put on an original show, and the crowd will tell thier friends.

9) Don't over run the stage time you're allowed. C'mon, only your dear old mum will want to listen to you for that long.

10) Collect e-mail adresses and myspace info from people who liked the band. Creating a fan-base is key. Wait for the crowd to interact, the people cheering and standing out are the people you want to connect with. Giving info to someone impartial is mostly a lost cause.

11) Make sure you've locked your kit up afterwards. You'd be suprised at how hands can wander when people don't think they're being watched.

12) Leave your guitars on stage before the gigs, on stands and not in cases. This will allow your guitar to acclimatise to the room. If you bring the instrument straight up from the van the heat in the venue will immediately detune your gear.

13) Rock out.

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